The loneliness epidemic and building meaningful community with Charles Vogl

We’re joined by Charles Vogl, author of “The Art of Community”.

We discussed the need for intellectual, emotional, and action components in spiritual communities–no matter how they meet. Charles also emphasizes the importance of intimacy and vulnerability in creating meaningful digital experiences. We also look at the loneliness epidemic in America and how organizations can deliver on the three promises of community events to promote growth, connection, and freedom of choice.

Charles Vogl is an adviser, speaker, and the author of three books, including the international bestseller The Art of Community. Drawing on three thousand years of spiritual traditions, Charles teaches the wisdom and principles to build deep community and resilient relationships that foster innovation and integrity within organizations and around the world. He holds an M.Div. from Yale, where he studied spiritual traditions, ethics, and business as a Jesse Ball duPont Foundation scholar. His work is used to advise and develop leadership and programs worldwide within organizations including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Twitch, Amazon, ServiceNow, Meetup.com, Wayfair and the US Army. Visit with Charles at www.charlesvogl.com

This season of Pastoring in the Digital Parish is made possible by: Safe Sanctuaries “Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities” is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures. To learn more go to Safer Sanctuaries.org or call 800-972-0433.

Find episode notes and more resources for digital ministry at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

In this episode:
[00:00:00] “Digital ministry strategies discussed with Charles Vogel.”
[00:04:13] Bridging the disconnection in society
[00:09:16] Promise of value creates community
[00:14:11] Remembering religion’s value sets
[00:17:24] Three components for healthy spiritual communities
[00:21:24] The hard work of digital community-building
[00:25:58] Missed opportunity to connect at events
[00:30:48] Three promises: choice, connection, growth
[00:33:40] (Ad) Safer Sanctuaries – comprehensive abuse prevention resource
[00:38:00] Misunderstood breakouts lead to toxic situations
[00:41:07] Podcast wrap-up, resources mentioned

110: Linking love and justice with Otis Moss III

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III reflects on his upbringing with parents involved in the civil rights movement and his journey towards identifying with the black prophetic and spiritual tradition within the black church. He also dives into everyday disruptions by stressing the importance of intentional, slow connections with God through activities like walks and bike rides in natural places. In the end we’re going to see that linking love and justice combats spiritual demons and positively impacts communities.

Otis is senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He is a preacher, poet, activist, author and filmmaker with an eye toward justice and equality, as evidenced through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr Moss’s most recent book is “Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times”… it offers some needed insights for our day and age.

For episode notes and more episodes of the Compass Podcast: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:
[00:00:00] Compass Podcast, Disrupting Everyday, Dr. Otis Moss III
[00:07:46] Love and justice: core values in gospel.
[00:11:18] Modern prayer is distorted; listening is challenging.
[00:15:23] Connecting to God through nature and scripture.
[00:18:06] “Contemplative and action-oriented spaces: Chicago’s gun violence prevention”
[00:24:00] Become student, listen to ancestral wisdom.
[00:26:45] Faith-based Live Free fights violence with youth.
[00:29:39] Podcast urges disruption of oppressive cycles.

Digital community-building through play and games

On this episode of Pastoring in the Digital Parish, we explore the intersection of gaming and ministry. Our guests shared insights on how playing games can build genuine community, especially in a digital-first culture. We heard from Joy Van Staalduinen and Laura Wittman about their experiences using games to engage young people and bridge the gap between in-person and online engagement, respectively. We also talked about playing table-top games like Dungeons and Dragons with other clergy members and shared how gaming can be a therapeutic tool and promote inclusion in church communities. Tune in to hear more about how gaming can be a tool for digital ministry and community-building.

Laura Wittman is an Ordained Elder currently planting The Mills Church in Rocky Mount. Laura has been serving in pastoral ministry for 16 years and her passions include collaborative ministry, Wesleyan history, and of course, Star Wars.

Joy Van Staalduinen provides pastoral care and education to individuals and faith communities through online coaching and the “Love and Loss” podcast. See does this internationally as she is based in The Netherlands.

This episode presented by: Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures. To learn more go to Safer Sanctuaries.org or call 800-972-0433.

For more from Pastoring in the Digital Parish, visit: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

In this episode:
[00:00:00] Podcast about using games for digital ministry.
[00:03:28] Online youth ministry during pandemic still going.
[00:07:40] Exciting place, church planting during pandemic.
[00:11:59] Prefers D&D for family bonding and conversations.
[00:16:38] Safer Sanctuaries: comprehensive resource for abuse prevention.
[00:18:28] D&D and gaming provide inclusive creativity.
[00:22:49] Church provides relief for pandemic stress.
[00:27:27] Building sincere community through affirming fellowship.
[00:28:51] Games become lessons, fellowship and culture important.
[00:35:18] Church uses gaming to build community engagement.
[00:39:09] Check out episodes on online ministry tools.

Understanding justice through a faith lens with ViaFaith McCullough

At a young age, ViaFaith McCullough learned that people are more than their circumstances. After spending a summer as a college intern with The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church and Society, this cradle United Methodist discovered a deeper understanding of justice and found that, when we work together, even our simplest ideas can impact social inequities.

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.

Reclaim. Revive. Renew: A playbook for the future of The UMC

Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the Council of Bishops, and David Worthington, director of Global Relationships at John Wesley’s New Room, discuss the importance of our local church histories with Dr. Ashley Boggan D. and share how our denomination’s future could be influenced by remembering our legacy.

Learn more about the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History by visiting ResourceUMC.org/archivesandhistory.