re:Brand

In part two of our special series, Rev. Rachel Billups, Rev. Matt Rawle, and Rev. Daniel Ogle dive even deeper into the challenges and opportunities of leading in today’s church. We explore how to balance innovation with rest, resist hustle culture, and navigate tough conversations within the evolving landscape of the United Methodist Church. If you missed part one, be sure to check it out for the full context!

Welcome to part one of our two-part series featuring Rev. Rachel Billups, Rev. Matt Rawle, and Rev. Daniel Ogle! In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of ministry post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation. Our guests share insights on how pastors are navigating these uncertain times with adaptability, creativity, and a renewed focus on mission. Whether you’re a church leader or someone curious about how the church is responding to change, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll dive even deeper into topics like balancing innovation with rest, overcoming hustle culture, and navigating tough conversations with grace.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode!

Our first live audience and a panel of Holston's youngest and brightest! This episode, we talk about the age gap we all see in our churches. how can we be in better relationship with young people? How do we invite them into what we're doing? Or better yet, how do we evolve the way we do ministry to include young people from the start?

The 2024 Holston Annual Conference has adjourned. Tim and Ben recap the morning before leaving Lake Junaluska to head home.

It's Tuesday June 11, 2024, and Tim & Ben are recapping day 3 of the Holston Annual Conference. Bicentennial Celebrations, Ben's election moment, and a surprise for Tim are just a few of the highlights in this episode.

Tim and Ben recap the highlights from the Monday, June 10 session of the Holston Annual Conference. They talk about the need for The UMC and, in particular, the Holston Conference to focus on being intentional to minister to young people. Other highlights included:Dr. Mike Bowie discussing Gen Z and Serving TogetherHolston Delegation ReportMissions Celebrationre:Brand Live @ AC

Tim and Ben are at the Holston Annual Conference and will be bringing a daily recap Sunday-Wednesday. In this episode, they talk about Lake Junaluska, the Credentialing Service, and the upcoming re:Brand Live @AC.

In this episode, we take a comprehensive look back at the United Methodist Church's recent General Conference and reflect on our journey throughout Season Two. Join us as we dive into the major decisions and discussions from the conference, including the significant revisions to the Book of Discipline, the move towards regionalization, and the impactful budget reductions. We also discuss the historic removal of restrictive language regarding human sexuality and what these changes mean for the future of our denomination.In addition to our General Conference debrief, we recap the key themes and conversations that have shaped Season Two. From addressing tokenism and advocating for true inclusion to exploring innovative ministry approaches, this season has been filled with thought-provoking and transformative discussions. We also give you a sneak peek into what’s coming next for re, including our focus on social media and digital ministry in Season Three.Tune in for an engaging and reflective conversation that not only looks back on our accomplishments but also forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the UMC. Your participation has been crucial, and we invite you to continue the conversation by connecting with us on social media or via email.

Ben talks through what's been going on and what's ahead for the Postponed 2020 General Conference happening in 2024. 

Ben has a conversation with John Hill, Interim General Secretary of the General Board of Church hand Society (GBCS) about the work of the agency, the importance of the social principles and what we can except as General Conferences discussed and votes on approval of the new Revised Social Principles. 

We explore the critical transition from tokenism to genuine inclusion within The United Methodist Church. Join us as Derrick Scott III, a seasoned campus minister from the Florida Conference, and Rev. Rodrigo Cruz, the dynamic founding pastor of NETT Church in the Atlanta area and newly appointed assistant to the bishop in the North Georgia Conference share their profound insights and experiences. We delve into how the UMC can better reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and discuss the necessary steps to move beyond superficial diversity measures to foster true inclusivity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to spiritual growth and organizational change within the church. Join us as we unpack these challenging but necessary conversations to ensure that our faith community not only survives but thrives by embracing every individual's unique contributions.

In this episode of "re:Brand," we confront the "heroic solo leader" mentality within The United Methodist Church (UMC), challenging the individualistic approach to leadership that contradicts our core values of collaboration and connection. We delve into the consequences of this mentality, discussing how it hinders the church’s mission and impacts spiritual health. Join us as we advocate for a return to the connectional roots of the UMC, emphasizing the power of shared ministry and the importance of a cooperative, community-focused approach to church leadership.

We dive into the high stakes of inaction, urging a collective shift towards urgency. We explore the dire consequences of complacency and map out a path to revitalization, emphasizing the crucial role of both individuals and structural reforms. It's a clarion call for immediate, impactful change within the UMC, highlighting the essential steps we must take to ensure a vibrant, inclusive future. Listen now to be part of the urgent conversation shaping the destiny of our church.

With the help of Rev. Kim Goddard,  we address the critical shift needed within the United Methodist Church from a 'Survive' mentality, characterized by resistance to change and adherence to tradition, to a 'Thrive' mentality that embraces growth, innovation, and community engagement. It underscores the importance of moving beyond mere survival to actively seeking ways to engage with and serve the broader community, highlighting the need for the church to adapt to contemporary challenges while maintaining its core mission.

Join us as we delve into the current identity and future trajectory of the United Methodist Church (UMC), acknowledging the denomination's state of transition. We'll address the challenges of denominational disputes and the impact of global changes, such as the pandemic and technological advances, on the church's ability to serve effectively. This season aims to explore where the UMC has faltered, reevaluate its mission, and envision a path forward for creating disciples and transforming the world.

The start of our season-long  examination of the United Methodist Church's past successes, current stagnation, and the urgent need for transformation to address modern challenges and ensure a vibrant future. Our discussion highlights the denomination's struggle with adapting to change and the potential pathways towards a more inclusive, dynamic church.

Tim and Ben recap an incredible first season of the Rebrand podcast! They talk highlights, lowlights, lessons learned, and much more from their last 25 episodes exploring church communications. As they look ahead to season two, the guys explain how they'll be widening their focus to examine everything going on across the broader United Methodist Church denomination.Get the insider scoop on their wildest behind-the-scenes moments, debate over optimal episode length, and hopes for bringing more diverse voices to the conversation. You won't want to miss their passion and vision for continuing the podcast during this historic time in the UMC!Be sure to check out www.rebrandpodcast.com for more episodes, show notes, and multimedia content!

Combating Burnout in Ministry: Join us in this enlightening episode of re:Brand as we delve into the causes, signs, and practical strategies to prevent burnout in ministry. Whether you're a pastor, church communicator, or spiritual leader, gain invaluable insights to maintain your well-being and passion in your spiritual journey. Tune in for an essential guide to thriving in ministry!

Get ready to amplify your ministry with technology! 📱In this episode, we cover tons of practical tips and tools to help small churches thrive in the digital space even with limited resources. 💡Also, host Ben chats with pastor Wayne Cook about how he uses AI to energize his small church's online engagement. 🤖You'll hear Wayne's firsthand experience with ChatGPT and how it's saving him time while sparking new enthusiasm in his congregation. 🙌Want to take your church's tech game up a level? Make sure to listen to this episode and visit our website for more small church tech insights!

BEN and tim are back at it with another episode of re:Brand. In this episode, they talk artificial intelligence, combating misinformation, and the value of meeting colleague across the Methodist connection. You should watch it.

In today's climate, distrust is more familiar than trust. Opposition is more familiar than finding common ground. The Conference-local church relationship has long been marred with distrust but it seems worse than ever. In this episode, BEN and Tim discuss the difficulties of leading and communicating in an environment of politicalization, quick to divide and cast blame. How do personal beliefs inform professional communication? How do we deal with topics of antiracism and LGBTQ+ inclusion in our Conference work and in our personal lives? Wow, what an episode!

After an agonizing two weeks haitus, podcasting phenom Ben Smith and his sidekick, Tim Jones, are back and better than ever. The people were saying, "we need video." Well, we've responded. Enjoy a special listener-submitted Q&A and stay till the end to se our official Holston staff football teams. For more on re:Brand and it's hosts, Ben and Tim. Check out our website, rebrandpodcast.com and follow us on instagram @rebrand_pod

Tim and Ben recap some of their favorite moments from the first 17 episodes, and they talk about what to look for as the second half of the season begins.

