un·con·ven·tion·al /ˌənkənˈven(t)SH(ə)nəl/
adjective
not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed
Paul Swearengin is known for asking questions — of the Church and of culture — that others may not feel free to express. With a passion for truth and a heart to free people from shame, Paul has become a pastoral/prophetic voice for those deconstructing, healing, and finding a more expansive way to live and believe.
He’s not here to replicate the system.
He’s here to help you break free from it.
“Weird.”
What a word. Who decided what counts as “weird” — and why were we so quick to believe them?
Paul is reclaiming the word. Weird is beautiful. It’s tragic that so many live in fear that their true self — their weirdness — might be discovered.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to the era in which you live, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Paul believes that freedom comes when we’re released from our echo chambers — religious, political, or cultural — and begin to think, question, and embody something deeper.
Clothing has no gender. In heaven, the Bible says there is no male and female, no hierarchy of race or class. So why not live that truth now?
That’s why @UnconventionalPastorPaul proudly declares:
"I am fearfully and wonderfully... weird."
by Pastor Paul
When people ask about Paul’s appearance — “Are you gay? Or just weird?” — he often responds:
"None of the above. And also… all of the above."
The truth is, nothing in Paul’s presentation is for anyone else. It's all part of living in alignment with the truth within.
Paul is a D.I.D. (Dissociative Identity Disorder) multiple — someone whose inner system had to build strong walls to survive trauma. But those walls are now becoming bridges. And what some call “disorder,” Paul sees as divine resilience.
“Like all humans, I am not a dirty, original sinner in need of salvation. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My system worked harder and more brilliantly than most just to stay alive.”
As a mind multiple, Paul lives with many parts — male, female, nonbinary, genderfluid — and honors them all.
These parts were once shoved into silence by family, religion, and a culture that labeled difference as shameful or evil. But that silence nearly became deadly.
“I refuse to ever again call any part of me evil or shameful. I’m taking the biblical Jesus up on the promise to be freed — not just someday, but now.”
Paul believes in transfiguration now — not just in the “sweet by and by,” but in this life, in this body, in this becoming.
Because when we stop waiting for heaven to save us, we can finally start living free.
Paul's Bio
While the American Church has turned “Pastor” into a title of power, Paul sees it as a sacred calling to nurture, disrupt, and liberate. He remains ordained and licensed — not to cling to the institution, but to serve those harmed by it.
After being trained and ordained in the Vineyard movement, Paul founded and led a church in Fresno, CA for over a decade. Eventually, he left institutional ministry to become a creator, coach, and sacred disruptor.
These days, Paul speaks to those unraveling from empire — offering:
Weekly reflections via Substack (The Reconstruct)
Conversations on YouTube and the Evangelicalish Podcast
Gentle coaching and community for those becoming who they truly are
💬 “I’m not a prophet in the old sense. I’m a truth-teller, a sacred disruptor, and a keeper of stories that free us. A sacred rebel walking alongside those unraveling from empire and reclaiming their true identity.”
Before ministry, Paul was a longtime Central California sportscaster and radio business owner. He and his wife, Ashley, left their careers to “seek the welfare of their city.” While Paul transitioned to full-time ministry, Ashley served two terms as Mayor of Fresno (2008–2016).
Today, they continue their unconventional lives together, along with their two children, Sydney and Sam.
🌿 Join the Sacred Rebellion
If you’re deconstructing, questioning, healing, or simply trying to stay soft in a world that keeps trying to harden you...
Welcome. You’re not alone.
👉 Join The Sacred Rebellion on Substack
👉 Follow @UnconventionalPastorPaul on IG and YouTube (Links below)
👉 Learn more about spiritual coaching & sacred community