Author: Crystal Caviness

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.

Reproductive Rights, Respectability Politics and Methodism

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Methodism has influenced – and been influenced by – issues such as reproductive justice, the concept of respectability politics and contemporary perceptions of womanhood. Dr. Ashley Boggan and guest Dr. Amy Laura Hall, Duke University professor and ordained elder in The UMC, take a deep dive into understanding why our 20th century history matters for 21st century decisions on these vital topics.

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.

Sophia Wisdom: Little known gift for big transformation

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Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understanding of wisdom and transform our conversations, relationships and lives.

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.

Taking faith into the legislature: A politician’s story

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Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advocate who engages with her community, city boards, commissions and church to tackle pressing issues such as housing, healthcare access, voting rights and criminal justice reform. And discover how, as Jesus commanded, when we love our neighbors, we can all contribute to a more just and equitable society.

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.

Serving a community with unity, resilience and love

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Discover how love has unified a Los Angeles community through decades of civil unrest, gentrification and natural disasters when the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin shares the story of Holman United Methodist Church, an historic church embodying its Wesleyan heritage as a center for community organizing and worship.

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 and American politics: An historical look at the interplay

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Understanding the historical intertwining of religion and politics in America, particularly from a Methodist standpoint, helps us navigate contemporary situations. Discover how Methodism impacted Revolutionary War-era Manhattan and Boston when Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes the Rev. Stefanie Bennett and Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain as guests on “Un-Tied 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.

Doodle your way to a deeper faith

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Discover how to doodle your way to a divine connection during Lent or at any time when the Rev. Stephanie Dunn shares practical tips for integrating creativity into your spiritual journey from her new book, “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent.”

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

Learn more and/or purchase “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent” at the link. Use Promo Code DC20 for a discount on the book at the Upper Room store.

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

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

Holy Week: A tapestry of sacred stories in ‘The Final Days’

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In a study for Lent from the Rev. Matt Rawle, “The Final Days: A Lenten Journey through the Gospels” explores the themes of justice, poverty, freedom and love woven throughout the sacred stories of Jesus’ last days on earth.

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.