Pod Have Mercy

In this episode of  Pod Have Mercy, we unpack a powerful reflection inspired by Russell Moore’s article on “gravity” - the lost virtue of being sober-minded and serious in a culture obsessed with noise, reaction, and silliness. We explore what it means to lead with  gravity  - a blend of clarity, maturity, and responsibility that holds steady when the world demands instant opinions and outrage. Fr...

What does it mean to be  dangerously tired  - emotionally, spiritually, and physically? In this episode of  Pod Have Mercy , John Stephens, Matt Russell, and Geoff Wood unpack the ancient wisdom of Sabbath as more than a rule - it's a divine invitation to rest, resist compulsion, and reclaim our humanity. Drawing from the Desert Fathers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Henry Nouwen, they explore wha...

What does it mean to be  dangerously tired - emotionally, spiritually, and physically? In this episode of  Pod Have Mercy , John Stephens, Matt Russell, and Geoff Wood unpack the ancient wisdom of Sabbath as more than a rule - it's a divine invitation to rest, resist compulsion, and reclaim our humanity. Drawing from the Desert Fathers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Henry Nouwen, they explore what...

In this episode, we sit down with  Russell J. Levenson, Jr.  to dig into his latest work,  Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning . Together, we explore the heart behind the book, how it came to be, what compelled him to write it, and how his pastoral journey shaped each conversation within. We discuss: The origin of  Witness to Belief  and what sparked Russ’s decision to interview...

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we sit down with Rev. Kathleen (Kathi) McShane. lawyer, pastor, innovator, and changemaker. After an early career as a civil litigator in San Francisco, Kathi followed her call to ministry, serving four congregations and later as vice president for Institutional Advancement at the Pacific School of Religion. She most recently retired as an Elder in the California...

In this episode, John Stephens and Matt Russell dive into one of the most pressing conversations facing the church today: the rise of Christian nationalism. Together they explore what the term really means, why definitions matter, and how patriotism and faith can be confused or faithfully held in balance. Drawing from voices like David French, Russell Moore, and others, they unpack the dangers of...

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we sit down with Vince and Lisa of V is for Vino, the number one wine show on the internet. What began as Vince’s transition from musician and bartender to certified sommelier, and Lisa’s background in TV production, has grown into a worldwide platform bringing accessible, entertaining wine education to millions. In this conversation, they share their journey from Los...

Today, John and Matt pause to reflect on a week filled with heartbreaking tragedies. Together they wrestle with the question:  How should Christians respond when the weight of evil and suffering feels overwhelming? Drawing on Scripture, pastoral wisdom, and their own experiences, they discuss the call to embody Jesus in times of division and pain. The conversation touches on lament, the dangers of...

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we dive into some fascinating cultural and spiritual trends shaping younger generations. From the viral “Jesus Glow Up” trend on TikTok to new research from Barna showing Gen Z as the most churchgoing generation today, the conversation explores how faith, community, and authenticity intersect in a digital world. We reflect on how social media often distorts genuine exp...

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we welcome theologian and author Gisela H. Kreglinger, whose work invites us to rediscover wine as a gift from God, encouraging hospitality, joy, and spiritual attentiveness. Growing up on her family’s winery in Franconia, Germany, Gisela blends the sensory intimacy of winemaking with deep theological reflection. With a PhD in Historical Theology from the Univers...

As Christians, we are called to be people of compassion and justice but in a world full of polarization, it’s easy to get swept into extremes or let politics shape our ideology. Together, we explore how to meet people where they are in their grief, how to care for the hurting without rushing to take sides, and how to let the gospel guide us toward empathy, peace, and hope. This is a conversation a...

John and Matt are back from summer break, and Pod Have Mercy is kicking off a brand-new season! In this episode, they catch up on everything that’s happened over the summer and share a preview of the exciting things coming this fall at Chapelwood. From new guests to meaningful conversations and big moments in the life of the church, this season is full of energy and fresh perspectives. Tune in as...

