Reclaiming Scripture from the hands that twisted it.
We gather in circles to wrestle with Scripture, unlearn harmful theology, and reclaim a faith that cultivates wholeness, hope, and freedom, for ourselves and for others.
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Applications are open for the Justice & Faith Cohort
A seven month national cohort for pastors, chaplains, organizers, and anyone ready to move from study into action. Applications close September 1.
The Bible Has Been Twisted & We're Taking It Back.
Too many of us were handed a Bible shaped by moralism, patriarchy, and power — stripped of its wonder and weaponized to control. But beneath those layers are stories of resistance, survival, and sacred disruption. Tricksters, midwives, sex workers, prophets were divine misfits who broke the rules and still found favor with God.
Reclaiming Scripture means uncovering what was always there: defiant grace, unexpected holiness, and liberation for the oppressed.
40 Orchards creates space for spiritual seekers, skeptics, and believers alike to engage Scripture with honesty, imagination, and justice in mind. We’re not here to tell you what to believe. We’re here to ask better questions.
You don’t need to “go back to church” to return to the text.
You can deconstruct without giving up entirely.
Faith can grow in wild, unexpected places.
Reclaim Scripture With Us in 3 Steps
1- Show Up Curious
Drop in to one of our circles. No prep or doctrinal adherence required.
2- Wrestle with the Text Together
We read Scripture slowly, ask hard questions, and hold space for different perspectives.
3- Find your Voice as You Join with Communal Wisdom
Find belonging, liberation, and wisdom in stories once used to control or exclude.
Stay connected and join in the wrestling with us.
Every circle is a way in
Some people start with one evening. Some are ready to go all in, with companions from across the country. From a two hour drop-in to a seven month cohort, every circle is built around the same practice: sitting with Scripture and asking better questions, together.
What our community is saying…
“This has opened me to see just how deeply my male lens has functioned throughout my life in regard to how I read the Scriptures. Men who are serious about doing the work of untangling themselves from patriarchy should begin here.” - Todd
“I joined the cohort because I longed for God to become a mystery again. And that’s what is happening.” - Nancy
“It feels safe to say anything.” - Kristina
“Rooting into these texts in community has re-opened them to me.” - Sara
“I haven't experienced anything like these Scripture circles and am so profoundly grateful for the safe, communal space you've created… I landed on something so special.” - Taylor
There’s nothing you have to believe in order to belong here.
Whether you’re a pastor on the edge, a seeker with scars, or someone who just misses the Bible — there’s room for you at the table.
Tthe heart of what we do is relational. If you find yourself in need of care or conversation, especially when experiencing the loneliness of church loss or the isolation of faith shifts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Stephor Lisa would love to grab coffee with you.