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.

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 — 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.

Reclaiming Scripture is like restoring land overtaken by dogma — breaking up the hard soil and cultivating something nourishing again.

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 — together.

  • 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.

How to Reclaim Scripture With Us in 3 Steps

  1. Show Up Curious
    Drop in to one of our open conversations — no prep or perfect beliefs 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.

Programs to Reclaim What Matters

Each of our offerings centers on “reclaiming” — whether it’s atonement, letters from Paul, or the hidden stories we’ve never been told.

Reclaiming the Letters
A monthly dive into Paul’s writings — without the baggage.

Reclaiming the Stories
Exploring the Bible’s characters beyond hero/villain binaries.

Reclaiming Atonement
Rethinking what Jesus' death means — and doesn’t.

Reclaiming the Lectionary
A cohort for pastors resisting Christian Nationalism in the pulpit.

Reclaiming _____
Rotating drop-ins around theology, books, or sacred trouble.

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.