Category: Compass Podcast

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What happens when prayer meets practical action? In this compelling episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn sits down with Reverend Ben Roberts, Director of Social Justice Ministries at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Together, they explore how faith, justice, and tangible service intersect on city streets—especially in the fight against homelessness.

Ben takes us behind the scenes of his work—balancing outreach programs such as meal and clothing ministries with systemic advocacy at City Hall. Dive deep into stories of real people overcoming the hidden barriers of homelessness, the spiritual drive to serve, and how community can become a catalyst for justice. From the struggles created by new ID laws to the emotional toll of encampment clearings, this conversation reveals both the challenges and hope alive in social justice ministry.

(00:00) “Faith and Justice: Removing Barriers”
(04:53) Youth Empowerment Through Church Conferences
(09:58) ID Verification Barriers Impact Success
(13:39) Challenges in Homeless Shelters
(16:57) Church Steps Shelter During Emergency
(18:32) ID Documents Processing Timeline
(24:08) Overcoming Barriers to Healing
(27:31) Advocating for Safer Shelters
(28:58) “Church’s Role in Policy Impact”
(34:35) Transition to Housing Success Story
(35:38) “Permanent Supportive Housing Vital Impact”
(41:21) Local Community Involvement Opportunities
(43:03) “Compass Podcast: Spirituality Insights”

Guest Bio:
Reverend Ben Roberts has served as the Director of Social Justice Ministries at Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C. since 2013. With over a decade of experience bridging hands-on outreach and policy advocacy, Ben’s unique calling lies at the intersection of sanctuary and street. He is especially passionate about removing barriers for those experiencing homelessness through initiatives like ID assistance, feeding programs, and coalition-building with local and federal partners. Ben’s ministry demonstrates how spirituality can fuel lasting change—one prayer, one policy, and one neighbor at a time.

Subscribe to Compass for more inspiring conversations about spirituality, daily life, and the pursuit of justice.

For more resources, episode notes, and ways to support social justice ministries, visit: umc.org/compass

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Discovering Better Ways to Read the Bible with Zachary Lambert on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday.

In this episode, Zach Lambert and host Ryan Dunn explore how many of us have been handed rigid, harmful ways to interpret the Bible—and how moving toward healthier, life-giving lenses can transform both our understanding of scripture and our spiritual lives. We dig deep into themes such as reading the Bible with curiosity, dismantling literalism, building communities of restoration, and seeking interpretations that bear true “good fruit.” Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or just spiritually curious, there’s space here for honest questions and renewed inspiration.

Zachary Lambert (he/him) is the lead pastor and co-founder of Restore Austin, a dynamic, radically inclusive church embracing grace, authenticity, and diversity in Austin, Texas. He is the author of “Better Ways to Read the Bible,” a guide to transforming scripture from a tool of exclusion into a wellspring of liberation. Zach’s own journey has included being kicked out of several religious institutions, which fuels his passion for building spiritual communities where all are welcome to heal and grow. Restore Austin recently joined the United Methodist Church, signaling a new chapter of compassion and justice-driven ministry in the heart of Austin.

Find episode notes and the full catalog of past episodes: www.umc.org/compass

00:00 Podcast Invitation & Zach Lambert Intro
04:19 Jesus as an Essentialist
08:27 Humble Inspiration of Scripture
10:55 Challenging Biblical Literalism
14:13 Literalism’s Impact on Christian Faith
17:31 Divine Imprint and Storytelling Truth
22:57 Restoring Faith for Church Returnees
25:28 Inspired by Jesus’s Teachings
28:23 Balancing Bible Reading and Wellbeing
30:58 Church Merger and Renovation Initiative

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Unpacking faith, masculinity, and hope with Rev. Angela Denker on Compass 164: Disciples of White Jesus. Dive into a candid conversation exploring how our images of Jesus, shaped by culture and media, influence everyday faith, identity, and relationships.

Discover practical wisdom for nurturing authentic spirituality at home, at church, and in daily life — plus stories of empathy, resistance, and a kinder, more inclusive community. Need new language to talk about difficult faith questions or searching for ways to live out a more compassionate Christian witness? This episode is for you.

Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award-winner for political and social sciences. Her second book, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, came out on March, 25, 2025. She is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and FORTUNE magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian Nationalism.

In this episode:
00:00 Exploring Faith and Identity Issues
05:18 “The Crusades’ Legacy in Modern Masculinity”
08:04 Misrepresentation of Jesus Online
10:59 Reclaiming Masculinity Through Relationships
15:13 Caution in Church Involvement
19:33 Journey to Writer and Pastor Role
22:04 White Men: Danger and Struggle
25:32 “Confronting Localized Violent Masculinity”
30:15 “Embrace Presence Amidst Distractions”
33:25 Closing

If thought-provoking conversations about faith, justice, and true community inspire you, make sure to subscribe to Compass on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review and share the episode to help others find spiritual wisdom in everyday moments.

