The United Methodist People Podcast

From Kinda Christian to Devoted Disciple with Roger Ross

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:10:00 -0500

United Methodist People Podcast

Show Notes

On this illuminating episode of The United Methodist People Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller welcomes longtime friend, author, pastor, and leadership coach Roger Ross to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities facing today’s United Methodist churches. Centered around Ross’s latest book, “Kinda Christian: From Curious to Serious About Jesus,” the conversation explores how churches and individuals can move beyond complacency to cultivate authentic discipleship, transformational community, and purpose-driven faith.

Episode Summary

The episode kicks off with Dr. Brad Miller introducing Roger Ross, whose decades of ministry and church leadership have inspired innovative approaches to spiritual growth and coaching. They revisit their joint history as church planters, emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership—an ethos behind Ross’s new venture, The Humility Group, created to support pastors and faith-based leaders.

Ross shares the origin story of “Kinda Christian,” highlighting his realization that many church newcomers crave clarity about what being a disciple truly entails. After wrestling with his leadership team, Ross’s church developed the G6 process, outlining six essential marks of discipleship: glory, grace, group, growth, giftedness, and generosity. Stories like Chantel’s—whose life was profoundly changed by this process—illustrate the transformative power of intentional discipling.

The conversation delves into the broader issues facing churches, such as lack of clarity and processes for making disciples. Ross argues that the mission to “make disciples” often falters when churches cannot define what a disciple actually is or lack a roadmap to help people become one. He introduces three core callings to help believers and churches get “unstuck”: love God, launch community, and unleash compassion.

Ross and Miller discuss practical metaphors—lake churches (static, attractional) versus river churches (dynamic, sending)—encouraging leaders to build churches that nurture, equip, and send disciples into the world. Authentic community, Ross asserts, is the antidote to today’s epidemic of loneliness and meaninglessness; it requires relationships that are loving, truthful, and deep, not merely surface-level fellowship.

The episode also touches on practical spiritual disciplines, like engaging with scripture regularly, and the statistical evidence of its impact. Ross explains that just four times of meaningful Bible engagement a week can significantly reduce loneliness and increase purpose.

Finally, Ross shares how “Kinda Christian” is being adopted by United Methodist bishops and conferences as a resource to help local churches define discipleship and create processes for cultivating it. On a personal note, Ross urges listeners to start small—pick one spiritual discipline, such as solitude or focused prayer, and commit to it daily—as the first step toward becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

Three Takeaway Points:

Clarity on Discipleship Is Critical for Church Health: Without a clear, actionable definition of what it means to be a disciple and how to cultivate one, churches will struggle to fulfill their mission and fail to engage seekers meaningfully.
Churches Must Move from Lake to River Models: The future of vibrant ministry lies in churches that not only attract but equip and send disciples to impact their communities, flowing outward rather than hoarding resources.
Deep Community and Small Steps Lead to Transformation: Combating loneliness and spiritual complacency begins with intentional relationships and adopting manageable spiritual practices, like daily solitude or scripture engagement.

For more about Roger Ross and The Humility Group, visit thehumilitygroup.org, and for podcast updates, check out unitedmethodistpodcast.com.

How Rev. Craig Duke Departed from His Church After Appearing on an HBO “Drag Show” and Found His Mission

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:09:00 -0500

Rev. Craig Duke is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller's guest on Episode 059 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

Craig tells the story of the unique opportunity that came his way to appear on the HBO Television show "We're Here" which features a traveling "Drag Queen" show that recruits and transforms local folk in smaller towns to participate in a "Drag Show."

Following a calling, Craig felt, to become a bridge between the church and LGBTQ community and to support his daughter Craig agreed to participate in the show.

The fallout following his appearance in the show led to his departure from his church.

In this episode, Craig tells the good, the bad, and ugly of his experience and his newfound commitment to new ministry opportunities.

For United Methodists following the debate in the church regarding how the church relates (or doesn't) to LGBTQ persons, this is a must listen to hear first-hand the personal heartache, drama, and rejoicing surrounding matters of human sexuality in our church.

The Open Door Facebook Group

Dreamcatcher Podcast

The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ's Last Days with Rev. Rob Fuquay

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:13:00 -0500

In Episode 58 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Rev. Rob Fuquay of St. Luke's UMC-Indianapolis about his new book and Lenten resource "The Passion Play-Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" which is inspired by the Oberammergau Passionsspiele.

Jesus' Passion Story is presented each Lent in countless churches each year. But one play presented by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, in Bavaria Germany, may be one of the longest-running performances of all. Staged every 10 years since 1634. To play makes an impact not only on the villagers who portray the characters and all who see it as well. And the passion play Rob Fuquay follows the biblical story of the passion and shows how this amazing play as we use both as a ritual of praise and later as a weapon through that's anti-semitic past.

Brad and Rob talk about the book at length in this interview including its relevance in today's world of pandemics and anxiousness.

The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a retired UMC Elder with a heart for "doing all the good I can; particularly in anxious times."

The United Methodist People Podcast is all about sharing the story of the United Methodist people who have similar commitments to doing all the good they can through conversation and commentary.

To Purchase "The Passion Play-Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" Go to:

https://www.cokesbury.com/the-passion-play

If you like The United Methodist People Podcast then you are invited to try one of the following podcasts Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is involved with.

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble (co-host)

https://www.tobeencouraged.com/

Voice of God Daily Bible Study

https://www.voiceofgoddaily.com/

Beyond Adversity: Helping People Navigate Adverse Life Events and Emerge Victoriously.

www.DrBradMiller.com

A Letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr from Bishop Julius C. Trimble - Announcing the Launch of "To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble" Podcast

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:44:00 -0500

On Episode 57 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller Bishop Julius C Trimble shares a “Letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr” to mark the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr holiday.

It was also officially announced that the “To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble” Podcast will launch on Tuesday February 1, 2022.

In this episode Bishop Trimble shared his thoughts on the impact and influence Dr. Martin Luther King has society and church today and how words and action should not be frozen in time but apple as earnestly as ever to today’s problems of racism, voter suppression and justice.

Bishop Trimble commented on how Dr. King might react to a present state of disparity, why the chasm between the rich and the poor continues? Dr. King brings challenging words to today that life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? That the measure of one’s life is to live a life of service.

Bishop Trimble also announced the launching of his own Podcast. As of Tuesday February 1, 2022. This podcast will put voice to Bishop Trimble mission “to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential” - in short, to be encouraged.

The podcast will feature Bishop Trimble’s insights and commentary on many issues facing society and the United Methodist Church such as: racism, pandemic, human sexuality, theology, bible study, voting rights, creation care and the future of the Untied Methodist Church. The podcast will publish each Tuesday and is co-hosted by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C Trimble is available at

www.ToBeEncouraged.com

Apple Podcasts:

https://tobeencouraged.com/applepodcasts

Facebook:

https://tobeencouraged.com/facebook

Spotify: https://tobeencouraged.com/spotifypodcast

Spiritual Infrastructure in Building A Beloved Community for 2022 (Special Announcement)

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 13:27:00 -0500

In Episode 56 of The United Methodist People Podcast, with Reverend Dr. Brad Miller, the topic is building the new year of 2022 with Spiritual Infrastructure in the Be Encourage segment, Bishop Julius C. Trimble.

Bishop Trimble outlines entering into the new year of 2022 with a vision of partnership to build a beloved community with spiritual infrastructure. Spiritual infrastructure is composed of such elements as prayer, accountability, and faith.

Brad and Bishop discuss Jeremiah 29:11 regarding God’s plans for the church moving into 2022. The discussion revolved around God delivering us for our new season and it's going to be a good season.

It was announced that Bishop Trimble will be launching his own podcast in January 2022 “Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble”

The trailer is available now at https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm and the podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts and the other podcast directories.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller closed the last podcast episode of 2021 with a word of appreciation to the guests and listeners of the United Methodist People Podcast and a quote from John Wesley.

“As for reputation, though it be a glorious instrument of advancing our Master's service, yet there is a better than that: a clean heart, a single eye, and a soul full of God. A fair exchange if, by the loss of reputation, we can purchase the lowest degree of purity of heart.”

John Wesley

Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is found at https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm

How to Be Real and Encouraged this Christmas with Bishop Julius C. Trimble (Special Announcement)

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:44:00 -0500

In Episode 55 of the United Methodist People Podcast Bishop Julius Trimble shares a Christmas message of How to be Real and Encouraged this Christmas.

Bishop Trimble shares the meaningfulness of Christmas memories growing up in his own family and in raising his own children. He also emphasizes the importance of clergy caring for their own families at Christmas and how laypersons can be helpful in this area.

He talks about the redeeming message of Christmas in the light of the Covid 19 crisis and other societal pressures. He relates that Christmas is a gift worth sharing - the gift of encouragement.

Episode 55 also featured the special announcement that in January 2022 Bishop Trimble is launching his own persona podcast "Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble." This included the release of an audio trailer for the new podcast which will be available on iTunes and other podcast directories after January 1, 2022.

Rev. Dr. Miller concluded the episode with gratitude to the listeners for their support in 2021 and the following quote from John Wesley.

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

― John Wesley

Simplifying the United Methodist Brand with Love, Grace and Forgiveness with Bishop Julius Trimble and David Johns

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 21:35:00 -0500

In Episode 54 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Indiana Bishop Julus Trimble and Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns about simplifying the United Methodist Brand with Love, Grace, and Forgiveness. This is part 2 of a two-part conversation about simplifying the United Methodist Brand. Part 1 of this conversation is on Episode 53 of the United Methodist People Podcast. https://united-methodist-people.captivate.fm/episode/53

Simplifying The Distracted Brand of the United Methodist Church - Part 1. With Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns and Indiana Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 18:31:00 -0500

In Episode 53 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Indiana Conference Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns about simplifying the distracted branding of The United Methodist Church.

Episode 53 is part 1 of this conversation wh9ich will continue on Episode 54.

David Johns is a retired automotive industry executive who brings his expertise in branding and marketing cars to his love of the United Methodist Church and his passion for Jesus Christ.

David and Bishop talk to Brad about the multifaceted nature of the United Methodist Brand the assets and liabilities of how the United Methodist Brand is viewed by the public.

The conversation turns to the need to simplify the message of the United Methodist brand to focus on "keeping our eye on the ball" of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation which will be resumed on Episode 54 of the United Methodist People Podcast focusing on the sacred worth of all people.

“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”

― John Wesley

A Table Set for Home: Behind the Scenes with the Council of Bishops

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:41:00 -0500

Episode 52 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, features a behind-the-scenes look at the November 2021 Council of Bishops meeting with Indiana area Bishop Julius Trimble.

Brad and Bishop talk about the narrative set forth by the Council of Bishops to set the stage moving forward as the church faces probably division in 2022.

Bishop and Brad talk about a vision of setting a table for a home where all can be welcome no matter their differences of opinion.

Furthermore, Bishop and Brad talk about how music can be a universal language to bring people together. Music at family gatherings around a Thanksgiving table and the songs of Christmas and the holiday season can bridge divides among people.

Living With A Grateful Heart-A Thanksgiving Message of Encouragement from Bishop Julius Trimble

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 11:14:00 -0500

Living with a grateful heart is the Thanksgiving message of encouragement from Bishop Julius C. Trimble on episode 51 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

Bishop Trimble and Rev Dr. Brad Miller talk about scriptures that speak to our hearts at Thanksgiving time particularly Luke 12:48 which indicates to those for whom much have been given much is expected and how that should guide us and how we serve others during this Thanksgiving.

Bishop Trimble and Dr. Brad also talked about how in many churches there will be a great emotional uplift that people are gathering for fall dinners and other social events for the first time since the pandemic.

Bishop Trimble and Dr. Miller also talked about what people can do to live out their sense of gratefulness and gratitude through various mission opportunities at our churches particularly those which focus on the needs of children.

Bishop Trimble and Pastor Miller also announced that in January of 2022 Bishop Trimble will launch his own podcast called "Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble".

Leadership in A Time of Ambiguity-The State of The United Methodist Church with Bishop Julius Trimble

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:40:00 -0500

Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble joins Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on the recurring Be Encouraged segment on the United Methodist People Podcast. In Episode 50 the conversation centers around Leadership in a time of ambiguity in the United Methodist Church.

Bishop and Brad talk through the present state of affairs in the United Methodist Church in November of 2021 with the church still many months away from General Conference 2022 when some decisions may be made regarding addressing the conflict in the church over matters of human sexuality.

Bishop shares his experiences in The Council of Bishops and how there is a concerted emphasis among the episcopacy to embrace this defining time in our church in a more loving way.

A conversation was also had about how local church lay leaders and pastors can approach dramatic decisions around such matters as disaffiliation with a season of prayer and considering the impact such decisions would have on those in our local churches who would be excluded by the decisions made.

Be encouraged with Bishop Trimble is a regular segment on The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

In January 2022 Bishop Julius Trimble will be launching his very own podcast "Be Encouraged" with Bishop Julius Trimble emphasizing his call to be a voice of encouragement to the church.

The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary and is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller an Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference.

https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/

Care for Creation and Climate Justice with Bishop Julius Trimble

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 20:28:00 -0500

On the Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble segment on Episode 049 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, the matter of Cration Care and Climate Justice are discussed in depth.

Rev. Dr. Miller and Bishop Trimble go from describing the existential environmental crisis at hand to the theological and biblical foundations for creation care to the pragmatic actions that local churches and individual United Methodist can take to be good stewards of the earth and show care for creation.

Special emphasis is given to the importance of listening to and acting with young people who are so invested in the preservation of the planet.

One such group is "Climate Justice for All."

Episode 049 is an important resource for the church which speaks to perhaps the greatest issue all people face, the threat to our very environment.

Climate Justice for All

https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/cj4a/

"We Don't Give A Damn About The Poor!"-Bishop Julius Trimble

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:08:00 -0500

In Episode 48 of The United Methodist People Podcast, Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble talks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on his ongoing series "Be Encouraged" about his recent article "We Don't Give A Damn About the Poor."

Bishop Trimble offers his take on the apathy exhibited in government and much of society toward the plight of poor people borne out by the lack of action toward many measures legislatively and among communities toward services that seek to meet the needs of the poor.

Bishop Trimble talks about how personal freedoms do not exclude Christians from the biblical mandate and responsibility to serve the needs of the poor.

Moreover, Bishop Trimble gives an encouraging word of the good works that many churches have done in serving the needs of the poor which are tangible examples of what folk can do right now to actually "give a damn for the poor."

Bishop Trimble will be a regular guest on The United Methodist People Podcast with his message to "Be Encouraged."

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/we-dont-give-a-damn-about-the-poor/

47. All Things “Room For All Coalition” - Advocating Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Persons in The United Methodist Church with Alberto Hidalgo, Rev. Jerry Rairdon and Rev. Mary Dicken

Mon, 03 May 2021 20:47:00 -0500

In Episode 47 of “The United Methodist People Podcast,” Rev. Dr. Brad Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with three core leaders of The Room For All Coalition. The Room For All Coalition was formed in the Indiana Annual Conference in 2019 as a response to decisions made at the 2019 General Conference which (RFA) considered destructive to the church by bringing harm to persons who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies.

Alberto Hidalgo îs a layperson from the Broadway UMC in Indianapolis who became heartbroken when he saw the UMC make a decision that when against his passion regarding inclusivity in the church. He got involved with The Room for All Coalition and is was elected as a Jurisdictional delegate from the Indiana Annual Conference.

Rev. Mary Dicken is an ordained Deacon in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, currently serving at Meridian Street United Methodist Church in Indianapolis and previously serving churches throughout southern Indiana and in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is passionate about connecting the church with the hurts and hopes of the world, creating space for sacred questions, and making room for people who have not always felt comfortable or welcome in the church.

Rev. Jerry Rairdon is the Lead Pastor of First UMC-Noblesville, Indiana. When the decisions at the 2019 General Conference troubled him to his soul he received a spiritual leading to do something about it. This leads him to become one of the founding members of The Room For All Coalition.

All three of these leaders shared their faith stories and how that lead them to become a part of The Room For All Coalition.

The conversation Brad had with RFA leaders dealt with an honest assessment of the state of the church including the uneasiness regarding the delay in the General Conference until 2022 and how the stress of not making a decision is problematic.

The discussion leads to the listening and learning the RFA has been doing with local churches and church folk which is a part of sharing and interpreting the agenda of RFA to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ folk.

The conversation concluded with a discussion by all parties on a vision and hope for the church moving forward.

Episode 47 of The United Methodist People Podcast is an important listen for any person wanting to understand the position of groups like the Room For All Coalition.

The United Methodist People Podcast has the mission of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. it is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller an Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference

Mary Dicken mary.dicken@inumc.org

Jerry Rairdon jrairdon@noblesvillefirst.com

Alberto Hidalgo ahidalgojr@aol.com

https://www.roomforallin.org/

https://www.facebook.com/RoomForAllIN

46. A View on Ministry from Seminary Students in Such a Time as This - A Conversation with Rachel Haines and Mackenzie Phillips

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 22:02:00 -0500

Seminary Students Rachel Haines and Mackenzie Phillips are Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guests on Episode 46 of The United Methodist People Podcast.

They spoke to Dr. Brad in-depth about college and seminary life and their perspectives on ministry in a time of the pandemic, social, political, and racial unrest and division in the United Methodist Church.

Rachel Haines is a 2018 graduate of Emory and Henry College in Virginia

and a student at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mackenzie Phillips graduated from Hope College in Michigan in 2020 and is a student at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She serves as Associate Pastor of High Street United Methodist Church in Muncie, Indiana.

Both women are from Ft Wayne Indiana and both are members of St Joseph’s UMC. They discussed the importance of their home church in their faith formation through youth groups and church camps.

Going deeper - the conversation led to how the students were experiencing diverse situations and people in their college and seminary experiences and exploring scriptural studies and developing their own personal ministry philosophy and theological perspective.

The students discussed women in ministry and the importance of understanding context and perspective in ministry settings and to really be good listeners.

They talked about the challenges of entering ministry during a time of the covid pandemic and the social, political, racial unrest that has pervaded every aspect of life the last year.

Moreover, they talked about entering the ministry in the United Methodist Church during a time of division in the church. They saw that this opened up opportunities to apply their gifts and graces to make an impact upon the world through their willingness to serve and face the challenges before them.

Indeed, they are choosing to see a lot of hope in the world and in the UMC as serving the church in new ways is now more needed than ever and they are called to look for the good in people and the church and the word.

Episode 46 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rachel Haines and Mackenzie Phillips is an absolute encouraging word to the church from our emerging leaders who are teaching us to always “do all the good we can.”

mackenzie.phillips@inumc.org

hainesrachel.rh@gmail.com

https://hainesrachel.weebly.com/

The Mission of The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary and is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller an Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference.

www.unitedmethodistpodcast.com

45. How to Make a Comeback after a Fall with Rev. Dr. Roger Ross author of “Comeback: Returning to the Life You Were Made For”

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:07:00 -0500

Episode 45 of The United Methodist People Podcast, with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, features a conversation with Rev. Dr. Roger about his book “Comeback: Returning to the Life You Were Made For”

Roger is the Director of Church Excellence in the Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and former pastor and church planter in Illinois.

In this conversation, Brad and Ross talk about the factors which lead to the disaster of a fall be it personal or something out of our control like a worldwide pandemic or dissension in the church and respond to the fall in such a way as to find a way to come back better than ever.

Brad and Ross discuss five elements crucial to having a comeback and in particular, he advocates five transforming practices which when applied to your life can give you a practical and doing pathway to find your way to come back after a fall.

This conversation is a great foundation for using the book and the accompanying workbook to apply to your personal life and to teach in small group settings in the local church.

The book “Comeback: Returning to the Life You Were Made For”

is available at Cokesbury, Amazon, and is published by Abingdon Press.

https://www.cokesbury.com/Come-Back-2?refq=roger%20ross

Roger Ross blogs a www.rogerross.online and is available for speaking, coaching, and consulting.

The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in The United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

44. “Making the Road As We Walk It” A Conversation About Seminary Education in Challenging Times with President Javier Viera from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:40:00 -0500

President Javier Viera from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble are Rev. Dr. Brad Miller's guests on Episode 44 of The United Methodist People Podcast for an in-depth conversation about seminary education in challenging times.

President Viera assumed leadership of the Evanston, Illinois campus on January 1, 2021, after serving on the faculty and administration of Drew University School of Theology. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Viera is the first person of color and the first Latino to hold the office of president in the seminary’s 167-year history.

President Viero spoke about his personal faith in Jesus Christ and his pathway which lead him to the Presidency at G-ETS prior to diving into a conversation about the challenges and opportunities in theological education in the present context of society and matters impacting the United Methodist Church.

President Viero quoted the Spanish poet Machado “making the road as we walk it” as descriptive of the situation facing seminaries. In particular, President Viera said “one of the things that that we are facing as a seminary is the fact that we're training people for a world that we do not yet fully understand, and that we aren't certain of what it will look like.”

