16: The Naked Pastor: Ministering through Art with David Hayward

The Natasha Helfer Podcast

Have you seen those awesome cartoons where Jesus is holding a rainbow sheep? Where Jesus gets all sassy with hypocritical and mean churchgoers who are ostracizing whole segments of our population? Where Jesus is walking out of church holding hands with the trans sheep?They are all sooooo bad ass!!

I got to interview the man behind the scenes, David Hayward (aka The Naked Pastor)! I couldn’t be more excited to have heard his religious deconstruction story, how he got started with his art and some of what he has to say to so many who are done with hypocritical, harmful religions and their practices.

In 2010, after 30 years as a pastor, David Hayward left the ministry to focus on NakedPastor and the community that was emerging around it. It’s now his full-time gig! With a Masters in Theological Studies, as well as Diplomas in Religious Studies and Ministry, and University Teaching, he is no stranger to belief systems.Beyond his art, he’s also written 9 books and posts several times a month on his blog. If you’re interested in hearing his ideas about deconstruction, spirituality, and freedom, you might enjoy his newsletter which you can sign up for on his website, nakedpastor.com.

Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek

Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini