Wesleyan Option

On this special America! edition of Wesleyan Option, we discuss politics, nation, and the duty of Christians to God and country. Joy, Rob, and Lane dive into the historical context of Wesley's views on America, the concept of a Christian nation, and the Wesleyan aim of forming a Christian nation. We also give a shout-out to all of our Duke Divinity School listeners and discuss the post-liberal cri...

In this episode of Wesleyan Option , Lane sits down with “notorious Anglophile” and renowned scholar Dr. Ryan Danker to discuss his two newest books: Dynamic Grace and To Spread Scriptural Holiness . They dive deep into the fascinating historical roots of the Wesleyan movement, exploring how the Glorious Revolution and the Caroline Divines shaped John Wesley’s vision of an "evangelical Catholicism...

Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com In this episode, Lane Davis, Joy J. Moore, and Rob Haynes dive into the Gospel lectionary passage of Luke 24:44-53. They explore how Jesus serves as the "key" that unlocks the Old Testament, the Wesleyan concept of the "inner veil" being removed, and how the Ascension serves as a pivot from a life of worship to a life of global mission. Key Questions Answered...

What does it mean for followers of Jesus to perform "greater works" than the Messiah himself? In this episode we dive into John 14 to explore the tension between reason and wonder, activism and faith. Defining "Greater": How the church continues Christ’s mission through social holiness. The Reason/Wonder Divide: How do we live in the tension between reason and wonder? The Greatest Work: Why Wesley...

Email us at wesleyanoption@gmail.com "I don't think seminary is about giving you ways to defend the Jesus you believe in... it's about breaking down your biases to build that faith back up even stronger." What does it mean to "grow in grace" when the institution of the church feels imperfect? In this episode, Lane sits down with Brandon Murphy-Ward, a second-year MDiv student at Duke Divinity Scho...

Email us at: WesleyanOption@gmail.com In an era of "pastors not on their best behavior" and high-profile church scandals, how should Christians navigate the messy tension between righteous judgment and transformative grace? In this episode of Wesleyan Option , hosts Lane Davis, Dr. Joy J. Moore, and Dr. Rob Haynes tackle the heavy reality of leadership failures and the "shame game" of social media...

How does a 4th-century North African bishop shape the way we sing in modern sanctuaries? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Debbie Wong (Duke Divinity School) to explore the intersection of ancient liturgical wisdom and contemporary worship practices. Dr. Wong shares insights from her research on St. Augustine, discussing how his theology of "singing as an act of love" provides a necessary fram...

On today's episode we discuss theological education and what Wesleyans get right, and wrong. Also...AI! Plus, Lane interview Brian Fu, a Methodist seminary student and pastor in Washington about his journey into Christian faith and ministry. Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Melanie Dobson about the practice of Group Spiritual Direction and its role in communal discernment. She shares her journey to spiritual direction, the need for belonging in today's culture, and the challenges of implementing communal discernment in churches. Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com

We recorded a live episode! Participants in the 2025 John Wesley Fellows Christmas Conference at Duke University joined us for a conversation that explores the relevance of Wesleyan theology in the 21st century and the importance of engaging with public theology. We delve into the concept of revival and the need for theological engagement, and Joy talks about the importance of art and music in how...

In the episode, we talk with Dr. Steve Rankin and dive into the reasons he stayed in the United Methodist Church. Our hosts also explore the impact of belonging, behavior, and belief on church affiliation as well as the challenges and complexities of church affiliation in a 21st century "vibes" culture. Email us at WesleyanOption@gmail.com

In this week's episode, we're discussing a Wesleyan social witness and trying to get beyond theory to what loving our neighbors looks like in the midst of a polarized world. Plus, Lane talks with Dr. Esther Chung-Kim about the Protestant Reformation, how Wesley fits into that history, and how to talk to your kids in a distracted world. Then, our hosts offer their own "confessions" for ways they've...

In this extended interview conversation, we dive into the themes of vulnerability in friendship and reimagining church and politics. Read Justin and Greg's letters at: https://epistlesfrombabylon.substack.com/ Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com

What is essential for a Wesleyan expression of the Christian church? Rob, Joy, and Lane discuss what they think are the nonnegotiable's. Then Lane talks with Dr. Sondra Wheeler, Emerita Professor from Wesley Theological Seminary. Finally, we try to answer a listener question. If you have a question you'd like us to discuss, email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wesle...

What is a Wesleyan option and why does the church need it? In this episode, we introduce our new podcast! And we talk to Dr. Doug Strong about the strengths and potential and a Wesleyan option. Stick around as we also give you "signals" and "noises" from the culture. Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wesleyan Theology 05:06 The Orienting Concern of Wesleyan Theol...

Introducing Wesleyan Option. Join us for weekly conversations about theology, the church, and culture, all from a Wesleyan perspective.