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David Hayward – The Naked Pastor

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samantha

David Hayward The Naked Pastor

Who is David?

David is a pastor turned artist painting, drawing, and thinking about what it takes to be free to be you. The idea behind the name, NakedPastor, is to seek to tell the naked truth – no matter how vulnerable it feels. David used to be a pastor but has been creating art and working towards freedom with the deconstruction community for over 10 years now.

Committed to truth, authenticity, and understanding. David supports LGBTQ+ people and groups, BIPOC and women artists, creatives, journalists (and more), and encourages others to do the same. 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.

My thoughts…

This conversation was just an absolute joy for me. I have been following David for quite some time now and the way he articulates deconstruction is compassionate and humorous. I guarantee you will find many golden nuggets in this episode. 

Episode Summary

  • David shares what it was like for him growing up in a conservative Christian home. How it wasn’t centred around one denomination which led to being in many different churches.
  • We discuss the depth and widespread knowledge that he was exposed to as a child.
  • David shares the impact of end times theories and the rapture had on his own personal faith.
  • We discuss how David went from fear-based salvation to going to bible college and becoming a Pastor.
  • I ask David what he was like as a Pastor; and he shares about the different churches that he gravitated to where he could be amongst the people.
  • We discuss what it was like for David pastoring churches whilst being Queer affirming and inclusive.
  • David shares what it was like for him to no longer be a Pastor and the experiences he had leaving churches.
  • We discuss the concept of fear and David shares about how he has seen the church weaponise fear, hate and discrimination.
  • David shares what his deconstruction journey was like, and how one tiny book cracked his concept of what the bible had always been.
  • We explore what it was like for David to begin deconstruction before it became #deconstruction. He also draws a wonderful connection between deconstruction and Marie Kondo.
  • I asked David what sparks joy for him; and we explore what love means for him by using the parable of The Good Samaritan.
  • David shares how he deals with the hate and the trolls online.
  • Finally, David answers the question “what would you say to someone fresh in their deconstruction?”