PODCAST · religion
PlainSpoken
by Jeffrey Rickman
A weekly show covering developments within the Wesleyan movement, focused in particular on the tensions within The United Methodist Church.
Episodes
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The Saga of the Episcopal Church - A Conversation with David Roseberry
REV. CANON DAVID ROSEBERRY has been an ordained Anglican priest for over 40 years. He was the founding Rector of Christ Church, in Plano, Texas for over 30 years. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the non-profit ministry of LeaderWorks which serves leaders and congregations in the…
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Transformation Church - Obligatory Reactions to Heresy & Bad Theology (Episode 3)
Mike Todd of Transformation Church has made quite a name for himself over the last few years, often from shocking and over the top sermon illustrations. In this episode we look at a few examples of his preaching and see what is potentially problematic. Sources: Clip 1 & 2:...
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Come Alive: A Conversation with Talbot Davis
Talbot Davis was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Princeton University and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. In 30+ years of full-time ministry in the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, he has served two appointments: Mt....
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Jesus Was Rich? - Obligatory Reactions To Heresy & Bad Theology (Episode 1)
Was Jesus rich? Should we expect to be financially prosperous as Christians? You've probably seen videos floating around on the internet claiming many of those things. We take a look at a few of those videos and discuss what the Bible actually says about these things and what our response should…
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Preparing for the GMC General Conference (Part 4)
In this section, we finish the portion dealing with how Robert's Rules of Order is going to be utilized, get into decorum, and wrap this whole segment up. Lots of opportunities for audience feedback on this one. We look forward to seeing what y'all have to say. Link to our petition questionnaire…
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Tethering Christians to the Holy Spirit - A Conversation with Peter Bellini
Rev. Dr. Peter Bellini is the Professor of Church Renewal & Evangelization at United Theological Seminary, as well as a Global Methodist Elder. He has a broad experience in life, both in the local church and in the academy. He as published a good amount of content on the Holy Spirit. I was...
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Preparing for the GMC General Conference (Part 3)
In this section, we deal primarily with the procedures we can anticipate being in place, especially some of the particulars around Robert's Rules and voting. As always, we sorta trip through the material and do a decent job eventually constructing a proper impression. We are pleased with this...
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Large Church Leadership in the Global Methodist Church - A Conversation with Rev. Jeremy Smith
Jeremy is the Lead Pastor of Crosspoint Church, a multi-site church with 6 campuses across Northwest Florida. He and Christy have been married for 20 years and have 3 kids. He is a passionate Alabama fan (graduated from there so it’s legit), loves sports, good sci-fi movies, and traveling around...
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Racial Segregation in Modern Methodism - A Conversation with Ambassador Blango Ross
As you folks know, I have wanted the Global Methodist Church to be able to make good on the hopes of so many to become a truly multiethnic, global sign of Christ's presence and power. Racial separation hurts me. I believe it disappoints my Lord and cheapens his gospel. So I and others need to…
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Should Conservatives Stay?
Friends, I felt like I needed to comment a bit on the predicament of those with a biblical fidelity who are still within the UMC. I have had a series of conversations with people representing different positions on this question. I wanted to make clear where I stand, and to give encouragement to...
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Freemasonry & Secret Societies in the GMC
Chance Robinson published an article in Firebrand a few weeks ago, outlining his personal history in the Freemasons and his theological clarity that secret societies are at odds with the Christian faith. In this conversation, Chance tells more of his story, and we try to flesh out why exactly...
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Preparing For The GMC General Conference (Part 2)
In this segment, TJ and I report on the petitions we filed and some of the feedback we got. We also get some more details about how the legislative committees are going to work in the months leading up to General Conference. We finally read a good deal of that guiding document for the Convening...
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Conservatives Living into "New Reality" of the UMC - A Conversation with Randy Frye
UMNews picked up an article published by the Holston Annual Conference, which was essentially an interview with conservative clergy, the Rev. Dr. Randy Frye, who is a self-proclaimed conservative (though he hates labels) who will be staying in The United Methodist Church. In the article, he talks...
