Author: Crystal Caviness

‘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.

When hope meets hardship: Faith as a healing force

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Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine.

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

Learn more and/or order a copy of Justice’s book, “Sunflowers in the Valley: Finding Hope and Healing through Faith: at Amazon and other online booksellers.

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

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

‘On Love’: 20 lessons for a gentler world

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Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek.”

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

Learn more and/or order a copy of “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek” at

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

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

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.