What does it really look like to find spiritual vitality and hope in the hardest of places? Rev. Jabe Largen opens up about his journey through addiction, tragedy, and healing in the heart of Appalachia. We explored how radical honesty and vulnerability can transform not just our personal faith but entire communities. Jabe’s story is a testament to the hope and grace that can shine through our darkest moments—and a reminder that being real and authentic is the key to meaningful connection and growth.

Rev. Jabe Largen is the Senior Pastor of Pinehurst United Methodist Church in Pinehurst, NC, where he has served since 2021. He is ordained in the United Methodist tradition as an Elder and a native of Pulaski, VA. Jabeis the author of the memoir They Call Me Jabe published near the end of 2025.

In this episode:
[00:00] Welcome to Compass
[02:49] How goes it with your soul?
[04:38] The pushback of vulnerability
[07:14] The pain of revisiting past trauma
[13:46] Finding faithful community in the midst of addiction
[17:20] What is “theodicy”?
[24:49] When to run from certainty
[28:38] Learning to pray at Narcotics Anonymous
[33:22] 12 step programs and the path of discipleship
[36:41] Out of a year of loss, what are you finding hopeful?
[41:30] End credits

For more episodes and resources to help you find spirituality in the everyday, visit: umc.org/compass

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