I remember the days when I obsessed about every single verse and my obedience to it. I was overcome with guilt for things totally unnecessary, unimportant and inapplicable. This poor little worm will probably end up going home feeling guilty for not having hands to begin with. This is the religious project: to require something of you impossible for you to fulfill. Buy a $15 print (free shipping) of this cartoon. (Just email me.) I published a book of cartoons... Read more
Years ago when I was planting a church, I met another young, energetic pastor who was planting another one in the same town. I think our respective denominations must’ve read the report on cities and towns most receptive to the idea of new churches and sent us there at the same time. I started and proceeded organically, forming relationships with people and quietly letting it be known we were there. But this guy… we met for coffee often… he had... Read more
We used to be committed just on principle. Take marriage. People used to be committed to the marriage contract. Many men and women remained in unhealthy and even horrible marriages simply because it was expected and because they believed they should. Not so much anymore. Now in any kind of relationship you have to do your best to maintain it. You can’t just let things slide. You can no longer presume that because people are committed now they will be... Read more
This is along the same thing as a recent post of mine, Belief or Deed. The church, along with every other institution, and Christians, along with every other person, may say one thing yet actually do another. How many times have we heard that we are “_____-friendly” when all the signs point in the other direction? We hear a lot of talk about being inclusive and sharing power from white middle-class males. It looks and sounds great. But show me... Read more
I’ve had many people tell me forthright that they like praise music that is all hype because it makes them feel better. They’ve also told me they like hyped-up sermons for the same reason. I’ve had people leave my church to go to another one that provides the hype I wouldn’t so couldn’t provide. When they tell me this I totally understand. I really do get it. Life is hard. For many people it is unbearably difficult and disappointing. When... Read more
There’s lots of talk… again… about Jesus coming back. Dates are set. Even though it is insisted that no one knows the day or the hour, some insist they do. It’s a lousy racket because if he does come back your ministry is over. If he doesn’t come back your ministry is over. You can buy the original hand-drawn cartoon. Just email me. Or you can buy a print here. I wrote a book of cartoons that addresses issues like... Read more
Yes, another startup. I’ve planted other churches before. So, here are some of my thoughts about soon starting another church community: Sunday night maybe? I don’t want to compete with local churches. I miss that kind of fellowship. I feel the need to be in the game if I’m going to critique it with integrity. Several people have asked me to start one. I miss regular study and teaching and serious, lively discussion. I want to participate again in the... Read more
Paul in Romans 8 divulges our secret: “… the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…“. We really don’t know what we are doing when it comes to prayer. So those who march back and forth with loud triumphant shouts promising guaranteed results are just fooling themselves and trying to fool you. When you are extracted from a religious community for a while... Read more
I think this is partly what happens: Some churches don’t pretend to be a family and some people don’t want it to be. That’s well and good. But some people consider the church a family… a good family… one that is healthy. And the certain church offers to be one to the member. We are brothers and sisters. The pastor may even play a parental role. A healthy family is one where there is guaranteed unconditional love that can be... Read more
Uh-oh. Here’s one sheep who’s starting to catch on. What’s going to happen to him? Will he start a ramolution? Things can’t ever be the same for him. That’s for sure. You know that! Many of my cartoon originals are available for purchase. Just contact me if interested. Or buy prints of them here. I already have a book of cartoons. For just $9, order “Nakedpastor101: Cartoons by David Hayward“, from amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.de. Read more
nakedpastor
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In