What the Hell is a Pastor

27/12/2024

Yes, yes, we're all past our Spotify Wrapped season, but think of this as a Spotify Unwrapped. Thanks for sticking with us through the twists and turns of 2024, bringing new folks to the pod, and venturing into the lands of K*nt with us!

And hey, apparently, for 53 of you, we're in your top 10 podcasts! If that's you, give us a shout!

27/12/2024

Two episodes in one week? It's a Christmas miracle!

Turn some of your downtime into podtime with our first two episodes on the theology of Carl Michalson, a 20th century Methodist theologian who brings us a new understanding of the world and the nearness of God.

Listen now in your podcasting app of choice.

23/12/2024

Did you catch the second part of our famed gender-full conversation dropping in your feeds last week? Tune in as we dig into the pastoral origins of the phrase, the enduring impacts of what we do in this world, and what to do when earthly harms invite divine solutions.

Listen at the link in our bio or wherever fine podcasts are found.

17/12/2024

Way, way back in May of 2020, Jo and Ethan attempted a series of episodes on the Trinity, in which they intended to discuss each person in detail. They began with the first person of the Trinity, sometimes called the Father or the Source. This was a mistake.

Now, four and a half years later, listen in as our hosts discuss their evolving theological understandings and the dirty tricks they use to win theological fights. Link's in the comments below!

17/12/2024

Get a peek behind-the-scenes of the Good Friday Collaborative in the latest podcast episode of What the Hell is a Pastor 🎙

This wide-ranging conversation gets into topics including:
--- why some churches are like cicadas (and others like fireflies)
--- when slowing down can benefit the long-term mission
--- how the Good Friday Collaborative offers equity pricing
--- whether coaching is a gift or a grift

Follow the link below or search for "Completing Ministry / The Stained Glass Cliff" on What The Hell Is a Pastor (WTHIAP). The episode aired on November 18, 2024.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/what-the-hell-is-a-pastor/episodes/Completing-MinistryThe-Stained-Glass-Cliff-e2r5aqs/a-abkt5n3

18/11/2024

This week on the podcast, Rev. Diane Kenaston joins us to talk about the Good Friday Collaborative and the life experiences that led her to co-found this collective of ecumenical leaders who partner with those doing the sacred work of congregational endings. Listen at the link in the comments or wherever you find fine podcasts.

16/11/2024

For you weekend listening, we've got two episodes on one of the saddest stories in pro wrestling: the Benoit double-murder and su***de. Ethan, Jo, and Ian discuss the Dark Side of the Ring episodes on Chris Benoit, Nancy Elizabeth Benoit (neé Toffoloni), and their son, Daniel, masculinity, body image, and the complex net of relationships, expectations, and embodied existence that shape our lives.

Find ways to listen in the comments or tune in wherever you find your podcasts.

09/11/2024

Listen, we know everyone's doing it, but we needed this too. In today's episode, our hosts talk about their reactions to the election, reflections on what we've learned, and commitments for the days ahead. Tune in at the link in our bio or wherever you find your podcasts.

23/10/2024

The long-awaited second part of our conversation on Suspect Tenderness, William Stringfellow's and Anthony Towne's book on the prophetic witness, arrest evasion, and eventual capture of Daniel Berrigan. In this episode? Reflections on who clergy belong to, why bishops aren't in jail, and a litany of Towne's spicy zingers. Listen now wherever fine podcasts are found or at the link below.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WAbsSXkXUNb

16/10/2024

Great conversation this week about Suspect Tenderness, William Stringfellow and Anthony Towne's book about a fugitive priest who burned draft cards using homemade na**lm. It is... surprisingly tender.

Listen at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/NiwT4heiKNb

12/10/2024

Our episodes this week dig into our hosts' shifting perspectives on reactions in the face of disaster and theodicy. We parse the roles of emotion and responsibility in spiritual formation and justice work.

You know, for episodes that start off as blowing off steam, there's some good theology in here!

Listen at the links in the comments or wherever you find fine podcasts.

12/10/2024

10/10/2024

03/10/2024

In our second WNC hurricane relief re-release, D'Andre Ash joins Ethan and Jo to talk about growing up charismatic, being an entrepreneur and a pastor, and his daughter's favorite vacation.

Listen at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/what-the-hell-is-a-pastor/episodes/Re-Release-Doing-Surgery-Every-Sunday-e2p6lhc

Support WNC recovery efforts: https://wthiap.com/wnc-diaster-relief/

02/10/2024

Donations to UMCOR always go directly to disaster relief. A great place to set up a recurring gift.

UMCOR has awarded a solidarity grant to the Western NC Conference, United Methodist Church to support their relief and response efforts after flooding from devastated the area. Please continue to be in prayer for survivors and first responders in the region. 🙏🏻

To give in support of this and other disasters throughout the U.S., donate here:
https://bit.ly/umcorusdr

02/10/2024

BeLoved Asheville is doing incredible work-- support them as you're able!

02/10/2024

Looking for a local group doing disaster relief and long-term work in Western NC? MANNA does incredible work.

02/10/2024

Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of the US southeast, especially in Western North Carolina where one of our hosts is from and where they served as a pastor. It is a nightmare. They are not exaggerating when they say whole towns have been washed away. It’s a disaster movie brought to life.

So this week on the podcast, we’re re-releasing a few episodes from Western North Carolina pastors. Give these conversations a listen and send what you can to the disaster relief efforts. Even better: set up a recurring donation to these organizations, because they will need the support for years to come. We’ll link three highlighted organizations in the comments.

First up: a conversation with Nicole about rural ministry, vitality, and how parishes can support people of child-bearing age in ministry. Listen now at the link in the comments.