This is How We Thrive

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Dr. Vincent Harris, pastor and Director of the African American Church Initiative (AACI) and We Love All God’s Children for the Texas Annual Conference. Together they explore what it really looks like for the Church to move from an inward focus to becoming more deeply engaged in the communities it serves. Vincent shares why community engagement matters now more than ever and how churches can live out their faith in ways that make a lasting impact.Along the way, you’ll also hear about Vincent’s own journey in ministry, the experiences that shaped his leadership, and the heart and vision that continue to guide his work as he helps strengthen the future of the Church.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Laura Althaus, a delegate to the upcoming Vision Gathering in Calgary, Canada, hosted by the Council of Bishops this fall. Together they explore Laura’s call to ministry, what it means to be a young person navigating leadership in the Church, and the importance of showing up authentically in every context of ministry.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Elizabeth Duffin, District Superintendent of the Southwest District in the Texas Annual Conference. Together they reflect on Elizabeth’s journey in ministry, the people and moments that have shaped her leadership, and her passion for serving the Church in a vibrant and diverse district.Along the way, you’ll also get to know Elizabeth on a more personal level through stories from her life, reflections on faith, and the values that guide her work in ministry.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Dr. Deborah Vaughn, District Superintendent of the Metro District in the Texas Annual Conference. Together they explore Deborah’s call to ministry, her leadership within the conference, and her passion for serving churches across the Metro District. She shares insight into the opportunities and challenges of leading in a diverse and ever-changing ministry context.Along the way, you’ll also get to know Deborah beyond her role—through personal stories, reflections on faith, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to ministry and leadership.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey to reflect on her life before her call to ministry and the journey that led her to episcopal leadership in the United Methodist Church. Together they explore the experiences, influences, and moments that shaped her path and continue to guide her leadership today.Along the way, Bishop Harvey shares what it means to lead in a season of change, offering insight, wisdom, and a perspective grounded in connection, purpose, and a steady sense of hope for the Church.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Cesar Martinez, District Superintendent of the Southeast District in the Texas Annual Conference. Together they explore Cesar’s call to ministry, his leadership within the conference, and his passion for serving diverse communities. Cesar shares insights into his work with Hispanic Ministries and the opportunities it creates for connection, growth, and outreach across the Southeast District and beyond.Along the way, you’ll also get to know Cesar beyond his role—through personal stories, reflections on faith, and the experiences that have shaped his approach to ministry and leadership.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Kip Gilts, District Superintendent of the Northwest District in the Texas Annual Conference, as he prepares to enter retirement after a lifetime of faithful service. Together they reflect on Kip’s journey in ministry, the many ways he has served the Texas Annual Conference, and the relationships, challenges, and moments that have defined his leadership. From his time as Assistant to the Bishop to his role as District Superintendent, Kip’s story is one of steady faith, dedication, and deep love for the Church.Along the way, you’ll also get to know Kip on a more personal level—through his love of baseball, his deep joy in his grandchildren, and the experiences that have shaped both his ministry and his life beyond the Church.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Mike Lindstrom, newly appointed District Superintendent of the Northwest District in the Texas Annual Conference. Together they talk about Mike’s journey in ministry, his heart for the local church, and what it means to lead faithfully in a season of opportunity and change. Mike reflects on his years of service across the conference, including his leadership as chair of the Northwest District Leadership Team and his role on the Conference Leadership Team.Along the way, you’ll also get to know Mike on a more personal level through stories from his ministry, reflections on leadership, and a few fun moments that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the title.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey joins us to talk about Confirmand Day, a special gathering held at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church where confirmands from across the Texas Annual Conference came together to learn more about their faith and the connectional life of the United Methodist Church.During our conversation, Bishop Harvey reflects on the importance of confirmation and why moments like Confirmand Day help young people better understand their place in the Church and in God’s mission. She also shares insight into the role of a Bishop in the United Methodist Church, offering a glimpse into the responsibilities of episcopal leadership and how bishops support clergy, congregations, and the wider connection.Along the way, Bishop Harvey shares personal stories from her own journey into ministry and her path to becoming a bishop in the United Methodist Church, offering encouragement and wisdom for the next generation of leaders and disciples.

