The One Where We Catch Up (Also The One with the Liminal Spaces)

Pontificating Pastors

#Religion #Pontificating Pastors

25:00

It’s the very first episode of The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr and our first guest is Phil Wang! And Phil’s subgenre is…This Place is Evil. We’re talking psychological torture, we’re talking gory death scenes, we’re talking Lorraine Kelly?! The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is a brand new comedy podcast where each week a different celebrity guest pitches an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio. Jimmy Carr is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, touring his brand-new show JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY throughout the USA from May to November this year, as well as across the UK and Europe, before hitting Australia and New Zealand in early 2026. All info and tickets for the tour are available at JIMMYCARR.COM Production Coordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Production Manager: Mabel Finnegan-Wright Editor: Stuart Reid Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Executive Producers for Netflix: Kathryn Huyghue, Erica Brady, and David Markowitz Set Design: Helen Coyston Studios: Tower Bridge Studios Make Up: Samantha Coughlan Cameras: Daniel Spencer Sound: Charlie Emery Branding: Tim Lane Photography: James Hole…

22 weeks ago 1:00:51

M4A•Episode home

We are baaaaack! And Just in time for your holiday travel! This is the one where Michael and Nate catch up after a several month hiatus! You asked for it internet, so here we are! Michael is back from sabbatical, Nate is doing stand-up comedy, and we both have been asked to do tag team sermons for a big youth event this spring! So we figured we should start talking to each other again!

84 episodes

Pontificating Pastors

The One Where We Catch Up (Also The One with the Liminal Spaces)

Pontificating Pastors

published 22 weeks ago

M4A•Episode home

84 episodes

#Religion #Pontificating Pastors

All episodes

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where the Young People AREN'T Leaving the Church 50:16

27 days ago50:16

50:16

In this episode, we are about to Witness Tyler's ordination. We talk about the Church with all its flaws, and the HOPE we see in the young people we have had the privilege to work with over the years! It's the one where Nate talks about the beauty of the church after a time of loss. Ultimately, its the one where we decide to stick with the Church in spite of all her flaws!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Get Back to Podcasting 36:57

8 weeks ago36:57

36:57

This is the one right after Michael and Nate have spoken at a big youth event called Extravaganza, it's the one where we reflect on how God continues to bring us together to speak, it's alson the one where we wonder why? But ultimately, it's the one where we re-commit ourselves to podcasting because it brings us both a lotof joy!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Catch Up (Also The One with the Liminal Spaces) 1:00:51

22 weeks ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Holiday Specials- The One About the Church Calendar 45:12

1 year ago45:12

45:12

This is the one where we keep rolling through the HOLY-Days! We talk about the idea that Christmas is not the end of the Holidays in the Church! We talk about Epiphany, Three Kings Day, Ash Wednesday, and even throw back to All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve! We talk about what it means to be shaped by the Church Calendar throughout the entire year!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Holiday Specials- The One About the Incarnation 48:25

1 year ago48:25

48:25

We are dropping this one on Christmas because it is all about the whole reason we celebrate Christmas: God in the Flesh! We talk about why this understanding is SO important and why it matters that Jesus became ONE of US!

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Holiday Specials- The One About Longing During Advent 53:34

1 year ago53:34

53:34

This is the one where Michael and Nate begin a series called the Holiday Specials! (No, we are not part of the "War on Christmas," the word literally means "Holy Days!") It is the one where we talk about what the season of Advent is, where we talk about learning to lament during a season of joy, where we talk about longing and waiting (which we aren't very good at!), and where we share some of our longings during this Holiday season! We hope you will enjoy listening to this special series while you are on your way to grandma's house or even just when you need a break from family! (This is mostly a joke...) So season 6 is the Holiday specials from Pontificating Pastors!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do in Church- The One About Service 52:44

2 years ago52:44

52:44

This is the one where we are about to host our "5th Sunday Serve" at our respective churches. It gets us talking about the role of service in the life of the local church. It's the one where we talk about the sacrificial nature of Love, and where we discuss the fact that worship is much more than singing and preaching, but involves every aspect of our lives, including our service.…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do In Church: The One About Coffee Bars and Potlucks 49:53

2 years ago49:53

49:53

This is the one where we talk about that word we only use in church, "Fellowship." We talk about why fellowship is so important and why we tend to invest time and energy in things like coffee bars in the lobby and the "all church potluck!" We also talk about the courage it takes to be open to other people, and to bring something that even might me rejected. Our former intern, Caleb Miller, gets a shout out for his unique look at the potluck line, and we just generally have a good time talking about the unity we have in Christ!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do in Church- The One About Beginning and the End 38:53

3 years ago38:53

38:53

In this episode, we talk about two parts of the service, the invocation and benediction. This is one about what those words even mean, and why they matter. It's the one where we think about whether it is actually possible to invoke the presence of God, and where we talk about being sent out into the world. Finally, it's the one where we talk about why we have these structured forms of worship each week!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do in Church - The One About Giving 1:01:56

3 years ago1:01:56

1:01:56

This is the one where we talk about the church and money. It's the one where we talk about the idea of giving and why it is part of the church worship service rather than fundraisers being outside the worship time. It's the one where we are honest about how church giving affects us directly, where we talk about words like tithes and offering, and where we talk about money and ministry. ultimately it's the one where we realize that giving is an act of worship!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do in Church- The Art of Preaching 39:17

3 years ago39:17

39:17

This is the one where we get to do the podcast LIVE from Lake Tahoe. It is the one where we are together with other pastors at a sermon planning retreat. It's the one where we welcome our friends Joe and JJ onto the podcast to talk about one of the things that we do in church that all four of us do each Sunday- preach! Ultimately, it is the one where we look at the preaching moment in a worship service and realize that it involves so much more than a 30-45 minute speech. Ultimately, it's the one where we talk about the fact that preaching is a relational event that helps us encounter God in new ways!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do In Church- Why We Pray at Altars 51:31

3 years ago51:31

51:31

In this episode, Michael and Nate have just spent the weekend together at Tyler's graduation. It's the one where Michael is finally able to just sit in a worship service and take it all in, which inspires our conversation about why we pray at altars. It's the one where we talk about remembrance, where we talk about the importance of body posture, where we even delve into the communal aspect of praying together. Ultimately, it's the one where we realize that our own lives have been shaped by moments around an altar!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do in Church: The Reason We Sing 50:32

3 years ago50:32

50:32

This is the one where we talk about all the singing that is done in Church. It's the one where we talk about the nature of worship music and how it shapes up as a congregation. It's the one where we talk about making a joyful noise, or maybe sometimes not so joyful. Ultimately, it is the one where we talk about the power of music in our lives!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do In Church- The One About Why We Gather 49:37

3 years ago49:37

49:37

This is the one where we talk about the importance of gathering together. It is the one where we lament the fact that COVID did not allow for us to do so as often as we would have liked. This is the one where we talk about gathering spaces as sacred spaces. It's the one where we even address the dreaded handshaking time and the tradition of "passing the peace." Ultimately, it's the one where we realize that there is something about gathering that spurs us on in our relationship with God and our relationships with others!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Things We Do In Church- The One About the Eucharist 45:42

3 years ago45:42

45:42

This is the one that kicks of our new season about "Things We Do in Church." It's the one where we catch up after a brief hiatus from podcasting. It's ultimately the one where we look at this somewhat strange and yet beautiful meal we call "communion" or "the eucharist!"