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Considering Charlotte - Progressive Triumphalism and Sexual Licentiousness
Mark Holland published a piece that was over the line for a lot of folks, and he was pressed to make an apology for "harm" that it did. Lonnie Brooks has already aired a concern for progressive 'triumphalism' that was seen before, during, and is now being seen after the UMC's General Conference....
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Sign Your Name to Our Petitions!
The Convening Conference for the Global Methodist Church approaches quickly. TJ, Ruth, and I crafted nine documents that we plan to submit for the consideration of the assembled body in September. This segment explains our agenda and how it is that you can join us in advancing the conversation...
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Considering Charlotte - Fallout From a Sea Change Conference
A lot has happened in the weeks following the General Conference of the United Methodist Church held in Charlotte, NC. So much took place that still has to be reckoned with. Our United Methodist laity and clergy attached to this group have a lot of information to share. Each has his own area of...
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What Should Trapped Congregations Do? - A Conversation with Scott Field of the WCA
Rev. Dr. Scott Field has long worked toward Methodist reform and renewal. He served as a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church for 41 years. Scott served on the Board of Directors of Good News for 15 years and, along with an outstanding team, led the Reform and...
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Sifting Through Misinformation around the UMC General Conference - A Conversation w/ Tom Lambrecht
Rev. Tom Lambrecht has been a foremost source of knowledge for many who have tried to discern what is actually going on in the UMC for many years. While many institutionalist and liberal voices have gaslit conservative concerns for decades, Tom has been a consistent voice of reason and concern.…
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Preparing For The GMC General Conference (Part 1)
The Convening Conference for the Global Methodist Church is approaching. It will do many things similarly to how the UMC does their conferences. However, there will be many differences. The only way to navigate this September is to understand the design that they have made explicit in their "THE...
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A Post Mortem on the UMC - A Conversation with Rob Renfroe of Good News
When the General Conference met in Charlotte, NC, Rob Renfroe was there in a different capacity than ever: He knew that the long term agenda of evangelicals would lose, so he gave no resistance. His only purpose in attending was to support those remaining evangelicals who would otherwise be...
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Next Generation Institutional Hope - A Conversation with Mark Tooley
Mark Tooley has been the President of the Institute for Religion and Democracy for some time. The IRD is a think tank and activist coordination entity that has been operational in Methodism for some time. Mark has been a thought leader and source of information for faithful Methodists for many...
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Creeping Heresy in Methodism - A Conversation with Andrew V. Sullivan
Andrew V. Sullivan is a PhD candidate in History, doing his dissertation on Wesleyanism, currently completing his program at Liberty University. A sixth-generation Texan, he aims to serve the Global Methodist Church in the academy, helping to train up a new generation of faithful Methodist clergy...
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The Impending Reality of GMC Bishops - A Conversation with Rev. Christopher Ritter
Chris Ritter blogs at PeopleNeedJesus.net. He is the pastor of First Methodist Church in Geneseo, Illinois, a congregation that has been recognized for its high number of professions of faith. In addition to authoring "Seven Things John Wesley Expected Us to Do for Kids" (Abingdon Press, 2016),...
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Considering Charlotte - Last Minute African Updates & Projections, Gathering of Bishops
In our 12th and final episode before the beginning of General Conference, this crew tries to ascertain the truth of where things stand. Simon was able to join us and give a report on the Africa Initiative's gathering and statements with respect to their polar opposition to Mainstream UMC, the…
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Mark Driscoll & the Stronger Men's Controversy
A few months ago, I sat down with my friends TJ and Robby and reviewed some of the teachings of Adam Hamilton. It was a good way for friends to seek the mind of Christ and apply his scriptures to today's church. I decided to get the band back together and see what biblical and practical wisdom my...
