Roughing the Pastor

Episode 25: The Theology of Stranger Things

Wherein Them Pastors dig into the a discussion about the Netflix show Stranger Things (with some spoilers, but as they mention in the episode, it’s hard to spoil this show so listen on even if you haven’t watched the show).  They get there by way of tales of shameful eating, and they welcome Bartleby back from his vacation up north, and see how the themes of friendship and being seen are parallels in the church and in Hawkins, Indiana.

“‘Public Displays of Bravado’ is the name of our first album!”

Episode 24: The Theology of Blowing It

Wherein Them Pastors talk about screwing up, and why that’s okay.  Along the way, you’ll get an extended conversation about the best and worst months of the year, the importance of forgiveness, and Tyler sings ‘Jesus Loves Me’ in Swahili.

“Shut up everybody!  I’m trying to be positive!

Episode 23: The Theology of Marching Band

Wherein Them Pastors talk about the all encompassing community that is high school marching band.  Along the way, you hear a bit about Tyler’s job protecting a giant baseball shaped golf cart for the Atlanta Braves, what J is willing to do for free pizza, tips on beating the summer heat, and bring it back to the heretic Rob Bell. 

“I was so cool for a day because I had “Snake” on my phone.’”

Episode 22: The Theology of TMBG

Wherein Them Pastors are joined once again by nearly-Dr. Rachel Jones to talk about all things They Might Be Giants - the band you both know about and know nothing about.  Along the way, we get into some conversation about desert island discs, the joy in not being desperate, the appeal of genuine community (and how the church often fails to demonstrate that).  We also have some conversation about LGBTQ+ connections to the church, the difficulty of “conversion” as “mission”, and Tyler puts himself in a time out.

“John Coltrane is inaccessible to novice listeners??’”

Episode 21: The Theology of Writing Fanfic

Wherein Them Pastors are joined by Pre-hd Musicologist Rachel Jones to talk about the wonders of fandom and the thriving world of fanfic.  We get there by way of discussing our favorite Beatle, some discussion on intersectionality, and enter into the fandom conversation by way of Harry Potter.  We also get in a little Doctor Who talk and some niche nerd-dom.

“Like a Krispy Kreme, you should have a sign up - ‘HOT TAKES NOW!’”

Episode 20: The Theology of What’s In My Bag

Wherein Them Pastors are flying without a guest for the first time in two months, so they decided to have a show and tell episode about what is in their bags.  Along the way, there is a bit talk about Howard the Duck, some Stranger Things talk, anecdotal discussion of Thomas Edison’s hiring processes, broach the mystery that is Heathcliff comics,  and why you should travel with an emergency copy of Dune in your car at all times.  This is also probably the closest they have come to doing an ASMR friendly episode.  There’s lots to see (or have described to you) and hear in this episode that fulfills 2 of the 5 senses!

“The idea of blowing your nose in a handkerchief is just as disgusting to them as it should be to us.”

Episode 19: The Theology of Dogs

Wherein Them Pastors are joined once again by the ever excitable Gill Lawhead to talk all things dogs (and why they are certainly in heaven).  Along the way, they discuss what extended universe would be the best to live in, why Air Bud is the best dog ever, who’s life we’d like to swap with, what the perfect size of dog is, and which is the best birthday song.

“She was rescued on National Popcorn Day - Praise the Lord!”

Episode 18: The Theology of Mission Trips

LIVE on July 24th, 2019

at the New Wilmington Mission Conference

on the Westminster College campus.

Wherein Them Pastors speak to a room of people about all things mission - the good, the bad, and the colonial.  Apologies for the quality of the audio.  The board wasn’t set up correctly thanks to the local house elves who we weren’t familiar with…

“Jesus is already there.”

Episode 17: The Theology of Mental Health

Wherein Them Pastors are by the effervescent Gill Lawhead! 

We talk about how cool snowboarders look, the inequality of men’s bathrooms vs. women’s bathrooms, and  .  Gill walks us through her story of seeking who she is and discovering that she was suffering from depression - which eventually became her superpower.  We talk about the importance of mental health for everyone, and how managing your mental health looks different for every person.

“Have you been in a Nordstrom bathroom? They have really nice couches in there.”