Wesleyan Option

What does it mean for followers of Jesus to perform "greater works" than the Messiah himself? In this episode we dive into John 14 to explore the tension between reason and wonder, activism and faith.Defining "Greater": How the church continues Christ’s mission through social holiness.The Reason/Wonder Divide: How do we live in the tension between reason and wonder?The Greatest Work: Why Wesley believed that converting hearts and practicing holiness remains our highest calling.The Summer Reading ListRob’s Pick: Love Goes First by Andrew Forrest Joy’s Picks:Disability and Evangelism by Rochelle ScheuermannThe Divided Mind of the Black Church by Raphael WarnockTony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel by Peter MeinickLane’s Pick: Reformations by Carlos EireEmail: [email protected]

Email us at [email protected]"I don't think seminary is about giving you ways to defend the Jesus you believe in... it's about breaking down your biases to build that faith back up even stronger."What does it mean to "grow in grace" when the institution of the church feels imperfect? In this episode, Lane sits down with Brandon Murphy-Ward, a second-year MDiv student at Duke Divinity School, to explore the beautiful, often messy intersection of theological education and pastoral calling.From a transformative childhood encounter on a Kansas highway to the academic "unraveling" of Old Testament scholarship, Brandon shares his journey of navigating the Wesleyan tradition. We dive deep into:The Calling: How a 13-year-old’s "Happy Birthday, Jesus" prayer evolved into a commitment to the elder track in the UMC.Head vs. Heart: Why the modern church has lost the art of "reasoning" and why questioning God isn't a sin—it's a tradition.Wesleyan Nerd-Out: A refreshing look at Christian Perfection and why the early Methodist movement’s focus on the marginalized is the key to modern justice work.The Seedbed of Seminary: A candid look at the "pruning" process of theological school and why wrestling with the church is a sign of a healthy vocation.

Email us at: [email protected] an era of "pastors not on their best behavior" and high-profile church scandals, how should Christians navigate the messy tension between righteous judgment and transformative grace?In this episode of Wesleyan Option, hosts Lane Davis, Dr. Joy J. Moore, and Dr. Rob Haynes tackle the heavy reality of leadership failures and the "shame game" of social media. Moving beyond the clickbait, the panel explores a deeply Wesleyan approach to accountability, restoration, and the "soteriological way of thinking" that defines our tradition.Key topics discussed in this episode:The Shame vs. Accountability Tension: How the Wesleyan tradition balances a strong notion of grace with a historical commitment to strict accountability.Honor and Shame Culture: A look at how biblical contexts differ from modern Western "guilt/innocence" frameworks and the impact of social media on restoration.Personal Transformation: Rob shares a powerful personal story of radical change and the role of the Holy Spirit in breaking long-held habits.The Three H’s of Community: Joy breaks down the essential relationship between Hope, Honesty, and Hospitality in the life of a disciple.The Evolution of Evangelism: Why many modern conversions are happening in the "dark of the night" rather than at the altar rail, and what that means for the local church.The Wesleyan Distinctive: Why salvation must exist within the bounds of accountability—from the early "bands and classes" to modern-day sanctification.Whether you are a leader navigating church conflict or a layperson seeking a deeper understanding of holiness and sanctification, this episode offers a grounded, theological roadmap for moving from brokenness to wholeness.Keywords:Wesleyan Theology, Grace and Accountability, Church Scandals, Sanctification, Restoration, John Wesley, Discipleship, Christian Leadership, Spiritual Transformation, Methodist History.