He talked about theological education is a gift to the church because often the seminary is the place for engaging in dialogue and critical analysis of, of the brokenness of the world and wanting to be a part of, of the healing and the restoration, and resourcing the place of the church to lead in that regard.

The conversation led to a discussion of the purpose of graduate theological education itself. He concluded beyond academics in many ways seminary is a graduate school of leadership, and of public service, and of sending people out into the world to serve in those capacities.

This is a must listen to any United Methodist leaders invested and interested in the importance and future of seminary education.

Folks can learn more about President Javier Viera and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at www.garrett.edu.

The mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary and is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who is an active Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference of the UMC.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

March 2021

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

043: Bishop LaTrelle Easterling and Bishop Julius Trimble talk about Racism, Peace and Justice, The January 6 insurrection at the Capitol and a Future Hope for the United Methodist Church.

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 16:47:00 -0500

Two Bishops join Rev Dr. Brad Miller on Episode 043 of The United Methodist People Podcast.

Bishop Julius Trimble of The Indiana Episcopal Area along with Bishop Bishop LaTrelle Easterling of the Baltimore-Washington Episcopal Area engages in an in-depth conversation on matters of peace and justice, racism, the Capitol insurrection of January 6, and the state of the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Easterling spoke of her personal experiences in dealing with the impact of the January 6 events in her community. She talked about how she was taken aback but not surprised by the violence of that day. She talks about how the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference was prepared to respond to the violence as they had already experienced vandalism and violence at African American UMC’s in Washington DC during the Black Lives Matter gatherings of the summer.

Bishop Easterling spoke a prophetic word about the power and meaningfulness of the word “truth” in such a time as this referring to the story of Moses and Aaron from Exodus 32.

Bishop Trimble spoke about the legacy of racism faced by baseball great Hank Aaron as well as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and the importance of taking the gospel seriously in a time when racism and other social ills have arisen.

Both Bishop’s spoke about the state of the United Methodist Church and how they maintain hope that the church will carry thought withy the biblical teaching to love God whole and seek to be whole.

This is an important episode worthy of the listener's time and attention.

The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the Unit4ed Methodist Church through conversation commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

unitedmethodistpodcast.com

February 2021

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling

Baltimore-Washington Episcopal Area

https://www.bwcumc.org/about/bishops-office/

Bishop Julius Trimble

Indiana Episcopal Area

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/

UMPP.042: A United Methodist Response to the Attempted January 6, 2021 Capitol Coup. A Conversation with Bishop Julius Trimble and Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, General Secretary of UMC Board of Church and Society

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 20:16:00 -0500

Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble and Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, General Secretary of The United Methodist Board of Church and Society are Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guests on Episode 042 of The United Methodist People Podcast.

This episode centers around a United Methodist Response to the attempted coup and violent insurrection at the United States Capitol building January 6, 2021.

Bishop Trimble wrote an article entitled “A Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr” on the occasion of the MLK Holiday which spoke to the unrest in our country and the response of the United Methodist Church to the violence.

Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe wrote a statement on January 13, 2021 calling on the US Senate to impeach, convict and bar former president Trump from holding public office again.

In the discussion attention is given to a Christian and biblical understanding of peace, justice and righteousness. In particular lifting up MLK vision of “a beloved community” and rejecting “distorted Christianity” and “faith misappropriated.”

Episode of 042 of the United Methodist People Podcast is helpful tool for any United Methodist Christian Clergy or Member looking to formulate your own response the disturbing events in the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

January 2021

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

The United Methodist People Podcast

United Methodist Podcast

General Secretary Calls to Bar President Trump from Public Office

Bishop Trimble's Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr

UMPP.041: A Taxonomy of United Methodist Centrists with Rev. Glenn Knepp

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:57:59 -0500

In Episode 041 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Rev. Glenn Knepp about the article A Taxonomy of United Methodist Centrists.
which he authored in the online publication United Methodist Insight.

https://um-insight.net/perspectives/a-taxonomy-of-united-methodist-centrists_1/.

Glenn talks to Brad about his call to ministry his involvement in the church through his local church and the Indiana Annual Conference and his views on the state of the United Methodist Church.

In particular Brad and Glenn discuss his article where he takes on the topic of analyzing and breaking down his understanding of centrists in the United Methodist Church. He uses the term taxonomy to describe the categorization of the myriad of approaches many UMCs take who would neither self-describe themselves as traditionalists or progressives in the ongoing dilemma in the UMC but do know they prefer a path which seeks to find more common ground over those who see division in the church. They are the rather large group of people called “Centrists.”

This is fascinating discussion on the very nature of our beloved United Methodist Church done in a clever way which wordsmiths the various approaches which is a part of the present dilemma of division in the United Methodist church as we face the probability of schism in the near future.

The conversation that Glenn and Brad have in Episode 041 of The United Methodist People Podcast will give food for thought to the listener who loves the United Methodist Church - particularly to those who identify as “Centrist.”

November 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

The Article: “A Taxonomy of United Methodist Centrists”
https://um-insight.net/perspectives/a-taxonomy-of-united-methodist-centrists_1/

UMPP.040: “Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem” with author Rev. Todd Outcalt

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:17:11 -0500

In Episode 040 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller interviews Rev. Todd Outcalt the author of “Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem.”

The book is a daily devotional guide from Advent through Epiphany emphasizing the pilgrimage journey of that all people take through Advent to Christmas to Epiphany following the biblical narrative of the journey of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

Brad and Todd talk about the book in the light of the challenging journey most people are facing 2020 in a time of pandemic, social and political unrest and stresses in the church.

The conversation is deep and introspective and will be helpful to not only readers of the book but also to people looking for pragmatic ways to navigate challenging pilgrimages in their own life and take heart in the anticipation, inspiration, hope and wonder of the Advent, Christmas, Epiphany story through this engaging conversation.

The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

October 2020

https://www.cokesbury.com/Let-Us-Go-Now-to-Bethlehem

https://upperroombooks.com/book/let-us-go-now-to-bethlehem/

https://www.amazon.com/Todd-Outcalt/e/B000APJLDW?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vu00_tkin_p1_i0

UMPP.039: "Understanding Biblical Justice in Such a Time as This" with Pastor Rob Fuquay Pastor Nicole-Caldwell-Gross and Bishop Julius Trimble

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 01:45:47 -0500

The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 stunned United Methodist people everywhere including the members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Many members called for a response from the church and Senior Pastor Fuquay and Associate Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross responded by developing a message series and other resources on understanding biblical justice as a starting point to respond to institutional racism.

These resources included a website www.antiracistindy.com which contains blog posts and resources targeted toward eliminating racism. Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble joins Rev. Dr. Brad Miller in a conversation with these two pastors about what led to the creation of the sermons series and resources and the greater vision they have to serve church leaders to respond to institutional racism in their churches and communities.

The emphasis of the messages and resources are particularly targeted toward seeking greater understanding scriptural references on justice and the meaningfulness of biblical justice as a starting point in responding to institutional racism in comparison to cultural or societal starting points to justice.

Episode 39 of The United Methodist People Podcast can be a great resource to pastors and church leaders looking to respond to racism and matters of injustice in their communities and congregations with a starting point of the Bible as a starting point.

The mission of United Methodist People Podcast with Reverend Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary in order to fulfill our churches mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

September 2020
Reverend Dr. Brad Miller

1. https://www.stlukesumc.com/sermon/understanding-biblical-justice

2. www.antiracistindy.com

UMPP.038: The Unique Ministry of Rev. Dr. Sid Hall-Pastor of Trinity Church Austin, Texas

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 04:02:02 -0500

The unique ministry of Rev. Dr. Sid Hall pastor of Trinity Church Austin Texas is the focus of Episode 038 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr Brad Miller.

The ministry journey of Sid Hall is unique in several ways unpacked in this in depth interview with Brad including:

His 33 year ministry at one pastoral appointment, Trinity Church, Austin Texas.
The journey of transforming Trinity from struggling for survival to a thriving eclectic congregation serving a community that is multicultural, multiracial, diverse sexual orientations and gender identities not far from University of Texas campus.
Sid lead Trinity to became one of the first churches in Texas and indeed in the United States to become a reconciling ministry congregation (in 1992) outwardly affirming and welcoming of LGBT persons.
Sid is unique because when it became apparent that there was an uncertain future for LGBTQIA+ persons in the UMC Sid and Trinity found a provision in the book of discipline which allows a local a local church to reorganize as a co-affiliated church with another denomination. This is exactly what Trinity UMC did under Sid’s leadership in 2015 becoming a church that was reorganized as Trinity Church of Austin co-affiliated as both a United Mehtodist Church and United Church of Christ congregation.

Sid also speaks to Brad about his take on the present state of the United Methodist Church and his hopes for the future of the UMC. There are unique lessons to learn from Rev. Dr. Sid Hall here in Episode 038 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

The Mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary to serve the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

September 2020

https://www.trinitychurchofaustin.org/

UMPP.037: Rev. Michael Mather-Author of “Having Nothing, Possessing Everything: Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places”

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 21:51:00 -0500

Rev. Mike Mather is Rev. Dr. Brad Millers guest on Episode 037 of The United Methodist People Podcast.

Mike is the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado after serving 17 years in the inner city of Indianapolis at Broadway United Methodist Church. He is the author of ““Having Nothing, Possessing Everything: Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places” which chronicles much about his ministry at Broadway.

In this deep conversation Mike reveals many of the transformative aspects of urban ministry which he describes as ministry on the edge of a knife.

The focus of the conversation was around recognizing the dignity of the ministry of all persons in and around the local church and not depending on corporate programs to do ministry.

Mike and Brad share many stories of ministry and the people which you will find engaging on Episode 037 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

https://fumcboulder.org/

mikedmather@gmail.com

https://www.cokesbury.com/Having-Nothing,-Possessing-Everything

UMPP.036: Dr. Paul Chilcote “Author of Active Faith: Resisting Four Dangerous Ideologies with the Wesleyan Way” with Bishop Julius Trimble

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 02:01:22 -0500

On Episode 036 of The United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius Trimble talk with Dr. Paul Chilcote retired United Methodist Theologian about his book “Active Faith: Resisting Four Dangerous Ideologies with the Wesleyan Way”

PAUL CHILCOTE is a devoted follower of Jesus, a United Methodist minister, missionary and artist. A frequent speaker and workshop leader in applied Wesleyan studies, particularly in the areas of spirituality, worship, discipleship, and evangelism, he is the author of twenty books.

He has been involved in theological education on three Continents, serving as a missionary in Kenya, and as a founding faculty member of Africa University in Zimbabwe.

