Month: February 2025

[104] Reaching your church’s next generation: The “Followers Under 40” authors

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

This episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast explores the evolving relationship between the church and young adults with guests Kristopher Sledge and Rachel Gilmore. As pastors and co-authors of the book “Followers Under 40,” they explore how Millennials, Zoomers, and Gen Alpha relate differently to institutions and discuss practices that help in connecting with them.

Kristopher Sledge, lead pastor of the multi-ethnic Journey Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Rachel Gilmore, director of New and Vital Faith for the Desert Southwest Conference, share their insights on understanding youth culture, engaging with social issues, and embracing digital tools. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, listening, and dialogue in reaching the next generation.

The episode also covers practical steps for churches to become more inclusive and relevant, such as creating safe spaces for exploration of faith and identity, and how churches can reimagine their presence in digital spaces to better connect with young and digital-native audiences.

This episode is sponsored by:

Celebrate Wonder Digital Curriculum brings Bible stories to life with interactive lessons that help kids build stronger relationships with God and each other!

Visit cokesburykids.com/celebratewonder to download a sample today!

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

Serving a community with unity, resilience and love

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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 visiting UMC.org.

[151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless.

Corey Turnpenny is the founding pastor of Church in the Wild, a unique nature-focused congregation in Upstate New York. Her journey from the UMC Next conference in 2019 led her to create a spiritual haven where individuals reconnect with their spirituality amidst the splendor of creation. Through outdoor worship and a vibrant community, Corey is pioneering a movement that calls people back to nature.

In this episode, explore the fascinating intersection of faith and nature, understand why community gatherings in the wild hold profound significance, and learn how natural settings can enhance spiritual practices. If you’re on a quest for a deeper spiritual connection and appreciate engaging conversations about faith, this episode is for you!

In this episode:
(00:00) Church in the Wild: Nature’s Worship
(08:06) Catching a vision for a new church
(11:45) Doing church in the wild
(13:57) First followers and outdoor community networking
(19:36) A weekly escape to a natural bubble
(21:30) Spiritual practices in nature
(29:15) Spirituality through environmental care
(30:31) Finding peace in nature’s church
(38:10) Learn more

Find episode notes and more episodes of Compass: www.umc.org/Compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Methodism and American politics: An historical look at the interplay

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Understanding the historical intertwining of religion and politics in America, particularly from a Methodist standpoint, helps us navigate contemporary situations. Discover how Methodism impacted Revolutionary War-era Manhattan and Boston when Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes the Rev. Stefanie Bennett and Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain as guests on “Un-Tied Methodism.”

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.

Doodle your way to a deeper faith

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

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

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

[150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.

Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape one’s faith journey but influence daily habits and mindfulness.

Ben Gosden, a pastor and author of “Grace Rediscovered,” has over fifteen years of pastoral experience. His book chronicles his personal path to recovery and deeper spiritual understanding. For those seeking spiritual growth or grappling with their own challenges, Ben offers a candid look at the power of prayer, humility, and acceptance. Discover how aligning your daily life with your core values can lead to genuine spiritual richness and connection.

Tune in and be open to the transformative grace and spirituality that beckon us in our everyday lives.

Find notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass

(00:00) Addiction, Recovery, and Grace
(05:40) Alcohol Addiction: A Personal Journey
(08:48) Overcoming Evening Temptations
(11:34) Embracing Humility: God Isn’t You
(13:58) From Requests to Surrender
(16:11) Letting Go: Faith and Acceptance
(21:53) Values: A Checkbook and Calendar Audit
(23:30) Practicing Margin Time
(27:02) Balancing Work and Personal Time
(31:22) Compass Podcast Episode Recap

Keywords: spirituality, faith journey, recovery, transformation, addiction, grace, spiritual alignment, prayer, humility, acceptance, Ben Gosden, “Grace Rediscovered”, pastoral experience.