On episode 47, I speak with Markus Watson. Markus has been a Presbyterian pastor for almost twenty years. He currently serves as Interim Pastor of Westmorland Community Presbyterian Church in the small farming community of Westmorland, California. Markus is also the host of the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast and is the author of Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God's Mission. Markus lives in San Diego with his wife and three kids. In this conversation we discuss Markus' spiritual journey, life as a pastor, the pain of being falsely accused, cancel culture, and much more. This one is different than any episode of the podcast that we've done so far and I can't wait to hear what you think of it. It's a challenging conversation to be sure. You can visit Marcus' website here. You can listen to the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast here. (Hint: You might recognize his guest on this week's episode releasing on 7/7/2020) You can order Markus' book, Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God's Mission, here. You can connect with Markus on Facebook. While you’re on social media, you can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit our website here. Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon here. Thanks for listening! Please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast on your platform of choice. We really appreciate your support!

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Episode 46 features a timely conversation with author, pastor, and hopeful theologian Derrick Day. Derrick Day literally wrote the book on Deconstructing Religion. He's a long-time pastor, the host of the Love Forward podcast, and takes his message worldwide on social media via Derrick Day Multimedia.Derrick unpacks his spiritual journey for us and takes a hard look at the history of systemic racism in America and the protests taking place around the world in the aftermath of the brutal murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many others. PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains strong language and may not be suitable for all audiences.  Check out Derrick's website here. You can find Derrick's Love Minus Religion blog on Patheos here. I highly recommend Derrick's excellent book, Deconstructing Religion. You can follow Derrick on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can subscribe to his YouTube channel here. While you're on social media, you can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit our website here. Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon here. Thanks for listening! Please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast on your platform of choice. We really appreciate your support!

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Episode 45 of the podcast is now available featuring David Meyers. David is a father of 4 and has been married to his wife, Nicole, for 22 years. He is a touring musician turned pastor turned firefighter and is a singer/songwriter creating music with his band Of Light and Shadow whose music is featured in this episode. In this conversation, we discuss David's spiritual journey, why he left local church ministry, his music, and living a life with no regrets. The songs "The Arc" and "Wide Awake" were featured in this episode.  You can hear more music from Of Light and Shadow and purchase their new LP "The Art of Shifting Seas" here. David's theology website is an incredible resource as well. You can find that here. You can connect with David on Facebook and Instagram.  While you're on social media, please be sure to follow our podcast on Facebook and Instagram as well.  You can find every episode of the podcast on our website. Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. Finally, we'd really appreciate it if you would help make this podcast happen by becoming a patron on Patreon where you'll get great perks in appreciation for your generous support. Thanks so much for listening!

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All the way from Manchester, England, Phil Drysdale joins us for an in depth conversation about his spiritual journey, his intense study of the current deconstruction moment that we're in, how this new reformation started, and where it's headed. Phil Drysdale helps people who are in the process of losing their faith and hopefully helps them discover something much more beautiful to believe in. He founded The Deconstruction Network, a site dedicated to both helping those deconstructing their faith find like minded people to connect with and conducting research on the deconstruction movement. When he's not travelling to meet with and support groups around the world, he's usually found on Instagram chatting with people. Phil is the host of The Phil Drysdale Show which is available wherever you listen to podcasts and on Youtube. You can follow Phil on Facebook. Check out Phil's website. Check out The Grace Course here. You can subscribe to his podcast here and his Youtube channel here. Finally, you can connect with The Deconstruction Network.  There's still time to register for Nomad 2020! Thanks so much for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon. Have a great week!Jason

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Episode 43 of the podcast features one of the most encouraging people I know-Kyle Butler! Kyle got his start in ministry when he was just 13 years old. He was ordained at the age of 21. Five years later he was installed as the pastor of the church he grew up in. In 2008, Kyle received a revelation of grace that changed his life and ministry forever. As his understanding of grace increased, Kyle began to understand the unconditional love of God and humanity's oneness with God. Kyle is one of two co-hosts of Graceline every Monday evening at 8PM Eastern on Facebook Live. He is featured on the 3 Cord broadcasts on FB Live every Thursday evening at 7PM Eastern. He can also be seen on Sunday mornings at 9AM Eastern broadcasting on the Global Online Ministry Alliance on FB. Kyle is a contributor to the Too Many Podcasters broadcasts and podcasts and is a featured speaker at the upcoming NOMAD 2020 virtual conference. Kyle and I talked about his evolving faith, loving people we disagree with, and humanity's relationship to the Divine. You really don't want to miss this conversation. You can visit Kyle's website here. You can find Kyle on Facebook here. Register today for the NOMAD 2020 virtual conference featuring Kyle Butler, Keith Giles, Katy Valentine, PK Langley, Derrick Day, Karl and Laura Forehand, Cody and Elaine Johnston, Todd Vick, Bill Thrasher, and me! The early bird all access rate is just $29 and is only available for a few more days. So register here today! Please join us on our Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast-Messy Conversations. I'd be incredibly grateful for your support on Patreon where you can get perks (like early access to every new episode!) as our way of saying thanks for helping us produce this podcast! Click here for more info. Thanks for listening! We truly appreciate your support!

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Episode 42 of the podcast features Licensed Clinical Social Worker Seth Showalter. Seth is a co-host of the Fade to Gray Podcast and also runs a solo podcast called Mental. He comes from Southern Baptist roots and was headed into ministry until he realized he had same sex attraction. Seth has had an interesting journey and isn't shy about sharing that journey for the benefit of others.We discuss Seth's spiritual journey, what led him to pursue ministry as a vocation, serving as an intern at a megachurch, why he walked away from local church ministry, and why he doesn't feel like he fits into many progressive Christian church settings. You can connect with Seth on Facebook and follow the Fade to Gray podcast and the Mental podcast as well. Please check out Seth's incredible podcasts "Fade to Gray" and "Mental" wherever you listen to podcasts! You'll find his podcast website here. While you're on Facebook, please follow our podcast here and join our listeners only Messy Conversations group. Please be sure to subscribe or follow our podcast on your podcast player of choice and leave a 5 star rating and a review! Finally, please consider being one of the very special people who help make this podcast happen via Patreon. We'd really appreciate your support and you'll get some great perks as our way of saying thanks! Thank you so much for your support of this podcast! This show would not be possible without you!

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After a COVID-19 sabbatical, The Messy Spirituality Podcast is back with Episode 41 of the podcast featuring contemplative and podcaster Eric Nevins. Eric is the host of the Halfway There podcast and the founder of the Christian Podcasters Association. He is also a husband, father, and seminary graduate. I really enjoyed this conversation as we discussed Eric's spiritual journey, how he learned to pray, why he isn't a pastor, moving toward contemplation, and his advice for those undergoing a spiritual reformation. You can follow Eric on Facebook here and his podcast page here. While you’re on Facebook, please like our podcast page here and join our private group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. You can find Eric's "8 Day Experience" on his website here. Thinking of starting a podcast of your own? Check out his latest venture Rocket Podcast here. You can also connect with the Christian Podcasters Association here. Please be sure to check out Eric's incredible podcast, Halfway There. I'll be featured on an upcoming episode, so make sure to hit the subscribe button so you don't miss it! Please be sure to rate and review our podcast as well as subscribe on your platform of choice so you never miss an episode! Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon where you will receive exclusive perks in appreciation of your support of our work. Thanks so much for listening. We really appreciate you!

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Episode 40 features a conversation with author, speaker, and activist Shane Claiborne. We discuss Shane's spiritual background and the evolution of his faith as well as what drew him into the struggle to overturn the death penalty in the United States.  You can purchase Shane's paradigm shifting book on this issue, Executing Grace, here. Years ago, another one of Shane's books started a revolution of understanding in my heart and mind regarding social justice. I highly recommend his book Irresistible Revolution. Shane is a founder of The Simple Way community in Philadelphia, PA. You can visit their website here. Shane is also a founder of Red Letter Christians. Visit their website here. You can follow Shane on Facebook and Twitter. I'd like to thank Shane's wonderful wife, Katie, for her kind assistance with the scheduling and logistics of this interview. Thanks, Katie! We really appreciate your help in making this interview happen! Please join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Thanks so much for listening! Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your platform of choice.  This podcast would not be possible without the support of our beloved patrons over on Patreon! Please consider supporting our work with a monthly contribution by signing up here. You'll get early access to every new episode and other great perks as our way of saying thanks for your support!

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Episode 39 of the podcast features author and former pastor Bill Thrasher.  Bill calls himself a uniquely ordinary guy. He's a life taught academic and a warrior who is at peace. Through experience, study, and prayer, Bill has found an amazing outlook on life and its ultimate purpose. He has a burning desire to share his story and its life changing insight with everyone.  A U.S. Marine, husband, father, and love of life-Bill is also a passionate teacher gifted with a unique perspective and a skilled leader in the field of business. As an author, public speaker, and minister, he has a true passion to share his path to knowing hope and peace-a journey that he has personally endeavored. Raised inside the culture of the westernized evangelical church, Bill has broken free of traditional religion rules and believes in the good news of God's unbounded love and grace for all humanity. Bill has a gifted understanding of the balance required for finding hope, peace, and purpose. Bill lives in Woodstock, GA, with his wife Kristina, son Will, daughter Ainsleigh, and pound puppy Pyper. Active in the community, Bill hosts Unleashed Community gatherings, is a member of the Marine Corps League, and works with several other outreach missions.  You can find Bill's website here. Purchase Bill's incredible book here. You can follow Bill on Facebook and join The Jesus Purpose community.  While you’re on Facebook, please like our podcast page here and join our private group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Please be sure to rate and review our podcast as well as subscribe on your platform of choice so you never miss an episode!  Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon where you will receive exclusive perks in appreciation of your support of our work.  Thanks so much for listening. We really appreciate you!

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