Visit umc.org/Compass for show notes and more episodes.

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Are your phone habits feeding your soul or draining your spirit? Host Ryan Dunn reimagines “screen time” as “soul time” in this insightful episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Ryan introduces practical and inspiring apps designed to support your spiritual journey—transforming everyday moments into opportunities for sacred reflection, mindful prayer, and spiritual renewal.

• Break the cycle of doomscrolling with sacred pause
• Apps for Christian meditation, gratitude, and contemplation
• Simple tools to build spiritual rhythms in everyday life
• Adapting ancient practices like Lectio Divina for modern times
• Making spiritual rest as vital as physical rest

Featured Apps:
Everyday Sanctuary, Insight Timer, Lectio 365, YouVersion Bible App, Centering Prayer, Pray as You Go, Soul Rest, and more.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations that spark spiritual growth! 🔗 Find all app links, show notes, and more resources at https://umc.org/compass

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What does it mean to live out faith in real, tangible ways? In this moving episode, Compass host Ryan Dunn sits down with Rev. Ingrid McIntyre—a United Methodist pastor and seasoned community organizer based in Nashville, Tennessee—to explore activism, justice, and the spiritual fuel that sustains hope in challenging times.

Ingrid shares her journey from childhood experiences in Appalachia to her current work at the intersection of faith, activism, and grassroots organizing. Together, Ryan and Ingrid unpack how embodying the values of Jesus leads naturally to standing up for housing justice, inclusion, and the dignity of the marginalized. They discuss the struggles and setbacks spiritual seekers feel when progress seems to stall, and how faith communities can be centers of real change, not just Sunday gatherings.

Discover how a church’s front yard was transformed into vital housing for those in need, learn the power of nonpartisan advocacy built on enduring values, and find inspiration in the everyday acts of courage that keep Ingrid—and countless others—moving forward, even when the work feels heavy.

🌱 Whether you’re curious about social justice, longing for spiritual encouragement, or just seeking stories of everyday hope, this episode offers wisdom and grounding for your journey.

— Guest Bio: Rev. Ingrid McIntyre Rev. Ingrid McIntyre is a United Methodist pastor, an organizer, and a relentless advocate for justice in Nashville, Tennessee. Her work focuses on housing security, grassroots coalition-building, and giving voice to the marginalized. Ingrid’s leadership helped launch innovative housing for the unhoused, and her ministry is recognized for blending faith with action on the issues that impact our communities most.

— Keywords: spirituality, faith in action, social justice, Christian activism, housing justice, LGBTQ inclusion, ending racism, community organizing, hope, United Methodist, church and politics, spiritual encouragement, faith and justice, activism inspiration

— Like what you hear? Subscribe for more episodes that find spirituality in the everyday and help you activate your own voice for good. Show notes, resources, and more: https://umc.org/compass

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What happens when your questions about faith lead you into the world of YouTube? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Reverend Matt Patrick—Oklahoma pastor, theologian, and creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel—as we explore how digital spaces are reshaping spiritual discovery. Matt shares his journey from campus ministry to online community-building, revealing how deep theological conversations and honest dialogue on platforms like YouTube are becoming vital spaces for seekers, doubters, and lifelong Christians alike.

Check out The Connexionalist: https://youtube.com/@theconnexionalist

In this episode, we dig into why Gen Z and young adults are gravitating toward traditional expressions of Christianity and how online content can both challenge and empower us to articulate beliefs in a complex world. We talk through apologetics, the modern Protestant/Catholic conversation, and the importance of community as Matt shares ways the church can creatively meet people wherever they are—both in-person and online.

About our guest: Rev. Matt Patrick is a United Methodist pastor serving at University United Methodist Church on the campus of the University of Tulsa. He is also the creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel, a growing digital community dedicated to honest, accessible conversations on faith, doubt, and theology from a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective. Matt blends pastoral wisdom, a love for church tradition, and a uniquely relatable approach—making deep questions about God and spirituality inviting for all.

In this episode:
[00:00] “Exploring Faith Journeys Online”
[04:42] YouTube’s Influence on Theological Education
[07:17] Rise of Traditional Christianity in U.S.
[10:57] “Thinking Person’s Religious Tradition”
[13:28] Weekly Communion: Spiritual Presence Emphasis
[18:07] Protestant-Catholic Apologetics Popularity
[19:57] “Reluctant Start to YouTube Journey”
[27:20] “Solo Christianity Isn’t Enough”
[31:06] “Join a Small Local Church”
[34:54] “Balancing Pastoral and Theological Roles”
[38:08] Gen Z’s Catholicism Interest Surge
[41:35] Compass Podcast Episode Recap

More episodes and show notes ➡️www.umc.org/compass

Subscribe, like, and leave a comment—let’s keep finding spirituality in the everyday, together!

