We Don’t Have to Have it All Figured Out | Doubting Thomas (John 20) | Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast S3 E30
Apr 19, 2026
Summary
What if faith isn't about having clarity, but about showing up even when you don't understand? In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Revs. Hannah and Brittany explore the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20:19-25 and offer a powerful reframe: What if Thomas wasn’t lacking faith but longing for a deeper, personal encounter with Christ?
Detail
What if faith isn't about having clarity, but about showing up even when you don't understand?
In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Revs. Hannah and Brittany explore the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20:19-25 and offer a powerful reframe: What if Thomas wasn’t lacking faith but longing for a deeper, personal encounter with Christ?
Using their theological imagination, they make a case for Thomas’ deep faith in Jesus, arguing that perhaps his doubts weren’t in the risen Christ but the lack of spiritual growth in his fellow disciples.
As part of our series “The Grace of the Passion,” we reflect on how Jesus meets the disciples behind closed – in fear, grief, and uncertainty – and how that same presence meets us today … if we open ourselves to tension and uncomfortable emotions.
The conversation dives into:
- Doubt, grief, and spiritual FOMO
- Why emotions are essentials to faith – not obstacles
- Moving from “either/or” thinking to a “both/and” faith
- Experiencing the risen Christ in everyday relationships
- Letting go of the pressure to “have it all figured out”
Maybe the question isn’t: “Do I believe enough?” Maybe it’s: “Am I open to encountering Christ in a new way?”
Reflection Questions:
- Where in your life do you feel like you have to have everything figured out?
- What helps you stay connected to God when you’re unsure or struggling?
- When have you felt like Thomas, left out of something meaningful or sacred?
We invite you to reflect on this conversation with someone you trust, online with our Patreon group, or in-person at our weekly Convergence Discussion Group.
Limited on time? Jump ahead:
Timestamps
00:00 What if faith isn’t about clarity?
00:26 Welcome + Episode Overview
00:48 Reading John 20,19-25 (Doubting Thomas)
02:29 Is Thomas really “doubting”?
05:44 Grace, grief, and missing out (FOMO)
07:11 Jesus meets us in fear and emotion
10:50 Faith as relationship, not certainty
15:09 Ongoing faith vs “one moment” belief
19:10 Living in tension (key insight)
22:18 A new question for faith
23:02 Reflection questions + closing
