Author: Ryan Dunn

How it started vs how it’s going with Jate Earhart and Love Clan

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New series: “How it started vs How it’s going.” First up is Jate Earhart and the community around JateLIVE and LOVE CLAN. With Jate, we dive into the world of online ministry and planting churches with a focus on non-believers and gamers. Jate shares insights on the importance of prayer and honesty in building relationships, as well as the power of immersion and action-based learning. We also discuss the growth of their Discord community and how they balance Christian and non-Christian focuses. We explore the use of technology in creating spaces for discussing science and working towards inclusivity, as well as the challenges of balancing physical and digital ministry and discerning God’s plan.

Jate Earhart grew up as a PK, but never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a pastor. After studying digital art and design at Full Sail and working for big companies like Google, Nike, and ESPN, Jate felt a calling to do something more meaningful. He found inspiration in Ephesians 2:10, which speaks of being created for good works that God has prepared in advance. Though he initially doubted the idea of having a specific calling, Jate now believes that as long as he follows God’s plan for his life, he will find meaning and purpose. Currently, he is exploring the idea of using digital media to create a new kind of church experience.

We’re going to hear all about it next on Pastoring in the Digital Parish…

This particular meaningful episode is brought to us by: Safer Sanctuaries. Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures.

In this episode:

(00:00) “Pastoring in the Digital Parish: Jate Earhart’s Journey”
(10:22) “A Creative Epiphany”
(17:35) “Build a Thriving Gaming Community Through Word-of-Mouth”
(20:31) “Breaking Taboos: Inviting Non-Science Professionals to Discussions”
(29:31) “Fostering Authenticity: A Pastor’s Focus on Community”
(38:17) “Streamers logging up to 19 hours daily!”
(42:59) “Balancing Discipleship and Evangelism: A Journey”
(49:26) “Digital Ministries for Gamers: A Guide”

For more episodes of Pastoring in the Digital Parish: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

109: From heroes to villains: The role of iconoclasm with Diana Butler Bass

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We delve into the topic of iconoclasm and the conflict it causes in communities as they grapple with troubling figures from their spiritual history. From Confederate statues in Richmond to famous theologians who have committed atrocities, we explore how we evaluate historical figures through multiple lenses and the importance of deep discernment in Christian leadership. Join us for a conversation with scholar and author Diana Butler Bass as we explore the question of when communities need to cancel or reframe historical legacies to reflect on past mistakes and ensure justice.

Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality. She’s written 11 books. Her bylines include The New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN.com, Atlantic.com, USA Today, Huffington Post, Spirituality and Health, Reader’s Digest, Christian Century, and Sojourners. And she’s been featured talking about religion and politics on just about every major news outlet.

In this episode:
(00:00) Introduction
(06:08) Empty Pedestals: The Age of Iconoclasm
(13:08) “The Importance of Reflective Engagement with History”
(15:16) Navigating the Tension Between History and Offense
(18:11) “Examining the Past, Present, and Future Lenses”
(22:02) “Why We Must Consider Future Generations”
(30:18) “The Deep Question Behind Thomas Jefferson’s Statues”
(32:38) “Reframing Public Figures: Jefferson and Washington’s Role”
(35:59) “Controversial theologians raise questions of morality”
(44:45) “Iconoclasm: The Controversial Removal of Statues”
(47:48) “Empty Altars: Searching for a New Spiritual Landscape”

For more episodes of Compass, visit: www.umc.org/compass

Digital parish, real community: Meeting the needs of young adults

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We’re talking with Lexi Hernandez, the founder of Growth Co, a young adult ministry that is changing the way people think about church. We go behind the scenes to learn about the inspiration behind the creation of subscription boxes for young adults, the idea of Growth Co, and the challenges of meeting the needs of the community. Lexi shares her personal experiences with church growing up and the journey that led to the creation of Growth Co. Join us as we explore the dynamics of young adult communities and the challenges that come with it.

Lexi Hernandez is a woman of faith who believes that ministry happens in unexpected ways. She communicates an expectation that there is a purpose and design to all that she does, even if it may not be immediately obvious. As the founder of Growth Co, she has helped to create a rhythm to the organization’s scheduling and programming, ensuring that each gathering offers a unique level of learning and growth. Whether leading a Thursday night gathering or participating in a 201 level Zoom session, Lexi is committed to sharing her faith and helping others discover their own personal connections to spirituality.

This episode made possible by: “Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities” is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures. To learn more go to Safer Sanctuaries.org or call 800-972-0433.

(00:00) – Introduction
(05:06) – How Growth Co Was Born
(10:30) – The Challenges of Meeting the Needs of Young Adults
(15:39) – Creating a Safe Space for Spiritual Exploration
(17:57) – Finding the Right Balance Between Fun and Serious Discussion
(26:02) – Engaging Young Adults in Volunteering and Service Opportunities
(34:29) A young person’s vision of church
(36:11) – National Meetings and Expanding the Community
(38:23) – Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Don’t miss an episode of Pastoring in the Digital Parish, hit that subscribe button and stay up to date with the latest content. More episodes at: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Peace!

Planting a digital church: The Harbor United Methodist story

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We’re talking with Rev. Jessica Blackwood and Rev. Orlando Evans–a couple of the visionaries and planners behind Harbor United Methodist Church, a currently all-digital church plant located in Georgia (and across the expanse of the internet). They share about planning for digital community, engaging in digital outreach, building online community building and community rhythm. There are some great stories and several key ideals to add to your digital ministry toolkit.

Rev. Jessica Blackwood serves in the Center for Congregational Excellence of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church as Digital Ministry Specialist. She helps churches create sacred spaces within digital spaces.

