Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast

Courageous conversations have nothing to do with being nice and everything to do with being kind, gentle and loving. The Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes of The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries asserts that engaging in structured dialogues of learning – or courageous conversations – could create space for the most radical hospitality of all, a place of deeper and more welcoming community within the church. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Crying out in grief. Thanking God for mercy. Asking for strength. Like a psalmist, Stephon Void used poetry to express how he felt as he navigated his father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, as well as his own chronic health concerns. Stephon’s new book, “A Healing Journey,” chronicles the cradle United Methodist’s path that eventually brought him to a place of peace. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

When Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth was 9 year old, he prayed aloud at his small Alabama church, resulting in a standing ovation. His grandma then squeezed his cheeks and proclaimed that her grandson would preach one day. Though he was intent on becoming an architect, a stint in the U.S. Air Force set the teen on a path of discernment that ended with his call to ordained ministry being affirmed while serving communion to those living on the streets of South Los Angeles. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

United Methodist Andrea Gauldin-Rubio, a white woman who grew up in the rural south, shares about examining biases and recognizing white privilege, while acknowledging that anti-racism work should be ongoing and focused as much on action as on education. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

At a young age, ViaFaith McCullough learned that people are more than their circumstances. After spending a summer as a college intern with The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church and Society, this cradle United Methodist discovered a deeper understanding of justice and found that, when we work together, even our simplest ideas can impact social inequities. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

People have told Pete Wright that, from the outside, his life looked trouble-free: loving wife and kids, fulfilling career, all the signs of success. On the inside, Pete has struggled for years with chronic depression. He shares the story of his journey, from a place where he once attempted suicide to discovering joy in the everyday details of life. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Many of us seek God in the natural world, whether we backpack in the mountains, walk through a forest or relax by a lake. The Rev. Beth Jones shares how the discipline of slowing down and noticing God’s creation has the ability to heal us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as well as repair and renew our relationships with one another, ourselves and God.

In this special “Meet a bishop” episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape,” we meet the Rev. David Wilson who recently made history as the first Native American to be elected as bishop of The UMC. Bishop Wilson tells us how growing up in The UMC prepared him for his current ministry role, the highest leadership position in the denomination.

Pause for a few quiet moments to ponder the events of Jesus’ final hours on earth through the contemplative spiritual discipline of guided meditation. The Rev. Cindy Serio, a retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director, leads us in a special meditation for Good Friday, helping us stay attentive to God’s invitation to us. This is a re-release of an episode from 2022.

United Methodists may feel grief as the denomination experiences disaffiliations. A spiritual director shares tips for healing while explaining why compassion is needed during this fragile time.

In this episode, a school superintendent who was recognized by former President Obama, honored at the Oscars, and is a candidate to be a UMC deacon, shares where she finds joy, including how living out the Gospel for her includes sitting on the floor with a classroom of kindergarteners. More information and the full transcript are available on our episode page. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org. Connect with The United Methodist Church at UMC.org.

Bishop Delores (Dee) Williamston, the first Black woman elected as bishop in The UMC’s South Central Jurisdiction, is a grandmother who discovered her call to ministry at a skating rink while supervising a group of 50 kids from her local church. More info and a full transcript of the conversation are available on our episode page. Share your thoughts with us: gysis@umcom.org Connect with The United Methodist Church at UMC.org.

United Methodist pastor Luke Edwards discusses how to develop listening as a spiritual discipline, a practice that when rooted in curiosity and love can transform our communities, our churches and our faith. More info and a full transcript are available on our episode page. Share your thoughts with us: gysis@umcom.org

Spiritual trauma happens, even in the church. Rev. Christy Holden and Derrick Scott III discuss why some have experienced spiritual pain that may make the church feel unsafe. They share ways we can prevent harm and encourage healing as conduits of God’s love. Learn more about this episode on our website. Have questions or comments? Email us at gysis@umcom.org.

Pilgrimages are not tourism. Rather, these holy treks have the power to change lives. The Rev. Steven Manskar and the Rev. Chris Heckert discuss their roles as both pilgrimage leaders and pilgrims on “Get Your Spirit in Shape.” Learn more about this episode at https://www.umc.org/en/content/pilgrimage-a-path-to-getting-unstuck-get-your-spirit-in-shape-ep-132 Have questions or comments? Email us at gysis@umcom.org.