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 Introduction"

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 meditation of hope"

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 [email protected] Connect with The United Methodist Church by … Continue reading "A funny thing happened on the way to the sanctuary"

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 UMC"

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 ways to read the Bible’"

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 call to preserve Black Methodist stories"

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 for today’s UMC"

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 grow … Continue reading "‘Calling on Fire’: Reclaiming Wesley’s method to renew the church"

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 "‘Sacred Tension’: The Bible’s embrace of diverse voices"

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 hardship: Faith as a healing force"

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’: 20 lessons for a gentler world"

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 century Nicene Creed in 2025"

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 mission rooted in connection"

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 church: Journalism with integrity and heart"

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 first witness"

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 "Turning the world upside down with ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality’"

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 reading "Sophia Wisdom: Little known gift for big transformation"

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 politician’s story"

Many of us have experienced trauma and how the danger of unhealed trauma can keep us from connecting with one another and with God. In this episode, our new cohost Crystal Caviness speaks with the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell about his book that teaches us how, step by step, to tackle the important work of … Continue reading "The healing journey for trauma with Ron Bell"

The Rev. Arthur Jones, preaching pastor at St. Andrew UMC in Plano, Texas, is the author of a new book called Solid Souls. In this conversation, we talk about what the soul is and some common misconceptions. Arthur teaches that when we keep an eternal perspective, we make better choices for ourselves, the people around us, … Continue reading "Cultivating Solid Souls with Arthur Jones"

Growing up as a preacher’s kid in Kentucky, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett dreamed of a career in athletics. A passion for education, led to a career in pastoral ministry, but those lessons from her athletic background never left her. For example, in basketball no one makes every shot. “So it’s so important not to focus on … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett"

Recently, many of us have grown increasingly comfortable in digital spaces. We may have worshiped on Facebook, connected with family on Zoom, had a meaningful conversation over Twitter, or joined a prayer group on Twitch. All of which raises questions about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ online. The Rev. Ryan … Continue reading "Digital discipleship: Being a presence of grace with Ryan Dunn"

The United Methodist Social Principles call us to faithful engagement with the world around us. They remind us of our connection to God, one another and the created world. Living a life in service to God and others has been part of our United Methodist history since John Wesley in the 1700s who visited those … Continue reading "Life together: The UM Social Principles, with Sharon Austin"

When we think of evangelism, many Christians feel some guilt. We know it is something we ought to be doing, but it makes us uncomfortable. In this podcast episode, we talk to Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison, professor and Dean at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and the author of Models of Evangelism. In … Continue reading "Evangelism: Sharing the Good News with Priscilla Pope-Levison"

“Maybe the big things in your eyes are actually really small things,” the Rev. Adam Weber wonders aloud, “and the small things in your eyes are actually huge.” Instead of searching for the big things we want to do for God, Adam encourages us instead to look for the places where we can love our … Continue reading "Daily adventures in love with Adam Weber"

Dr. Leah Gunning Francis describes herself as a seminary dean, mother and author. As a seminary dean and scholar, she shares a theology of anti-racism and racial justice that begins with the imago dei, the recognition that all human beings are created in the image of God. As an author, Dr. Gunning Francis wrote Ferguson and Faith after … Continue reading "Faith & Racial Justice with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis"

In her new book The Way Up is Down, author Marlena Graves shares the example of Jesus, who, “Though he was in the form of God… emptied himself” (Philippians 2:6-7). In this conversation, Marlena and Joe talk about how all too often we do the opposite—trying to fill ourselves with power, money, comfort and more. Often, … Continue reading "Power, emptiness & satisfaction with Marlena Graves"

“Issues don’t move people,” shares United Methodist missionary Eric Soard. “People move people. And we need to be better at getting close to the people that are affected by the issues we are supposedly passionate about.” Soard learned about the importance of ‘proximity’—what John Wesley called “watching over one another in love”—while serving as an … Continue reading "Proximity: From issues to people with Eric Soard"

Todd Seifert, Great Plains Conference Communicator, describes himself as a media mutt. He’s worked for print publications, digital media companies, produced videos and recently won the United Methodist Association of Communicators’ 2020 Best in Class award for his podcast In Layman’s Terms. Todd’s been a Sunday School teacher for years and loves sharing about scripture. He … Continue reading "Podcasts, media & spirituality with Todd Seifert"

