Embracing Mystery and Sacramental Transformation with Derek Vreeland (Part 1)

What if following Jesus meant rethinking everything you were taught—without ever walking away?  In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Derek Vreeland, discipleship pastor at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Derek shares his journey from a Southern Baptist upbringing to the charismatic movement and, eventually, a sacramental, ecumenical faith—all while remaining deeply rooted in the Church. 🎙️ In This Episode: The pivotal moment as a teenager when Derek first encountered Jesus. How studying scripture led him away from rigid formulas and into the mystery of faith. Why he never felt the need to "deconstruct"—but still experienced profound transformation. How pastors can lead faithfully through personal seasons of doubt and transition. 📌 Highlights: [00:03:00] A Friday night youth group event that changed everything. [00:07:00] From Baptist to charismatic—how scripture challenged his assumptions. [00:13:00] "Don’t do what I did—but it worked!" The unexpected ways God speaks. [00:19:00] Does every Christian need a “deconstruction” story? Or is there another way? [00:26:00] Navigating the dark night of the soul without losing your faith. 💡 Takeaway: Not every faith journey requires tearing everything down. Derek’s story reminds us that spiritual growth can be a slow, steady process of transformation, where God leads us deeper into trust, mystery, and love for the Church. 📖 Next Week: How do pastors lead through the dark night of the soul—for themselves and their congregations? Join us next week as we dive into this question with Derek.