Month: January 2026

From Susanna Wesley to Dorothy Ripley: Women, calling and courage

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Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” begins a yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism. Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes historians Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote and Rev. Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant to look at the women who laid the groundwork long before ordination was possible.
From Susanna Wesley’s overlooked theological brilliance to the bold preaching of Sarah Crosby, Mary Bosanquet Fletcher, and dozens of other women, this episode explores how women in early Methodism claimed their call—often in defiance of church structures, social respectability, and outright opposition.

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.

More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 2

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In the second of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on grief, hope and the belief that people are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Listen to part 1 of this podcast at https://www.umc.org/en/content/more-than-the-worst-thing-weve-done-with-hillary-taylor-gysis-ep-203.

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

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

[172] AI, ethics and the spiritual journey

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We’re exploring the spiritual implications of Artificial Intelligence with pastor and author Reverend Nathan Webb. Nathan is the founding pastor of Checkpoint Church, a digital-first church aimed at connecting with individuals who identify as nerds, geeks, and gamers.

Through the conversation, they explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and spirituality, discussing how AI can both enhance and complicate our spiritual practices. Nathan shares his personal experiences with AI tools that help him manage his daily tasks and ADHD, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in their use within faith communities. The conversation explores the potential harms of AI, particularly in how it can distort our understanding of reality and relationships, urging listeners to approach AI with a spirit of curiosity and ethical awareness.

Connect with Checkpoint Church:
https://www.checkpointchurch.com/

In this episode:
(00:00) Welcome to the discussion on Artificial Intelligence
(05:25) AI Tools for Organized Living
(09:28) Balanced Approach to AI
(13:06) Ethical Concerns Surrounding AI
(16:05) AI for Accessibility and Connection
(17:24) Texting Jesus and AI Limits
(24:06) Responsible Technology Use in Church
(25:52) AI Slop and Internet Content
(29:54) Faith, AI, and Responsible Use
(33:05) AI Use: Ethics and Reflection
(37:00) Technology as a Connection Tool

Subscribe to Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday for more content like this. Leave a comment—how has AI impacted your spiritual journey? Let’s keep the conversation going!

For full episode notes, resources, and more, visit: https://umc.org/compass

More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 1

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In the first of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on grief, hope and the belief that people are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done.

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.

[171] Wrestling with suffering and grace

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What does it really look like to find spiritual vitality and hope in the hardest of places? Rev. Jabe Largen opens up about his journey through addiction, tragedy, and healing in the heart of Appalachia. We explored how radical honesty and vulnerability can transform not just our personal faith but entire communities. Jabe’s story is a testament to the hope and grace that can shine through our darkest moments—and a reminder that being real and authentic is the key to meaningful connection and growth.

Rev. Jabe Largen is the Senior Pastor of Pinehurst United Methodist Church in Pinehurst, NC, where he has served since 2021. He is ordained in the United Methodist tradition as an Elder and a native of Pulaski, VA. Jabeis the author of the memoir They Call Me Jabe published near the end of 2025.

In this episode:
[00:00] Welcome to Compass
[02:49] How goes it with your soul?
[04:38] The pushback of vulnerability
[07:14] The pain of revisiting past trauma
[13:46] Finding faithful community in the midst of addiction
[17:20] What is “theodicy”?
[24:49] When to run from certainty
[28:38] Learning to pray at Narcotics Anonymous
[33:22] 12 step programs and the path of discipleship
[36:41] Out of a year of loss, what are you finding hopeful?
[41:30] End credits

For more episodes and resources to help you find spirituality in the everyday, visit: umc.org/compass

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