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Are In Quarantine- Week 4 48:29

5 years ago48:29

48:29

In this episode, we talk about the realities of continuing to pastor people from a distance. We focus on our need for solitude and sabbath. We talk about all the idea that even though we may have time on our hands, it may be difficult for us to find rest and solitude. It is the one where we realize that being constantly connected leaves us longing solitude and silence even if we often avoid it at all costs. Ultimately, it is the one where we offer our thoughts on self-care during a pandemic for both pastors and lay-people!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Are In Quarantine Week 3 43:55

5 years ago43:55

43:55

This is the one where we are still in quarantine during Holy Week. It's the one where we talk about what we are doing during the pandemic. We also discuss the nature of the first Easter as an event that was understated at first, but eventually changed the world. It's the one where we wonder if the pandemic might have helped our churches realize what is "essential." Ultimately it's the one where we see signs of people caring about one another and have felt that same care from the people in our congregations.…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One Where We Are in Quarantine Week 2 45:41

5 years ago45:41

45:41

This is the one where we continue to discover what it means to pastor during a pandemic. It's the one one where Michael talks about the long term aspects of ministry, where we talk about the nature of people to want to have physical contact whether that be in the form of a high-five, a fist bump, or a hug. We also talk about both the positive aspects of the church going online, and the need for meeting together face to face! Ultimately, it's the one where we seek to be that prophetic voice that lives a different reality than the world around us!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Are In Quarantine - Week 1 42:05

5 years ago42:05

42:05

This is the one where we find ourselves pastoring in the midst of a pandemic, where we talk about the value of PRESENCE, where we think about the idea of a forced sabbath, and where we talk about how our church is ministering during the Coronavirus Outbreak. Ultimately, it's the one where we look forward to seeing what God is going to do in the midst of our own uncertainty!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Taking It Too Far 40:54

5 years ago40:54

40:54

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About if Size Matters 41:49

5 years ago41:49

41:49

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Learn to Share 40:55

5 years ago40:55

40:55

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Fred Rogers 33:00

5 years ago33:00

33:00

This is the one where Michael is in town after dropping Maggie off at SNU and we sit down in my office. It's the one where we both have recently seen Tom Hanks in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" with our congregations and HAVE to talk about it. It's the one where we talk about prophets as street performers and how daily practices shape the way we live in the world. Ultimately, it's the one where we both want to be Fred Rogers when we grow up!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About When People Leave 41:56

6 years ago41:56

41:56

This is the one where Nate tries out a sensory deprivation float and decides it is not for him. It's the one where we talk about the value (and difficulty) of accountability. We wonder about the legitimacy of needing to "leave a group behind" in order to grow into what God is calling us to, and ultimately we decide that sticking together (if at all possible) in the good times AND the bad times is the best path of discipleship!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where They Tore Down the Prayer Chapel 32:23

6 years ago32:23

32:23

This is the one where Michael and Nate hang out on the campus of Southern Nazarene University right across from where the prayer chapel used to stand. We talk about sacred spaces and how they shape us as a people. Ultimately we look at what makes a space "sacred."

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Almost Died 43:08

6 years ago43:08

43:08

In this episode, Michael shares a story about Nate's driving and the fact that we are both thankful to be alive. We hope that Judah isn't scarred for life. We finally end up somehow talking about the idea of free will, and how that works out in our salvation.

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With All the Art 43:05

6 years ago43:05

43:05

In this episode, we discuss Michael's hobby of creating works of Art. We also learn that Nate went through an art phase which ultimately ended with one of his pieces of art being thrown in a trash chute. We discover that the prophets might have been more street performer than orators and we discuss the role of art in the Church. We ultimately find that both pastors and laypeople have both a huge privilege and responsibility to become those who paint pictures of God to those around them!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One At Southwest Oklahoma Camp 36:31

6 years ago36:31

36:31

This is the one where Nate drives down to Camp Bond to hear Michael preach and where we record a podcast LIVE, in the same room! It's also the one where we talk about the Holy Spirit as a force field, where Brett Armstrong's CPR Dummies are freaking us out, where Nate talks about the song he wants played at his funeral, and where ultimately we just really enjoy getting to do an episode live.…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Catch Up 44:29

6 years ago44:29

44:29

This is the one where we get together after a couple busy summer months and make sure everyone knows we are still alive! It's the one where Michael has come back from vacation and running into Brent, and where our kids ran into each other at NYC. We also learn about Nate's new Bonsai habit and the book that cam from it, where Michael wants to grow a sycamore tree, and where Brent gets a motorcycle. Ultimately it's the one where we talk about the idea that ministry can't be automated, but rather helping people find their passion!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Are Set Free to Love 41:00

