I have some big news!

One year ago this week, I published my first essay on Substack. I had no idea if anyone would read it. I just knew the conversation needed to happen and I figured if even a handful of people found it useful, it would be worth it.

Over 5,000 subscribers later, I’m sitting here a little stunned.

So first—thank you. Genuinely. You didn’t have to show up, and you did. Week after week. That means more than I know how to say.

And now I have some exciting news. Drum roll please*

I signed a book deal.

The book is called A Different Kind of Christian: A Guide to Faith, Scripture, and Church After Evangelicalism, and it will be published by Abingdon Press in Fall 2027.

And a quick shoutout—none of this happens without my literary agent Morgan Strehlow at The Bindery Agency, who believed in me and this work before there was much evidence she should. She is so knowledgeable, has been endlessly helpful, and I feel so blessed to have her in my corner.

To be honest, this is the book I wish existed when I was making this transition myself. It’s a practical, pastoral guide for people who’ve left evangelicalism but still want a thoughtful faith and a church community they can actually trust. It walks through the grief of leaving evangelicalism, introduces mainline Christianity in plain language, helps readers find a tradition that fits, and rebuilds a relationship with Scripture and worship that doesn’t feel coercive or fear based.

I can’t believe I get to write this thing, y’all. I really can’t.

But here’s what I know for sure: this newsletter is a big part of why this book exists. You showed up. You shared these posts with people in your lives who needed them. And you told me this stuff matters.

Which brings me to something I want to offer you:

Starting today, I’m dropping the monthly subscription price to $5/month or $30/year (the lowest Substack allows).

And for anyone who becomes a paid subscriber, here’s what you will get:

1. Sneak peeks and access to my “Behind the Book” essays.

2. Live Q&A access where you can ask me anything.

3. My “How to Read the Bible Without Losing Your Mind” guide

If this newsletter has meant something to you over the past year or helped you feel a little less alone , becoming a paid subscriber is the most direct way to keep it going and be part of what’s coming next.

$5/month is a big ask (I know) but you will be a part of something special and I will do my best to make it worth it.

If $5 a month isn’t in the budget right now there are other ways to support this work that costs nothing. Share this news on social media. Recommend this newsletter to your friends. Those things matter more than you know, and this newsletter will always be free for the people who need it.

Thank you for a year I won’t forget. Cheers to whatever comes next. I am believing that the best is yet to come.

-Beau