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Stop Retreating! - A Conversation With Richard Ackerman AKA "Redeemed Zoomer"
Richard Ackerman AKA Redeemed Zoomer started the Operation Reconquista movement in earnest almost a year ago. Since then, he has amassed quite a following of young people aiming to "retake the mainline." In this conversation, we talk about the various strategies available to Christians of many...
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African UM Leadership Claims "Gross Disenfranchisement"
The Africa Initiative released a statement dealing with their consensus positions with respect to the primary issues before the UM General Conference next week. There has been a good deal of confusion about how United Methodists in Africa are perceiving their treatment by UM leadership. Recent...
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Dakotas Conference of the UMC Breaks Ranks
After a conference Zoom meeting to present the Dakotas delegation and the issues they will be dealing with, there were follow-up questions that were addressed on a conference Q&A document. Whoever wrote the response was candid in a way that the institution of the UMC would almost certainly not...
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Considering Charlotte - UM Africa Forum Cries Foul & Tensions Build
As final preparations are made for the 2020/2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church to begin, unfortunate realities continue to be revealed. In this episode, we read over a newly-published release from the UM Africa Forum, a group that was ostensibly put together to support...
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Judicial Practice & Procedure - Episode 2 (Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline Series)
Alongside the GMC's Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline is a document called Judicial Practice & Procedure, which is referred to as the "JPP." This document carries the force of church law. It will be edited and approved at this upcoming Convening Conference. The JPP will govern how...
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GMC Catechism - Episode 10 - “Why Did the Son of God Become Human?”
This episode really centers around the concept of salvation. Jesus came to save us. What does that mean for us? What does it have to do with the Holy Spirit? It is a relatively simple concept, but the scriptures clearly add much needed texture. Consider joining my daughter and me for a time of...
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Judicial Practice & Procedure - Episode 1 (Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline Series)
Alongside the GMC's Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline is a document called Judicial Practice & Procedure, which is referred to as the "JPP." This document carries the force of church law. It will be edited and approved at this upcoming Convening Conference. The JPP will govern how...
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Friends, We Don't Build the Kingdom - A Conversation With David Watson
Rev. Dr. David Watson wrote an article that piqued my interest recently on how claims that we are building God's Kingdom are badly placed and theologically problematic. This phrase, however, is very commonly proclaimed throughout evangelical churches. I knew I needed to speak with him. The...
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Five More Months - A Conversation with Keith Boyette
On my most recent live stream, I read the article that notified everyone of Keith Boyette's intention to retire this September after the Global Methodist Church's Convening General Conference. I also did a cursory review of the the job description for the person found to take his place (sorta)....
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GMC Catechism - Episode 9 - "What is the Son's role in Creation?"
This question deals with the nature of Christ in that he was active during the creation of all things. We go through the scriptures as usual to learn more about how that came to be. Enjoy this shorter episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Don’t Let Money Hold You Hostage in the UMC - A Conversation with Rev. Dan Latta
Dan Latta, joining me from his wife’s artistic studio (hence the flowery stuff in the background), has been leading a small group of faithful who left their United Methodist local church behind. The Lord has providentially cared for them as they have sought to build a new fellowship together.…
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Considering Charlotte - Episode 9 - The Proposed Budget
Recent budgetary reporting from the General Council on Finance and Administration is sobering. The quadrennial budget is being slashed almost in half. Meanwhile, a report on reserves offers some hope about potential additional resources in the short term that could potentially offset some of the...
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Property - Transitional Book of Doctrines & Discipline - Episode 23
This is the final section of the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline. It covers how property is going to work in the GMC. I was actually a little distressed to find that I have not administered my own GM local churches correctly. It turns out there are a few expectations that very few...
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GMC Catechism - Episode 8 - Is the Son God?
Many heresies have developed over the years around the person of Christ. Specifically, is he a created being, lesser than the Father? Without a doubt, the answer is ‘no.’ In this segment, we go through many scriptures equating the Son with the Father, and we talk about the mystery of the God-man,...