His primary interests revolve around Wesleyan theology and spirituality. He has always had a concern to bring Charles Wesley out from under the shadow of his older brother, John. He has published a number of devotional works and has helped rediscover the legacy of many women in Christian history, particularly Methodists.

He is past President of The Charles Wesley Society and the Academy for Evangelism, and enjoys a special relationship with Mt. Angel Abbey in Oregon as a Benedictine Oblate. With his wife, Janet, he has five daughters (Sandy, Rebekah, Anna, Mary, and Ruth) and four grandchildren (Alyssa, Collin, Levi, and Isabella). Having children or sons-in-law born in El Salvador, Kenya, Korea, and the United States, his family spans four continents.

The mission of The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary and is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

August 6, 2020

UMPP.035: Transformation through Courageous Conversations with Rev. Michelle Cobb and Bishop Julius Trimble

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 02:53:10 -0500

On episode 035 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Rev. Michelle Cobb, Executive Director of e4potentialliving.org/ and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble. Bishop Trimble and Rev. Cobb engaged in a deep dive conversation about the courageous conversations needed to respond to racism.

Rev. Cobb described her early faith and the impact of her childhood experience of facing racial hatred when she as a black student was bussed to a predominately white school in her hometown of Gary Indiana.

Rev Cobb went on to share her reactions to the killing of George Floyd and how this raised the awareness racial injustice among people beyond people of color.

She is the Executive Directory of e4potentialliving.org/ which provides resources and services on racial justice training, intercultural competency training designed to engage, equip and empower their clients to engage across racial lines to maximize community transformation.

A key part of the conversation centered around engaging in courageous conversations on all matters racial justice in the community and in the church. Moreover, the point was made that beyond courageous conversation that the time is at hand for action to be taken to effect policy and practice on matters of racial injustice.

The point was made that in the United Methodist Church we have the all the right words in all the right places in the Bible , The Book of Discipline and The Social Principles to speak to racism, what is needed is the implemention of the words.

The mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is the strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

The United Methodist People Podcast

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

July 15, 2020

e4potentialliving.org/

UMPP.034: Listening Before Acting- A Conversation with Dr. Phil Amerson and Bishop Julius Trimble.

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 23:32:57 -0500

Dr. Phil Amerson president emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary joins Dr. Brad Miller and Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 34 of The United Methodist People Podcast.

Dr. Amerson has spent his career writing, teaching and speaking about racism, institutional leadership, urban community development and the role of congregations in addressing poverty and discrimination.

Dr. Amerson speaks about his early faith development as a “cradle” United Methodist attending many revivals growing up. He talks about the definition transformative experience he had in ministering in Harlem and Panama had on his views on justice and poverty.

He tells a fascinating story getting to know members of the Ku Klux Klan personally and helping lead them bring a most unique offering into a worship experience.

Dr Amerson and Bishop Trimble engaged in an in depth discussion about Black Lives Matter and social justice issues in our country and in the United Methodist Church. A major focus of the conversation was around taking time to listen to others before taking action. Indeed, Dr Amerson cited his research which showed that the worst way to address racial bigotry is to preach a sermon about it. The emphasis is how we don’t know each other. We have to listen to understand the depth of the problem and then act.

Dr. Amerson and Bishop Trimble pointed to signs of hope in the United Methodist Church in the call and the involvement of young clergy and leaders who are speaking a prophetic word to the church and looking to creation out of chaos.

The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

July 6, 2020

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/

https://philipamerson.com/about/

UMPP.033.The Importance of Doing Right Over Being Right. A Conversation about Racial Relations in The United Methodist Church with Dr. Carolyn Johnson and Bishop Julius Trimble.

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:40:27 -0500

On Episode 033 of The United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Bishop Julius Trimble and Dr. Carolyn Johnson for a discussion about racial justice and relationships in the United States the world and in the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Julius Trimble is has served as the resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church since 2016.

Dr. Carolyn Johnson is the Associate Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at Purdue University and is active nationally in Black Methodist for Church Renewal is a past national president of United Methodist Women and a member of St Andrew’s UMC in West Lafayette Indiana.

Bishop Trimble and Dr. Johnson share their views of the state of the world regarding racial relations since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.

In particular Dr. Johnson spoke about how Mr Floyd has gained respect in death which was not afforded to in life. She went on to describe about the how the movement sparked by the death of Mr. Floyd has caused all people see racial relationships and injustice through a “new lens.”

The new lens goes to emphasis with people of all races that racism is real and not some sort of figment of the imagination.

Dr. Johnson called on folk to not be observers but to be participants in the cause of racial justice. She also discussed how the statement Black Lives Matter is a plea to be heard and is not an indictment that devalues the lives of others.

She sees signs of hope in the ability of people to be morally outraged by racial injustice and say “no more.”

Bishop Trimble concluded the conversation by referring to 1 Corinthians 12 as a challenge in how United Methodist

should speak to the matter of racial injustice.

The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the mission of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

https://www.purdue.edu/dro/

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/

unitedmethodistpodcast.com

UMPP. 032: Bishop Julius Trimble on How Black Lives Matter in Creating A Beloved Community.

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:36:43 -0500

In Episode 032 of The United Methodist People Podcast Bishop Julius Trimble speaks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller about his reaction and reflections on racism in the light of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis MN on May 25 by police officers and the subsequent nationwide marches and protests for civil rights, racial equality and police accountability.

Bishop Trimble speaks about his own experiences as a black man in experiencing racism and describes how the matter of racism is systematic and is prevalent matter in the minds of all people of color.

He talks about his reaction to seeing the video of the killing of George Floyd and how it impacted himself and how he thought that event set into motion the protest for reform around the country. He related how the killing has raised the consciousness of racism to the surface for while people.

Bishop Trimble went on to describe the biblical foundations for speaking to peace and justice and racism and how our churches and clergy can step up their involvement in the movement to creating a beloved community. He believe the the call that Black Lives Matter is a part of the role of Christians and the church to value the lives of all people and that a true beloved community cannot be created apart from this call.

Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Rev. Dr. Brad by challenging anglo clergy and laity to take the next steps of peace, justice and racial harmony by prophetic teaching and activism in their ministry context.

The Untied Methodist People podcast is created by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist church through conversation and commentary.

June 8 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

UMPP.031: A Conversation about Church Finances with Ian Hall - Indiana Conference Director of Administration and Financial Services.

Thu, 28 May 2020 00:45:42 -0500

On Episode 031 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr Brad Miller and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble welcome Ian Hall the indiana Conference Director of Administration and Finances.

Ian shared with Brad and the Bishop his faith journey including the important role of church camp in is faith development and call into service in administrative roles in the church.

In his role as director of finances Ian spoke about the challenges facing local churches and and the annual conference ministries in the wake of the extraordinary circumstances of the corona virus pandemic. Ian shared the resources and leadership that his office can offer to local churches in particular assisting them in making connection to such tools as online giving and government assistance.

The conversation included an assessment the fiscal health of the UMC including health insurance and pension matters.

A highlight of the conversation with Ian was his hopeful assessment that many local churches are not only maintaining but exceeding their previous levels of giving toward mission and ministry.

Bishop Trimble conclude the conversation with a devotional thought about hope in the middle of the covid-19 crisis and a prayer for the financial health of the United Methodist Church.

The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

May 27, 2020

Ian Hall

UMPP.030. Being Encouraged by Young Clergy in a Time of Pandemic

Tue, 19 May 2020 21:40:38 -0500

In Episode 030 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller continue to partner with Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble to encourage United Methodist People in the age of a pandemic. In this episode Bishop Trimble welcomes two younger clergy to the podcast to respond to how younger clergy are responding to the distinctive circumstances of doing ministry during a quarantine and navigating the present presses and crisis caused by the dissection i the United Methodist Church.

Rev. Ross Stackhouse is the pastor of a new church plant Heaven Earth Church located in Whiteland, Indiana and Rev. Julia Gonzales is the Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s UMC in Carmel, Indiana.

The two pastors speak to Bishop and Dr. Brad about the unique challenges that they face in their family life, marriage and ministry especially in light of the quarantine.

In particular Bishop Trimble posed to both young clergy the Wesleyan question: “How Is It With Your Soul?” The reply of both the pastors is something that the listener will want to hear centering around coming to terms that everything is “Not OK” in the world right now and how we need to respond with trust, grace and self-care.

Bishop Trimble concluded the conversation with a prayer of encouragement and protection for Pastor’s Julia and Ross their families and for all folks in need of a word of grace from the Lord.

There are important insights for all United Methodist People in this roundtable conversation with Rev. Julia Gonzales and Rev. Ross Stackhouse being encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble in Episode 026 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

The Untied Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

May 19, 2020

https://www.stmarkscarmel.org/about/julia-pritchett/

https://heavenearthchurch.org/

https://www.inumc.org/

unitedmethodistpodcast.com

BE.08: “A Heart Strangely Warmed in a Pandemic”-Being Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble

Mon, 11 May 2020 21:16:26 -0500

Bishop Julius Trimble brings an encouraging word to the United Methodist People Podcast as he speaks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller about living an Aldersgate experience of a “heart strangely warmed” in an age of a pandemic.

Bishop Trimble speaks of his own spiritual conversion at church camp as a youth and the to challenges of the church providing the environment of spiritual experience in church camps and on our college campuses in the era of a pandemic.

Bishop also outlines some of the processes involved in getting churches prepared to come back together in personal worship through a plan of logistics, learnings and leadership.

Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Dr. Brad with a devotional message about developing a prayer movement in the church and there is no greater time to develop a choral movement of people committed to consistent prayer at all times and always. He encouraged all to respond in prayer to the question “What does it mean for us to be perfected in Christs Love?”

The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller for the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

May 11, 2020

www.inumc.org

UMPP.028: Creating Space for Fear, Making a Path for Faith. Being Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble.

Mon, 04 May 2020 22:10:55 -0500

UMPP.028: Creating Space for Fear, Making a Path for Faith. Being Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble.

Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble talks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on matters of fear and faith on Episode 028 of the United Methodist People Podcast. Their conversation updated plans in the church related to dealing with the quarantine caused by the cover-19 pandemic. A decision has been made to ask churches to continue to not meet in person into June.

Bishop and Brad then had a lengthy conversation about how the stress caused by the pandemic has lead to a culture of fear among some that the church needs to speak to. Bishop believes that respect and room needs to be made for people to experience the reality of the fear prevalent in the pandemic. He goes on to talk about the need to ask God to strengthen our faith as a repose to facing our fears.

