Month: August 2024

[98] Building real church in digital space with J.J. Warren

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In this episode of MyCom, host Ryan Dunn engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend J.J. Warren about the intricacies of building genuine emotional connections within digital church communities. Drawing from his theological background and experiences with the Young Prophets Collective, J.J. discusses the evolution of virtual worship spaces, the significance of platforms like Discord and Instagram, and the challenges of maintaining boundaries in digital ministry.

Join us as we explore innovative ways to foster intimacy and inclusivity in online spiritual environments and navigate the complexities of virtual engagement.

In this episode:
(00:00) Pastor J.J. Warren’s digital journey and advocacy.
(03:21) Misconceptions about young people and social media.
(06:43) The pandemic raised questions about online church.
(11:45) Social media as an extension of self.
(15:37) Creating safe digital space for excluded young people.
(19:02) Cultural practices in the Philippines adapting to online.
(23:18) Church offers more agency; relieving stress/anxiety.
(27:26) Create a private space for intimate communication.
(31:12) Virtual gatherings around the world for worship.
(35:12) Proximity and intimacy in virtual private space.
(39:29) Connecting community through intentional online church platform.
(43:01) Setting digital boundaries as a Gen Zer.

MyCom is a production of United Methodist Communications and releases new episodes on the final Tuesday of each month.

Find notes and more episodes at www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

[139] From hate to hope: Neelley Hicks

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Neelley Hicks shares her experience that landed her picture in papers across the globe, stemming from a recent Unity Rally in Nashville, Tennessee. It was attended by a diverse and vibrant community and disrupted by the alarming presence of Neo-Nazis.

This episode looks into the complex emotions and motivations behind such extremist actions and explores how we can rise above hate with love and unity.

In this episode:
(00:00) Nashville unity rally against Neo-Nazi hate.
(06:22) Discussion about immigration, nationalism, and religion beliefs.
(09:33) Questioning funding for hate groups traveling to Nashville.
(13:22) Regarding deeper conversations
(14:51) Meeting Nazis
(18:38) Confrontation with masked man reveals underlying insecurity.
(22:45) Obligation to care for global human family.
(26:37) Supporting others and self-care in trauma.
(28:05) A practice of self-soothing and self-care
(31:23) Neelley shared her story about Women Rise.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. More at umc.org/compass

Blessed are the peacemakers

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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 members and leaders of The United Methodist  Church.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Lessons for 21st-century people of faith from a 19th-century abolitionist

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The Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany joins Dr. Ashley Boggan as a return guest on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss the new collaborative project titled “Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past.” Inspired by the discovery of a 19th century abolitionist journal and the documentation of a ship used to enslave people, the book challenges us to confront our history in an effort to inspire fresh conversations about race and faith in the church.

Learn more about “Awakening to Justice.”

Watch the “Awakening to  Justice” documentary.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

[97] YouTube tools and strategies for churches

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In this episode, host Rev. Ryan Dunn chats with guests Nathan Webb and Shane Russo about their innovative strategies for utilizing YouTube to grow their digital church communities. They dive deep into the tools, challenges, and unique approaches they leverage for successful content creation and audience engagement.

Rev. Shane Russo is the founder and lead architect of GoBe.church–an all-digital expression of church. He also is currently the lead pastor of Niles First United Methodist Church in Niles, Ohio. Check out the YouTube ministry @GoBeChurch

Rev. Nathan Webb, AKA “Nerd Pastor Nate”, is the founding pastor of Checkpoint Church–an all-digital ministry for nerds, geeks and gamers. He posts regularly on YouTube at @CheckpointChurch

The Checkpoint Church viral video Nathan and Shane referred to is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZUpgTMhNJc&t=5s

In this episode:
(00:00) Introducing Rev. Ryan Dunn, the new host
(05:40) Juggling physical church with online ministry growth.
(08:03) Transition from Twitch to YouTube reshaped outreach.
(11:44) Elements of organic virality, phenomena, Christian controversy.
(15:38) Experimenting with shorts to build online community.
(19:31) Strategize content and platform usage with purpose.
(22:35) Strategy for using YouTube in growing audience.
(25:30) Pastor discusses controversial topics, aims to inspire.
(28:36) Reluctant to engage online, but considering it.
(36:19) Dealing with toxic comments as vandalism.
(39:40) Channel strives for inclusion, not doormat behavior.
(42:39) Better timing and more strategic content choices.
(44:43) Creating and scheduling content efficiently across platforms.
(48:07) Effortlessly segment and create phenomenal clips.
(51:58) Video optimization and analytics.
(55:03) UMC podcast highlights digital storytelling and leadership.

For more episodes and episode notes: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

[138] Faith and outrage: Jesus’ teachings in a polarized culture

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We’re tackling the topic of living out our faith in a complex and often polarized world. Recently, the outrage sparked by the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly a controversial scene perceived to mock Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” has ignited debates and outraged responses.

We’ll explore how to express our faith authentically without adding to the division, drawing on examples from the teachings of Jesus, the early Christian community, and even a unique punk rock venue in Berkeley, California. Join us as we discuss how to adopt Christ-centered humility, build bridges, and embody the fruits of the Spirit in our public lives.

In this episode:
(00:00) Outrage over extravagant ceremonies, Jesus’s message.
(04:19) Podcast on expressing faith in a polarized world.
(11:06) Public displays of faith and its impact.
(13:56) God’s love is an irresistible invitation.
(17:34) Seminaries need to prepare for public engagement.
(21:08) Call for grace-filled, justice-minded viewpoint.
(22:50) What’s next on Compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Episode notes and more resources are at www.umc.org/compass

Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world

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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.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.