511 | What is a Church and Pastor| Nathan Apffel

On the episode this week: Nate is home and Aaron went to Helen back. They also give some updates on the Samson app and website.   Nate and Aaron talk with guest Nathan Apffel. Nathan (Nate) grew up where faith was a source of both comfort and questioning, raised in a religious community. Nate began “The Religion Business” after over 10 years of investigative work into sacred spiritual, religious, and non-profit organizations. Nate is the creator of the docuseries The Religion Business on Prime, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, and other places. The discussion includes what is a pastor, church, and business or non-profit. There’s an interesting reenactment of circular reasoning used by ChatGPT. They also discuss the transparency of finances in churches and even Samson House.   Links: The Religion of Business     NEW Samson Community App (Apple store) NEW Samson Community App (Google Store) June 5-7, 2026 Italian/International Samson Retreat Samson England Walking Retreat June 26 - July 1, 2026 Samson Canoe Adventure July 19-22, 2026 Oct 23-25, 2026 U.S. Samson Summit   Send mail to: Pirate Monk Podcast/Samson House PO BOX 1656 Columbia, TN 38402   If you have thoughts or questions and you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.     The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/.   For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for the women in our lives who have been impacted by our choices is available at sarahsociety.com.   The Pirate Monk Podcast is provided by Samson Society, a ministry of Samson House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. To enjoy future Pirate Monk podcasts, please consider a contribution to Samson House.