6 years ago41:00

41:00

In this episode, we talk about our tendency to want to know who is in and who is out. We talk about Jesus' tendency to want to reframe the question when he was faced with similar questions. We also see that what Jesus ultimately does for us is to set us free to love and to allow the Holy Spirit to convict. We also catch up a bit after being off air for a month with the craziness of Easter, Michael getting ready for Maggie's graduation and Nate preparing for Nathan's wedding!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Competition 1:03:34

4 years ago1:03:34

1:03:34

This is the one where we are finally back together after a bit. It's the one where Michael asks some Nate some rapid-fire questions which leads to a discussion about competition and how we reconcile the gospel that calls us to lay our lives down with our competitive nature. Ultimately, it's the one where we choose to live in the tension between healthy competition and the gospel!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With the Great Cloud of Witnesses- Take 2 52:43

4 years ago52:43

52:43

This is the episode about Michael's daughter and Nate's son getting married! It's the one where we talk about the great cloud of witnesses in this community we call the Church! We thought we would republish it and see if we could get it published on apple this time! (For some reason the last one never showed up!)…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With the Great Cloud of Witnesses 52:43

4 years ago52:43

52:43

This is the one where we reflect on our kids recent wedding festivities. We talk about the day the was, what went well and even what didn't. We give our perspective on the big day, which causes us to be extremely grateful for all the good things God has brought into our lives and the web of relationships and support system that surrounded our kids on their wedding day. A great cloud of witnesses, if you will...…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Post Sabbatical 52:19

4 years ago52:19

52:19

This is the one where we haven't talked to each other in 13 weeks. It's the one where we talk about Nate's lessons from sabbatical, where Michael is examining his core values, where our kids are still getting married this summer, and where we talk for a long time because we haven't gotten to do this in a while. It's ultimately the one where we find out if our audience is still out there somewhere, so that will be up to YOU!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where Our Kids Got ENGAGED!! 47:16

5 years ago47:16

47:16

This is the one that you've been waiting for! It's the one where we talk about marriage, and specifically the fact that Tyler Cook and Maggie Pigg are getting married. It's the one where we wonder how we looked so young and yet felt so mature when WE got married to our wives, and where we celebrate the goodness of marriage. Ultimately, it's the one where we are super happy for our kids who just love being together.…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Sabbaticals 46:45

5 years ago46:45

46:45

In this episode, Nate is getting ready to go on sabbatical which prompts the question, what is a sabbatical and why would a pastor need such a thing. Which leads us into a discussion about the nature of "paying a pastor" and how a transactional view that sees a pastor's salary through a consumeristic lens can often hinder ministry. We also talk about Michael's workouts, Nate's improv, and all sorts of other things like our kids who are dating... (This episode was recorded before they got engaged! I'm sure we will discuss this on our next show!!)…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With the Memes 50:02

5 years ago50:02

50:02

In this episode, we talk about Christian culture, including memes. We talk about our time in youth ministry. We also about the interesting phenomenon that occurs during preaching when people often hear what they want to hear. We talk about humor and cynicism and all kinds of other things along the way!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Wearing Masks 46:00

5 years ago46:00

46:00

In this episode, we talk about the GREATEST ISSUE our generation faces, whether or not we should wear a mask! (Hopefully you read that with the sarcasm intended!) This is the one where we spend way too much time and have way too much fun talking about masks. It's the one where we talk about the fact that we have lost "nuance" in our culture. We talk about how even the structure of the Jewish bible tries to push us from law, to deconstruction, and ultimately to wisdom! This is the one where we have a LOT of fun, while calling Christians to getting past the either/or towards seeing nuance in the issues that we face in our world today!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About the Last Dance 45:26

5 years ago45:26

45:26

This is the one where Michael has just come back from vacation, where we have both just watched the documentary "The Last Dance" which chronicles the Chicago Bulls 1997-98 season. It's the one where Nate forgot to edit the audio for a week and so we could have named it, "The One That Got Left on the Cutting room floor." Ultimately, it's the one where we think about our need for accomplishments and other very human pursuits portrayed in the documentary!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Real Black Fridays 42:19

