Stories, Songs, and Stones: Ed Kilbourne on Faith, Laughter, and Spiritual Change

The latest episode of "To Be and Do," hosted by Philip Amerson, was a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply reflective conversation with folk singer, storyteller, and self-proclaimed "folk theologian" Ed Kilbourne. With decades of performing experience—over 9,000 gigs since the 1960s—Ed Kilbourne's tales and tunes have touched and tickled countless audiences. This episode offered both nostalgia and a critical look at the evolution of faith traditions, all filtered through the lens of friendship, wit, and music.

Key Takeaway 1: Church Traditions and Evolution

One of the standout moments was the discussion around how faith traditions—especially in mainline denominations—have evolved over the years. Philip Amerson and Ed Kilbourne highlight the shift from traditional, liturgical worship towards more performance-oriented services—what Ed Kilbourne jokingly calls "temporary worship." He points out how worship became more about performance and applause, which, while engaging, risks turning sacred gatherings into an audience-performer dynamic rather than communal spiritual practice. Yet, as Ed Kilbourne notes, even this trend may be running its course, as people seek deeper meaning beyond just entertainment.

Key Takeaway 2: The Search for Authentic Spiritual Community

Ed Kilbourne movingly shares his own spiritual journey in recent years, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection over formal church membership. During the pandemic, he and his wife began meeting every two weeks with a retired pastor, sharing communion and meaningful conversation instead of attending institutional church services. This small, informal gathering—complete with donut holes and champagne—became “church” for them, proving that authentic connections and shared reflection can happen outside traditional structures. It’s a reminder that spirituality isn’t confined to stained glass and order of worship but lives wherever people come together with open hearts.

Key Takeaway 3: Humor, Storytelling, and the Sacred in the Ordinary

Perhaps the most distinctive charm of this episode is how humor and simple stories carry deep theological truths. Ed Kilbourne recounts encounters with prominent thinkers like Marcus Borg and shares his own playful, gentle pokes at religious rituals, all the while inviting listeners to laugh and reflect. The episode closes with a poignant song, “Someday We’ll Roll Away the Stone,” which Philip Amerson rightly calls sacred, although it wasn’t written as such. It’s evidence that music, storytelling, and humor aren’t just embellishments to faith—they’re at the core of how we process, express, and live out our beliefs.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a gentle, wise exploration of faith that feels timely and needed. It offers reassurance that church communities are changing—and that’s not all bad. Many are shifting away from institutional forms and discovering spirituality in small gatherings, acts of justice, and honest friendship. As Philip Amerson and Ed Kilbourne remind us, to truly “be and do,” we must navigate both the earnest and the absurd, the formal and the ordinary, always open to finding the sacred in unexpected places.

Be sure to listen to the full episode for Ed’s music, more stories, and insights into faith, laughter, and living authentically.

https://edkilbourne.com/