Bishop talks about now is the time to lean into our United Methodist connections and use this opportunity to be the family of God and to be strong and courageous in the face of the fearful circumstances we find ourselves in.

The United Methodist People Podcast has the mission to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

May 4, 2020

inumc.org

UMPP.027: Making Room for a New Normal in the United Methodist Church on Being Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble.

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:41:42 -0500

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble on Being Encouraged by the Bishop on Episode 27 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

Bishop Trimble brings a word of scripture from Psalm 33:20 about trust that God is our help and shield in every time of trouble. Bishop confirmed that due to the quarantine and pandemic that the earliest churches would be back into public worship would be May 17. 2020.

Brad and Bishop go on to have a conversation about what a new normal might look like for the UMC moving forward beyond the pandemic. In particular there was deep conversation about the impact and role younger clergy and younger people feeling the call to ministry are shaping the nature of the ministry of the church moving forward. There was an emphasis on adaptive leadership among our young clergy highlighted by the need to not wast time on internal conflict and seek impactful ways to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in the new normal world.

Bishop Trimble concluded his conversation with Dr. Brad with a devotional thought on the Wesleyan question: Is it well with your soul?

The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and has a mission to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

April 27, 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

unitedmethodistpodcast.com

Indiana Annual Conference The United Methodist Church

UMPP.026: “How Is It With Your Soul?” Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 21:15:37 -0500

In Episode 026 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller continues his conversation with Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble on Be Encouraged by Bishop Trimble.

In the conversation Bishop Trimble brings updates on plans to reopen churches, annual conference and General Conference.

Moreover, Bishop Trimble goes into matters of how how clergy and churches can best use their time during a time of quarantine. In particular he speaks to Dr. Brad about his personal spiritual disciplines and the impact of considering the Wesleyan question: “How is it with your soul?”

Bishop Trimble concludes his conversation with a devotional thought from

James 3:7 regarding wisdom, peace and mercy in a time of pandemic closing with a prayer of blessing for the listener.

Be blessed by Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 26 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

The United Methodist People Podcast is a production of Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the mission of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

April 20, 2020

www.inumc.org

UMPP.025: A Very Unusual Easter. Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 21:03:34 -0500

Easter 2020 was very unusual to say the least according to Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble. Bishop Trimble was Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Be Encouraged by the Bishop on the United Methodist People Podcast. Bishop Trimble shared how he spent his Easter attending four online worship experiences and recording an Easter sermon which was aired on television and online on Easter Sunday. Of course the coronavirus pandemic caused the closure of almost all United Methodist Church buildings for Easter leaving most churches to worship in some sort of lifestream form.
Bishop Trimble shared some of the key points from his Easter message:

-To not be afraid.
-To come and see.
-To go and tell.

Bishop Trimble then pointed to the ways that the church need to respond to impact of the pandemic on the future of worship, missions and ministry in the UMC. He said in order to sustain ministry moving forward it will take strategic prayer and planning that will mean the church will need to be more effective and efficient in a new day post pandemic.

In order for new strategies to be implemented Bishop emphasized that collaborative effort need to ramped up and that kindness needs to become as viral as coronavirus.

Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Brad by giving a devotional thought about caring for one another moving forward as our brother and sister’s keeper and offering a prayer of encouragement.

The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller as a means to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

April 13, 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

inumc.org

UMPP.024: Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble (Holy Week Encouragement)

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:59:07 -0500

UMPP.024: Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble (Holy Week Encouragement)

Bishop Julius Trimble brings a message of encouragement for Holy Week on the United Methodist People Podcast Episode 024.

Bishop Trimble encourages us to slow down this Holy Week and trust God.

He speaks to Brad about creative ways that congregations are connecting to community thought digital worship and parking lot giveaways of palm branches.

He talks about lessons learned in how to deal with corona virus quarantine through connections with the medical and pastoral staff at Indiana University Health System.

Bishop Trimble offered a message to clergy and people for Easter to be compassionate with yourselves. Be generous with your grace, and be faithful in your calling.

Future more he emphasized that many will feel like we're living in a Good Friday world but Easter is coming. And when Easter comes, we all will be able to say Jesus Christ is risen; Jesus Christ is risen indeed.

The mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church though conversation and commentary.

April 6, 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

inumc.org

UMPP.023: Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble -Pastoral Care, General Conference, Revival

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:05:10 -0500

In Episode 23 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev Dr Brad Miller has a second special episode of Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble.

Bishop Julius Trimble is the resident bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.

In this conversation Bishop Trimble talks to Brad about pastoral care of people in our churches and assisted living facilities who are impacted and infected by the coronavirus pandemic.

He also discussed the impact of the recently announced postponement of General Conference and its implications on annual conference.

Another topic of conversation was the financial health of local churches and the General Church.

In spite of the challenges of the pandemic Bishop Trimble shared that he is encouraged by signs of mission and kindness in the local churches and believes that post pandemic there will be a revival in the church.

Bishop Trimble plans to share an encouraging word through this podcast to be published each Tuesday. Bishop Trimble will take questions via email to Communications Director Serena Acker [serena.acker@inumc.org]

The United Mehtodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller for the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

March 30, 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller
brad.miller@inumc.org

INUMC.org
Communications Director: Serena Acker
serena.acker@inumc.org

facebook.com/unitedmethodistpodcast

UMPP:022. Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble-Indiana Area United Methodist Church

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:04:34 -0500

Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble is a special edition episode (022) of The United Methodist People Podcast w/ Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

In the light of the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic upon all aspects of life and its particular impact upon the United Methodist Church in Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble is Dr. Brad’s guest on Episode 022 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

In their conversation Bishop Trimble encourages you to remember your baptismal covenant that “The Church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time” as a reminder that this great ordeal will someday pass and that the church will remain.

Indeed, Bishop Trimble believe that this crisis may lead to a revival in the church. He emphasizes that we need to support one another and bear one another burdens during this crisis. This includes self-care for clergy and their families.

The conversation included various innovative ways to do church while respecting the social distancing required by health officials. He said social distancing does not mean social isolation. These innovations include:

-online worship
-using zoom video calling
-stepped up connections in congregations via phone and social media.

Bishop Trimble shared some comforting scriptures such as Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” Psalm 46 “Be Still and know that I am God” as examples of overcoming fear and the spiritual discipline of stillness.

Bishop Trimble emphasized that United Methodist’s are connectional and no one in our church is to go through the coronal virus crisis alone.

Therefore, Bishop Trimble plans on publishing a weekly podcast episode with Dr. Brad each Tuesday during the course of the crisis “Be Encouraged by the Bishop”

The show will feature devotional thoughts and prayers from Bishop Trimble, practical tips on managing your ministry through the crisis and will include the Bishop fielding some questions.

If you would like to ask Bishop Trimble a question for the Be Encouraged by the Bishop episodes of the United Methodist People Podcast please email them to serena.acker@inumc.org or brad.miller@inumc.org.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller
March 23, 2020

UMPP.021: Faithful and Inclusive: The Bible, Sexuality and the United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Fuquay, Susan Wilke Fuquay and Rev. Dan Gangler.

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 22:15:29 -0500

In Episode 21 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller leads a round table conversation about the video resource “Faith and Inclusive-The Bible, Sexuality and The United Methodist Church” with author, presenter Rev. Rob Fuquay, producer Susan Wilke Fuquay and hall of fame UMC communicator Rev. Dr. Dan Gangler.

Rev. Rob Fuquay is the Senior Pastor of St Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, one of the UMC’s largest churches, and is the author of a number of books and small group resources including “The God We Can Know,” and “Which Way, Lord.”

Susan Wilke Fuquay is a United Methodist Christian Educator. For more than 25 years, Susan has been directly involved with Disciple Bible Study. She co-edited the youth version of Disciple. She was a Disciple trainer at National Training Events for many years and has personally facilitated more than 30 Disciple groups.

Rev. Dr. Dan Gangler is a member of the The United Methodist Association of Communicators Hall of Fame. He is now retired and living in Indianapolis after 38 years in pastoral and communication ministries telling the story of the United Methodist Church. He is the chair of the United Methodist Reconciling Ministries Network of Indiana.

In a round table conversation in Episode 21 of the United Methodist People Podcast Brad discusses with Rob, Susan and Dan the small group video resource “Faithful and Inclusive-The Bible Sexuality and the United Methodist Church“

They talk about the origin of the creation of the resource as a local church response to questions about the bible and sexuality and the conflict they illicit in the United Methodist Church. There is a deep dive with Rob into some of the biblical passages regarding homosexuality which are at the center of differing interpretations which are divisive in the church. Susan talks about a number of testimonials in the resource which feature members St Luke’s UMC who have been impacted by the controversy over sexuality in the church. Dan talks about how the resource can be used in the local church as a communication tool to open up conversations to guide clergy and church members and leaders in their context.

Episode 21 is a good introduction about how this resource can be implemented by clergy and the local church as a response a need in the church for a process to approach the bible its understanding interpretation and application to the local church in the matter of human sexuality and how it is possible to be both faithful and inclusive.

“Faithful and Inclusive: The Bible, Sexuality and the United Methodist Church” is available at:

Institute for Discipleship
Cokesbury.com
Author-Susan Wilke Fuquay
Author-Rob Fuquay
Dan Gangler on Facebook
United Methodist People Podcast on Facebook

The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is to provide a resource to the people of the united Methodist church to help achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

February 2020

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

UMPP:020. Jan Lawrence, Executive Director, “Reconciling Ministry Network”

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 00:44:37 -0500

In Episode 020 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Jan Lawrence the Executive Director of the Reconciling Ministry Network.

The Reconciling Ministry Network is comprised of over 40,000 Reconciling United Methodists and over 1,000 Reconciling Churches and Communities. Dozens of statements, open letters, and bold refutations of GC2019’s shameful decisions have emerged from the people, communities, and churches of the Reconciling movement across the connection. Since GC2019, these people who call themselves Reconciling have borne witness for justice in media outlets, performed same-gender weddings, organized gatherings, and continued in faithful ministry as called by their Creator.

We are not only working on what is to come, but we are already living it. Justice movements within our Church can no longer seek justice by compromise. To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God require us to rise and resist.

The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller exists to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

June 2019.

https://rmnetwork.org/

UMPP:019. The Methodist Reclamation Project w/ Rev. Chris Tiedeman

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 17:26:29 -0500

The founder of The Methodist Reclamation Project Rev. Chris Tiedeman is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Episode 019 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

The Methodist Reclamation Project is a facebook group presence founded to respond to the decision of the 2019 General Conference to advocate a progressive/centrist viewpoint on the matters facing the UMC.