5 years ago42:19

42:19

In this Episode, Michael is on vacation and so Nate connects with one of his former students from his first youth ministry. Ryan Gage joins us on the podcast. Ryan is the Worship and Creative Arts pastor at Nampa College Church of the Nazarene and has recently launched a facebook page called Real Black Fridays, where he and his wife, Ashley, post videos about racial reconciliation and the church. It's the one where we talk about some old memories, we talk about Hamilton, and ultimately we talk about being in the difficult work of racial reconciliation for the LONG HAUL!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Revisit Fred Rogers 42:10

5 years ago42:10

42:10

In this episode, Michael and Nate talk about the wisdom of Fred Rogers during all that we are facing in our world right now. It's the one where Michale goes to virtual camp, and Nate is about to be another year older. It's the one where we are reminded that our faults and our difficult feelings are actually doorways towards empathy for others. Ultimately, it is the one where we are reminded of the value that God sees in each of us!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Wonder if Hope Floats? 42:35

5 years ago42:35

42:35

In this episode, we talk about current events and the end of the world. We discuss how our own vision is short-sighted when we talk about healing and reconciliation and how we often just want things fixed efficiently rather than being willing to do the hard work of intimacy. Nate is having a day where he doesn't feel very hopeful, and so we talk about what to do when we don't feel hopeful. Ultimately, we decide that having some things in our "hope chest" might be a way to start!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One in Quarantine About Racism 46:51

5 years ago46:51

46:51

In this episode, we continue to podcast in a pandemic. We are joined by Nate's intern, Noah Terry. (A long time fan of the show!) We wrestle with the events in the United States in recent days regarding racial injustice. We talk about opting for intimacy over efficiency, about being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Ultimately, as pastors, we commit to continuing seek out relationships that help bring about unity moving forward!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We are in Quarantine- Week 6 46:56

5 years ago46:56

46:56

In this episode, we hear the story of Nate losing all the water out of his pool. We talk about an article that predicts the coming "crash" of pastors because of COVID-19 and we learn that Michael feels like ministry is a constant crash of sorts. We also talk about John Wesley's Aldersgate experience and pontificate a little bit about the role of our emotions in the life of faith!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Are In Quarantine- Week 5 40:39

5 years ago40:39

40:39

In this episode we talk more about quarantine. We also talk good about our moms right before mother's day. But probably most importantly, we talk about the fact that two of our children are DATING!!! Say what??

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where the Guys Break Bad 26:05

7 years ago26:05

26:05

This is the one where the Guys Break Bad, where Michael catches a fly Mr. Miyagi style, where Paula thinks "A Quiet Place" is a film about Christian solitude and silence, where Jesse Pinkman questions universalism, and where we discuss the importance of the community in discipleship.

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With the Music 22:09

7 years ago22:09

22:09

This is the one where the guys answer a question from our LISTENING AUDIENCE about a popular worship song, where Michael doesn't believe that "Every Day with Jesus is Sweeter than the Day Before", and where Nate wrestles with singing songs like "I'll Fly Away"... Ultimately, it's the one where we talk about the power of music to shape a congregation!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One That Gets to the Heart of the Matter 25:36

7 years ago25:36

25:36

This is the one where Michael rescues a dog (even though it is a pug), where Nate might be in the dog house, where Dr. Marty Michelson gets a shoutout, and where Michael invents the word orthocardia to go along with orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With The Cults 23:06

7 years ago23:06

23:06

This is the one where Nate visits a cult, where Michael refuses to believe the girl from Smallville is in a cult, where Bethany gets a shout out, and the guys end up wondering if we ought to embrace the cultic nature of our religious practices.

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With The Parable 25:14

7 years ago25:14

25:14

This is the one where Nate tells a parable, where Nate finds out that Michael doesn't listen to the podcast, and where Brent Green gets a new pair of shoes...