On Friday, June 5, 2020, we spoke with 2 bishops about racism, the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police, and the protests happening across the United States. They express their anger, how they approach the world and are treated differently because of race and gender, and some steps United Methodists can … Continue reading "Bishops United Against Racism with Bishops LaTrelle Easterling and Robert Farr"

Meet Bishop Thomas Bickerton of the New York Episcopal Area. He was raised in West Virginia where his family worked in the glass industry and raised him in the church from day one. At West Virginia Wesleyan College, he developed an appreciation for the stories each person has to tell, which later deepened as he … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Thomas Bickerton"

While serving as a hospice chaplain, United Methodist pastor the Rev. Gary Shockley, noticed parents, grandparents and other caretakers struggling to help children in times of grief. Because he is also a children’s author and illustrator, Gary created My Heart Sings a Sad Song, a wonderful new resource to help kids and their families as they experience … Continue reading "Singing a sad song: Children and Grief with Gary Shockley"

In the stillness of the night during a youth retreat, his pastor asked a simple question. “Bruce,” Bishop Ough recalls him saying, “have you ever thought about ministry?” Several years later, in another quiet moment at night, this time looking up at the stars, he was struck with a sense of his place in the … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Bruce Ough"

Bishop John Yambasu of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area and Megan Klingler, a registered nurse who serves as the Primary Health Care Specialist of the Global Health Unit of United Methodist Global Ministries, share some great information about coronavirus and COVID-19, things we can do to help keep one another safe, and how the church … Continue reading "Coronavirus facts & inspiration with Bishop Yambasu & Megan Klingler"

Using clips from previous conversations, host Joe Iovino shares some thoughts and encouragement during this difficult time of social distancing to help “flatten the curve” and stem the spread of COVID-19 and coronavirus. Hear the words of Adam Hamilton, Jessica Lagrone, Matt Miofsky, a public health physician and more.

“When we put on our identity in Christ,” the Rev. Rachel Billups teaches, “when we lean into the fact that God has called us beloved children, we’re unstoppable. We become these super people. Not because there’s an extra chromosome of faith.., but [because] we actually trust what God says about us.” Billups, lead pastor of … Continue reading "Be bold: Living into our true identity with Rachel Billups"

“Christ’s thumbprint is everywhere if we’re willing to see it,” teaches the Rev. Matt Rawle. That includes our books, movies, and music. Rawle, who serves as lead pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the author of a series of books exploring the intersection between faith and pop culture. His latest, … Continue reading "Faith and pop culture with Matt Rawle"

Clara Mridula Biswas serves as the director of a the Street Children Ministry and Community Outreach in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. As you might imagine, her work with children connects her to families who may be struggling with overwhelming poverty, domestic violence, and people with HIV/AIDS – among other things. One of the beautiful aspects of … Continue reading "Growing in faith, learning to serve with Clara Biswas"

How would your life be different if you focused on all God has already given you, rather than the things you lack? Katelin Hansen serves the United Methodist Church for All People in Columbus, Ohio as their Minister of Music & Strategic Initiatives Director. Her ministry has given her the opportunity to see what God … Continue reading "God’s divine economy of abundance with Katelin Hansen"

As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? The Rev. Jean Claude Masuka Maleka and Francine Ilunga Mbanga Mufuk, a married couple from the Democratic Republic of Congo who serve as United Methodist missionaries to Côte d’Ivoire, do great ministries to strengthen women, children and families. Their story is an inspiration.

As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? David Makobo N’Shikala knows the peace of the farm. After studying agriculture at United Methodist Africa University, he moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to Dakar, Senegal where he leads Senegal United Methodist Mission. David teaches farmers how to grow food in poor … Continue reading "Listen for Peace with missionary David Makobo"

As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? The Rev. Israel Painit learned from his family what it means to listen to God, and he is still listening. After serving as a pastor and District Superintendent, Painit heard God calling him to a new way of doing ministry. Today he is serving in … Continue reading "Listen for Joy with missionary Israel Painit"

As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? Dr. Belinda Forbes spent years listening as God brought together all of our her gifts — including her desire to speak to God in Spanish — in her work as a dental missionary in Nicaragua. Through her work she brings hope to many. Listen as … Continue reading "Listen for Hope with Belinda Forbes"

The Rev. Matt Miofsky, a United Methodist pastor and the author of Let Go: Move beyond fear into the life God wants for you, discusses ways we can overcome the fear that comes with change. When transitions happen – whether it is our choice or thrust upon us because of a new job, relationship status, or starting … Continue reading "Change, fear and letting go with Matt Miofsky"