In Person, On Purpose: God’s Faithfulness, Our BJDW Community, and What’s Coming Next
We did it! This episode was recorded in person at our first Leadership Retreat in Colorado Springs, CO. We share the heart behind the weekend, how this ministry began, and what God is building through community.
You’ll also get a sneak peek at the next two episodes featuring stories from our leadership team, on life after alcohol and the “friendship shuffle.”
Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or you’re brand new, we hope this behind-the-scenes conversation makes you feel right at home with us.
In this episode:
- Retreat highlights: worship around the fire (bear visit included 🐻), shared meals, prayer over every community member by name, and recording together for the first time.
- The origin story: how a cold email became a friendship, a podcast, and, surprise to us, a ministry.
- Why community matters: the difference between white-knuckling alone and growing together around Jesus (not wine).
- Work God has done: what freedom looks like years later, and why it keeps getting better.
- What’s coming next: two team episodes on (1) the biggest life changes after alcohol and (2) navigating friendships as you grow.
- An invitation: pray with us as we plan our first in-person gatherings for the whole community.
📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind
🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community
📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine
🎥 We’re on YouTube too—come hang out!
The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Join our BJDW Community!
Christy, a former lawyer with a background in law, business, and politics, experienced radical renewal after choosing sobriety. Now a senior sobriety coach and author of Love Life Sober (Penguin Random House), she helps women renew their minds and rediscover joy through a powerful blend of faith, neuroscience, and practical tools.
Meade, a former pharmaceutical rep and stay-at-home mom, looked like she had it all together—but felt stuck in a nightly-ish wine habit. Once she realized the issue was less about drinking and more about thinking, everything changed. Now a senior certified coach and creator of the Change-Your-Thinking-to-Change-Your-Drinking method and The Missing P.E.A.C.E. framework, Meade helps women ditch shame, reclaim purpose, and live with peace and joy.
Together, we create loving, Spirit-led spaces where women can explore their relationship with alcohol, renew their minds, and pursue the freedom they were made for.
Christy lives in Surrey, England; Meade outside Atlanta. We're just two women who surrendered our wine glasses, found something far better in Jesus, and now have the joy of helping others do the same.