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Surrendering Credentials to the UMC - A Conversation with John Ed Mathison
John Ed Mathison is a respected leader in Methodism. He was the pastor of Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, AL for more than two decades. He passionately worked to make the church an engine of reaching as many people as possible, and he was met with great success. In retirement, he…
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Public Engagement With a Confused Western Culture - A Conversation With Jamie Bambrick
Jamie Bambrick is the creator of the famous “The Christian Super Bowl Ad They SHOULD Have Made,” which was circulated in response to the wrongheaded “Jesus Gets Us” campaign. He is an Irish Anglican associate pastor at a vital church outside of Belfast. In this conversation, Jamie and I speak…
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UMC General Conference Staff Refusing to Allow African Participation
I was sent a copy of a document submitted to Sara Hotchkiss, the Business Manager of the UMC General Conference. Africa Initiative leadership, on behalf of the many delegates they have consulted, made a formal request on March 4 to meet several needs in order for African participation to be...
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GMC Catechism - Episode 7 - "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?"
After six questions dealing with the nature of God the Father, we now approach the second person of the Trinity: the Son. Christ is at the center of our salvation. This segment lines out only the starting foundation upon which we will build in the coming weeks. The authors of the catechism laid…
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Considering Charlotte - Episode 8 - The Episcopacy
Rev. Forbes Matonga recently published an op-ed in UM News saying that if Regionalization does not require a reworking of the episcopacy, then none of it counts for very much. The way that bishops interact with the denomination, as well as the general boards and agencies, seems to have greater...
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Forbes Matonga Interrogation by the Considering Charlotte Crew
On Friday, the usual folks gathered to record our 'Considering Charlotte' series. As we were to talk about the episcopacy of the UMC, I invited Rev. Forbes Matonga. Forbes had just published an op-ed through UM News, stating that without reforming the episcopacy, the Regionalization of the UMC…
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Recently Retired UMC DS Commits Hate Crime
Last week video was circulated on Twitter of Mark Nakagawa, who had retired as a District Superintendent from the California Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church last year. He recently made headlines when he wrote a swastika on a neighbor's property. This segment deals with…
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GMC Catechism - Episode 6 - "How does God rule heaven and earth?"
This episode builds on top of the foundation already covered. Namely, the nature of God the Father. All of these first episode have intersected with Article I of the Confession of Faith of the EUB. It is becoming clear how the authors wove a doctrinal web for us to construct a theological...
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GMC Catechism - Episode 5 - "What is God's relation to heaven and earth?"
The three key words for this session are “Creator, Sovereign, Preserver.” What do each of them mean? How do they impact our relationship with the Lord? How do the realities of God’s nature impact the ways in which we go about our lives together? As always, I urge you to consider the ways in which...
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Doing Apologetics as Methodists - A Conversation with Robert Worthington
Links: Robert’s Regular Blog & Bible Study - https://www.mattchristiansenmedia.com/bible-study William Layne Craig’s “Defenders” Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpO3BUiq2IH1ocE76paUM_OxUZTL3XYh&si=OmrVaS16H6UKNm2S "Doctrine of Election: Doctrine of Salvation” Podcast Series -...
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Considering Charlotte - Episode 6 - Regionalization (Part 2)
This episode picks up where we left off previously. We began by addressing questions presented by viewers and commenters. We talked about the likelihood that petitions from those who have since left will be discarded, among other topics. The largest area of concern for this episode was the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A weekly show covering developments within the Wesleyan movement, focused in particular on the tensions within The United Methodist Church.
HOSTED BY
Jeffrey Rickman
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does PlainSpoken have?
PlainSpoken currently has 241 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is PlainSpoken about?
A weekly show covering developments within the Wesleyan movement, focused in particular on the tensions within The United Methodist Church.
How often does PlainSpoken release new episodes?
PlainSpoken publishes regularly with 241 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to PlainSpoken?
You can listen to PlainSpoken on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts PlainSpoken?
PlainSpoken is created and hosted by Jeffrey Rickman.
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