Chris is the pastor or Christ UMC-Wabash, Indiana.

In this in-depth interview, Chris tells Brad about coming to the church when he was dating the daughter of a UMC pastor while they both were in a high school drama production of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He described how the openness of the UMC spoke to him and nurtured his faith eventually leading him into pastoral ministry. He is known among other things as the “Ukulele Pastor” for playing and singing with his “Uke” in the community.

He and some colleagues created the Methodist Reclamation Project to speak to effect change to save what can be of the United Methodist Movement. He looks to affect the best future of the UMC moving forward.

He spoke to Brad about his role as a “Grandpa Millennial” and his concerns about how the UMC has struggled to meet the needs of millennial and how passionate he is about this. This includes his willingness to work through with others what Methodism will become in the aftermath of the 2019 General Conference decision to implement the Traditional Plan.

Chris spoke from the heart to Brad about the “gutted” feeling he had about the pain many people associated with the LGBTQ community are experiencing now and how his compelled to take action in response to that. This action included stepping up as a candidate for the General and Jurisdictional Conference. (Note: Chris was elected as a delegate to the North Central Jurisdictional Conference by the Indiana Annual Conference)

Chris describes his present attitude about the church as “fraught but hopeful” which he describes as being encouraged by the movement of centrist/progressive UMC people in an anxious time and a defining moment in the church.

His desire, he tells Brad, is to focus on Jesus and move beyond any distraction to this focus. He describes himself as a “Jesus Person” teaching others in the UMC that the need to be Jesus to others an outpost of the Gospel.

You will want to listen and learn from Chris Tiedeman the founder of The Methodist Reclamation Project on Episode 019 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the UMC through conversation and commentary.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

June 2019

https://www.facebook.com/groups/386132275301092/

UMPP:018. Shannon Priddy-National President United Methodist Women

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 23:57:18 -0500

Shannon Priddy is the national president of the United Methodist Women and candidate for election to become a delegate to the 2020 General Conference from the Indiana Conference.

In Episode 018 of the United Methodist People Podcast, she is interviewed in depth by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

Shannon shares with Brad her faith in Jesus Christ in growing up and her local church involvement with United Methodist Women inspired by UMW’s emphasis on missions, social justice, and inclusion. She got involved with leadership in UMW in her local church (North UMC-Indianapolis) and her leadership ability was affirmed by her rise to become the president of the national UMW.

Shannon’s skills are arising furthermore as she has got involved with the UMCNext movement in response to the 2019 General Conference. She talked with Brad about her experience at the May 2019 UMCNext conference in Kansas City, KS which called together progressive and centrist groups in the church to pray and process a strategy and response to the harmful nature of the traditional plan as approved by the 2019 General Conference. She was moved by the deep conversations and convictions of the people she encountered at the UMCNext event and is committed to implementing reforms in the church.

Shannon has stepped forward to become a candidate for election to represent the Indiana Annual Conference as a delegate to the 2020 General Conference. She shared with Brad her motivations and expectations in becoming a candidate.

Shannon is a passionate advocate of deep conversation, especially with people you are in disagreement with, expecting the Holy Spirit to work mightily in the church and living under the protection of the Grace of God. She believes when the church does these things that community will be restored and will be a proper response to this time of distress in the church.

Shannon Priddy brings much value to the listener of Episode 018 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

June 2019

UMPP:017. Room for All Coalition-Rev. Duane Carlisle and Rev. Jill Howard

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 23:45:18 -0500

In Episode 017 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Rev. Duane Carlise from Indianapolis Broadway UMC and Rev. Jill Howard from Indianapolis-Rosedale Hills UMC who are instrumental creating the Room for All Coalition.

The Room for All Coalition brings together several like-minded progressive advocacy groups in the UMC in Indiana to plan and strategize about next steps for the UMC.

They speak with Brad about their experience at the UMC Next Conference recently held at UMC Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City KS.

Both Duane and Jill are offering themselves as candidates for election to 2020 General Conference from Indiana and speak to Brad about their willingness and calling to serve the church in this manner.

The is an important conversation that addresses difficult matters facing the UMC in a defining moment in church history.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

June 2019

UMPP.016: Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble - “Stay Astonished and Be Encouraged”

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:35:02 -0500

Bishop Julius Trimble returns to the United Methodist People Podcast in an in-depth interview with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

Bishop Trimble shares with Brad his spiritual disciplines including his devotional practices and working out regularly as well as his practice of praying with his wife in the care before any trip.

The Way Forward was the focus of much of the conversation with Bishop Trimble emphasizing a few points:

His belief that differing views on human sexuality should not be a church-dividing issue.
Concern that focusing so much on matters of humans sexuality in the church distracts from the primary purpose of the United Methodist Church to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”
Hope that the UMC will handle our disagreements in such a way that love Jesus is not obscured and be a model to a world in disarray.

Brad concluded the interview by asking Bishop Trimble about his future hopes for the UMC which included admiring the vitality and ingenuity of younger clergy and new ministries developed to serve people impacted by opioids and Fresh Expressions of ministry and worship in non-traditional settings.

The purpose The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary to accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

December 2018

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

Bishop Julius Trimble

UMPP.015: “Hearts at Peace” A Conversation with Rev. Lisa Schubert Nowling

Sat, 27 Oct 2018 04:58:54 -0500

The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection int eh United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary to fulfill the mission of the United Methodist Church of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Episode 015 Brad has a deep conversation with Rev. Lisa Schubert Nowling the Senior Pastor or College Avenue United Methodist Church in Muncie Indiana and an Indiana Conference delegate to the 2019 General Conference. Lisa tells Brad about her early faith formation in being nurtured and encouraged in her local church to sept into leadership and eventually answering the call to ministry complimented by here training an skills and education in journalism and French. Lisa has special affinity for serving people in the margins of life on matter of social justice and enhancing the influence to the local church to achieve life transformation Lisa expressed to Brad her concerned about the state of the church and how the UMC is struggling to relate to many generations of people driven in many ways by the failure of the UMC to understand and respond to the context of the 21st century world. She goes on to go deeper int eh matter of context in regards to the understanding and preparing for the 2019 General Conference regarding g the way forward. She lays out in some detail the nature of the traditional, one church and connectional conference plans. She talks about the merits and challenges of each and shares with Brad why is leaning toward supporting the one church plan as the best approach to saving the unity of the church and the UMC’s ability to continue to impact the world for the Good News of Jesus Christ. She unpacks with Brad her concerns in two area’s prior to going to General Conference those be differing views of interpreting Scripture and the need too approach the sensitive matters of human sexuality at the General Conference with a heart of peace. Perhaps the most impact statement that Lisa made to Brad on Episode 015 the UMPP was that her hope for the UMC is not in General Conferee but in Jesus Christ. This is an important issue the United Methodist People Podcast in understanding and relating to the matter facing the UMVC on the way forward. Please listen, share with other and subscribe, rate and review on iTunes. Doing All the Good We Can, October 2018 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

UMPP.014: A Roundtable Conversation on The One Church Plan

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:00:00 -0500

The purpose of the United Methodist people podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ of the transformation of the world.

In Episode 014 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller conversation and commentary were at hand as Brad hosted a lively discussion with three other elders on the topic of The Way Forward, particularly The One Church Plan which will be presented to the 2019 General Conference. Brad was joined by Rev. Jerry Rairdon, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Noblesville Indiana and founder of Uniting Methodist Indiana, Rev. Jill Moffat Howard, Pastor of Rosedale Hills United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana who is an alternate delegate to the 2019 General Conference from the Indiana Annual Conference and Rev. Dr. Mark Holland Executive Director of MainstreamUMC.com from Kansas City, Kansas.

The focus of the roundtable conversation was the impasse in the United Methodist Church over matters of human sexuality which led to the creation of The Commission on the Way Forward who will bring three proposals to the floor of the February 2019 General Conference. Mark and Jerry lead groups which are strong advocates of The One Church Plan over the other two proposals which are the Traditional Plan and the Conference Plan.

The conversation began by lifting up what is joyful and good about United Methodist Church which included comments about missions, creative outreach and innovative worship and a renewed openness to try new approaches to ministry. The conversation then shifted to what breaks the heart of the panelist which included grave concerns about a breakup in the church, animosity even hatred among folks on different sides of the issues at hand and missed opportunities for mission and ministry in a church bogged down by dissent.

An overriding question for the panel was "what kind of church do we want to be moving forward?" That is if this splits church what’s next for the UMC?

There was a conversation on the how part of the conflict in the UMC centers on how some see the UMC as a descriptive church and others see the UMC as a prescriptive church.

It was generally agreed that a strength of the UMC is our diversity and that a schism in the church would be exclusionary of many and is not the best way for the UNC to be a witness to the world.

The panel was generally in agreement that The One Church Plan provides the best opportunity for the UMC to move forward as one church not divided by schism. Great concern was expressed about the complexities of the “Conference Plan" and the harsh restrictive nature of many aspects of the “Traditional Plan.”

The One Church Plan presented the church as a Big Tent which has room under its roof for many different expressions of faith based on grace, tolerance, and love of one another within the body of the UMC. The panel was in agreement that the mission of the church is at stake and that The One Church Plan gives the UMC the best opportunity to reach present and younger generations of people far from God and far from the church. The One Church Plan is best suited for the UMC to live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The conversation concluded with the statement the gospel is bigger than the church on these matters and it is felt that there is momentum for The One Church Plan as the time of General Conference approaches.

This was an important conversation between those deeply engaged in the process of understanding The Way Forward and coming to terms with the implications that the decisions made at General Conference will have on the very nature of the United Methodist Church. Those who are likewise invested will find great value in the roundtable conversation in Episode 014 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a long time Elder in the Indiana Conference UMC with experience in radio broadcasting and podcasting who believes deeply in the power of conversation and commentary to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

October 2018

UMPP.013: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland of MainstreamUMC.com “Gut Check Time for The UMC”

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 05:13:42 -0500

The director of MainstreamUMC.com, Rev. Dr. Mark Holland is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Episode 013 of the United Methodist People Podcast. Mainstream UMC is an advocacy group which supports the adoption of The One Church Plan prepared by the Commission no the Way Forward and affirmed by the Bishops of the UMC.

Mark talks to Brad about his faith journey as a third generation United Methodist Pastor serving in Kansas City, Kansas for the majority of his pastoral ministry. Mark also had the rather unique experience of serving as the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas concurrent to his pastorate at Trinity UMC in Kansas City.

Mark is taking a sabbatical year to concentrate on efforts to influence on delegates to the 2019 General Conference supporting The One Church Plan.