How does a 4th-century North African bishop shape the way we sing in modern sanctuaries? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Debbie Wong (Duke Divinity School) to explore the intersection of ancient liturgical wisdom and contemporary worship practices.Dr. Wong shares insights from her research on St. Augustine, discussing how his theology of "singing as an act of love" provides a necessary framework for the "flow" of modern worship sets. We dive into the current state of contemporary worship, the importance of liturgical formation, and how to bridge the gap between the "heart and the mind" in our Sunday gatherings.In this episode, we discuss:The Theology of Flow: Understanding the transition from "presentation" to "encounter" in modern worship.Augustine as a Resource: Why ancient voices are vital for contemporary liturgical health.The Wesleyan Perspective: Applying a holiness lens to musical and spiritual formation.Worship Planning: Moving beyond song selection to intentional spiritual edification.Resources Mentioned:The UMC Top 100 Project: Exploring the most-sung songs in the church and their theological impact. Access the Project HereContemporary Worship Studies: For further reading on the history and development of worship movements, see the works of Lester Ruth and Lim Swee Hong, including A History of Contemporary Praise & Worship.Trinitarian Theology: For a deeper look at how the Trinity shapes the life of the church, we recommend Trinitarian Matters, edited by Laceye Warner and Cameron Merrill.Dr. Debbie Wong’s Work: Visit her website to follow her latest research and leadership resources.Connect with the Show:We want to hear your thoughts on the "state of worship" in your local context. Send your questions, feedback, or episode guest suggestions to: [email protected]

On today's episode we discuss theological education and what Wesleyans get right, and wrong. Also...AI! Plus, Lane interview Brian Fu, a Methodist seminary student and pastor in Washington about his journey into Christian faith and ministry.Email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Melanie Dobson about the practice of Group Spiritual Direction and its role in communal discernment. She shares her journey to spiritual direction, the need for belonging in today's culture, and the challenges of implementing communal discernment in churches.Email us at: [email protected]

We recorded a live episode! Participants in the 2025 John Wesley Fellows Christmas Conference at Duke University joined us for a conversation that explores the relevance of Wesleyan theology in the 21st century and the importance of engaging with public theology. We delve into the concept of revival and the need for theological engagement, and Joy talks about the importance of art and music in how we worship.Email us at: [email protected]

In the episode, we talk with Dr. Steve Rankin and dive into the reasons he stayed in the United Methodist Church. Our hosts also explore the impact of belonging, behavior, and belief on church affiliation as well as the challenges and complexities of church affiliation in a 21st century "vibes" culture. Email us at [email protected]

In this week's episode, we're discussing a Wesleyan social witness and trying to get beyond theory to what loving our neighbors looks like in the midst of a polarized world. Plus, Lane talks with Dr. Esther Chung-Kim about the Protestant Reformation, how Wesley fits into that history, and how to talk to your kids in a distracted world. Then, our hosts offer their own "confessions" for ways they've been faithful...and sometimes fallen...in their own economic lives.We want to hear from you. Send comments or questions to [email protected].

In this extended interview conversation, we dive into the themes of vulnerability in friendship and reimagining church and politics. Read Justin and Greg's letters at: https://epistlesfrombabylon.substack.com/Email us at: [email protected]

What is essential for a Wesleyan expression of the Christian church? Rob, Joy, and Lane discuss what they think are the nonnegotiable's. Then Lane talks with Dr. Sondra Wheeler, Emerita Professor from Wesley Theological Seminary. Finally, we try to answer a listener question.If you have a question you'd like us to discuss, email us at: [email protected]:00 Introduction to Wesleyan Theology and Ethics04:57 The Wesleyan Tradition and Scripture Engagement10:09 The Wesleyan Tradition and Community15:01 The Wesleyan Movement and Transformational Action20:08 The Wesleyan Tradition and the Intersection of Faith and Works29:15 The Essence of Wesleyan Theology w/ Dr. Sondra Wheeler01:24:18 Ask Us Anything: Variety in Wesleyan Churches

What is a Wesleyan option and why does the church need it? In this episode, we introduce our new podcast! And we talk to Dr. Doug Strong about the strengths and potential and a Wesleyan option. Stick around as we also give you "signals" and "noises" from the culture.Email us at: [email protected]:00 Introduction to Wesleyan Theology05:06 The Orienting Concern of Wesleyan Theology10:37 The Cultural Relevance of Wesleyan Theology16:13 Implementing Wesleyan Theology in Churches22:22 The Medicine of Life28:47 Introduction of Dr. Doug Strong48:10 Wrapping Up and Call to Action

Introducing Wesleyan Option. Join us for weekly conversations about theology, the church, and culture, all from a Wesleyan perspective.