Grief touches every life, but knowing how to navigate it—especially alongside friends and family—can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’re joined by grief expert and therapist  Sasha Coles  for an honest, compassionate conversation about loss. Together, we explore healthy ways to process grief, support one another, and create space for healing in the midst of pain. Whether you’re walking throu...

Revs. John Stephens and Matt Russell sit down with renowned child psychologist Dr. Michelle Forrester in a timely and practical podcast episode. Dr. Forrester will share guidance to help your children (and you) process their feelings, answer difficult questions, and nurture resilience and comfort during challenging times. Chapelwood.org/Resources

This week on  Pod Have Mercy , we’re joined by Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the resident bishop of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a conversation that is both sobering and urgent, Bishop Emmanuel sheds light on the escalating tensions between UMC and GMC members in Nigeria—tensions that have led to violence, misinformation, and even the tragic loss of life. He addresses head-on the false narra...

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re recording from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a very special guest: Bishop Moyambe. Together, we explore the inspiring work of the United Methodist Church in Tanzania, how it’s growing, how lives are being changed, and what the future holds. Bishop Moyambe shares firsthand stories of transformation, hope, and the power of the Gospel in action. We talk about the ch...

This week on  Pod Have Mercy , we welcome Shannon Hopkins, co-founder and lead cultivator of RootedGood, to talk about the evolving landscape of the church and its role in today’s world. Shannon brings a wealth of experience in social entrepreneurship and innovation, having launched or influenced more than 15 campaigns and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. Her work centers on helping institut...

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we talk about shame, how it shows up in our lives, how we carry it, and how we begin to let it go. As Christians, we often wrestle with guilt and shame, but we also believe in something stronger: connection. In this episode, we explore the idea that the antidote to shame isn't perfection—it's being known. True healing happens in relationships where we’re fully...

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we reflect on the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of Pope Francis, following the news of his passing. Known as a reformer, a bridge-builder, and a pope of the people, Francis reshaped the global perception of the Catholic Church with his compassion, humility, and unwavering focus on the margins. Join us as we unpack the impact of his papacy, from his bold stances...

In this Holy Week edition of  Pod Have Mercy , John Stephens and Michael Jarboe take a thoughtful (and at times hilarious) walk through the final days leading up to Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. They share insights from their own ministry experiences, the weight and wonder of this season, and even pause to laugh at how bunnies, eggs, and chocolate so...

This week on  Pod Have Mercy , we welcome Jayme McGhan and Andy Pederson from A.D. Players at the George Theatre for a powerful conversation on art, faith, and moral courage. Jayme, the Executive Artistic Director and an accomplished playwright and educator, and Andy, the Education & Theater for Young Audiences Director, join us to discuss their new stage production:  How to Die: The Life of D...

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Eric Soard, Executive Director of the Wesley College Foundation and an ordained deacon in the Memphis Annual Conference. Eric shares his powerful journey from youth ministry in Tennessee to a decade of mission work in Tanzania, where he and his family served in orphan care, church planting, and community development. We dive into the founding of Wesley Colleg...

This week on  Pod Have Mercy , we explore the transformative power of travel, the way stepping into unfamiliar places can open us up to awe, wonder, and something beyond ourselves. When we allow the mystery of a place to surprise us, we find that travel isn't just about geography, it's about transcendence. We draw parallels between these experiences and the mystery of God, who cannot be boxed in o...

In this episode of  Pod Have Mercy , we tackle a big question:  What is an evangelical?   Using insights from a recent  Pew Research Center study  featured in  Christianity Today , we explore the shifting landscape of evangelical identity in America. From  racial diversity  to  political affiliations  and even  church attendance trends , we unpack the surprising findings that challenge common assu...

In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting landscape of religion in America, exploring the growing divide between those who identify as religious versus spiritual. Drawing on recent PEW research, we discuss the numbers behind this trend, examining the rise of spiritual but not religious individuals and what it means for the future of faith in the U.S. How is the church responding to this shif...