Mark describes the difference between the One Church plan and the Traditional Plan and argues that the One Church Plan is preferable.

He speaks to Brad about the following:

Comparing the UMC to a dinner plate which can be chipped and still be useful or shattered and destroyed.
Affirming the courage of UMC bishops to address the impasse over humans sexuality by creating the commission on the way forward.
Noting that if family’s and local churches can model unity-why can’t the denomination.
That under the one church plan churches and clergy can be conservative or be progressive but can be the best they can be and still work diligently to make disciple of Jesus Christ
Creating a church by choice.
His contention that this is a “gut check time” for the UMC to determine if we as a church are willing to live as one family for whom we disagree with members of our family.

Episode 013 of the United Methodist People Podcast is a must listen to those wanting to understand the nature of the Way Forward process and the benefits of the One Church Plan.

The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is to stenghenthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means to achieve our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a long-time elder in the Indiana Annual Conference and has been podcasting since 2012.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

September 2018

https://mainstreamumc.com/advisory-board/mark-holland/

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UMPP.012: Rev. Jerry Rairdon-"Creating A Church His Children and Grandchildren"

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:17:39 -0500

Episode 012 of The United Methodist People Podcast features Rev. Dr. Brad Miller conducting an in-depth interview with Rev. Jerry Rairdon, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, Indiana. Jerry is an organizer of Indiana Uniting Methodist a group which advocates for the "One Church" Plan for "The Way Forward" which will be presented at the called February 2019 General Conference.

Indiana Uniting Methodist is planning a special event featuring a message from Rev. Dr. Mark Holland from Kansas City KS, Director of Mainstream UMC another group advocating the One Church Plan. The event is Monday, October 8, 7:00 PM ET at St. Lukes UMC in Indianapolis.

Jerry spoke to Brad about the following matters important to him:

His call to Christ and Ministry.
First UMC -Noblesville (IN) Organic Farm
The generation of his children and grandchildren don’t understand closed-mindedness toward LGBTQ people.
His call to create a church where his children and grandchildren would want to attend.
The context that the Bible is not clear on matters of human sexuality.
The choice between the traditional plan and the one church plan
How our church approaches the General Conference matters almost as much as the vote.
People today come to faith often through opportunities for service.
The call to create a groundswell of unity in the UMC.

There is much to consider for the thoughtful UMC leader in Episode 012 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.

The purpose The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. The United Methodist People Podcast is published regularly by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a longtime Elder in the Indiana Conference.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

September 2018

UMPP.011: Rev. Rob Fuquay “Called to Keep the Church Fresh”

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 17:52:07 -0500

The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

In Episode 011 Brad interviews Rev. Rob Fuquay author of “A New Reformation” and Senior Pastor of St. Luke’s UMC, a large membership church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Rob talks to Brad about his faith journey growing up in North Carolina and the importance of youth fellowship programs in his faith formation. He speaks of spending time in ministry in England where he became aware of his calling within the calling to be an ambassador of keeping the local church fresh.

He gave an example of the church staying fresh through the small group ministry at his church which had been helpful to transforming the life of a self-destructive young man.

Brad and Rob talked about the challenges of the church accomplishing the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and the encouragement of seeing pockets of transformation in opposition to the trend of decline.

Rob shared with Brad his views on “The Way Forward” emphasizing that the one church plan endorsed by the majority of UMC Bishops allows for the “big tent” of the UMC to be expanded to meet the needs of people from a differing perspective on the matters of human sexuality facing the church. In particular, he noted that many lay people would likely prefer to avoid divorce court and hold the church together.

Rob sees signs of hope in the church when the church is willing to die for the cause of Christ. That is when the church remains fresh.

Brad’s interview with Rob Fuquay is a good leaning listen on Episode 011 of The United Methodist People Podcast where he also reviews the book “Canoeing the Mountains” by Tod Bolsinger.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a long-time elder in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church with a background in radio and podcasting.

The United Methodist People Podcast is all about strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church and believes in John Wesley’s admonition:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

August 2018

Rob Fuquay

St Luke's UMC-Indianapolis

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"Canoeing the Mountains" - Tod Bolsinger

UMPP.010: The Bishops Speak Series “The Pallbearers Can Stand Down” A Conversation with Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer, West Ohio Area UMC.

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 16:21:05 -0500

UMPP.010: The Bishops Speak Series “The Pallbearers Can Stand Down” A Conversation with Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer, West Ohio Area UMC. The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is strenghtening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means to accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The UMPP is published weekly by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a long-time elder in the Indiana Conference UMC. In Episode 010 of the UMPP Brad offer a summary of the 93 page report from the Commission on A Way forward outlining the key points of the One Church Plan the Connectional Conference Plan and the Traditionalist Plan. Brad then has a in depth interview with West Ohio Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer. Bishop Palmer shares with Brad his call to ministry under the influence of his parents and Sunday school teachers in the churches he grew up in. His father is a retired United Methodist Pastor. He talked about the role of the Bishop and Annual Conference in supporting the local church focusing on three areas: Leadership Formation Accountability to the mission of the church Facilitating how the the church can be and do some things better together than individually. In response the question about how well is the church accomplishing our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world Bishop Palmer admitted that “we are not kicking the ball out the park” but that there are many encouraging signs as well. Bishop Palmer spoke about how the church is working well in West Ohio in innovative ministries in developing new faith communities and ministry to incarcerated persons. The key according to Palmer is to not get stuck in nostalgia which tend to lead to churches becoming so institutionalized that they see ministry is for the benefit of themselves. Palmer, promotes the missional church which exists not for self but to serve others. He shared that the best resource for many churches that struggle it to look to successful innovative churches. Bishop Palmer served on the commission for a way forward spoke about the compassion, diversity and intensity of the experience and how faithful the team was to taking on the task of helping our church find a way forward through our impasse on matters of human sexuality. He spoke about how the impasse is draining energy away from the primary mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ. His hope is that the 2019 General Conference might bend us back more so toward the mission and find a way to maximize the mission of the UMC in more places rather than than fewer places. Bishop Palmer does not believe that matters of human sexuality does not have to lead to church division. He has hope and yearning and reason to believe that the UMC will find a path which will create more space for more people to say I am UMC instead of a place where you can’t be a UMC because of many personal matters. His hope is drawn from his experience in working with young leaders in the church who are still singing on to serve and are passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Bishop Palmer concluded his comments by declaring “the pallbearers need to stand down” as the church is far from dead. Enjoy and be edified by Episode 010 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. August 2018

UMPP.009: The Bishops Speak-A Conversation with Chicago Area Bishop Sally Dyck

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 01:21:05 -0500

The purpose The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means of accomplishing the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The United Methodist People Podcast is published on regular basis by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller an Elder in the Indiana Conference.

In Episode 009 Brad continues with a series of Episodes “The Bishop’s Speak” by having an in-depth conversation with Chicago Area Bishop Sally Dyck who serves the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.

Bishop Dyck shared with Brad here early call to ministry in her home state of Washington influenced greatly by her experiences with a woman chaplain who opened her up to the opportunity of women serving in ministry. She pursued her calling in college and seminary at Boston University and then connecting with the East Ohio Annual Conference where she served as a local church pastor and District Superintendent for a number of years. In 2004 she was elected to the episcopacy and assigned to the Minnesota Annual Conference where she served for eight years until her assignment to the Northern Illinois Annual Conference (Chicago Area) in 2012.

Brad asked Bishop Dyck about how effective ministry has been in Northern Illinois in achieving our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Bishop Dyck spoke of a number of ministries and churches reaching millennials and transient populations. In particular, she pointed to “The Urban Village” ministry as an innovative approach which has been effective in reaching people with the Good News and forming new faith communities. She went on to talk about the profound challenges facing the church, including the reality that many approaches to ministry, even when done well, are no longer effective.

The conversation shifted to Bishop Dyck’s comments on “A Way Forward” in the UMC and her thought on what will happen at the 2019 General Conference. She spoke of how the movement to find a way forward has led to a time of simultaneous convergence and divergence in the church which necessitates a moment in the church dramatically different than the status quo.

She also talked about how she understands and the UMC as a “Big Tent” Church with much diversity which she sees as a strength. There is tension in the diversity of the big tent which can lead to growth, but she warned that when tension goes to a breaking point it can shatter the organization into a million pieces.

She is asking for and is hopeful that the UMC can move forward in peace and not in pieces if we focus on what we have in unity over what our differences are within the UMC. If the church shatters nobody wins.

She pointed out that many local churches have already dealt with divisive matters internally, including those dealing with human sexuality and how the General Conference can learn from these local churches.

She emphasized that the bulk of UMC’s what to move forward together and the big sign of hope in the church is that the church has been forced to examine deeply why we exist as a church and the way forward is forcing a course correction in the church which on balance is a healthy thing to do.

Bishop Sally Dyck gives a lot of food for thought for those who love the UMC and know we live in a demeaning moment in the church in Episode 009 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller
July 2018

UMPP.008: The Bishops Speak - Bishop David Alan Bard, Michigan Area UMC

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:37:21 -0500

Michigan Area Bishop David Alan Bard is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller's guest on episode 008 of the United Methodist people podcast. the mission of the United Methodist people podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means of accomplishing our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Dr. Brad's conversation with Bishop Bard is a part of the "the bishops speak" series of podcasts episodes were Dr. Brad will be speaking to a number of United Methodist bishops from around the world prior to the 2019 Gen. conference. Dr. Brad is asking each bishop two questions vital to the future of the United Methodist Church. 1. How effective has the UMC been in fulfilling our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ the transformation of the world? 2. what is your view of the way forward? In episode 008 of the UMPP Dr. Brad indeed ask these two questions to Bishop Bard as a part of the far-ranging conversation which included Bishop Bards story of coming to faith, the influences on his life and ministry, his academic pursuits in the field of ethics, his service to the church in many capacities in Minnesota and his election to the episcopacy in 2016. In response to Dr. Brad's questions about mission effectiveness, Bishop Bard shared about missional activities in the Michigan Conference including efforts to reach out to local schools through local UMC's. In regards to questions regarding about "a way forward," Bishop Bard goes deep with Dr. Brad making the cogent points that how we as a denomination handle the dilemmas before us is as vitally important as the decisions which are ultimately made. He warns against our church falling into an "soup of cynicism" which diminishes our effectiveness and witness to the world. Instead, Bishop Bard advocates carefully considered, well researched, arguments to support viewpoints regarding paths our church can take "on the way forward". Bishop Bard is hopeful that a willingness to engage in challenging conversation is a gift we can give to our culture of modeling how people who have differences can find places to do shared ministry together. He points to Ephesians 4 as a model on how we as a church can treat one another even in the midst of difficult decisions. He says that not only will all the UMC be watching us but the world is watching us as well as we make "a way forward." You can can take inspiration, introspection and a word of hope from Michigan Bishop David Bard in Episode 008 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. Now... ...Do All The Good You Can. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller July 2018

