Skip to content
PodParley
What the Hell is a Pastor? podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

What the Hell is a Pastor?

by What the Hell is a Pastor

Two current and former young pastors in small town ministry sit down each week to talk about the ups and downs of their jobs as they try to figure out what the hell it is they're supposed to be doing. Come for the behind-the-scenes look at ministry, stay for the theological asides.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jun 12, 2026 · Source feed

Subscribe · 0 Bookmark

Episodes

  1. Spiritual / Emotional

    In which Ethan and Jo catch up and begin to analyze the potential of one of Jo's congregations. Curious about the analysis? A great place to start is with the Good Friday Collaborative's blog post, "Is Your Congregation Spiritually and Emotionally Strong?" Looking for that interview with Diane...

  2. Review: Mask of the Phantasm

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss a classic Batman movie. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com

  3. Pack for History

    In which Rev. Dr. Alina Gayeuski joins Jo to discuss her ministry journey, feminism, and her upcoming book, Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling. Read a sample of the book or preorder it directly here. Join in on the book launch festivities! Details shared here:...

  4. Take Your Place

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss preparing for ICE actions in your community and whether clergy should be martyrs. The Patheos article we discuss is https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/2026/01/clergy-prepare-for-ice-guidance-from-minnesota-pastors/ The reporting we used for about the Episcopal...

  5. Minisode 186: Just Be a Pastor

    In which Spanks and the Dude discuss AI.

  6. Pragmatism

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss William James and American Pragmatism. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  7. Protest Fight Club

    In which Jo and Pamela discuss the Hands Off protests, protest safety, intersectionality, and the roles clergy can play in protests. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  8. Bonus Preview: Just Fire Them

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss what to do when ministries become too precious, folks become too unreliable, and your leadership style needs an overhaul. Want the full episode? Head to patreon.com/wthiap and sign up for just $5 a month! Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com

  9. Minisode 185: (The) Making (of) Enemies

    In which Spanks Rebok and the Dude discuss art, theology, and how we cannot separate ourselves from the things that have made us. The podcast Jo talks about is Weird Little Guys: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-weird-little-guys-201395214/ Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  10. Ordained, At Last

    In which Ethan and Jo reflect on Jo's ordination for the inaugural episode of season 7. Want to read the service liturgy? You can do that here: https://www.ajschonewolf.com/home/ordination-service-outline Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  11. Minisode 184: Holy Week, Revisited

    In which Spanks and the Dude reach across time and space to discuss an experience the Dude had while reading scripture on Maundy Thursday. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  12. Systematic Theology Explained, Part 1 (Abridged)

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss what qualifies as systematic theology and discuss how to make your own theology more systematic. Want more? The full version of this episode is packed with theological nerdy goodness and is available on the patreon for only five dollars a month!...

  13. Minisode 183: Theology, Pastoricity, Chaplaincy

    In which Deep Mac and the Dude discuss theological questions like, "How do we practice acceptance when the world needs to change?", "How does someone with a Messiah complex fit into a spiritual care group?", and most importantly, "How can anyone defend total depravity?" Find Miriam's book, Sacred...

  14. Sacred Balance (with Rev. Miriam Diephouse-McMillan)

    In which Rev. Miriam Diephouse-McMillan joins Jo to discuss her ministry journey, her work as a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital, and her new book, Sacred Balance: How Ancient Practices Can Restore Modern Minds, available where books are sold! Learn more about Miriam here:...

  15. A Way to Access the World

    In which Caroline O'Neal, CEO of Reading Assist in Wilmington, DE, joins Jo to talk about service, community partnerships, and the crucial and solvable problem of literacy access in the US. Learn more about Reading Assist at https://readingassist.org/. Want to protect AmeriCorps? Tell your member...

  16. Minisode 182:15 minutes on the GMC

    In which Dr. J. joins Spanks and the Dude to have the world's shortest fight about Methodism's newest denomination. Find all things WTHIAP at wthaip.com.