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where Paula Gets Booed 24:30

7 years ago24:30

24:30

This is the one where Miss Jackson (Not Janet!) tells the truth, where Paula gets booed and where we talk about the myth of scarcity!

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where the Teachers Walk Out 22:46

7 years ago22:46

22:46

This is the one where the teachers walk out, where we talk about forgiveness and recover from the post-Easter hangover...

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With the Candy Floss... (And the much better audio!) 21:50

7 years ago21:50

21:50

This is the one where Nate sees a video of a Candy Floss eating contest, Michael talks about how we are able to run from community, and Dray Murray (Not the rapper) gets a shout out!

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About Heaven... 19:33

7 years ago19:33

19:33

This is the one where Michael and Nate talk about mansions over the hilltop and Texas-shaped waffles. And the one where Jonah won't stop calling!

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About Soteriology (Joe's Million Dollar Word) 35:30

6 years ago35:30

35:30

This is the one about salvation. This is the one where Joe Ibanez joins Nate to pontificate with Michael from their class in San Diego. We discuss the idea of what it means to be saved, how we handle our anger with God, and even whether we can "lose our salvation." It's the one where we realize that God is big enough to handle our anger, that salvation ultimately comes from God, and that we have a great opportunity to respond to the salvation God is offering to us!…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About When We Get Angry 38:07

6 years ago38:07

38:07

This is the one where Michael has just returned from a Nazarene gathering in Kansas City and Nate has just returned from Hawaii. It's also the one where Dray isn't sure we answered his question, and the one where we ATTEMPT to answer Lauren's question about what to do with our anger and when anger is righteous. Ultimately it's the one that we realize that acknowledging our anger might be the first step to seeing anger redemptively.…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About Pastors And Politics 33:07

6 years ago33:07

33:07

This is the one where we answer Dray Murray's question. It's the one where we get to be together in one place with our mutual friend Pastor Brent Green sipping on some amazing coffee from Sommer Moon Coffee Company. It's the one where we talk about what it means to be "political' and how pastors should handle politics in the pulpit and in our world. It's not the one where we talk about Paula's tics by the way...…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About if Heaven is a Place on Earth? 37:18

6 years ago37:18

37:18

This is the episode where we begin answering listener questions. It's the one where Morgan's question about if Heaven is here or someone else gets us talking about the afterlife, where we somehow end up talking about heretics and then weaving all that into talking about Josh's question about sanctification. Somewhere along the way we talk about random items from the Lego Movie to the Chronicles of Narnia, and even the hit worship song "I Can Only Imagine."…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About Whether God is BLOODTHIRSTY? 43:55

6 years ago43:55

43:55

This is the one where we pontificate on our first question from 2019 about why the Old Testament God and Jesus look so different and are often pitted against each other. It's the one where Nate goes to work with his wife for a day, where Shelley is getting up at ungodly hours, where we lament that many Christians simply need the blood of Jesus. Ultimately, it is the one where we take on the big question of "How do the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus make us right with God?" (The one about Atonement for you theology types...)…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About the End (Great Way to BEGIN a NEW YEAR!) 40:45

6 years ago40:45

40:45

This is the one where we challenge Julie Andrews about starting at the very beginning being a very good place to start. The is the one where we start the New Year at the END. It's the one about end times, about Armageddon, etc. It's the one where we argue that reading the End first, helps us interpret the previous sections of scripture. It's the one where Mason Harrell gets a shout out, where Nate's snow day watching of the Lord of the Rings launches the guys into a discussion about eschatology (end things), and where Michael and Nate realize they have different tastes in movies. Ultimately it's the one where we realize that the conquering king is the slaughtered lamb.…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One In The Waiting 42:26

6 years ago42:26

42:26

This is the one where we are joined by Immanuel right before Christmas. We talk about the season of Advent and what it means to wait in a culture that hates waiting. (I bet you can't wait to hear it!)

