Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more and/or order a copy of Justice’s book, “Sunflowers in the Valley: Finding Hope and Healing through Faith: at Amazon and other online booksellers. Have a question or ...
Jul 18, 2025•33 min
Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek.” More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more and/or order a copy of “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek” at Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Metho...
Jul 04, 2025•39 min
This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—words spoken by billions of Christians across centuries and continents. In his new book, “We Believe: How the Nicene Creed can deepen your faith,” the Rev. Michael Carpenter shares how these words written in the 4th century aren’t just ancient history, but also have the power to unite across denominational lines and why they still matter today More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more and...
Jun 20, 2025•36 min
Every call to serve invites both courage and questions. For Kim and Pat Lewis, that call is taking them from Montana to Mexico, where they’ve been commissioned as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries. After deep discernment, the Lewises are prepared for a new chapter, one rooted not in tasks but in relationships that transform. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more about Give Them Ye to Eat at the link . Learn more and/...
Jun 06, 2025•42 min
Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our own body, soul and spirit. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The Uni...
May 16, 2025•32 min
To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
May 02, 2025•46 min
All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene’s key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more closely not only teaches us the truth, but also shows that her story can serve as a guide for us on our Easter journey and beyond. Join host Crystal Caviness with guest the Rev. Tiffany McDonald for a special Good Friday episode. More information and a full transc...
Apr 18, 2025•18 min
It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Apr 04, 2025•51 min
Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understanding of wisdom and transform our conversations, relationships and lives. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting U...
Mar 21, 2025•25 min
Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advocate who engages with her community, city boards, commissions and church to tackle pressing issues such as housing, healthcare access, voting rights and criminal justice reform. And discover how, as Jesus commanded, when we love our neighbors, we can all contri...
Mar 07, 2025•31 min
Discover how love has unified a Los Angeles community through decades of civil unrest, gentrification and natural disasters when the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin shares the story of Holman United Methodist Church, an historic church embodying its Wesleyan heritage as a center for community organizing and worship. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiti...
Feb 21, 2025•42 min
Discover how to doodle your way to a divine connection during Lent or at any time when the Rev. Stephanie Dunn shares practical tips for integrating creativity into your spiritual journey from her new book, “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent.” More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more and/or purchase “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent” at the link . Use Promo Code DC20 for a discount on the book at the Upper Room store. Have a quest...
Feb 07, 2025•27 min
In a study for Lent from the Rev. Matt Rawle, “The Final Days: A Lenten Journey through the Gospels” explores the themes of justice, poverty, freedom and love woven throughout the sacred stories of Jesus’ last days on earth. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Jan 17, 2025•33 min
As a part of the “Meet a bishop” series, discover how Bishop Kristin Stoneking, the newly-elected bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference, lives into her call by striving to be an humble learner as she communicates the church’s message in a changing world. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Jan 03, 2025•36 min
‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you’re feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving. Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season for some folks and shares a guided meditation that acknowledges that you might feel blue at this time of the year while offering encouragement for finding hope, even on the longest night. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available h...
Dec 20, 2024•21 min
What if, instead of having faith in Jesus, you had the faith of Jesus? Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, who has integrated the Jewish faith of her birth with her chosen identity as a United Methodist, urges all of us to embrace our inner divinity to live a more purposeful life, one in which we move beyond simply believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more and/or purchase Simon-Peter’s book , “Believe Like Jesus:...
Dec 06, 2024•37 min
Always being joyful and finding meaning in life can be challenging for many of us. In his new book, “A Full-Hearted Life: Following Jesus in This Secular Age,” Bishop Jake Owensby offers a guide for navigating our culture’s complexities by encouraging us to embrace our true selves, cultivate genuine relationships and walk through life as Jesus did, offering wisdom and love to all we meet. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment?...
Nov 15, 2024•43 min
Clarity, consistency, communication and compassion. Learn how the 4 Cs that Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill used to train wild mustangs guides us in building authentic relationships across cultures. Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is the second in a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of indigenous people and how we can better live together in the world and the church. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available her...
