103: Christian Minimalism with Pastor Becca Ehrlich
During the season of Lent, I love exploring the topic of minimalism. It’s a lot easier said than done as every year I seem to have as much clutter as I did the year before!
I recently happened upon Pastor Becca Ehrlich’s website “Christian Minimalism” and got so drawn into her journey and transformation (including her 100 Day Dress Challenge where she is currently wearing the same dress 100 days in a row) that I had to invite her on the podcast.
Listen in to hear how this former shopping addict has found peace in the simplicity of a more minimalist lifestyle and how it led to a deeper spiritual journey in following Jesus.
EPISODE 103: Christian Minimalism with Pastor Becca Ehrlich
SHOW NOTES
(0:00) Intro
At this time of the year, I’m drawn to simplicity and minimalism. John 3:30 is my theme verse for Lent - He must increase, I must decrease. In that verse John the Baptist is telling his followers that Jesus is the one - not him. All that John had done to that point was to prepare the way for Jesus and to glorify Him. John had a lot of followers but it wasn’t about him, it was about Christ. It was time for them to be followers, disciples of Jesus. John’s desire was to decrease, so that Jesus would increase.
I googled Christian Minimalism and lo and behold this website Christian Minimalism popped up with a woman named Becca Ehrlich, aka The Christian Minimalist, and I got completely drawn in to her story, her writing, and her 1 dress for 100 days challenge.
Becca is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and she has a book coming out called Christian Minimalism: SImple Steps for Abundant Living. I’m so happy to get to chat up this topic with her today.
Welcome Becca to the Christian Health Club Podcast!
(3:45) Your journey to minimalism was a slow one. It’s not like you woke up one day and decided to wear the same dress for 100 days. I can’t wait to get to that but, first, give us some background on what led you here.
Becca tells her story of how she was drawn to minimalism and how it evolved.
Minimalism: A documentary about the important things
Connection between minimalism and the Christian faith
(7:07) The difference between minimalism and Christian minimalism?
Differences from the trend of decluttering
Christian minimalism is Jesus oriented
Intentionality
Addressing the “why”
(18:15) Are we called to be minimalists? What were your first steps like?
Recognizing using shopping as a buffer to avoid feelings, etc.
Shopping addiction
Year-long shopping fast
Pre-approved list
(27:33) What happened after your no shopping year?
Realized she had used shopping as a form of therapy.
Vicious cycle of shame and not addressing the root issues.
Results are on the other side of discomfort.
(30:46) Tell us about this current challenge you’re doing.
100 day dress challenge
Not being complacent in the journey of being a Christian minimalist.
Realizing how little we really need.
Embracing simplicity and sustainability
Spotlight effect
(43:17) Where could people start with this if they are interested?
Start small! No need to shift your entire lifestyle at once.
Experiments help to figure out what is enough for you.
(50:15) Anchor Questions:
What is your Anchor meal?
Tacos - It’s a complete meal in the hand 😂
What is your Anchor verse?
John 10:10
(52:34) How can people find you and follow you?
IG & Twitter: @jesusminimalism
(56:45) Outro & Disclaimer
Thanks for listening! Have a healthy and blessed week!