In this episode of This Is How We Thrive, we welcome John Esquivel, former Lay Leader of the Texas Annual Conference and a lifelong United Methodist.John reflects on decades of faithful service in the Church, the importance of lay leadership, and how connectional ministry shapes the life of the Texas Annual Conference. Through stories and personal insight, he reminds us that thriving faith is built through commitment, community, and a deep love for God and the Church.If you care about the future of the United Methodist Church and the vital role of laity in our mission, this conversation will both inspire and encourage you.

In this episode, we welcome Romonica Malone-Wardley, Assistant to the Bishop of the Texas Annual Conference. Romonica shares about her unique role in supporting episcopal leadership and the life of the Conference, offering insight into the work happening behind the scenes that helps connect congregations, clergy, and conference ministries.From coordinating complex schedules and conversations to helping shape moments of vision and direction, Romonica reflects on what it means to serve at the intersection of leadership and mission. She also shares her own journey, her heart for the Church, and the values that guide her work alongside the Bishop and conference staff.Whether you’re curious about how conference leadership functions day-to-day or simply want to get to know one of the key leaders serving our connection, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for the collaborative ministry that supports the Texas Annual Conference.

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Reggie Clemons of Pearland UMC—pastor, worship leader, and gifted vocalist who blessed the Texas Annual Conference with his powerful performance last year. Reggie shares his heart for ministry, the connection between preaching and music, and how worship can deepen the spiritual life of a congregation.You’ll hear reflections on his journey, the role of music in shaping faith communities, and what it means to lead with authenticity and joy. Whether you remember his moving performance at Annual Conference or are meeting him for the first time, this conversation will encourage and inspire.

In this episode, we sit down with BJ Hightower, the Texas Annual Conference Chaplain, to learn more about her journey into this new role and the heart she brings to this ministry. BJ shares her call to serve, what chaplaincy looks like within the life of the Conference, and how she hopes to walk alongside clergy, lay leaders, and staff in seasons of joy, challenge, and transition.This conversation offers a glimpse into who BJ is beyond the title—her faith, her story, and her deep commitment to care, presence, and prayer within the Texas Annual Conference. Whether you’re curious about the role of the Conference Chaplain or simply want to get to know BJ a little better, this episode invites you into a meaningful and encouraging conversation.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Ben Burnside, Associate Director of Leadership Vitality for the Texas Annual Conference, for a conversation about what it means to lead with clarity, faith, and purpose in today’s church. Together they explore how leadership vitality shapes congregational health, supports clergy and lay leaders, and helps local churches thrive in a season of change. Along the way, you’ll also get to know Ben on a more personal level as he shares stories, insights, and a few fun details you probably didn’t know, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the leader behind the title.Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive-story. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode of This is How We Thrive, host Rev. Irv White sits down with Rev. Brandi Horton to explore the origins of the Thrive initiative - how it began, what it means for churches across the Texas Annual Conference, and the vision for the future.Thrive began as a grassroots initiative, born out of deep listening sessions among laity, clergy and Bishop Harvey from across the Texas Annual Conference. The vision for Thrive emerged as laity and clergy made it clear they were ready to reimagine what it means to be a vibrant, thriving community of faith. More so than wanting their church to thrive, each group identified the flourishing of their neighborhood as a key driver in what it means to follow Jesus as a United Methodist. The conversation unpacks the core principles of Thrive and how it is equipping churches to be thriving congregations within thriving communities. Rev. Horton shares insights into the initiative’s key markers: Clarity, Witness, Abundance, Kinship, and Joy, and how these guide churches toward renewal and vitality.

In this inaugural episode of How We Thrive, host Rev. Irv White sits down with Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and Rev. Thea Curry-Fuson to explore the vision behind launching our "This is How We Thrive" podcast. They discuss why podcasting is a powerful tool for digital ministry, how storytelling connects faith communities, and the broader impact of sharing real, transformative experiences.