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EP.007: The Bishops Speak Series: Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble-Indiana Area UMC

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 05:00:00 -0500

EP.007: The Bishops Speak Series: Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble-Indiana Area UMC In Episode 007 of “The United Methodist People Podcast” Rev. Dr. Brad Miller launches a series of podcast episodes focusing on conversations with United Methodist Bishops from around the world with an in-depth conversation with Indiana Area Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble. In bimonthly episodes published in the time frame leading up to the 2019 called General Conference of the United Methodist Church Dr Brad will speak to Bishops and other key thought leaders from throughout the connection on two questions facing the church. 1. What is the state of The United Methodist Church in achieving our mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World?” 2. In looking forward to the 2019 General Conference what is their understanding of “the way forward” and what is their vision of what “the way forward” will look like post the 2019 conference? Bishop Julius Trimble celebrated his first anniversary as Indiana Bishop in September 2017, after serving eight years in Iowa, and shares with Dr. Brad his impressions of and lessons learned about the state of the church. Bishop Trimble shares his vision moving forward for United Methodism being a powerful witness for God connecting every community. Bishop Trimble tells Dr.Brad about his experience in observing effective ministries to children, missions and peace and justice matters in Indiana United Methodist Churches. Bishop Trimble emphasizes transformation through connection with community and the church as a prophetic, encouraging voice that speaks to a hurting world. Bishop Trimble and Dr. Brad speak about the challenges facing the United Methodist Church as a whole over issues of human sexuality. In particular Bishop Trimble offers his take on “a way forward” for the United Methodist Church. Bishop Trimble shares a word of encouragement for pastors and leaders in Indiana and the UMC that all are children of a most high God. Listen the Bishops speak in Episode 007 of “The United Methodist People Podcast” featuring Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble.

TUMP #006: Dr. Marcia McFee-Author of "Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory Rich Worship Designs for Unforgettable Messages"

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0500

The mission of the United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Episode #006 of The United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a delightful conversation with Dr. Marcia McFee about designing creative and transformative worship experiences. Dr. McFee is the author of the new book "Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory Rich Worship Designs for Unforgettable Messages" and owns Worship Designs Studios a company which provides a multitude of resources designed to assist local church worship teams to implement sensory rich and creative worship experiences which integrate the faith narrative with artistic endeavors. Dr. McFee shares with Dr. Miller how her love of the arts and the church were first formed and nurtured in her small hometown church in Missouri which allowed her, as a 12-year-old, to dance and sing and and celebrate her artistic passions. She went on to have a professional career in dance and theater traveling the world with a New York City-based theater company. During the height of her artistic career she was moved by the writing of Rev. Cecil Williams Pastor Glide Memorial UMC-San Francisco, "if you're doing doesn't dance with your sayin’-you haven’t chosen life.” She felt her call to ministry with the certainty that artistic expression would be the focal point of her ministry. Dr. McFee believes every body involved with worship should see themselves as an artist and a local church worship team should see themselves as designing worship not planning worship. Designing worship is theologians seeing themselves as artists and designing worship as a creative process of telling the greatest story ever told in a meaningful and memorable way. The purpose is to form us (the worshipper) to take the message into the world as it is informed our lives. In writing "Think Like a Filmmaker" Dr. McFee found that some of the most amazing and provocative storytellers are filmmakers who are able to take important profound messages and tell a memorable story in a few minutes time. She set out to learn from filmmakers about applicable principles to tell the biblical narrative in such a way that local church worship experiences become stories worth talking about beyond the walls of the church. McFee surmised that watching movies is a common experience to virtually all people and that there are transferable principles to designing sensory rich worship. Dr. McFee shares with Dr. Miller about how her approach to designing worship has helped transform local churches by giving them the tools to jump start their own creative processes so that local church can respond to what Dr. McFee considers the most important question which is "how can we embody what we proclaim?" Dr. Marcia McPhee also tells Dr. Miller about how skiing is a spiritual experience for her so much of that that she even wrote a book about. Episode 006 of the United Methodist podcasts is chock-full of helpful tips, inspiration and strategy how local churches can create meaningful and memorable worship experiences which transform the world. Episode 006 of United Methodist podcast is sponsored by the book "Meet the Good People" by Rev. Dr. Roger Ross and supports Mission Guatemala (MissionGuatemala.com). The mission of The United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

TUMP#005: Rev. Talbot Davis-Author of “Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems”

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 07:00:00 -0500

The mission of The United Methodist podcast with Dr. Brad Miller is strengthening the connection in United Methodist Church for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In episode #005 of the United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Rev. Talbot Davis pastor of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Charlotte North Carolina and author of “Solve: Finding God Solutions In A World of Problems.” Rev. Davis is the author of several books based on sermon series preached at Good Shepherd UMC. In each book Rev. Talbot takes on problematic scriptures which pose modern-day dilemmas for people. He approaches these scriptures with his own unique take and twist. One of the things Davis likes to say is "do not be afraid to walk into dark places… dealing with a hard sayings of Jesus." In "Solve" Davis grapples with the book of Nehemiah and fpeople who see problems around every corner can be addressed by people who are what he calls "solutionist” people in the model of Nehemiah who seek positive and innovative solutions to problems. The book is particularly aimed at problem solving in the local church. Davis has great experience in the local church, having grown Good Shepherd UMC to over 2000 attendance with a very diverse congregation including people from 40 different countries with various ethnic and language and cultural backgrounds. Talbot has led Good Shepherd to focus singularly on a "living relationship" with Jesus as tantamount to everything else done in the church. This focus is lived out strategically when a "sermon series is more than a series of sermons.” An example of such was mentioned in “Solve" when Good Shepherd UMC had a “Food Network Sunday" which raised a record amount of food for local Charlotte, North Carolina food pantries. There is also the personal touch inasmuch as every new guest at worship receives a hand written welcome letter from the pastor. Davis warns that the church should never be clever for clever sake because people remain desperate in sin and seek simple direct solutions to their pain and that solution is clearly stated as "the gospel works." Davis goes on to share with Brad a church revitalization and multiplication endeavor that good Shepherd is involved with as well as the connection that Talbot Davis has between tennis and the gospel. Episode #005 of the United Methodist Gospel podcast is sponsored by the book “Meet the Good People" by Rev. Dr. Roger Ross and is supportive of “Mission Guatemala" led by Rev. Tom Heaton.

TUMP#004: Steven Adair- Social Media Strategist with United Methodist Communications

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to The United Methodist Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller where it is our mission to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Episode #004 of The United Methodist podcast Brad talks with Steven Adair who is a social media expert with our United Methodist denomination. What a need we have in our church right now to utilize the tool of social media. Steven is the social media marketing strategist with United Methodist communications in Nashville Tennessee which means he has responsibility in our denomination he has responsibilities for the creation and content and maintaining some of our main social media outlets in our church. Steven has a very interesting story about how, even before the United Methodist Church had a presence on Facebook, Steven as a college student had built a Facebook fan page of 25,000 fans all about United Methodist Church. That shows you bit of his passion for the church and for the tool of using social media. You’ll learn a lot about him today and about the importance of social media as a resource for our churches and how churches can develop strategies to be the most effective in utilizing Facebook, twitter, instagram and other forms of social media. He discusses the role of advertising in social media and how churches can improve their social media presence in order to give their communities a glimpse into their church and be a means by which their church can be introduced into their community. Steven also shares about how in many ways social media has been powerfully impacting the lives of people in worship, counseling even the prevention of suicide. Episode #004 of The United Methodist Podcast is sponsored by the book “Meet The Good People” by Rev. Dr. Roger Ross and supports Mission Guatemala directed by Rev. Tom Heaton.

TUMP#003: Bishop Michael J. Coyner, Indiana Area UMC - “Nimbleness" and “Partnerships”

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 07:00:00 -0500

In Episode 003 of “The United Methodist Podcast” Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner. Bishop Coyner has served in the episcopacy for 20 years and is retiring in 2016. In his time as Bishop he has served the United Methodist Church in just about every capacity and oversaw the challenge of bringing two distinct annual conferences (North Indiana and South Indiana) together to form one new annual conference - the Indiana Annual Conference. “Bishop Mike” and Brad had a great conversation about the joys and challenges in serving as a bishop and what he sees as signs of hope in the United Methodist Church. Bishop Mike is a genuine and authentic leader of the church who has been able to navigate some very sensitive issues in Indiana as well as around the world of United Methodism. The conversation was far ranging touching on the state of the church as he sees it right now - what he calls a “Big Tent Church” that is being stretched by challenging issues. Bishop Mike gives his observations about the global church in places like Eastern Europe and Africa as well as the state of the church in North America. He shared the advice he might give to a brand-new bishop and to younger clergy who are just starting out. You will find Bishop Mike to be very hopeful about the future of the church, particularly because of the influx of younger clergy and the influence of devoted laypersons. Bishop Mike also talks about two issues that he considers key for the future of The United Methodist Church “nimbleness” and “partnerships.” In the “Methodist Moment” segment of The Untied Methodist Podcast Dr. Andy Kinsey explores John Wesley’s approach to “The Invitation to Christian Discipleship.” You will find Episode 003 of The United Methodist Podcast helpful to your ministry context.

TUMP#002:Rev. Roger Ross-"Meet The Good People: Wesley's 7 Ways to Share Faith"

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 07:00:00 -0500

In Episode 002 of The United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a meaningful conversation with Rev. Dr. Roger Ross. Dr. Ross is the senior pastor the First United Methodist Church in Springfield, Illinois and author of the book “Meet the Good People: Wesley's 7 Ways to Share Faith.” Roger and Brad have known one another for some time, indeed they planted churches together on the exact same date in the mid-1990s. They are time talking in this interview about something close to their hearts - how can the United Methodist Church relate to people far from God but who are good people people but for one reason or another have not made a connection to God through a local church. In his new book “Meet The Good People: Wesley's 7 Ways to Share Faith.” Ross takes his study of the life and ministry of John Wesley and applies to the context of 21st century culture to come up with seven ways we can share our faith with the people Roger has termed Joe and Sally Good People. You'll enjoy this conversation about the book and will find it fruitful in your ministry context. Roger and Brad also have some conversation about General Conference and about something near and dear to both of their hearts - golf.