Rev. Orlando Evans is a former online pastor and current lead pastor at Bright Star United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. And he’s one of the key visionaries for founding Harbor UMC… which is our key topic in this session of Pastoring in the Digital Parish.

This session is made available by:

Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures.
To learn more go to SaferSanctuaries.org or call 800-972-0433

For more episodes and digital ministry resources, visit www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

108: John Blake explores the world-changing power of relationships

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We’re talking diversity, inclusion, integration, hope, the church and divine intervention with John Blake. John has some interesting stories to tell about family and relationships… including his relationship with the church.

John Blake is an award-winning journalist for CNN.com. His 2020 essay, “There’s One Epidemic We May Never Find a Cure For: Fear of Black Men in Public Spaces,” was recently selected by Bustle Digital Group as one of the 11 best essays on racism and police violence. He is a Baltimore native living in Atlanta… and his book that just hit the proverbial shelves is “More Than I Imagined” which prompted our conversation with John.

In this episode:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:39) Why John Blake is sharing his story now
(06:08) At what point did you “choose” church?
(07:54) What does real church diversity look like?
(09:47) Building a radically integrated church
(19:59) Hope for the future of the church
(22:44) Joy in relationships
(24:03) When the spirit intervenes
(29:20) “Imposter Christianity”
(32:21) Learning from Monster Culture!

The Compass podcast is a production of United Methodist Communications. For episode notes or more episodes of Compass, visit: www.umc.org/compass

Faith in Action: Examining the Moral Monday Protest in Nashville

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Special release.

On the morning of March 27, 2023, a gunman entered Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, and shot 6 people to death. This event was a catalyst in Nashville, leading to protests, political intrigue and division, and the organization of a wide base of religious leaders. In this episode of Compass, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn share their experiences in response to the shootings, the political climate and their first-hand participation in some of the demonstrations and protests that have happened since March 27–including the April 17, 2023, Moral Monday demonstration in Nashville.

This episode provides insight from leaders and participants in the local actions, including Rev. Dr. William Barber of the Poor Peoples’ Campaign and Repairers of the Breach, Rev. Ingrid McIntyre, and Rev. Stacey Harwell-Dye. They all share why these events have been a motivating factor in the mobilization of clergy and people of faith.

(00:00) Introduction
(00:35) Faith leaders take action
(02:26) March 27, 2023
(05:44) Demonstrations and the Tennessee Three
(08:45) Local leaders organize
(12:57) Rev. Dr. William Barber on organizing Moral Monday in Nashville
(22:07) Rev. Stacey Harwell-Dye and Rev. Ingrid McIntyre on why faith leaders take action
(29:16) What happened at Moral Monday Nashville
(31:40) Speaker clips: Angera Ferrell-Zabala, Bishop Anne Henning-Byfield and William Barber
(39:18) Inside the statehouse
(44:11) The cost of inaction
(49:31) What happens now?
(52:16) Final thoughts

Please leave a rating and/or review!

The Compass podcast is a production of United Methodist Communications and releases new episodes every other Wednesday. For more information, including episode notes, and other episodes, visit: www.umc.org/compass

Faithfulness: April 2023 Rethink Church audiomagazine

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The April 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout April 2023, our content focused on faithfulness.

We’ll hear:

107: When restlessness is a gift

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Restlessness is not comfortable. We’d rather not spend too much time dwelling on thoughts of missing out… or of doubt… or spend too much time dwelling on mundanity of life. That’s not a comfortable place to be.

So when someone like Casey Tygrett comes along suggesting that restlessness is a gift because it opens us up to the movements of God, that feels a little jarring.

Casey Tygrett is a speaker and the director of spiritual direction practice for Soul Care, which helps church and nonprofit leaders restore health to their souls. He is the author of The Gift of Restlessness and is the host of the Restlessness is a Gift podcast. Tygrett holds an MDiv and a DMin in spiritual formation from Lincoln Christian Seminary. He and his family live in south suburban Chicago.

Connect with Casey: www.caseytygrett.com
More episodes of the Compass podcast: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:20) How goes it with your soul?
(02:57) Restlessness and exhaustion
(04:49) Restlessness and decision making
(10:05) Why write a book on restlessness?
(15:30) Restlessness reveals reality
(24:12) Spiritual journey inspires restlessness
(28:45) Restlessness and peace
(34:14) Belief and spiritual direction
(38:56) Catching up with Casey Tygrett

106: Climate change and taking spiritual action in response

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Rev. Richenda Fairhurst shares about the relationship between our faith, spirituality and concern for our environment. This concern compels us to respond to climate change. Rev. Richenda shares several action steps for combating climate change–both personal actions and community action.

Richenda Fairhust was trained by the Climate Reality Project and Center for Earth Ethics Ministers’ Trainings, serving afterwards as a mentor and speaker. She served as a chaplain for Occupy Wall Street in NYC and journeyed to Standing Rock to participate in prayer and solidarity during the Call to Clergy in November 2016. She founded Faiths4Future in 2020, and serves as a co-organizer for Faiths4Future and the Climate Café Multifaith. Currently she serves as Steward of Creation at Circle Faith Future.

Check out Faiths4Future: https://faiths4future.org/

In this episode:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:32) Meet Rev. Richenda Fairhurst
(02:42) What is Faiths 4 Future?
(06:31) What pulled you into action against climate change?
(12:30) What were first personal steps against climate change?
(21:31) How do we know we’re making difference?
(26:43) On earth as it is in heaven…
(27:52) How are churches making a difference?
(33:31) Get more information

Find more episodes of the Compass podcast: www.umc.org/compass

Resilience: Rethink Church March 2023 audiomagazine

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In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout March 2023, our content focused on Lent and the resilience it inspires. We’ll hear: