Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast

What does it mean to be a connected church? In this episode, Joe talks with Jennifer Rodia about connectionalism and what it looks like to live it out in real life. Drawing on experiences from churches in New York to communities across Africa and beyond, they explore how connection shapes faith, community, and our understanding … Continue reading "Experiencing the fullness of God"

Get Your Spirit in Shape is back for a new season. Join Crystal and Joe as they talk about what’s ahead and share about the Vision Statement of The United Methodist Church—how it helps us love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in everyday life. Learn more: UMC.org/VisionResources for your church: ResourceUMC.org/Vision Watch The Recap: … Continue reading "Living the Vision: An In...

In the second of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on … Continue reading "More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 2"

In the first of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on … Continue reading "More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 1"

‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you’re feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving. Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season for some folks and shares a guided meditation that acknowledges that you might feel blue at this time of … Continue reading "When Christmas is blue: A medita...

From playing at Willie Nelson’s Picnic to viral videos, Jaron Bell shares how  his love for music and comedy turned into a calling the country-singer-turned-pastor never expected. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by … Continue reading "A funny...

It’s our 200th episode! Thank you for joining us as the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Matt Rawle take a look at the profound change The United Methodist Church has experienced during the past four years and share honest reflections on what these shifts mean for how United Methodists live into … Continue reading "Celebrating 200 episodes: Reflecting on four years in The...

The Bible has often been misused to wound and exclude, with distorted interpretations justifying harm. Drawing on his own experiences of being rejected by faith communities, Pastor Zach Lambert wrote “Better ways to read the Bible: Transforming a weapon of harm into a tool of healing” to share how to reframe Scripture as a source … Continue reading "From harm to healing: ‘Better...

Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are never forgotten. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? … Continue reading "Answering...

The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry. A dedicated runner and ultra-marathoner, he reflects on discerning his call within … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Carlo Rapanut"

In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in our lives and churches. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are … Continue reading "‘Transformed by Grace’: Wesleyan wisdom...

Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting young people long after summer ends and how you and your local church can be part of … Continue reading "Sacred summers: How camps shape faith that lasts"

John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley’s practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and g...

Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a model for connection in today’s divided world. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a … Continue reading "‘Sacr...

Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn more and/or order a copy … Continue reading "When hope meets hard...

Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek.” More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn more and/or … Continue reading "‘On Love’:...

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—words spoken by billions of Christians across centuries and continents. In his new book, “We Believe: How the Nicene Creed can deepen your faith,” the Rev. Michael Carpenter shares how these words written in the 4th century aren’t just ancient history, but also have the power … Continue reading "Ancient Words, Living Faith: The 4th c...

Every call to serve invites both courage and questions. For Kim and Pat Lewis, that call is taking them from Montana to Mexico, where they’ve been commissioned as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries. After deep discernment, the Lewises are prepared for a new chapter, one rooted not in tasks but in relationships … Continue reading "The courage to go: Lewises embrace mi...

Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us  as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our … Continue reading "Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action"

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question … Continue reading "Covering a worldwide churc...

All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene’s key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more closely not only teaches us the truth, but also shows that her story can serve as a guide … Continue reading "Mary Magdalene: The Resurrection’s f...

It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available … Continue reading "Tur...

Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understanding of wisdom and transform our conversations, relationships and lives. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available … Continue...

Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advocate who engages with her community, city boards, commissions and church to tackle pressing issues … Continue reading "Taking faith into the legislature: A...

Discover how love has unified a Los Angeles community through decades of civil unrest, gentrification and natural disasters when the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin shares the story of Holman United Methodist Church, an historic church embodying its Wesleyan heritage as a center for community organizing and worship. More information and a full transcript of this conversation … Continue reading "S...