Finally we get an answer on what communications professionals actually do! For more info, check us out on instagram at rebrand_pod or on our website at rebrandpodcast.com

With less than a week to go, check out a brief overview of the upcoming Creative Worship Conference in Holston on August 18-19, 2023. Registration ends Tuesday, August 16, so get to smashing that button and join us for a time of worship and planning. Ben promises a special prize for an attendee that can embarrass Tim at the conference. Best of all, Ben learns a little pop culture history...Hee Haw anyone?

Long time friend of Holston and former City Harmonic frontman Elias Dummer joins us for  conversation on the state of worship leading, how we got here and where we could be going. For more from re:Brand, visit our website at rebrandpodcast.com

In this episode, Ben talks about his upcoming trip to Uganda and visiting some of our South Sudanese friends taking refuge there. He also discusses how he plans to capture and release stories in a micro-documentary series.

It's that time of year again. The summer break has come and gone, and now it's time to get the kiddos ready for school. In this episode, Tim and Ben chat about school memories and give pro tips on how to market back-to-school campaigns and events.

We've finally convinced the Holston Communications Content Editor Annette Spence to join us join the pod. The three of us talk all about working together to plan and execute our content strategy for The Conference as well as the value of working as an intergenerational team.

Ben (and Tim) get some planning time in with Rev. Charles Maynard, a well known storyteller in Holston, about the upcoming bicentennial celebration of The Holston Conference. For more info on reBrand, check us out at rebrandpodcast.com.

Taking a break from communications and marketing, Tim and Ben discuss summer vacations and what they will be doing on this 4th of July holiday.

Join Tim and Ben as they give you an inside look at their conversation concerning the next steps for the re:Brand marketing strategy. Are we going to create any social media channels? Are we thinking about the next evolution of the podcast? Can Tim actually read the outro? (The answer is absolutely not.) Enjoy the uncut bloopers at the end!

Following Father's Day, Tim is treated with a special appearance from his daughter, Brooke Jones. Brooke is a United States Air Force Airman stationed in Aviano, Italy. The crew discusses long-distance communications and relationships and how that has changed with technology.

Join Tim and Ben as they talk to Rev. Dr. Susan Arnold about the Holston Conference Congregational Development and Church Revitalization department. They take a look at what's happening within the department as the Holston Conference begins living into a new mission and vision. 

It's the final day of the Holston Annual Conference, and the meeting has been adjourned. Tim and Ben take a few minutes to hit the highlights of the day and talk about the Worship Together Conference coming up in August.

Tim and Ben recap some of the Holston Annual Conference highlights from Tuesday, June 6,  and they discuss a few things to look forward to on Wednesday as AC wraps up.

Tim and Ben recap some of the Holston Annual Conference highlights from Monday, June 5,  and talk about a few things to look forward to on Tuesday.

Tim and Ben recap some of the Holston Annual Conference highlights from Sunday night and a few things to look forward to on Monday.

The Holston Annual Conference takes place June 4-7, 2023. Join Tim and Ben as they preview what to look for at this year's AC gathering. Want to reminisce iconic moments? Then you will definitely want to check out the "AC Fantasy Draft," where our cohosts pick their top 5 AC moments.  

Join us as we continue our journey to re:Holston. Debra Wallace-Padgett, resident bishop of Holston and North Alabama Conferences, joins us to discuss mission, vision, and the importance of teamwork. Ben battles Bishop in a game called 5 by 10. Will Ben risk his job to beat the boss? Find out in today's episode.

In season 1, Tim Jones and Ben Smith will be taking a deep dive into an organizational rebrand. The Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church is in the process of refocusing and reinventing itself.  Throughout the season, Tim and Ben will take a behind-the-scenes look at what has to happen for an organization to change its mission and vision statements and get people to buy in. These changes will also lead to marketing rebrands, such as logo designs, style guides, and content creation. Subscribe now and get an insider's look at a rebranding overhaul.

Welcome to re:Brand | Playing the Church Comms Game a podcast all about giving you the tools you need to become a better communicator.