Get Your Spirit In Shape

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"

Moments of helplessness seldom fill us with gratitude. But United Methodist pastor, author and Dean of the Chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary the Rev. Jessica LaGrone, reminds us that when Jesus performed miracles, it was often to meet the needs of people in their most desperate moments. When viewed that way, our difficult times can … Continue reading "The Gift of Desperation with Jessica LaGrone"

United Methodist bishop of the New England Conference shares what it was like growing up in India as a Christian family, mentoring under a pastor who visited coffee estates to evangelize, and how pilgrimages to Taizé in France strengthen his spiritual walk.

What does it mean to follow where God leads? For United Methodist missionary Belinda Forbes, it means using her language skills and dental expertise to serve the people of Nicaragua. We talk about her call, what she has learned in nearly 30 years as a missionary, and how you and I can serve God in … Continue reading "Dentist Follows God’s Call to Nicaragua with Belinda Forbes"

A United Methodist pastor shares how our support of disaster response and other relief ministries (especially through the United Methodist Committee on Relief), provides more than supplies. Our aid is a sign of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, shared with others during their most difficult times. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a … Continue reading "Restoring Hope One Relationship at a Time with Robert Craig"

Bishop Leeland’s grandparents and great-grandmother were influential in his spiritual journey from the start. He was trained as a pastoral counselor, but realized through prayer that he was in the wrong place and soon began pastoral ministry. Today he is an avid reader, chess aficionado and accordion player. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Paul Leeland"

United Methodist pastor Jacob Armstrong is a fan of epic adventure movies like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. In this episode, he shares some of the connections he sees between the films and the Bible, and a couple of quotes that can inspire and encourage our spiritual journeys. ======= Like the podcast? … Continue reading "Faith and Star Wars with Jacob Armstrong"

“From everywhere to everywhere!” Thomas Kemper of the General Board of Global Ministries inspires us with the stories of United Methodist the more than 350 missionaries in over 65 countries who connect us with those on the edges of society, expand our worldview and deepen our faith. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review. … Continue reading "UMC Missionaries Share Their Lives"

In this conversation, United Methodist Bishop James Swanson talks about how his early days in the church shaped his life and faith, his extraordinary call to ministry, why he encourages people to share their “glory sightings,” and the spiritual reason he carries a rock in his toiletry bag when he travels. =======   Like the … Continue reading "Meet Bishop James Swanson"

Rudy Rasmus and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, TX, which he co-pastors with his wife the Rev. Juanita Rasmus, are a force for good in their community. Listen as Pastor Rudy shares how early in his faith journey he learned to celebrate the good and to live openly, honestly and transparently every day. … Continue reading "Prioritizing Good with Rudy Rasmus"

While studying medicine, Bishop Lawson Bryan felt led to explore a call to ministry. Today he serves as Bishop of the South Georgia Conference. His training in science informs his ministry still today. =======   Like the podcast? Please leave a review.   Follow us:   Web: http://www.UMC.org    YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos    Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch   … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Lawson Bryan"

Podcaster, speaker and author of a new book called She Dreams has a gift for bringing people together to grow as followers of Jesus. In this conversation, Tiffany Bluhm shares some of the ways she helps others make those connections and tells about how her new book is inspired by the stories of those who … Continue reading "Making Connections. Growing in Faith with Tiffany Bluhm"

Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we planned. When that happens, we might feel discouraged, but as Bishop Sharma Lewis shares, “God utilizes everything.” Through their stories, our United Methodist bishops teach how God works even in the messy parts of life. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review. Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org … Continue reading "‘God Utilizes Everything’ with UMC bishops"

Pastor Myriam Cortes serves Iglesia Metodista Unida Ebenezer, a Hispanic congregation in Nashville, Tennessee. Difficult events in 2017, including debates in the U.S. around DACA, the deportation of member of her congregation, and Hurricane Maria striking her hometown in Puerto Rico, were storms that the pastor’s faith sustained her through. ======= Like the podcast? Please … Continue reading "Weathering Life’s Storms with Myriam Cortes"

Jesus teaches that our spiritual journeys should include working for justice by doing things like feeding the hungry and caring for the vulnerable. Learn what you can do and how United Methodist Church and Society can help. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review. Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch … Continue reading "How You Can Work for Justice with Susan Henry-Crowe"

Karl Anders Ellingsen edits the magazine of The United Methodist Church in Norway. In this conversation, he talks about the church he loves, the message of grace, and the way he stays in constant conversation with God. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review. Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch … Continue reading "Being United Methodist in Norway"

Converting to Christianity at 16, The United Methodist bishop began a lifelong pursuit to build bridges between faith and culture. In our conversation, he offers tips for relating to people of other faiths and shares his love of hiking in the mountains. ======= Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Hee-Soo Jung"

When opinions are strong, conversation can be difficult. A United Methodist pastor shares tips for listening and talking to those with whom we disagree. ======= Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media contact is Joe Iovino, jiovino@umcom.org.