Seven sisters: A look at the lives of John Wesley’s female siblings

John Wesley had seven sisters and it’s “overdue that we explore their lives,” says Rev. Dr. Glen O’Brien, author, minister and professor of Christian history and thought at the University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia. Join Dr. Ashley Boggan, host of “Un-Tied Methodism,” as she and O’Brien delve into the stories of the Wesley sisters, examining both their lives and contributions to Methodism, as well as the importance of understanding Christian history from a female perspective.

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.

Transform your faith: From believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus

What if, instead of having faith in Jesus, you had the faith of Jesus? Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, who has integrated the Jewish faith of her birth with her chosen identity as a United Methodist, urges all of us to embrace our inner divinity to live a more purposeful life, one in which we move beyond simply believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus.

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

Learn more and/or purchase Simon-Peter’s book, “Believe Like Jesus: Rising from faith in Jesus to the faith of Jesus.”

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

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

The AME Church in Indian Territory: A complex kinship

In a history that is not widely known, the early African Methodist Episcopal Church and indigenous communities shared a relationship of both connection and resistance in the area now known as Oklahoma.

Dr. Ashley Boggan takes a look at the history with Dr. Christina Dickerson, professor and author of “Black Indians and Freedmen: The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Indigenous Americans, 1816-1916” on the current episode of “Un-Tied Methodism.”

Learn more and/or order Dickerson’s book at this 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.

‘A Full-Hearted Life’: Walking in wisdom and love

Always being joyful and finding meaning in life can be challenging for many of us.  In his new book, “A Full-Hearted Life: Following Jesus in This Secular Age,” Bishop Jake Owensby offers a guide for navigating our culture’s complexities by encouraging us to embrace our true selves, cultivate genuine relationships and walk through life as Jesus did, offering wisdom and love to all we meet.

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.

Training wild mustangs: A guide to harmonious living

Clarity, consistency, communication and compassion. Learn how the 4 Cs that Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill used to train wild mustangs guides us in building authentic relationships across cultures.

Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is the second in a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of indigenous people and how we can better live together in the world and the church.

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

You can listen to part one here.

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

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

Methodists and Sand Creek

Many United Methodists do not know the violent tragedies of our past, including the denomination’s  responsibility and agency in the Sand Creek Massacre, the 1864 attack by the U.S. Army on the Cheyenne and Arapaho people in what is now Colorado. This is that story.

Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes guest, Dr. Gary L. Roberts, professor and author of “Massacre at Sand Creek: How Methodists Were Involved in an American Tragedy.”

Note: This episode is a repeat from October 2021.

To learn more and/or order Dr. Roberts’ book, go to this 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.

Sacred Journeys: Weaving Navajo spirituality with Wesleyan faith

When the Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a seminary student, the Navajo holy man knew he had found his denominational home. Discover how Wesleyan discipleship aligns with indigenous spirituality and how understanding both can lead to a more welcoming church.

Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of indigenous people and how we can better live together in the world and the church.

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.

Diversity in The UMC: Telling our stories leads to unity

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz reminds us of the importance of listening to one another’s stories and respecting one another’s journeys as we live into a diverse and inclusive church that encompasses a rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latine heritage in the U.S.

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.

Methodism in Latin America: The journey and the legacy that remains

Join Dr. Ashley Boggan D., GCAH’s general secretary, and Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo, professor of Missiology, World Christianity and Methodist Studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, as they discuss the vibrant history of Methodism in Latin America. Learn about the courageous pioneers who brought their faith to a region dominated by Catholicism and how the legacy continues to thrive 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.

Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother’s story

In a poignant and powerful conversation about faith and loss, Julie Hilliard Wood, a lifelong United Methodist, shares her family’s story of how homophobia and rejection within the church had devastating consequences and reminds us of how critically important it is to create safe and loving spaces for all of God’s children.

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

For more information or to purchase Wood’s book, “Changing the Message: Cruelty to Persons Who are Gay is Incompatible with Christian Teaching,” visit this link.

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

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