Showing Up With Your Own Face Faith, Masking, and the Autistic Pastor

In this powerful and deeply introspective episode of Just the Guys, host Dan Holmes sits down with pastor, musician, and spiritual director Josh Davis—also known as the “Autistic Pastor.” Josh shares his personal journey from a masked life of ministry and performance to one of authenticity, self-discovery, and spiritual transformation following his autism and ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.
Together, they explore themes such as:
The mental toll of lifelong masking and how dropping the mask opened up a more vivid, emotionally connected life.
Discovering new ways to connect with God that honor neurodivergent wiring—including journaling, songwriting, and contemplative walking.
Reimagining spiritual practices beyond traditional “quiet time” models and embracing embodied faith.
The role of music, special interests, and authentic emotional expression in spiritual growth.
What it means to show up to God—and others—with your own face, not someone else’s version of what faith should look like.
This is a rich conversation for anyone exploring their identity, navigating neurodivergence, or longing to experience God in more personal, integrated ways.
📌 Resources Mentioned:
Josh’s podcast: Neurodivergent Faith
Series: “Connecting with God in Neurodivergent Ways”
Book: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence