Author: Crystal Caviness

From Moravians to Modern Ministry: Tracing Methodism in Germany

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As we launch a new podcast series that examines Methodism around the world, Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes two United Methodist scholars and historians to help us discover the rich and complex history of Methodism in Germany. From its Moravian influence and early missionary efforts to the rise of the deaconess movement and trials of the 20th century,  Dr. Ulrike Shuler and Professor Michael Wetzel discuss key figures, present-day ministries, and how to learn more about the Wesleyan heritage that prevails in Germany.

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.

Ancient Words, Living Faith: The 4th century Nicene Creed in 2025

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This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—words spoken by billions of Christians across centuries and continents. In his new book, “We Believe: How the Nicene Creed can deepen your faith,” the Rev. Michael Carpenter shares how these words written in the 4th century aren’t just ancient history, but also have the power to unite across denominational lines and why they still matter today

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

Learn more and/or order a copy of “We Believe” at RevMichaelCarpenter.com.

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

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

Love, loss and a calling restored: The Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey’s lifelong witness to grace

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In this special “Un-Tied Methodism” episode recorded six weeks before his death, the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey reflects on his journey from ministry to LGBTQ+ advocacy, defrocking, and—decades later—ordination and forgiveness. In a poignant conversation, Dr. Ashley Boggan preserves Huskey’s oral history, documenting the United Methodist pioneer’s legacy of courage, faith, and justice within the church he helped change.

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.

The courage to go: Lewises embrace mission rooted in connection

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Every call to serve invites both courage and questions. For Kim and Pat Lewis, that call is taking them from Montana to Mexico, where they’ve been commissioned as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries. After deep discernment, the Lewises are prepared for a new chapter, one rooted not in tasks but in relationships that transform.

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

Learn more about Give Them Ye to Eat at the link.

Learn more and/or support the Lewises at the following links:
https://umcmission.org/missionary-bio/lewis-kimberly-lynn/

https://umcmission.org/missionary-bio/lewis-patrick-g/

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

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

Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action

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Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us  as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our own body, soul and spirit.

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.

Coming out in faith: Bishop Karen Oliveto’s journey

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“Following Jesus is costly,” says The UMC’s (Ret.) Bishop Karen Oliveto. “And for me, that price was being closeted. And I was willing to pay that price.” Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes the denomination’s first openly gay bishop to “Un-Tied Methodism” as Bishop Oliveto shares her story of burden, scrutiny, oppression and how knowing that “Perfect love casts out all fear” propelled her along her ministry path.

Bishop Oliveto’s oral history is part of the 2025 Heritage Sunday resources in support of the theme, “Sacred Stories: LGBTQ+ United Methodist Ministries.” Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/HS2025theme.

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.

Covering a worldwide church: Journalism with integrity and heart

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To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever.

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.

Love, Calling and Courage: A clergy couple’s journey of faith and identity

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In this poignant 2025 Heritage Sunday-themed oral history episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” (Ret.) Bishop Peggy Johnson and Rev. Mary Johnson join Dr. Ashley Boggan to share their experiences as a clergy couple, including their calls to ministry, career challenges, and Mary’s journey of discovering her transgender identity.

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.

Mary Magdalene: The Resurrection’s first witness

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All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene’s key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more closely not only teaches us the truth, but also shows that her story can serve as a guide for us on our Easter journey and beyond. Join host Crystal Caviness with guest the Rev. Tiffany McDonald for a special Good Friday episode.

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.

Turning the world upside down with ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality’

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It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our 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.