Pastor With No Answers: The MIXTAPE Era

Latest Episodes:

343 - PWNA [Ladies Edition]: Sexuality, Problem Drinking and Kicking A** Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to a new (and permanent) angle of Pastor With No Answers Podcast.

Ellen Mauro, Amy Alderman and Liz Miller, all mothers and wives, one hates her job as a stay at home mom, each medicated for anxiety and really bad OCD. One seems to be pro-violence, one swings both ways, each of them think critically enough not to cancel everyone who makes a mistake, and all three want to follow Jesus as best as she can.
We discuss Liz’s journey of being widowed for 10 years and recently getting married this past January. Liz processes with us evangelicals' perspective of her as a “broken woman" due to her gay marriage. We discuss the irony that religious organizations -- full of promiscuity, sexual scandal, and pedophilia themselves-- are the ones shouting the loudest about sexual sin.

As a PART II of this episode, Pricilla Svendsen joins Amy, Ellen and Joey to discuss different facets of "the Chris Rock getting popped by the Fresh Prince" craziness. As this discussion unfolds, it’s discovered that Amy and Ellen are going to drive one another crazy for years to come. Awesome! For starters, Amy supports corporal punishment for kids while Ellen is dumbfounded why southerners don’t call this abuse.
"Violence is wrong" -- Ellen
"Chris Rock deserved to get his ass kicked worse." -- Amy
You get the picture, right?

Co-hosts
Liz Miller / Instagram / Memoirs
Amy Alderman / Facebook
Ellen Mauro / Instagram
Pricilla Svendsen / Instagram
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Connect in other ways:
Sign up for our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter

Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group

We are on YouTube.

PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.

Production and Editing: Jared Svendsen
We use Riverside Podcast Platform for recording and it kicks Zoom's ass (no offense, zoom). Try it by clicking the link.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pwnapod)

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

342 - Deconstruction? Or Just Plan Old Faith Change (w/ Derek Minor) Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

Derek and I have hung out online doing podcast episodes for the last 7 years or so and we've talked very little about Christian faith. In this episode, that's the focus; Derek's faith - Joey
Deconstruction is the buzz word. Those who "deconstruct" typically demolished "static pillars" of fundamentalism and over time, new ones go up. There exists different beliefs, but same old regimented, manmade approach to spirituality.
People who sense a faith change coming on may have been living in a mindset in which certain beliefs need to be true in order for God to be real. This paves the way to an arduous road that can end in so many places.
What does Derek struggle with? Seeing the church with nuance.
What does he artistically regret? His ego in earlier work.
We learn about "Calvinist Rap" that Derek took part in for a spell, we toil with the thought of "good samaritan type people," who live a life of love and service (all the things Jesus said were most important) to all, but do not have "correct" beliefs. How in the living hell do people (i.e. John Piper) know so much about infinite God? What's it look like to be a Christian in 2022? All of this and more with fam of the podcast.
We talk J-Cole, and at the beginning of episode, Matt and Robbie help Joey process his "did I steal from Wal-Mart" situation.
Derek Minor
All music on this episode from Derek's new album.
Hit Derek up here for all your music needs and to keep us with his life's work.
Co-hosts
Robbie Madison / Web / Instagram / Music
Matt Oxley / Web / Twitter
Join us as a Patron.
Connect in other ways:
Sign up for our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter

Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group

We are on YouTube.

PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.

Production and Editing: Jared Svendsen
We use Riverside Podcast Platform for recording and it kicks Zoom's ass (no offense, zoom). Try it by clicking the link.

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

341 - Memoir of a Closeted Evangelical Pastor Who Eventually had Enough. Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

[At top of episode, Ellen, Ryan and Joey discuss Ryan's ignoring of God, why it's a bit morbid when a Christian asks "was he/she a believer" after some one dies, and how the church is trying to convince Ellen's friend to stay with her cheating husband because he "reads the word" and "it was only a blowjob."]

For our main talk, biographical author, George Azar, lived it and wrote a book for us to peer into his journey from leading vocational ministry as a pastor (and as a gay man) to “eventually having enough" and leaving Christianity all together. He shares his story here.

Joey and George discuss the senselessness of appealing to “traditional theology” as a standard not to evolve past for the reason of "God ever changes." This ideology seems to assume that God hasn’t anything further to say about the teachings in the bible and no more revelatory direction for humanity. Pretty boring God, if you ask me.

Joey shares how hard it was to maintain his un-affirming views of homosexuality when close friends of his shed light on her/his relationship with the Holy Spirit, the journey of diligent searching for the truth of God’s view on sexuality, and the current peace they have found in pursuing gay companionship.
George and Jack reflect on the prospect of him being an adult gay man in the very much less accepting world we lived in, just 20 years ago. Joey takes the opportunity to get a “Billy Graham Rule” critique from a gay man, the two discuss the dynamics of gay Christians fellowshipping with non-affirming ones, and Joey asks if the word “homosexual” is even appropriate terminology anymore.
George Azar and My Gay Church Days / Website / Amazon / Instagram
Host Ellen Mauro / Instagram

Join us as a Patron.
Sign up for our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter

Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group

We are on YouTube.

PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Other music originally composed by Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends

Production and Editing: Jared Svendsen
We use Riverside Podcast Platform for recording and it kicks Zoom's ass (no offense, zoom). Try it by clicking the link.

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

Will Smith: I Took the Bait. Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

BONUS EPISODE
This situation is so intriguing, if you're interested in human behavior. So much here.
But this episode is like the RobCast. There's just one person talking here. The big difference between this episode and the RobCast is that they have Rob Bell, he's smart, and has tons of answers. I have a smart therapist who has helped shape how I see humans and encouraged me to be curious about our tendency to mark people, due to certain actions, as "good" or "bad." I find this sort of categorization very UN-Christian and the less i do this to others, the more mercy and grace i have for myself. -- Joey Svendsen
*NOTE*
New listeners, this episode usually has lots of people and fun music (and stuff). This is pretty much a speech by one person.
Join us as a Patron.
Sign up for our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter

Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group

We are on YouTube.

PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

340 - Courage to Not Cancel the Racist Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Latimore, author of “Unshakable Faith of Famous and Little Known African Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" joins co-hosts Robbie Madison and Joey Svendsen to discuss the important outlooks and insights his book delivers on.
In our diverse communities, churches, organizations and political spaces, [Black] history offers a window into the meaning of America and the opportunity to reflect and marvel at, the strength of a people who refused to be destroyed and who fought and loved their way into our nation’s story.
In this conversation, an unexpected theme is processed in real time and confirmed by Robbie and Dr. Latimore. As African American men who value their blackness and maintain passion for equality and social justice for all people, the concept of blindly "cancelling a racist" for them seems lazy, rudimentary, and contrary to the Spirit of love represented by Jesus' words "Father, forgive, for they know not.." This new "cancelling trend" in our culture basically eliminates the chances of some thing Jesus seemed pretty adamant about all of us having: new beginnings and second chances, birthed by Grace.
The book also highlights a deeper, even heart-wrenching path of grace that many have painfully walked through. Sometimes the unfairness of life (as it was for many of the saints discussed in his book) makes it is hard to keep going with soundness of mind, hope, and contentment in our hearts. Dr. Latimore shares the stories of African Americans who found all three, even in the midst of grave injustices that personally destroyed the hopes of having what many of the more privileged were able to take for granted as "simple rights" and receiving "our due."
May our hearts be changed forever by the stories of our fellowmen and women who persevered while truly walking in the footsteps of Jesus. A lesson for all mankind, especially in 2022.
Carey Latimore / Info / Facebook / Book
Robbie Madison / Web / Instagram / Music
Join us as a Patron.
Sign up for our mailing list to keep up with everything.

Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter

Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group

We are on YouTube.

PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Other music originally composed by Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends

Production and Editing: Jared Svendsen
We use Riverside Podcast Platform for recording and it kicks Zoom's ass (no offense, zoom). Try it

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

339 - The Rise of Mars Hill Church: Was it Worth It? (w/ Matt Johnson) Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

Matt Johnson used to live in Mark Driscoll’s basement as “one of the interns” (inside joke you’ll find out later) and eventually became an integral part of Mars Hill Church's operations and ministries, as a pastor.

On this episode, Matt and Joey reflect on Christianity Today’s The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast, including guesswork on Driscoll’s heart, ("that only God can judge") mental state and marriage.

Reflecting on the story of Mars Hill, Matt is left with a faith unshaken but a complete distrust of the competitive-driven, consumer-minded, charismatically-led model of church-planting and that model of church in general.

We discuss here the power of charisma, “spiritual narcissism,” and whether things are different at Driscoll’s new church in Phoenix. There’s also some “Driscoll Myths” debunked, including Mark’s “they’re out to get me” narrative of the "divorce." We also ask Matt if he was personally intimidated by Mark and whether he currently has empathy for him.

At the beginning of the episode, Ellen shares with Joey and Ryan Amick, her problem with alcohol.
17 Years At Mars Hill on Mockingbird.
Getting Jesus Wrong by Matt Johnson
Getting Jesus Wrong (Matt Johnson) Episode 202

Join us as a Patron!

Join our mailing list to keep up with everything.

Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter

Current DonorSee giving opportunity
Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group

We are on YouTube.

PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Other music originally composed by Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends, and Ray Deezy.

Executive Producer of PWNApod: Jared Svendsen

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

338 - Surviving Purity Culture. As a Dude. Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

What a roller coaster ride, “riding through” purity culture as a guy. I can’t imagine the beautiful world of being a teen and accepting (even embracing) sexuality (and all the feelings) as a gift to be celebrated; instead we were taught shame and guilt about one of the most natural and beautiful gifts there are. – Joey (host)

Purity culture affected the guys here in various ways. Lots of “sexually impaired marriages” and one even attributes the beginning of his drug addiction to the horrors of purity culture. And yes, we talk about real “horrors” available for every guy entering into the unforgiving (literally) world of purity culture. Parents, listen here to the perspective of Hayne’s parents who encouraged healthy ways of sexual release (i.e. masturbulatory occasions) once he hit the age of fourteen.

