If you’ve ever been hurt by the church, you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong for feeling it. Church Hurts And exists to help you move forward—not by ignoring the pain, but by facing it honestly. We talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of church, faith, and spirituality, with a dose of real-life recovery along the way. Your story isn’t over. There is still a vibrant spiritual life ahead of you.
Dr. John Bash brings decades of ministry experience—and a deeply personal journey of pain, loss, and renewal—to this work. John faced questions about faith, suffering, and purpose in a way he never had before.
In the midst of that season, he wrestled honestly with God, with the church, and with himself. That journey led him back—not to easy answers, but to a deeper, more grounded faith. Today, John helps others navigate their own stories of pain and rediscover what comes after “and?”
This ministry exists for two groups of people: those who have been hurt by the church, and those who are carrying the weight of leading it.
John serves as a shepherd with Standing Stone Shepherds, a ministry dedicated to caring for pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders who are discouraged, burned out, or hurting. His work is centered on listening, encouraging, and helping leaders find their footing again—so they can continue in healthy, sustainable ministry.
Whether you’re trying to rebuild your faith or carry the responsibility of leading others, you don’t have to do it alone.
The Church Hurts And podcast is a place for honest conversations about faith, pain, and what it means to keep going when things don’t make sense.
Each episode explores real stories and real questions—about church, spirituality, doubt, leadership, and recovery.
We don’t avoid the hard topics. We lean into them, with the belief that honesty is where healing begins.
If you’ve ever felt disillusioned, frustrated, or unsure where you belong, this is a place where you can listen, reflect, and begin to re-engage your spiritual life.
John Bash has spent years engaging in meaningful conversations around faith, leadership, and the realities of church hurt. Through podcast interviews, speaking engagements, and guest appearances, he brings a thoughtful and experienced voice to topics many people struggle to talk about openly. If you’re looking for a speaker or guest who can address the complexities of faith, pain, leadership, and restoration with honesty and depth, John would be honored to be part of that conversation.
Talking God Without The Ego by John Bash at ISI Men's Ministry
The Forgotten Friar, talk by John Bash at ISI Mens Ministry
Your Turn ISI Men's Ministry Panel Discussion, Dr. John Bash
One on 1's in the AZ Son with John Bash
John Bash Memorial Video
Grace, Who Are You? Identifying Identity
Grace - What Are You Doing? Life Plans
Grace - How Are You Doing? Grading Your Spirituality
From the Midst of Tragedy by Dr John Bash
Church Hurts AND with Dr John Bash - Iron Sharpens Iron Phoenix
“Your 5 Questions Answered”with John, Patrick, and David at ISI Men's Ministry
In "The Forgotten Friar Trilogy," John Craig isn’t just running from the stake—he’s running toward destiny. From the Inquisition’s flames in Rome to Edinburgh’s royal intrigue, he stands beside Knox in the pulpit of St. Giles and maneuvers through Mary, Queen of Scots’ castle. Now imagine that same man, settled in the palace with a residence of his own, penning the King's Confession that would define Presbyterianism. From hunted friar to architect of a faith—this is the journey you won’t forget.