Keywords: Faith questions, spiritual seekers, Christianity online, Methodist, apologetics, digital church, Gen Z spirituality, church community, finding faith, theology YouTube, Matt Patrick, Connectionalist, Compass podcast, questioning faith, Wesleyan theology, progressive Christianity, how to find a church, Protestant vs Catholic, spiritual journey, United Methodist

 

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In a world that feels overwhelming, hope isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s vital for resilience and growth. This episode of Compass helps cultivate a mud-on-the-boots kind of hope, even when it feels like too much.

Real hope isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about facing it and choosing to believe in something better anyway. Hope is spiritual defiance, a radical way to keep showing up for ourselves and each other, even when the world feels heavy.

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NOTE: New episodes of Compass will resume July 9, 2025.

Feeling overwhelmed by digital noise and daily stress? In this mini-episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn introduces the Ignatian Examen—a centuries-old contemplative prayer practice that helps bring clarity, gratitude, and peace to modern life. Discover how this simple daily ritual can reconnect you with God’s presence in the here and now.

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Join Bishop C. Andrew Doyle—Episcopal Bishop, author, and passionate vinyl record collector—and explore the sacred within the ordinary and the power of embodied spiritual practice. Bishop Doyle opens up about his latest book, “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World,” and shares practical wisdom on carving out sacred spaces, reclaiming rest in a hyper-connected world and finding spirituality beyond institutional boundaries.

Together, Ryan Dunn and Bishop Doyle discuss what it means to experience faith in a so-called post-religious society, the importance of ritual and physical connection in spiritual life, and how practices like unplugging from technology or cherishing community moments can be deeply transformative. Whether it’s the ritual of dropping the needle on a record or gathering for a simple meal, Bishop Doyle encourages us to see all of life as an invitation into deeper belonging and pilgrimage.

If you’re a spiritual seeker, exploring faith outside traditional religious settings, or simply curious about finding meaning in everyday moments, this episode will inspire you to embrace embodied contemplation and sacred connection right where you are.

Guest Bio:
Bishop Andrew Doyle is the ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and a thoughtful voice in contemporary spirituality. Author of several books—including “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World”—Bishop Doyle is known for his practical insights on faith, community, and the embodied life. He lives in Houston, Texas, where he continues his journey of spiritual exploration—on pilgrimage, and still walking.

In this episode:
[00:00] Spirituality and Connection with Bishop Doyle
[04:54] Embodied Rituals in Post-Religious Society
[09:20] Spiritual Seeking Beyond Religion
[11:06] Balancing Thought and Spirituality
[13:56] Sacred Spaces and Routines
[17:46] Modern Captivity and Worship
[21:06] Digital Economy and Social Disconnection
[26:05] “The Art of Being Present”
[29:51] “Embracing Sacrifice and Connection”
[32:46] Communal Sacramental Experiences
[36:42] Freedom in Faith: A Pilgrim’s Journey
[39:39] Phone Addiction and Life Rules
[42:11] We Need Each Other

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. For more episodes and notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

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How do we find spiritual belonging and healing in a world filled with loneliness, uncertainty, and division? In this special episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn is joined by Dori Grinenko Baker and Anna Del Castillo for a heartfelt conversation about tapping into the “deep wells” of soulful practice, community connection, and personal ritual.

Explore practical and inspiring ways to nurture your spirit—whether through grounding in nature, joyful body movement, morning meditation, or holy listening circles. Learn how simple practices can support mental health, combat isolation, and create bridges across divides. Dori and Anna share research-backed insights, accessible spiritual tools, and moving stories from their work with the intergenerational collective Our Own Deep Wells, empowering you to find meaning and belonging wherever you are on your spiritual journey.

In this episode:
[00:00] “Exploring Everyday Spiritual Practices”
[04:23] Soulful Practices for Well-Being
[07:58] Grounding Meditation and Ancestral Reflection
[10:31] “Creating Inclusive Well-being Practices”
[15:11] College Proctor’s Unexpected Ministry Journey
[18:10] Soulful Practices: Reflection and Connection
[20:42] “Infusing Soulful Practices in Workplaces”
[25:53] “Activism for Peace: A Personal Journey”
[27:36] Creating Spaces for Unity
[31:10] Empowering Community Through Connection

For episode notes and more on Compass: www.umc.org/compass