Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

Compass Podcast host Ryan Dunn walks us through Lectio Divina—meaning “divine reading”—an ancient contemplative practice that goes beyond simply reading sacred texts. Together, we’ll learn how to gently engage with scripture, reflect on what stands out to us, and respond through prayer and contemplation. And it’s not just about reading; we’ll discover how this approach … Continue reading "[1...

Reverend Roger Ross unpacks what it means to move from being a “kinda Christian” to a committed disciple. Through this episode of Compass, we explore the difference between just being a church member and living as a true follower of Jesus, and learn practical steps to deepen your spiritual journey, especially when you hit those … Continue reading "[175] Moving beyond spiritual neutral with R...

On this episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn sits down with Tyler Sit, pastor of New City Church in Minneapolis, to explore how faith communities navigate the complexities of politics, crisis, and community care. Set against the backdrop of heightened ICE activity and community unrest in Minneapolis, Tyler Sit shares … Continue reading "[174] Spirituality...

Is sharing your faith intimidating? Does the word “evangelism” bring up more anxiety than hope? Compass dives into the big “E” word—evangelism. Together with Reverend Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand, conference evangelist for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, we challenge and expand our ideas of what it means to share faith. … Continue reading "[173] Breaking the...

We’re exploring the spiritual implications of Artificial Intelligence with pastor and author Reverend Nathan Webb. Nathan is the founding pastor of Checkpoint Church, a digital-first church aimed at connecting with individuals who identify as nerds, geeks, and gamers. Through the conversation, they explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and spirituality, discussing how AI c...

What does it really look like to find spiritual vitality and hope in the hardest of places? Rev. Jabe Largen opens up about his journey through addiction, tragedy, and healing in the heart of Appalachia. We explored how radical honesty and vulnerability can transform not just our personal faith but entire communities. Jabe’s story is … Continue reading "[171] Wrestling with suffering and gra...

This Christmas season, let’s be real—distraction and busyness can drain our joy. But the true gift isn’t in doing more; it’s about being more present. Host Rev. Ryan Dunn shares how simple spiritual practices—like focused breathing, one-word prayers, and sacred noticing—can interrupt the stress loop and reconnect us with what matters: ourselves, others, and the … Continue reading "[170] A Ch...

What makes issues like immigration, equity, inclusion, and societal violence spiritual matters—not just political ones? In this episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn sits down with Bishop Julius Trimble, General Secretary of the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church and Society, to explore the vibrant connection between justice work … Cont...

Let’s revisit an older episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday because it’s so relevant for the space we’re inhabiting right now. In this episode, originally released in August of 2022, Brian McLaren joined the podcast to address questions like: “What does it mean to claim the Christian faith when there are terrible things … Continue reading "Am I still Christian? Epis...

After 8 years, we’re finally do a listener-questions episode on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, questioning your relationship with church, or simply curious about how faith fits into our polarized world, this candid, heartfelt episode is for you. Host Ryan Dunn opens up about the podcast’s origins, the challenges … Continue reading "[16...

Host Ryan Dunn guides us through a timely and deeply practical exploration of how contemplative spiritual practices can become acts of resistance against the overwhelm and exhaustion so many of us face today. In this episode, we dive into the ways our attention is commodified—by social media, politics, and nonstop demands—and how practices like gratitude … Continue reading "[167] Contemplati...

What happens when prayer meets practical action? In this compelling episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn sits down with Reverend Ben Roberts, Director of Social Justice Ministries at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Together, they explore how faith, justice, and tangible service intersect on city streets—especially in the … Continue read...

Discovering Better Ways to Read the Bible with Zachary Lambert on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. In this episode, Zach Lambert and host Ryan Dunn explore how many of us have been handed rigid, harmful ways to interpret the Bible—and how moving toward healthier, life-giving lenses can transform both our understanding of scripture and … Continue reading "[165] Transforming your...

Unpacking faith, masculinity, and hope with Rev. Angela Denker on Compass 164: Disciples of White Jesus. Dive into a candid conversation exploring how our images of Jesus, shaped by culture and media, influence everyday faith, identity, and relationships. Discover practical wisdom for nurturing authentic spirituality at home, at church, and in daily life — plus … Continue reading "[164] Movi...

Are your phone habits feeding your soul or draining your spirit? Host Ryan Dunn reimagines “screen time” as “soul time” in this insightful episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Ryan introduces practical and inspiring apps designed to support your spiritual journey—transforming everyday moments into opportunities for sacred reflection, mindful prayer, and spiritual renewal. &#82...

What does it mean to live out faith in real, tangible ways? In this moving episode, Compass host Ryan Dunn sits down with Rev. Ingrid McIntyre—a United Methodist pastor and seasoned community organizer based in Nashville, Tennessee—to explore activism, justice, and the spiritual fuel that sustains hope in challenging times. Ingrid shares her journey from … Continue reading "[162] Championing...

What happens when your questions about faith lead you into the world of YouTube? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Reverend Matt Patrick—Oklahoma pastor, theologian, and creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel—as we explore how digital spaces are reshaping spiritual discovery. Matt shares his journey from campus ministry to online community-building, revealing how deep … Con...

In a world that feels overwhelming, hope isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s vital for resilience and growth. This episode of Compass helps cultivate a mud-on-the-boots kind of hope, even when it feels like too much. Real hope isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about facing it and choosing to believe in something better anyway. Hope is spiritual … Continue reading "[160] Hope is not optional: Resis...

NOTE: New episodes of Compass will resume July 9, 2025. Feeling overwhelmed by digital noise and daily stress? In this mini-episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn introduces the Ignatian Examen—a centuries-old contemplative prayer practice that helps bring clarity, gratitude, and peace to modern life. Discover how this simple daily ritual … Continue reading...

Join Bishop C. Andrew Doyle—Episcopal Bishop, author, and passionate vinyl record collector—and explore the sacred within the ordinary and the power of embodied spiritual practice. Bishop Doyle opens up about his latest book, “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World,” and shares practical wisdom on carving out sacred spaces, reclaiming rest in a … Continue...

How do we find spiritual belonging and healing in a world filled with loneliness, uncertainty, and division? In this special episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn is joined by Dori Grinenko Baker and Anna Del Castillo for a heartfelt conversation about tapping into the “deep wells” of soulful practice, community … Continue reading "[157] Soulful practices f...

Navigating spiritual growth through the Enneagram with Hunter Mobley on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Hunter shares his personal journey from evangelical “five-step spirituality” to a deeper, more contemplative faith that sees spiritual practices as pathways to soul transformation. Discover how the Enneagram can help unearth your truest self, why letting go is key &#82...

Let’s explore the fascinating and often complex world of Christian eschatology, unraveling the various interpretations of end times theology. In this episode, Ryan leads us through the evolution of eschatological beliefs—from historical premillennialism to amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennial dispensationalism.

It’s a Biblical exploration of the strange, fantastical and mysterious. From Leviathan to unicorns to UAPs, we’re inspiring curiosity and awe as we see what these strange occurrences and observations in the Bible tell us about the Divine. In this episode: [00:00] Introducing a little levity [02:01] God-human hybrids [05:18] Sea monster [07:11] The talking … Continue reading "[154...

Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you. Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.