Pontificating Pastors

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The One Where Santa Goes to Michael's Church 51:05

6 years ago51:05

51:05

This is the one where we talk Christmas traditions, where we find out Santa goes to Michael's Church, and where Immanuel Brooks gets a shoutout! (Seemed only fitting!) It's also the one where we find out that Nate doesn't decorate the outside of his house to keep Elon Musk happy, and where we discover that Piggs do fly! Ultimately its the one where we almost Pontificate ourselves to death!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Give Thanks! 36:00

7 years ago36:00

36:00

This is the one where Nate has just returned from the "Minister and Mates" retreat in Branson, MO. Where Nate sees "Little E" - who is not so little anymore. It's the one where Michael gets a turkey fryer and the guys discuss everything from "the pink stuff" at Thanksgiving dinner to Black Friday shopping. Ultimately, it's the one where we acknowledge that while being grateful all year long is a good idea, Thanksgiving Day is always a good time to start!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where Michael (Almost) Gets Stoned 25:13

7 years ago25:13

25:13

This is the one where... Well, we'll just make you listen to find out!

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Cursing During Prayer 43:21

7 years ago43:21

43:21

This is the one where Nate and Michael FINALLY get to talk after a two week hiatus! It's the one where we talk about the role of the Psalms in our prayer lives, where Nate learns to curse during prayer from a group of nuns, and where ultimately we decide that worship should be, first and foremost, honest!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About When We Say "I DO" 44:42

7 years ago44:42

44:42

This is the one where we talk about weddings. It's the one where Nate does a foot washing during a wedding, where we find out Michael cried at his wedding and Nate was hung over for his wedding. It's the one where we talk about making a lifelong covenant, and where, ultimately, we'd both do it all over again!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
BONUS MATERIAL: The One at the Preaching Conference 22:21

7 years ago22:21

22:21

This is the one where Nate goes to a preaching conference and somehow ends up in the SNU students group chat. It's the one where Michael isn't there and Nate ends up sitting down with some current SNU students to talk about life, preaching, meeting random people at 1 AM, and the wonderful town of Kansas City. Ultimately, it's the one where we learn that preaching is an area where we are always learning!…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About the Bread and Juice 35:57

7 years ago35:57

35:57

This is the one where we talk about Communion. It's the one where communion tastes better than boogers and fingernails, the one where we examine some favorite communion fails, and where we find out that Nate has his son hooked on Gregorian chants. It's the one where we talk about the fact that HOW we receive the sacrament often says a lot about what we believe, and we examine what kind of community the communion meal calls us to be. Ultimately, it's the one where we realize that we all could stand to receive grace a little more often.…

Pontificating Pastors

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The One About the Final Frontier 38:42

7 years ago38:42

38:42

This it the one about space... No, not that kind! This is the one where Nate and Michael share stories about some odd church building features and where the Taylor brothers get a shout out! It's the one where we ask if the building matters, and the one where we talk about everything from flying buttresses to dimming the lights. It's ultimately the one where we talk about how the SPACE we worship in says a lot about what we believe!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Where God is in the Hurricane? 35:20

7 years ago35:20

35:20

This is the one where the guys catch up after not getting to see each other at Six Flags this year. It's the one where we give props to Nate's new group of interns (and a fiancé) for listening to the show. It's the one where we talk about Hurricanes, whether we have a soul, and creation care all in trying to answer the question, "Where is God in the Hurricane?" Ultimately, it's the one...Well, I guess you'll have to listen to find out!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where We Wonder If We Are (Totally?) Depraved 23:15

7 years ago23:15

23:15

This is the one where the guys wonder if they are totally depraved? It's the one where we look at the nature of evil in the world and we muse about how prayer creates change int he world. It's the one where Ryan Amey gets a shoutout. (Imagine that, on a show about depravity!) Ultimately, it's the one where we refuse to believe that the image of God is completely lost in humanity!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Pastors and Depression 34:48

7 years ago34:48

34:48

This is the one where the guys decide to tackle an issue that has been in the news this week. It's the one where we talk about depression and the ministry. It's a serious one, but also a timely one. Ultimately, it's the one where we hope to see ourselves as God sees us, and to be able to see our mental health as important as we would our physical health!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Suffering Love 32:41