Nov 01, 2024•37 min
When the Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a seminary student, the Navajo holy man knew he had found his denominational home. Discover how Wesleyan discipleship aligns with indigenous spirituality and how understanding both can lead to a more welcoming church. Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of indigenous people and how we can better live together in the ...
Oct 18, 2024•27 min
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz reminds us of the importance of listening to one another’s stories and respecting one another’s journeys as we live into a diverse and inclusive church that encompasses a rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latine heritage in the U.S. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Oct 04, 2024•30 min
“Racism is the air we breathe, the water we swim in,” says the Rev. Dr. Donnell FitzJeffries. In this conversation about the complexities of racism, and the challenges of honest conversations, we are encouraged to be “holy surprised” at how the church an lead the way to be transformed by our collective diversity. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visi...
Sep 20, 2024•38 min
In a poignant and powerful conversation about faith and loss, Julie Hilliard Wood, a lifelong United Methodist, shares her family’s story of how homophobia and rejection within the church had devastating consequences and reminds us of how critically important it is to create safe and loving spaces for all of God’s children. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . For more information or to purchase Wood’s book, “Changing the Message: Cruelty to Persons Wh...
Sep 06, 2024•44 min
Even as we believe our differences are our downfall, scripture tells us that diversity is the source of our beauty. The Rev. Beth Crissman discusses the Purple Church Initiative, a guide to harmony that challenges us to take up Jesus’ call to be ambassadors of peace, and how, as John Wesley taught, to be of one heart though we are not of one opinion. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more about The Purple Church Initiative , a resource for mem...
Aug 16, 2024•44 min
We live in a delight-deficient world, one where we, as adults, are driven to be productive and where play is seldom prioritized. The Rev. Tyler Strange reminds us that soul care means living from the inside out and that by rediscovering joy, we can unlock a playful spirit. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Learn more about and/or purchase Strange’s book, “What I Want My Children (and Me) to Know: Building Better Humans One Napkin at a Time,” here . ...
Aug 02, 2024•40 min•Ep. 169
Protecting sacred spaces is a passion for Selena Ruth Smith. A firefighter and deaconess, the cradle United Methodist shares tips for how all of us can promote fire safety in our local congregations. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Jul 25, 2024•32 min•Ep. 168
A lifelong United Methodist and career minister who describes himself as “conservative” discusses how, rather than focus on differences within the denomination, he concentrates on the common mission to make disciples, a space that supports The UMC’s “big tent” distinction. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Jun 21, 2024•23 min
Discover how a “holy nudge” led Jordan Cramer on a journey from self-doubt to self-discovery while earning his Master of Divinity degree. The cradle United Methodist’s story of commitment and faith reveals God’s transformative power available to all of us. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here . Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org ....
Jun 07, 2024
Mental wellness is a spectrum where each of us resides. Creating inclusive and diverse spaces so all of us can feel safe regardless of where we fall on the spectrum is a primary focus at First United Methodist Church in Holland, Michigan. First UMC’s director of education Jill DeJonge shares her own story of growing up with mental health diagnoses, along with practical tips that range from creating a zen zone for kids to how to have challenging conversations about mental health, all intended to ...
May 17, 2024
“Never waste a good crisis,” Winston Churchill was quoted as saying. In Brian McLaren’s new book, “Life After Doom,” the pastor, author and American theologian urges us to confront the multifaceted crisis facing the world, especially climate change, political polarization, religious supremacy and growing economic inequality. With The United Methodist Church navigating its own crisis during the past few years, McLaren encourages those of us in the church to use the opportunity of all of these cha...
May 03, 2024
Jessica Vittorio is a lawyer by trade, someone who spends her workdays amid conflict and difficult settings. As a lay delegate at the upcoming General Conference, the lifelong United Methodist knows the business of the church also can be challenging at times. But what she has found while preparing for the denomination’s largest legislative gathering is that General Conference is where we can remember our connectionalism, often engaging in difficult, yet vital conversations, as we recognize our r...
Apr 19, 2024
