Rev. Dr. Charissa Howe brings vibrant energy and deep theological insight to her preaching ministry. A Presbyterian pastor of a vibrant Pittsburgh congregation and the former Director of Chaplaincy at an urban county jail, she weaves together academic wisdom with real-world pastoral experience. Her engaging style combines thoughtful biblical interpretation with practical applications for daily life. Drawing from her diverse background in both institutional and congregational ministry, she offers fresh perspectives that challenge and inspire listeners to deeper faith and action.
Ask the Pastor with Pastor Charissa
Claim This Podcastby Rev. Dr. Charissa Clark Howe
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324 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Rev. Dr. Charissa Howe brings vibrant energy and deep theological insight to her preaching ministry. A Presbyterian pastor of a vibrant Pittsburgh congregation and the former Director of Chaplaincy at an urban county jail, she weaves together academic wisdom with real-world pastoral experience. Her engaging style combines thoughtful biblical interpretation with practical applications for daily life. Drawing from her diverse background in both institutional and congregational ministry, she offers fresh perspectives that challenge and inspire listeners to deeper faith and action.
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Publishing Since
6/12/2016
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Recent Episodes
July 12, 2026
Baldheads, Bears, and Bullies
<p>Have you ever noticed how easily a careless comment or a short online clip can be stripped of its context and escalate into a toxic attack? What happens when our culture loses control of its tongue and words are weaponized for sport?</p><p>This week, we dive into one of the most bizarre and misunderstood stories in the Bible: the prophet Elisha, a gang of mocking youths, and two hungry she-bears. We discover that this isn’t just a quirky ancient fable, but a profound warning about the destructive power of arrogant speech and the modern phenomenon of digital mobs inciting manufactured outrage.</p><ul><ul><li>Why the defenses "I was only joking" and "I'm just telling the truth" are never sufficient warrants for speech.</li></ul><ul><li>The communal dangers of internet trolling and performing for the "likes" of an ideological echo chamber.</li></ul><ul><li>How the apostle Paul's mandate in Ephesians 4 calls us to practice "Active Hope" by refusing to return hate with hate, and instead using our words strictly as instruments of healing, grace, and community building.</li></ul></ul><p><strong>Liturgical Details:</strong> July 12, 2026 | Summer Sermon Series | 2 Kings 2:23–25 & Ephesians 4:25–32</p>
July 5, 2026
Keeping Our Windows Open: Reclaiming True Patriotism
<p>On Independence Day weekend, we are bombarded with messages about patriotism, but for Christians, the line between a healthy love of country and dangerous, idolatrous nationalism can be incredibly delicate.</p><p>This week, we dig into Daniel chapter 6—the familiar story of the lions' den—to uncover a profound act of subversive faith. Discover how we can rescue the word "patriotism" from those who use it as a disguise for power, and redefine it as fiercely loving our neighbors enough to hold our nation to God's higher standard of justice, liberty, and the common good.</p><p><strong>Bullet Points:</strong></p><ul><li>The critical distinction between a healthy devotion to our community and the toxic idol of blind, unquestioning nationalism.</li><li>How Daniel’s seemingly simple act of praying with his windows open actively denied the corrupt empire’s ultimate authority.</li><li>A close encounter with real lions on a South African safari that reveals the terrifying vulnerability Daniel faced—and the miraculous power of God's liberating love to shut the mouths of systemic abuse.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Liturgical Details:</strong> July 5, 2026 | Daniel 6:6–23. (Please note: We are off-lectionary for our summer sermon series).</p>
June 15, 2026
Confronting the Legion: Systemic Evil and Active Hope
<p>Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the crushing weight of systemic oppression, or noticed how society tends to push its most difficult problems "out of sight, out of mind" beneath the floorboards?</p><p>As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, Pastor Charissa explores the terrifying reality of the Gerasene demoniac and the occupying "Legion" that torments him. Discover why Jesus refuses to turn a blind eye to the tombs, and how the church is called to stop hiding in comfortable sanctuaries so we can join Christ in the holy work of liberation.</p><ul><ul><li>The ancient, military meaning of "Legion" and how it mirrors the violent, bruising forces of systemic oppression and racism at work today.</li></ul><ul><li>The danger of our human tendency to isolate marginalized people in the tombs because their suffering makes us uncomfortable.</li></ul><ul><li>The delayed but triumphant promise of Juneteenth, and our holy commission to practice "Active Hope" by praying with our feet to dismantle unjust systems.</li></ul></ul><p><strong>Liturgical Details:</strong> June 14, 2026 (Proper 6) | Isaiah 61:1–11 and Mark 5:1–20 // Not the lectionary passages for this week. </p>
324 total episodes available
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- What is Ask the Pastor with Pastor Charissa?
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This podcast updates monthly.
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