7 years ago32:41

32:41

This is the one where Nate is suddenly an empty-nester and Michael is "meeting the Rattlers." It's the one where Nate gets recognized on the campus of Southern Nazarene University for the show and the guys discuss the interrelation of suffering and love in light of the cross of Christ. Ultimately, the question about suffering love becomes, "Is there really any other kind??"…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Phrases Christians Should Get Rid Of 31:43

7 years ago31:43

31:43

This is the one where Nate is suffering from some basketball against 20-somethings, and we learn that Michael is an ALL-STAR! It's the one about phrases that sound good, but might not be true or biblical. Where we look at how our understanding of God shapes the way we speak about God, and ultimately we discover that our presence is much more valuable than having the answers!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About When the Pastor Doubts 32:14

7 years ago32:14

32:14

This is the one where Nate's nephew wonders if Jesus was a good actor, where Nate and Michael share about the doubting in the pulpit, where we talk about the role of the university in helping us wrestle with our faith, and where ultimately we discover that authenticity about our doubt is much better than the alternative...faking it!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One at the Called Conference 49:20

7 years ago49:20

49:20

This is the one where Michael and Nate get to be LIVE and in person, where we are joined by a couple Ryans and a Brent, where we hear Nate's tragic bathroom story, and where Michael's kids are the next youtube stars, where the break music is from REMEDY (SNU's Summer Worship Band), and where, ultimately, the students at the "Called" Conference remind us that the Church is in good hands!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With the (Former) Intern 32:43

7 years ago32:43

32:43

In this Episode, Michael is on vacation and so Nate interviews one of his former interns on the podcast. In this episode Bethany talks about whistles in worship and the importance of female role models, Levi Jones (aka "the golden boy" gets a shout out, and ultimately we learn that being willing to confess might be one of the most valuable things a church can do!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One With All the Jesuses 34:48

7 years ago34:48

34:48

This is the one where Michael and Nate catch up after being gone for a couple weeks, where we share Jr. High camp stories, where we meet clean shaven Jesus, fake blood Jesus, slacker Jesus, and many more Jesuses to boot. It's ultimately the one where we talk about our tendency to make Jesus into OUR image.…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where the Wives Stop By 30:02

7 years ago30:02

30:02

Since it is Michael's turn to be at camp this week, Paula and Shelly decide to drop in and talk about being married to a pastor. This is the one where we find out that Paula and Shelly met playing Farkle, where they coin the term Wife-Bear, and where we find out if there are perks to sleeping with the pastor!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One Where the PKs Take Over 35:52

7 years ago35:52

35:52

This is the one where Nate is gone to camp, and Michael interviews two of the PKs about what it's like being a pastor's kid. It's the one where we find out that sometimes random people show up at your house, where the hardest place to be an example to the congregation might be the basketball court, and what family dinner looks like in the parsonage. Ultimately, even though there are expectations, the PKs love the COMMUNITY of the church family!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Cussing Around the Pastor 32:58

7 years ago32:58

32:58

This is the one where Nate wrestles with his pacifistic tendencies in relation to Fortnite, where Michael is literally in a closet, where thunder and lightning are trying to sneak their way onto the podcast, and where ultimately we talk about the tendency for people to act differently because the pastor is around!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The Random One 32:55

7 years ago32:55

32:55

In this Episode the guys talk about everything from the Trinity to Conscientious Objectors, We find out Michael is a big Andy Griffith fan (But is apparently not well versed in "The Office"), Junior gets a shoutout, It's Maggie's birthday, and we offer our first (maybe of many) retraction...

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About What We Do All Week 32:42

7 years ago32:42

32:42

This is the one where we answer the age old question- "What do you do all week?" It's the one where Nate meets a new friend at a party that can't believe pastoring is a full time gig, where Maggie wants to be a pastor because you don't have to work, and where the guys discuss everything from salary to networking to weddings and funerals! Can't believe it took so long to make this episode!…

Pontificating Pastors

1
The One About Diversity 32:28

7 years ago32:28