Month: October 2023

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Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and personal experiences with Rev. Mark Feldmeir. Mark’s faith journey led him to question the nature of God’s power, especially in the face of suffering and evil. He emphasized that God’s power is not coercive or unilateral, but rather persuasive. Mark also reflected on the significance of personal experiences with God, often recognized only in hindsight. He highlighted the importance of paying attention to the small, ordinary, and imperfect moments of life, as these often serve as avenues through which we can hear the voice of God.

In light of the episode’s themes, we encourage you to reflect on the evidence of God’s presence in your life. Are there specific habits or spiritual practices that you employ regularly to cultivate this awareness?

Mark Feldmeir is the author of five books, including his latest work, Life after God: Finding Fath When You Can’t Believe Anymore. He has served on the Adjunct Faculty at Claremont School of Theology, where he has taught homiletics, and has spoken at various conferences throughout the country on topics ranging from preaching, politics, and pop culture. He currently serves as Lead Pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

In this episode:
(00:00) Let’s reflect theologically on the movement of God
(00:43) Mark’s academic journey challenges beliefs about God.
(03:48) Perception of God shifted by today’s circumstances.
(09:11) Never doubted presence of God, but struggled with theological concepts.
(11:04) Reflecting on God’s power when bad things happen.
(14:29) God sightings lead to purpose in life.
(19:21) Discerning gifts for ministry, meeting deep needs.
(21:20) Book aims for deconstruction and reconstruction, resonates.
(24:38) Discovery, uncertainty, faith seeking understanding, pilgrimage.
(27:39) Diverse practices connect me with the divine.
(32:26) Join us for meaningful episodes of Compass.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Find notes and other episodes at www.umc.org/compass

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Hosts Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado, alongside guest Ashley Boggan, take us on a journey to uncover the distinctiveness of the Methodist faith. Initially produced as part of the United Methodist Podcast-a-thon, this episode offers insightful perspectives from Dr. Ashley Boggan, the general secretary of the United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Archives and History.

Ever wonder where the name “Methodist” came from? Why is Welch’s grape juice often used in United Methodist communion? What’s different about how United Methodists interact with the world? Dr. Boggan provides some historical context around what makes the United Methodist unique and peculiar amidst today’s many Christian denominations.

In this episode:
(00:00) Compass podcast explores the uniqueness of United Methodism.
(03:03) Early risers study, pray, hold each accountable. Seek mission beyond Oxford, helping the poor. Methodism: faith in action through love.
(08:34) Methodist women pushed boundaries for equality.
(11:22) Personal holiness requires relational connection with others.
(14:09) Wesley valued personal experiences in interpreting scripture.
(21:52) Methodist legacy: evolving church for community service.
(26:34) Welch’s juice and the UMC
(30:48) Interactive Methodist resource with podcast and courses.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is produced by Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado. See episode notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass