Means of Grace

In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager delve into the profound significance of baptism, exploring its historical roots, theological implications, and its role in shaping identity within the Christian faith. They discuss how baptism transcends mere tradition, serving as a bold declaration of faith and a transformative experience that challenges societal no...

In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager delve into the pervasive issue of burnout, exploring its emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. They discuss the importance of recognizing burnout, the necessity of rest, and how cultural attitudes towards work can impact our well-being. The conversation emphasizes that rest is not a luxury but a vital part of life...

In today's episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith discuss the critical role of youth in the church, exploring the challenges of youth engagement, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in ministry, and the misconceptions surrounding youth ministry. They are joined by special guest Shannon LeMaster-Smith, who emphasizes the need...

In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the importance of failure in personal and spiritual growth. They are joined by Charles DiRico, who shares his journey through the challenges of ordination and how his perceived failures led to significant ministry opportunities. The conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability, mentorship, and the unexp...

On Election Day, we wanted to share something a little bit different. Instead of having a lively conversation with John and Jesse, we are sharing with you a prayer service for peaceful elections that was recorded by our cabinet and some members of the Western North Carolina Conference staff. This service includes a message from Bishop Carter along with scripture readings and prayers. It's a powerf...

In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Ennis and John Yeager discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the power of community connection in times of crisis. They are joined by Reverend Sally Queen and Reverend Nathan Arledge, who share their experiences and insights on how their communities responded to the devastation.  The conversation highlights the importance of being '...

Today's episode of Means of Grace discusses environmental stewardship through a faith-based lens, emphasizing the theological foundations and practical applications of creation care. Hosts Jesse Enniss, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager explore the distinction between stewardship and dominion over creation, the importance of humility in environmental actions, and the role of faith communitie...

Today we explore the life and legacy of John Wesley, focusing on his early influences, the development of Methodism, and its impact on American Christianity. Hosts Jesse Ennis, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager discuss Wesley's background, his innovative approaches to ministry, and the importance of small group discipleship. They also reflect on Wesley's love for America and how his theology...

Fall is here, football is in the air, and the Means of Grace team explores the intersection of sports and faith. Hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith share their favorite teams and the impact of sports on their lives. They also explore the deeper meaning of sports and the opportunities for growth and connection that they provide. The conversation explores the intersection of...

No man is an island, and no religion exists in a vacuum. Within the US alone, there are more than 200 denominations of Christianity, and many more globally. In today's episode of Mean of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager discuss the concept of ecumenism and the importance of unity within the Christian faith. They explore how different Christian denominations can fin...

In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith explore the concept of unspoken rules and their impact on society. The discussion covers various examples, such as funeral processions, phone etiquette, clergy attire, all the way to some of the most recent changes at the highest levels of the Methodist church. The conversation explores the interplay betw...

In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith are joined by Kim Ingram, Director of Ministerial Services and former host of the Means of Grace podcast. Together, they discuss the recent post-conference events and their impact on the United Methodist Church. They explore topics such as the future of the church, jurisdictional conferences, bishop elect...

In today's episode of Means of Grace, Jesse, John, and Jonathan discuss the importance of connection within the United Methodist Church. They explore the historical roots of connectionalism and how it is reflected in the church's polity and ethos. They also reflect on personal experiences of feeling connected to others and the world around them.  

A busy conference season continues with 2024 Annual Conference, held in beautiful Lake Junaluska, NC. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith recorded live from Annual Conference, and provide us with critical updates and information from the weekend sessions.

Annual Conference returns to beautiful Lake Junaluska June 20-23. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith preview this year's conference, with a special guest appearance from Bishop Ken Carter.

General Conference 2024 is over and it was clearly one of the most historic conferences in the United Methodist Church's history. In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith discuss the 2024 General Conference and its key events, decisions, and updates.  To give context to the decisions made at General Conference, John explores the hist...

Jesse Enniss and Kim Ingram talk with three spiritual directors, Rev. Dr. Donnell FitzJefferies from WNCC, Ms. Kris Ford from NCC, and Rev. Dr. Debbie Allen from Florida, about the practice of spiritual direction: what it is, how to access it, why it's valuable. Learn more about how this could be a practice to enhance your relationship with God and a tool for greater spiritual growth.   Resources:...

The Western North Carolina Conference is the host for this year's General Conference. Delegates and clergy from across the US will be in Charlotte, NC from April 23 through May 3. To get you up to speed on what you need to know before attending the conference, Rev. Kim Ingram, the conference's Director of Ministerial Services, hosts a conversation between Jennifer Davis, the first elected lay pers...

To honor the 38th celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Reverend Dr. Bill White and Dr. Brian Tillman talk about the legacy of Dr. King, the state of race relations today, and what MLK would want for us in the future.

In this episode Luke Edwards talks with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck about their new book, which offers a model for leading a congregation to become a place where racial equity, justice, and liberation are intrinsic to the structure and life of the church.   Register for the National Fresh Expressions UM Conference in Charlotte and be sure to use the code WNC for a discount! L...

In this week's episode, WNCC Director of Communications, Aimee Yeager, sits down with Bishop Carter as he shares and Advent and Christmas message for the Western North Carolina Conference.   As we wrap up our 2023 season, we wish you all a blessed Advent and merry Christmas. We will see you in 2024!

In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Kim Ingram and Jesse Enniss discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I) tools with Nathan Webb, pastor of Checkpoint church, the church for all people, especially nerds, geeks, and gamers. And, Amy Rutledge Vaughan, a Deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference, UMC Collective, leading an emerging community called the Lakeshore Collective in...

The Western North Carolina Conference is partnered with  zoe empowers  to assist children across the world. 380 million children are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Empowering all areas of life is the only way out.  Orphans and vulnerable children living in extreme poverty are abused, sick and isolated from their community. Handouts and begging helps them to survive temporarily. Our solution addr...

For more than 30 years, Project AGAPE has been one of our best mutual aid programs. A partnership between the Western North Carolina Conference, the North Carolina Conference, and the Armenian Apostolic Church, Project AGAPE has been serving the people of Armenia, the world's oldest Christian country, since 1993.  In today's episode of Means of Grace, we take you to Mt. Pleasant UMC which recently...

In this episode of the Means of Grace Podcast, Director of Missional Engagement, Brian Mateer, talks with Rev. Savannah Glover, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Concord to reflect on her recent trip to Armenia on the Young Clergy Pilgrimage. They talk about friendships formed on trips like this, the hospitality of the Project Agape Staff, and the impact the trip has on daily...