Pod Have Mercy

Episode 219: PASTORS ON CHRISTMAS EVE


Listen Later

In this festive and hilarious year-end episode, John welcomes Executive Pastor Josef Klam to close out 2025 with a conversation full of humor, honesty, and heart. From family traditions to church logistics to the emotional weight of changing long-held rituals, this episode dives into why Christmas is both magical and mildly chaotic for pastors and why it still matters so deeply.

John and Joseph swap stories about Christmases past, what happens when a printer accidentally mails last year’s Christmas Eve service times (yes, including the nonexistent 9 PM service), and how sacred rhythms get disrupted and sometimes healed over time. They explore the grief that can accompany change, the beauty of new seasons in the church, and the hilarious realities of ministry life, including late-night toy assembly, drum sets for toddlers, and why Santa is absolutely still real.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Pod Have MercyBy John Stephens/Matt Russell

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

41 ratings


More shows like Pod Have Mercy

View all
Pantsuit Politics by Sarah & Beth

Pantsuit Politics

4,919 Listeners

The Russell Moore Show by Christianity Today, Russell Moore

The Russell Moore Show

1,081 Listeners

The Holy Post by Phil Vischer

The Holy Post

4,418 Listeners

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast by Jen Hatmaker

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast

6,429 Listeners

The Next Right Thing by with Emily P. Freeman

The Next Right Thing

5,409 Listeners

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler by Everything Happens Studios

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

5,127 Listeners

The Mockingcast by Mockingbird

The Mockingcast

399 Listeners

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens by Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

70 Listeners

Kelly Corrigan Wonders by Kelly Corrigan

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

3,350 Listeners

Become New with John Ortberg by Become New

Become New with John Ortberg

379 Listeners

Good Faith by Good Faith

Good Faith

1,927 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,574 Listeners

Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American

5,908 Listeners

Making Sense of Faith with Adam Hamilton by Adam Hamilton

Making Sense of Faith with Adam Hamilton

194 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

10,791 Listeners