[156] Exploring the Enneagram and spiritual simplicity with Hunter Mobley

Navigating spiritual growth through the Enneagram with Hunter Mobley on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Hunter shares his personal journey from evangelical “five-step spirituality” to a deeper, more contemplative faith that sees spiritual practices as pathways to soul transformation. Discover how the Enneagram can help unearth your truest self, why letting go is key to spiritual growth, and how simplicity makes space for the surprise of the Spirit to show up in unexpected ways.

Listen now for fresh insight into practical faith for everyday life—and get ready to be inspired to ask new questions, try new practices, and rediscover joy in your faith journey.

In this episode:
[00:00] “Journey to Soul-Centered Spirituality”
[03:44] Evolving from Task-Oriented Spirituality
[07:55] Evolving Faith and Personal Journey
[12:01] Enneagram: Path to Inner Transformation
[18:35] “Embracing Mutual Vulnerability”
[19:32] Enneagram’s Deeper Truths Revealed
[22:54] Enneagram’s Intelligence Centers Explained
[27:00] Enneagram and Spirituality Fusion
[34:43] Renewed Energy and Gratitude

Visit with Hunter Mobley and get a copy of “Letting Go, Finding You”: www.huntermobley.com

Find more episodes and notes: www.umc.org/compass

[155] Are the End Times at hand?

Let’s explore the fascinating and often complex world of Christian eschatology, unraveling the various interpretations of end times theology. In this episode, Ryan leads us through the evolution of eschatological beliefs—from historical premillennialism to amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennial dispensationalism.

[154] Fantastical beasts and where to find them (in the Bible)

It’s a Biblical exploration of the strange, fantastical and mysterious. From Leviathan to unicorns to UAPs, we’re inspiring curiosity and awe as we see what these strange occurrences and observations in the Bible tell us about the Divine.

In this episode:
[00:00] Introducing a little levity
[02:01] God-human hybrids
[05:18] Sea monster
[07:11] The talking donkey
[09:25] Horned beasts
[10:13] Giants
[11:39] Insanely old people
[14:08] Horned Moses
[15:59] Four-legged fowl
[17:14] Moses’ body
[18:41] The walking dead (where did they go?)
[22:15] Cursed with hemorrhoids
[23:29] Close encounter of the third kind
[25:57] Expressing something of the Divine

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is hosted and produced by Ryan Dunn.

More at www.umc.org/compass

[105] Revitalizing church models and communicating change with Matt Austin and Matt Patrick

In this episode of MyCom Church Communications and Marketing, we’re getting an inspiring story out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Matt Austin and Matt Patrick are co-pastors at University United Methodist Church.  Matt and Matt share their journey of reimagining church sustainability through alternate income models, space utilization, and unique ventures like their very own coffee trailer in this episode. Plus, they discuss the importance of embracing change, fostering a culture of learning, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re in church leadership or just passionate about community innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

[153] Lent: Hungry and wanting more

Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you.

Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.

[152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms

In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing human complexity and the practice of truth-telling in spirituality. From Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar, see how a cultural mixtape can guide one’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss insights on how spiritual seekers can curate a personalized connection to the divine through grounded traditions and ethical practices.

Our guest is Tamice Spencer-Helms, a theologian, public speaker, curriculum developer, and consultant With over two decades of experience in young adult leadership, spiritual innovation, and social change. Tamice brings a deep well of wisdom to their work.

In this episode:
(00:00) Spiritual Mix Taping with Tamice
(03:31) Mixtapes as connectors of faith
(07:36) The mixtape as Black Cultural Expression
(10:07) Rethinking perfection and ethical relativity
(17:48) Find spiritual awe in the modern world
(20:25) Overcoming fear through music
(27:20) Faith and identity in Black America
(31:33) Hush harbors in the modern day
(34:08) Closing

Join us to uncover how the R.E.S.T. mixtape can lead to a richer, more holistic spiritual life: https://umc.org/compass

Keywords: spirituality, faith exploration, hush harbors, mixtape metaphor, spiritual innovation, radical ethics, tethered practices, personal identity and faith, Tamice Spencer-Helms.

[104] Reaching your church’s next generation: The “Followers Under 40” authors

This episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast explores the evolving relationship between the church and young adults with guests Kristopher Sledge and Rachel Gilmore. As pastors and co-authors of the book “Followers Under 40,” they explore how Millennials, Zoomers, and Gen Alpha relate differently to institutions and discuss practices that help in connecting with them.

Kristopher Sledge, lead pastor of the multi-ethnic Journey Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Rachel Gilmore, director of New and Vital Faith for the Desert Southwest Conference, share their insights on understanding youth culture, engaging with social issues, and embracing digital tools. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, listening, and dialogue in reaching the next generation.

The episode also covers practical steps for churches to become more inclusive and relevant, such as creating safe spaces for exploration of faith and identity, and how churches can reimagine their presence in digital spaces to better connect with young and digital-native audiences.

This episode is sponsored by:

Celebrate Wonder Digital Curriculum brings Bible stories to life with interactive lessons that help kids build stronger relationships with God and each other!

Visit cokesburykids.com/celebratewonder to download a sample today!

Find more information and episodes at www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

[151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature

Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless.

Corey Turnpenny is the founding pastor of Church in the Wild, a unique nature-focused congregation in Upstate New York. Her journey from the UMC Next conference in 2019 led her to create a spiritual haven where individuals reconnect with their spirituality amidst the splendor of creation. Through outdoor worship and a vibrant community, Corey is pioneering a movement that calls people back to nature.

In this episode, explore the fascinating intersection of faith and nature, understand why community gatherings in the wild hold profound significance, and learn how natural settings can enhance spiritual practices. If you’re on a quest for a deeper spiritual connection and appreciate engaging conversations about faith, this episode is for you!

In this episode:
(00:00) Church in the Wild: Nature’s Worship
(08:06) Catching a vision for a new church
(11:45) Doing church in the wild
(13:57) First followers and outdoor community networking
(19:36) A weekly escape to a natural bubble
(21:30) Spiritual practices in nature
(29:15) Spirituality through environmental care
(30:31) Finding peace in nature’s church
(38:10) Learn more

Find episode notes and more episodes of Compass: www.umc.org/Compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

[150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation

Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.

Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape one’s faith journey but influence daily habits and mindfulness.

Ben Gosden, a pastor and author of “Grace Rediscovered,” has over fifteen years of pastoral experience. His book chronicles his personal path to recovery and deeper spiritual understanding. For those seeking spiritual growth or grappling with their own challenges, Ben offers a candid look at the power of prayer, humility, and acceptance. Discover how aligning your daily life with your core values can lead to genuine spiritual richness and connection.

Tune in and be open to the transformative grace and spirituality that beckon us in our everyday lives.

Find notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass

(00:00) Addiction, Recovery, and Grace
(05:40) Alcohol Addiction: A Personal Journey
(08:48) Overcoming Evening Temptations
(11:34) Embracing Humility: God Isn’t You
(13:58) From Requests to Surrender
(16:11) Letting Go: Faith and Acceptance
(21:53) Values: A Checkbook and Calendar Audit
(23:30) Practicing Margin Time
(27:02) Balancing Work and Personal Time
(31:22) Compass Podcast Episode Recap

Keywords: spirituality, faith journey, recovery, transformation, addiction, grace, spiritual alignment, prayer, humility, acceptance, Ben Gosden, “Grace Rediscovered”, pastoral experience.

[103] Mastering Two-Way Church Communication Online with Katie Allred

Learn practical strategies for enhancing your church’s digital communications with expert Katie Allred, founder of Church Communications Group. From managing social media engagement to optimizing YouTube content, discover how to create meaningful two-way conversations with your congregation online. Katie shares insights on effectively using Facebook groups, responding to comments, and leveraging AI for ministry efficiency.

Key Topics:

  • Engaging authentically with social media comments
  • Creating searchable YouTube content for ministry
  • Using Facebook groups vs pages effectively
  • Positioning church content for better reach
  • Managing digital community conversations

(00:00) “Digital Tools for Church Communication”
(04:17) From Harry Potter Forums to Ministry
(09:42) Engage in Social Media Comments
(13:13) Lent 2025 Devotional Guide
(15:24) Encouraging Engaging Church Comments
(18:40) Churches Utilizing YouTube Better
(21:13) Internet Authority: Perception Versus Reality
(26:39) Facebook Group: Deeper Conversations & Networking
(28:08) “Private Conversations Over Public Debate”

Find more episodes and episode notes at www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast