From the archives: Methodism in Zimbabwe, a conference borne out of a mountain

From the “Un-Tied Methodism” archives, we re-share this 2023 podcast about Methodism in the African country of Zimbabwe. Dr. Ashley Boggan speaks with United Methodist leaders from the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference and Africa University’s archivist and church historian to learn about the fascinating history of Mt. Makomwe, a Methodist mission started in 1905 that remains a pillar of Methodism throughout the region.

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.

[163] Turning screen time into soul time

Are your phone habits feeding your soul or draining your spirit? Host Ryan Dunn reimagines “screen time” as “soul time” in this insightful episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Ryan introduces practical and inspiring apps designed to support your spiritual journey—transforming everyday moments into opportunities for sacred reflection, mindful prayer, and spiritual renewal.

  • Break the cycle of doomscrolling with sacred pause
  • Apps for Christian meditation, gratitude, and contemplation
  • Simple tools to build spiritual rhythms in everyday life
  • Adapting ancient practices like Lectio Divina for modern times
  • Making spiritual rest as vital as physical rest

Featured Apps:
Everyday Sanctuary, Insight Timer, Lectio 365, YouVersion Bible App, Centering Prayer, Pray as You Go, Soul Rest, and more.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations that spark spiritual growth! 🔗 Find all app links, show notes, and more resources at https://umc.org/compass

‘Calling on Fire’: Reclaiming Wesley’s method to renew the church

John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley’s practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow vibrant communities of 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.

[162] Championing Justice and Hope with Ingrid McIntyre

What does it mean to live out faith in real, tangible ways? In this moving episode, Compass host Ryan Dunn sits down with Rev. Ingrid McIntyre—a United Methodist pastor and seasoned community organizer based in Nashville, Tennessee—to explore activism, justice, and the spiritual fuel that sustains hope in challenging times.

Ingrid shares her journey from childhood experiences in Appalachia to her current work at the intersection of faith, activism, and grassroots organizing. Together, Ryan and Ingrid unpack how embodying the values of Jesus leads naturally to standing up for housing justice, inclusion, and the dignity of the marginalized. They discuss the struggles and setbacks spiritual seekers feel when progress seems to stall, and how faith communities can be centers of real change, not just Sunday gatherings.

Discover how a church’s front yard was transformed into vital housing for those in need, learn the power of nonpartisan advocacy built on enduring values, and find inspiration in the everyday acts of courage that keep Ingrid—and countless others—moving forward, even when the work feels heavy.

🌱 Whether you’re curious about social justice, longing for spiritual encouragement, or just seeking stories of everyday hope, this episode offers wisdom and grounding for your journey.

— Guest Bio: Rev. Ingrid McIntyre Rev. Ingrid McIntyre is a United Methodist pastor, an organizer, and a relentless advocate for justice in Nashville, Tennessee. Her work focuses on housing security, grassroots coalition-building, and giving voice to the marginalized. Ingrid’s leadership helped launch innovative housing for the unhoused, and her ministry is recognized for blending faith with action on the issues that impact our communities most.

— Keywords: spirituality, faith in action, social justice, Christian activism, housing justice, LGBTQ inclusion, ending racism, community organizing, hope, United Methodist, church and politics, spiritual encouragement, faith and justice, activism inspiration

— Like what you hear? Subscribe for more episodes that find spirituality in the everyday and help you activate your own voice for good. Show notes, resources, and more: https://umc.org/compass

‘Sacred Tension’: The Bible’s embrace of diverse voices

Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a model for connection in today’s divided 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.