If you’ve ever felt like faith was supposed to be freeing but instead left you feeling trapped, you’re not alone.
For Cory Rice and Channock Banet, leaving legalism behind wasn’t just a shift in belief—it was a life-changing journey.
But what happens when the weight of keeping up becomes too much? What do you do when the faith that’s supposed to sustain you feels like it’s draining the life out of you? For Cory and Channock, those questions weren’t just hypothetical—they were the crossroads that forced them to rethink everything.
Cory Rice: Breaking Free From Legalism
Cory Rice’s spiritual journey began early, growing up as the son of a pastor in a mega-church environment. From a young age, faith was inseparable from rules. “All I knew was legalism,” Cory says.
That foundation followed him into adulthood and through his time at Liberty University. But in 2012, a move to Southern Indiana opened the door to something new. For the first time, Cory felt free to ask questions he had never dared to ask before.
“I was allowed to ask all the questions I’ve ever had about Christianity,” he explains. That process began a journey into grace and away from the rigid legalism that had defined his faith.
A key turning point came in the fall of 2012, when Cory encountered the teachings of Jamie Englehart. “That opened the door for all kinds of conversations, relationships, and teachings from other people such as Don Keathley, Brian Zahnd, Pete Enns, and Brad Jersak,” Cory recalls. Each interaction chipped away at the weight of legalism and revealed a faith built on grace and freedom.
Cory’s shift in understanding transformed every part of his life. “Everything changed,” he says. “I’m a better husband, father, pastor, and friend because of it.” Now, as a teaching pastor at Hill City Church and the author of four books—Jailbreak, Transitioned, Stoker, and What If I Told You?—Cory invites others to explore the same untangling process.
He encourages people to embrace the power of curiosity. “Allow curiosity to rule your learning experience,” Cory says. His hope is to help others see that faith can be lighter, freer, and more meaningful than they ever imagined.
Channock Banet: Faith in Action
For Channock Banet, faith has always been about bridging the gap between belief and action. As Lead Pastor at Hill City Church in Southern Indiana, Channock believes the church should exist beyond its walls.
“I have a passion to be the church in the community, not just having services for the community,” he says.
This vision came to life in 2023 with the launch of the Re-Initiative, a project providing affordable housing for single moms. By focusing on tangible needs, Channock redefines what it means to live out faith—not through rituals, but by creating real change in the lives of others.
Channock describes faith as deeply personal and rooted in how people see God. “Jesus reveals who God has always been—a loving, graceful, passionate Father who is not mad at us but mad about us,” he says. This understanding drives his work and shapes how he leads others to reimagine what faith can be by leaving legalism behind.
The Podcast: Making Room for Honest Questions
Though their stories are unique, Cory and Channock’s shared desire to rethink faith led them to co-host the podcast Two Pastors and a Mic, featured on the Grace Awakening Network. The show isn’t about preaching or teaching—it’s about creating a space where people can explore their doubts, questions, and frustrations with faith .
The podcast is an extension of their shared commitment to curiosity and growth. Through humor, honesty, and thoughtful dialogue, Cory and Channock invite listeners to reimagine what faith can look like when it’s untangled from the weight of religion.
Finding Freedom
Cory Rice and Channock Banet don’t claim to have all the answers. But their journeys are a reminder that faith doesn’t have to be exhausting. It can be freeing, honest, and deeply personal.
You can listen to Two Pastors and a Mic on the Grace Awakening Network or connect with Cory and Channock at www.saintsnotsinners.com.
Whether you’re wrestling with doubt, disillusionment, or the need for something real, their stories might just inspire you to start your own journey of untangling.
