In the Sandbox Season 3 : Episode 9 Bishop Berlin of the Florida Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church

Hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups interview Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church about how his business/public administration background helped him navigate local-church leadership and conference systems, emphasizing organizational health, financial and human sustainability, and the importance of culture in change. Berlin contrasts the nimbleness of local churches with the slower “aircraft carrier” dynamics of annual conferences, describing how leaders must adapt, build trust, and empower clergy and laity rather than rely on personality-driven leadership. He discusses risk-taking grounded in shared values and identity, including managing disaffiliation and launching Wesleyan-focused initiatives like “Wesleyan Rooted” and “Awakened to Grace,” with sermon series, devotions, and an app. Berlin names adaptive challenges such as Christian nationalism, societal division, weariness, and reaching younger generations, while encouraging experimentation (including Fresh Expressions), hopeful discipleship, and careful communication on issues like immigration. 00:00 Meet Bishop Tom Berlin 01:52 Business Degree to Ministry 04:03 Local Church vs Conference 06:41 Adapting as a Bishop 08:54 Risk and Shared Values 11:33 Disaffiliation and Wesleyan Roots 15:06 From Hero to We 16:52 Budget Cuts and Adaptive Work 18:54 Markers of Health and Sustainability 21:44 Discipleship in a Changed Culture 23:57 Division and Burnout 25:40 Hard Conversations Wisely 28:45 Agency and Real Support 30:40 Fresh Expressions Momentum 31:21 No Innovation Police 33:38 Hope as a Discipline 34:46 Lightning Round Fun 39:10 Where to Find Tom 40:30 Prayer and Sendoff