In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Pastor Beau McCarthy from Genesis The Church, a unique faith community based here in Royal Oak. We open by dispelling expectations—Beau’s journey began not in seminary, but in a ska band called The Insyderz, where he played bass alongside his co-pastor Nate, who played drums. Their shared roots in music and creativity eventually led them to explore spirituality more deeply, culminating in the founding of a church that embraces art, conversation, and faith.
Genesis was locally formed in the early 2000s as an offshoot of Kensington Community Church in Troy. The team, mostly in their twenties at the time, wanted to establish a new kind of church in Royal Oak—one that would evolve with the community. Over the past 25 years, they’ve done just that.
Inclusivity stands at the heart of Genesis’ identity. We talk with Beau about how their journey toward inclusion started with a 2010 merger with the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, a congregation founded in 1839. He shares powerful historical examples, including the contributions of Hamlet Harris, a free African-American who helped fund the church’s original land purchase, and stories of Japanese-American and Vietnamese refugee families welcomed by the church during difficult times in American history.
Beau openly discusses how Genesis has changed its posture over time, especially around LGBTQ+ inclusion. What began as a more traditional stance has shifted through reflection, repentance, and growth. Today, Genesis is committed to ensuring that every part of their space—from physical accessibility to gender-neutral bathrooms—communicates welcome. Even the way sermons are delivered, from the same level as the congregation, reflects this flat, inclusive posture.
We also dive into the church’s aspiration to be a beacon—a place of light, refuge, and good deeds. Beau explains that this vision informs how they walk with each other in both suffering and joy. That idea extends into his personal life too. He and his wife are adoptive parents to two Black sons, and he shares how that experience reshaped their family’s identity and their approach to parenting.
Beau wraps up by reflecting on the power of personal stories— both good and bad - and not just as anecdotes, but as guiding narratives that help individuals discover purpose and connection. Whether it’s historical stories or modern journeys, Genesis is a church that honors and grows through storytelling. For those curious about joining or learning more, the church offers a low-pressure environment and multiple ways to connect—online or in person.
Website: https://www.genesisthechurch.org/
Pastor Beau's email: beau.genesisthechurch@gmail.com
00:00 - Intro and Ernie Harwell Quote
00:53 - From Ska Band to Ministry
02:35 - Founding of Genesis The Church
04:09 - The Church’s Inclusive Roots
08:44 - Evolving LGBTQ+ Posture
11:31 - Pastor Beau's Transracial Adoption and Identity
15:45 - Reconnecting with the Chamber
16:28 - How to Connect with Genesis
17:47 - Wrap-Up and Resources
Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/
Connect with our hosts:
Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/
Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/
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