We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jadie Byrd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jadie below.
Alright, Jadie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
Staying true to myself and the experiences I’ve had on this journey of mine have been the most rewarding. I grew up going to church and absolutely loved it. I am a church girl to my core. I love hearing the message being preached, the fellowship, the community aspect of it all, dressing up, singing, dancing, everything. One day, after coming home from church, God gave me a powerful vision and told me that I would be starting a ministry one day. Fast forward to year 33, my big Jesus year, it was finally time to launch my church. After trying 2 different times in the past 6 years and deciding not to go through with it, this year was the right time. Some of my biggest fears was how my spirituality would be perceived. A lot changed since I was 9 and am now 33. I was a devote Christian up until 2012. But since then, my beliefs and spiritual practices have changed and expanded. I don’t solely identify myself as Christian but have found God in almost all religions, beliefs and spiritual practices. I wanted to create a safe space of learning, character building and acceptance for people who have had similar experiences, and I also felt no need to leave plant medicine out of our spiritual practices. So, in staying true to myself, my ancestors and my Creator, I launched a church in June 2024 called The Burning Bush Church. We focus on oneness, study all things and consume plant medicine for enlightenment.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an Executive Chef Nutritionist for Eat Di Herb and The Vegan Food & Herb Tour, which are two different catering companies I own. Nutrition and wellness have been a lifelong passion of mine. Before there was Instacart, there was me, in middle school grocery shopping for elderly people in my neighborhood as a way to earn money. I’ve been me, my whole life, lol. My relationship with God has always been significant in my life. Staying true to myself has been me merging my spirituality in all things that I do. Staying true to myself has saved my life. I am very new to ministry. I’ve learned so much in a short period of time, dealing with people and holding space for the community. The biggest lesson that I have learned is that this is not about me at all. As soon as I think it is, I am humbled. This is a calling, and I am simply the conduit.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Launching an alternative church attracts a lot of judgment and people who feel entitled to let you know that they don’t care for or understand what it is that I am doing. I have received plenty of ungodly words and sentiments over the years for my spiritual beliefs. I ask questions that trigger people who lack critical thinking skills. It’s one of the reasons I was sent here to Earth. Being judged can be scary, especially when people are speaking condemnation and a fiery hell over you, lol. But again, staying true to myself has saved my life. There are many people like me. How do I know? My ministry has outgrown 2 locations in less than 5 months. You do the math.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
It is very important to listen to others and respect their opinions and input as gold, whether you follow it or not. The ego is necessary, but ego cannot lead people in ministry. Always listen, always hold space, always die to the unnecessary parts of your ego that rear its head.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: the.burningbush_church
