Category: Compass Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Are you ready to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence and spirituality? Join us on the latest episode of Compass as we dive into the impact of AI on the Christian spiritual journey.

We navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into our everyday spirituality, play around with AI Jesus entities, and hear how Jay Cooper and the congregation of Violet Crown City Church have utilized artificial intelligence as part of their community life.

Here are a few key takeaways from this episode:
– AI can serve as a powerful tool for exploration and learning.
– It’s essential to remain skeptical of the limitations and potential biases AI may carry.
– The Christian spiritual journey is a beautiful, messy, and deeply personal endeavor. It is not about finding easy answers or relying on technological shortcuts.

In this episode:
(00:00) Exploring our use of artificial intelligence
(02:35) AI can inform Christian practice; limitations explored.
(06:52) AI Jesus on Twitch answers theological questions with patience and humor.
(09:14) Texting with AI Jesus
(11:55) Meeting with Jay Cooper and AI in Violet Crown City Church
(19:49) What happens in AI-generated worship
(26:36) AI and messy spirituality
(32:39) Artificial intelligence replacing pastors?
(43:47) New technology has always faced skepticism. AI can be helpful in certain areas, like communication and SEO.
(47:14) AI and prevenient grace

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is produced by Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado.
See episode notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Rev. Josh Scott, author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups” explores with us the paradoxical possibilities of the Bible’s ancient narratives. We dive deep into the serious question of faith: “What do we make of the seeming contradictions and inconsistencies in the Bible?” Josh helps us see how asking these tough, discomforting questions can become catalysts for spiritual growth.

Josh Scott (he/him) has been a pastor for the last two decades. The focus of his work is reimagining, reframing, and reclaiming faith. For the past severak years, Josh has served as lead pastor at Gracepointe Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Gracepointe is leading the theological development and practice of Progressive Christianity. Josh is also the author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups”. 

For more spiritual practices and inspiration for your spiritual journey: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:
(00:00) Welcome to Compass: the Divine in the everyday
(02:53) Bible interpretation revelation during college religion class.
(08:28) Thinking Bible, notes, resources, observations, sharing.
(11:45) Bible contains contradictions but fosters meaningful conversations.
(18:42) Bible’s errors don’t discredit its importance.
(21:20) Favorite sections: gospels, Paul’s genuine letters
(27:11) Mark: The earliest and shortest gospel, full of movement. Ends with an empty tomb and a rumor. Failed discipleship is comforting.
(34:00) New book in April, contextualizing scripture stories.
(35:23) Gratitude for growth in sermons over time.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

It’s time for cosmic theology as we examine the spiritual depths of Star Wars and Star Trek. Covering everything from Jedi to Klingons, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn are going boldly forth seeking the spiritual in space.

Join us as we explore the theological reflections found in these iconic franchises.

For episodes and notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

In this episode: Star Wars, Star Trek, The Next Generation, Picard, Force, franchise, theology, theological, reflection, culture, Michelle Maldonado, Ryan Dunn, Methodist, podcast, streaming, movies, film, justice, good vs evil, theodicy, exploration

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Reverend Jerry Herships shares his unique perspective on creating a nontraditional community that connects with something bigger and provides a sense of belonging.

Jerry has worked as stand-up comedian. He wrote for Jay Leno. He’s authored a couple books, including Last Call: from serving drinks to serving Jesus and Rogue Saints: Spirituality for Good Hearted Heathens. Jerry is one of the founders of AfterHours Denver–a unique expression of church reaching outside of the traditional meeting places.

In this episode:
(02:37) Challenges with after-hours gathering: focus on Christ-likeness, reaching out to marginalized, fostering dialogue and community.
(07:10) Summary: Jesus aligns with marginalized and voiceless people. Our community supports the homeless in giving them voice and friendship.
(10:08) People seek connection and tribe, regardless of faith.
(14:29) “Discovering personal connections to the sacred”
(17:22) Being a good Christian requires effort and connection.
(21:02) Monks prove it’s hard without church.
(25:11) Pastor connects with community, emphasizes togetherness.
(29:30) Morning rituals are unavoidable but can evolve.
(33:06) Pub conversation about church connection and service.
(37:48) Rocky Mountains have high suicide rates due to access to guns and lack of mental healthcare.
(39:26) Importance of entering our space and listening.
(44:04) Explore more

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Rev. Canaday shared with us his story of recovery in alcoholism and finding deep connection with a higher power. This connection led Ryan to explore the power of support groups and specifically the role of spirituality in recovery. All this ultimately led to Ryan founding a church based on recovery.

We’re five years on from that conversation, but the church–called Free Spiritual Community–is still changing lives. They’ve grown from meeting in the Canaday’s backyard to moving into their own spaces. 

The story of this community and Ryan’s ongoing story behind it are hopeful and inspiring. And totally relevant for today.