  17. Embed Teaching

    In which Jo and Ethan are joined by Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith to talk about his call, his journey, Kairos University, disaster response, and being a Certified Lay Minister. You can find Dr. J on socials under his name or the handle rural_professor. Learn more about Kairos at…

    more

  18. Minisode 181: Everyone Thinks God Suffers

    Yes, it's longer than the regular episode. Yes, I could have cut it in half. Just pause it around 45 minutes and go for a walk and it'll feel the same. In which Spanks Rebok and the Dude discuss how to teach congregations about pain and God, based on the work of Japanese theologian Kazoh…

    more

  19. Symbols of the Pain of God

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss again the work of Japanese theologian Kazoh Kitamori and the connection between Mary the mother of Jesus's pain and loss and the experience of the Trinity. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  20. Minisode 180: Marvel Review

    In which Spanks and the Dude reflect on the early days of the MCU and why Kingpin makes such a good villain. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  21. Innocuous, Part 2

    In which Spanks and the Dude continue their conversation about believing in the Risen Christ in an inter-religious world. Want 20 more minutes of content, plus some real great pastoral insights? Join us at patreon.com/wthiap and get access to the bonus episode, "Taking Up Space/The Klan." Find…

    more

  22. Innocuous, Part 1

    In which Ethan and Jo reflect on the past couple of episodes and how Christianity interacts with the world. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  23. Minisode 179: Mistrust

    In which Spanks Rebok and the Dude discuss the hallowing of God's name in Michalson and Forsyth. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  24. Adventures in Pulpit Supply

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss this clip from the Daily Show back in March, pastoral prayers, being magic, politics in the pulpit, and how good it is to see the Rock working again. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  25. Make the Gospel Beautiful

    In which Pinball Wizard joins Spanks and the Dude to discuss his new book, ⁠Life Among the Powers: A Political Spirituality of Resistance⁠, and the role the Gospel plays how we live out the ideas of his book. Want to get a sense of the book before diving into this episode? Read Rick's essay on…

    more

  26. Spiritual Stagnation, Political Problem

    In which Dr. Rick Elgendy joins Ethan and Jo to discuss his new book, Life Among the Powers: A Political Spirituality of Resistance, and how no one gets to opt out of life amongst the powers and principalities. Want to get a sense of the book before diving into this episode? Read Rick's essay on...

  27. Minisode 178: Preparing

    In which Spanks and the Dude discuss what you do when you realize that most folks aren't going to stand up when you expect them to, and what our work is as pastors. Find all things WTHIAP at www.wthiap.com.

  28. Master Rhetorician

    You know her. Perhaps you've read her books. Maybe you've even been taken with her rhetorical skills. But do her writings and teachings meet this particular moment in Christianity? Tune in as Ethan and Jo offer a pastoral critique of Nadia Bolz-Weber's interview with Rainn Wilson on his podcast,...

  29. Minisode 177: I, Call Story

    In which Spanks and the Dude discuss how to frame a pathological need for fixing things into a call to ministry, with the help of beloved voice actor Alan Tudyk's character in the Will Smith film, I, Robot. Find all things WTHIAP at www.wthiap.com.

  30. Conveyor Belt

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss a couple of incidents around the churches. Find all things WTHIAP at www.wthiap.com.

  31. Minisode 176: Secretary

    In which Spanks Rebok and the Dude discuss the important work of the church secretary, with important, firsthand stories. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  32. We Take Care of it Together

    In which Ethan asks Jo about justice work: what stops us from doing it, where we can start, and what we can achieve. Interested in the resources Jo mentioned in the episode? They're here: https://wthiap.com/resources/ Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  33. Minisode 175: Dial M for Minister

    In which Spanks Rebok and the Dude discuss true crime and procedural TV shows. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  34. Demythologizing Fascism/Not Intimidated

    Recorded before Trump's inauguration, a conversation about January 6, Christianity, and what we must do in order to stand against fascists, nationalists, and people who want to divide us. Read the bishops' letter here. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  35. Know Your Resources

    In which Nick visits the podcast once again, giving updates on his work, perspective on volunteer-run ministries and networking, and practical advice about caring for folks on the street. Find ways to support the Beacon, including purchasing items off its wishlist, here:...

  36. The Michalson Epsiodes, Part 3: Freedom

    In which Ethan and Jo talk about freedom, the new world, and responsibility in the work of Carl Michalson, a twentieth-century Methodist theologian with some cool ideas who died in a plane crash. Want to follow along with our reading? It's Worldly Theology, Chapter 11, which you can read here:...

  37. The Michalson Epsiodes, Part 2: Homiletics

    In which Ethan and Jo talk about preaching and tips about reading the dense stuff in the work of Carl Michalson, a twentieth-century Methodist theologian with some cool ideas who died in a plane crash. Want to follow along with our reading? It's Worldly Theology, Chapter 11, which you can read...

  38. The Michalson Epsiodes, Part 1: The World

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss the idea of "the World" in the work of Carl Michalson, a twentieth-century Methodist theologian with some cool ideas who died in a plane crash. Want to follow along with our reading? It's Worldly Theology, Chapter 11, which you can read here:...

  39. Genderful, Reconsidered (Part 2)

    In which Ethan and Jo conclude their thoughts on a topic from season 1. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  40. Genderfull, Reconsidered (Part 1)

    In which Ethan and Jo revisit a topic from season 1. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com.

  41. Completing Ministry/The Stained Glass Cliff

    In which Rev. Diane Kenaston joins Jo to talk about her journey into ordained ministry, her time in the local church, and the Good Friday Collaborative, an ecumenical partner for those doing the sacred work of congregational endings. Links from this episode: You can find the GFC at...

  42. Nancy and Daniel, Part 2

    In which Ethan, Jo, and Ian continue to discuss the tragic story of the Benoit double-murder and suicide, and what we can learn from it. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

  43. Nancy and Daniel, Part 1

    In which Ethan, Jo, and Ian discuIn which Ethan, Jo, and Ian discuss the tragic story of the Benoit double-murder and suicide. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

  44. So Fragile/No Fear

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss the election. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/BeLovedAsheville⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠2. MANNA Food Bank:...

  45. The Iron Claw (Movie Review)

    CN: mention of child death and discussion of death by suicide. In which Ethan and Jo discuss the 2023 film starring Zac Effron and Jeremy Allen White, The Iron Claw. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

  46. So Casually Radical, Part 2

    In which Ethan and Jo continue to discuss Anthony Towne and William Stringfellow's book, Suspect Tenderness. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

  47. So Casually Radical, Part 1

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss Anthony Towne and William Stringfellow's book, Suspect Tenderness. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠⁠⁠⁠...

  48. Agonizing Over the Good, Part 2

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss theodicy, responsibility, and the challenge of doing everything everywhere all at once. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠⁠⁠...

  49. Agonizing Over the Good, Part 1

    In which Ethan and Jo discuss Christian formation and how we react to disasters. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/BeLovedAsheville⁠⁠⁠2. MANNA Food...

  50. Minisode 174: Not a Real Job, Anyway

    In which Spanks Rebok recaps the vice presidential debate for The Dude. Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/BeLovedAsheville⁠⁠2. MANNA Food Bank:...

View all 537 episodes →

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Two current and former young pastors in small town ministry sit down each week to talk about the ups and downs of their jobs as they try to figure out what the hell it is they're supposed to be doing. Come for the behind-the-scenes look at ministry, stay for the theological asides.

HOSTED BY

What the Hell is a Pastor

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does What the Hell is a Pastor? have?

What the Hell is a Pastor? currently has 537 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is What the Hell is a Pastor? about?

Two current and former young pastors in small town ministry sit down each week to talk about the ups and downs of their jobs as they try to figure out what the hell it is they're supposed to be doing. Come for the behind-the-scenes look at ministry, stay for the theological asides.

How often does What the Hell is a Pastor? release new episodes?

What the Hell is a Pastor? releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 537 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.

Where can I listen to What the Hell is a Pastor??

You can listen to What the Hell is a Pastor? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts What the Hell is a Pastor??

What the Hell is a Pastor? is created and hosted by What the Hell is a Pastor.
URL copied to clipboard!