Author: Crystal Caviness

Answering the call to preserve Black Methodist stories

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Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are never forgotten.

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.

Roots and Renewal: The Story of Methodism in the Congo

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Discover how Methodism took root and flourished in the Democratic Republic of Congo—from early missionary efforts to strong local leadership shaping the church today. Dr. Ashley Boggan talks with the Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau and Pierre Omadjela about the people, places, and faith that continue to define Congolese 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.

Meet Bishop Carlo Rapanut

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The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry. A dedicated runner and ultra-marathoner, he reflects on discerning his call within a covenant community and the vital role of connection in guiding the church forward on this special “Meet a Bishop” episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape.”

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.

How Methodist missions shaped Korea’s faith, freedom and future

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Discover the remarkable story of Methodism in Korea—from the impact of early missionaries, such as Mary Scranton and her groundbreaking work in women’s education, to the powerful role the church played in the fight for independence. In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Boggan and guests, the Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong and Rev. Dr. Lee-Ellen Strawn, explore how Korean Methodists developed a distinct theological voice, the ongoing ties with The United Methodist Church, and the challenges the church faces today.

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.

‘Transformed by Grace’: Wesleyan wisdom for today’s UMC

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In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in our lives and churches.

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.

Sacred summers: How camps shape faith that lasts

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Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting young people long after summer ends and how you and your local church can be part of the story.

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

How Methodism took root in Italy

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In the second episode of a new podcast series that examines Methodism around the world, Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes Massimo di Gioacchino, noted historian, to discuss the story of how British and American Methodist missionaries planted a movement in Italy, shaping politics, education and social justice along the way.

Learn more about William Burt’s Italian Papers Project, which is sponsored by GCAH, at the link.

“Metodisti in Italia,” the first complete history of Italian Methodismo, was released in 2024 by Claudiana S.R.L. Learn more at the link.

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.