In this episode:
(00:00) Rev. Cannaday’s recovery story inspires present-day listeners.
(06:01) Hitting rock bottom
(09:46) Holding onto God, struggling with addiction, finding freedom.
(16:28) Recovery community with music, stories, and discussions.
(22:37) The need to welcome all
(24:55) A life transformed
(27:55) Family involvement in recovery ministry
(30:42) Acceptance of people expressing their experiences.
(35:11) Connect with the Free Spiritual Community
(37:39) Connect with us

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Art and prayer share much in common–so much so that art can lead us into prayer and connection with the Divine. In this episode of Compass, Michelle and Ryan try out two art-based spiritual practices… and they provide directions on how you can utilize these practices as well.

To see “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa Tanner, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art:
https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/104384

To view the video of this episode:

For more spiritual practices and inspiration for your spiritual journey: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:
(00:00) Catching up
(02:49) Why art is spiritually meaningful
(09:42) Visio Divina
(20:16) Doodle Prayer
(30:28) Other episodes to check out

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the busyness of life? In the latest episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, Ryan Dunn invites listeners to disrupt their busyness through loving-kindness meditation.

The episode features a discussion on the benefits of loving-kindness meditation on mental well-being and relationships.

Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
– Practicing loving kindness towards oneself and others can have a positive impact on mental well-being and relationships.
– The practice of loving kindness can extend beyond our close circle to include neutral people, acquaintances, and even those who cause stress or pain.
– Cultivating a heart of loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity can lead to positive effects on well-being, empathy, and compassion.

In this episode:
(00:00) Finding the spiritual in the everyday
(01:46) Introduction to Loving-Kindness Meditation
(03:53) History of Loving-Kindness Meditation
(06:46) Step one: get comfortable
(06:58) Step two: Set your intention
(07:25) Step three: Focus on love in your life
(09:31) Step four: Focusing on loved ones
(10:27) Step five: Focus on those outside your circle
(11:01) Step six: Focus on adversaries
(11:41) Step seven: Radiate love to all beings
(12:23) Step eight: Closing and reflection

Find more spiritual practices and inspiration for your spiritual journey: www.umc.org/compass

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

On this episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, host Ryan Dunn, a former youth minister, explores the factors that contribute to people leaving the church. Ryan starts by sharing how a student’s experience made him question the effectiveness of ministry for young people. The episode covers seven reasons for people leaving the church, which includes societal changes, abuse in the church, easily-found info online, and the dismissal of skepticism.

For episode notes and more episodes of the Compass Podcast: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:
(00:00) 7 reasons people leave church
(00:44) Changing relationships
(05:58) Teenage phase is societal construct with implications.
(08:38) Prevent abuse through policies, training, and transparency.
(13:08) Limited faith = people leave to internet.
(16:06) Slow embrace of technology
(19:35) The Gospel of Sin Avoidance
(21:37) Features over experience
(24:05) Final word

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Through May, our articles focused on the work of the Holy Spirit… which we’ll see can show up in some surprising places.

In this edition of the audiomagazine, we’ll hear:

(00:00) Introduction to the Rethink Church audiomagazine
(00:43) “The amazing ways God is working right now”
(06:02) “How to live a Spirit-filled life”
(11:06) “Why is my pastor playing Zelda?”
(17:12) “Why do we love Star Wars?”

Find the written articles:

• The Amazing Ways God is working right now… by Joseph Yoo https://www.umc.org/en/content/the-amazing-ways-god-is-working 
• “How to live a Spirit-filled life” by Madison Myers https://www.umc.org/en/content/how-to-live-a-spirit-filled-life 
• “Why is my pastor playing Zelda?” by Nathan Webb https://www.umc.org/en/content/why-is-my-pastor-playing-zelda 
• And “Why do we love Star Wars?” by Ryan Dunn https://www.umc.org/en/content/why-do-we-love-star-wars

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III reflects on his upbringing with parents involved in the civil rights movement and his journey towards identifying with the black prophetic and spiritual tradition within the black church. He also dives into everyday disruptions by stressing the importance of intentional, slow connections with God through activities like walks and bike rides in natural places. In the end we’re going to see that linking love and justice combats spiritual demons and positively impacts communities.

Otis is senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He is a preacher, poet, activist, author and filmmaker with an eye toward justice and equality, as evidenced through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr Moss’s most recent book is “Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times”… it offers some needed insights for our day and age.

For episode notes and more episodes of the Compass Podcast: www.umc.org/compass

In this episode:
[00:00:00] Compass Podcast, Disrupting Everyday, Dr. Otis Moss III
[00:07:46] Love and justice: core values in gospel.
[00:11:18] Modern prayer is distorted; listening is challenging.
[00:15:23] Connecting to God through nature and scripture.
[00:18:06] “Contemplative and action-oriented spaces: Chicago’s gun violence prevention”
[00:24:00] Become student, listen to ancestral wisdom.
[00:26:45] Faith-based Live Free fights violence with youth.
[00:29:39] Podcast urges disruption of oppressive cycles.