As far as sex in general, theologically have Christians added rules to sexuality, that never existed in the bible? Lots of questions here, but the truth be told, if evangelical purity culture’s standards are indeed correct, the mismatch between human anatomy and a goal for absolute purity, is truly overwhelming. And it has been for all generations.

Thanks, Matt, Jed Pene, and Hayne for their time given and for their transparency about embarrassing stuff.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter
Join us as a Patron!
Join our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker.
Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group
PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Special song "Sometimes I Forget," by Robbie Madison Music.

Producing and Mixing, Jared Svendsen.

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

337 - Spirit of God Hovering Over the Waters in a Formless, Empty Earth Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

What if in the "Genesis 1 beginning," things had already began? What if the infamous, "In the Beginning" beginning, happens to be about one small area, guarded by an angel (Garden of Eden). S. Joshua Swamidass, MD, PhD, author of The Genealogical Adam and Eve: The Surprising Science of Universal Ancestry, challenges widely-held presuppositions held about the Genesis creation story and has put his tenure on the line for being forthright with the role that his faith plays in how he sees the world.
In this episode he talks how a plain reading of Genesis can still be supported by science. Oh yeah, and he believes in evolution. But according to Dr. Swamidass, humans still lack amazement for the good stuff.
How are we not more fascinated by existence in general? Or the existence of consciousness? He demonstrates well the ability to maintain what most of his atheist colleagues would call "good science" while still being a self-proclaimed, "Christian first, scientist second" person. And while he's here, we also manage to talk conspiracies, AI, Mars exploration and how it's hard to get ethics out of science, especially in regards to abortion.
At top of episode, Jack Hoey and Ellen Mauro defend some very cynical comments they made on a previous episode about speaking in tongues. Chip Judd challenges their views on a means of prayer he practices every day and claims to be why he is the man he is today.
Joshua Swamidass, MD, PhD // Twitter
Ellen Mauro Instagram
Chip Judd Instagram // Website
Jack Hoey Instagram // Twitter
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter
Join us as a Patron!
Join our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker.
Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group
PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Other music originally composed by Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends.

Executive Producer of PWNApod: Jared Svendsen

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

335 - Politically Incorrect Dialogue About PC Culture Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

[Episode is Rated R and contains offensive language, including slang for female body parts. Last thing we desire is for folks to be uncomfortable, triggered or offended. Please proceed with caution]
Co-hosts Ryan Amick and Ellen Mauro discuss some new territory on a common theme we have on this show: PC Culture.
Why is Ryan (a white, straight male) sad about not being able to say certain words? Ellen expresses skepticism for Ryan and Joey's fear of being cancelled and wonders what that would even look like for two guys who aren’t really famous.
Along the way, Joey thinks he found a “female counterpart” for the word “dick,” and don’t worry, it’s not the “p-word.” Could humans be more forgiving with people's words? Is it a thing of the past to have public, "non-cancelling" spaces for those who are genuinely ignorant but open to learning? Or what about those who truly make a mistake but have sincere regret? We discuss all this and end on the sad note of how Bill Cosby broke our damn hearts.
Ellen Mauro Instagram
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter
Join us as a Patron!
Join our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker.
Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group
PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Other music originally composed by Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends, and Ray Deezy.

Executive Producer of PWNApod: Jared Svendsen

E-mail Joey here.

Support Joey's work by Being a Patron / (Venmo)

PWNA Theme Song by Stoy Prioleau (aka: Riggy Roc): Apple Music

Closing song by Derek Minor and other music by Mechanical River.

334 - [Part 2] Interview With Westboro Baptist Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

We've heard the stories, we've seen their signs, our jaws have dropped, our stomachs have turned. Why do they do what they do? How do they reconcile their actions with the teachings of Jesus? How do they claim to practice love?
Back in August of 2020, Jack Hoey III and Joey talked to the leader of Westboro Baptist, Tim Phelps.
You can listen to that episode here (part 1).
This time around, we challenge some different practices of Westboro, including their clear “double-standard” use of scripture. Jack amongst other things, suggests that the folks at Westboro would greatly benefit from approaching the bible with more humility. Tim amongst other things, points at what he'd call clear doctrinal instructions in the bible that guide the day to day of his organization.
Joey is accompanied this time by Jack Hoey (the father) who is closer in age to Tim and quite likely as studied in scripture. Unfortunately a bit of the same result, as far as finding substantial common ground but that wasn't a surprise. This time though, Joey did manage to ask Tim if he liked him and Jack.

Join us as a Patron!
Join our mailing list to keep up with everything.
Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker.
Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter
Current DonorSee giving opportunity
Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group
PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.
Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor
Other music originally composed by Robbie Madison, Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends, and Ray Deezy.