Pod Have Mercy

What's happening at Highland Park Methodist Church, and what does it mean for the broader United Methodist Church?Rev. Dr. John Stephens and Rev. Dr. Michael Jarboe discuss Highland Park's decision to separate from the UMC, the ongoing questions surrounding church governance and property, and the role of bishops and denominational leadership.Beyond the headlines, the conversation explores what it means to be part of a connectional church, the responsibilities that come with that relationship, and how Christians can navigate disagreement without losing sight of unity.Recorded during an evolving situation. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not constitute legal advice.

Should Christians celebrate Halloween? And what does this spooky holiday have to do with All Saints Day?Rev. John Stephens welcomes back Rev. Michael Jarboe, senior pastor of Wildwood United Methodist Church, for a Halloween special filled with humor, nostalgia, and reflections on faith.From trick-or-treating and childhood costumes to the controversial world of Christian "Hell Houses," John and Michael explore the complicated relationship between Halloween and the church. Along the way, they debate the best and worst Halloween candy of 2026, marvel at the growing popularity of giant yard skeletons, and share some unforgettable stories from their years in ministry.The conversation eventually turns toward the deeper meaning of All Saints Day: remembering loved ones, making space for grief, and finding hope in resurrection. Through stories of family traditions, Chapelwood's memorial banners, and the communion of saints, they reflect on how the church can honor those who have gone before us.It's an episode about costumes and candy, life and death, and the sacred traditions that help us remember.Guest: Rev. Dr. Michael Jarboe, Senior Pastor of Wildwood United Methodist ChurchLinks & ResourcesWildwood United Methodist Church:https://wildwood-umc.org/The United Methodist Church's View of Halloween:https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-united-methodist-churchs-view-of-halloweenAll Saints Day in United Methodist Churches:https://www.umc.org/en/content/all-saints-day-in-united-methodist-churches2026 Best & Worst Halloween Candy Rankings:https://www.candystore.com/apps/blog/definitive-ranking-best-worst-halloween-candies/Subscribe to Pod Have Mercy for more conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and everyday life.

What does it mean to show up for someone who is grieving, and what can other cultures teach us about loss, remembrance, and community?In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, Rev. John Stephens and Rev. Matt Russell discuss the importance of grief work and the ways faith communities can help people navigate loss together.Matt reflects on his experience leading a group through Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico, where storytelling, shared remembrance, and communal rituals create space for grief. They explore why our culture often treats grief as an individual experience and how the simple act of being present can make a profound difference in someone's life.The conversation also turns to Pope Leo XIV, the death penalty, and the complicated relationship between justice, retribution, and the teachings of Jesus. John and Matt wrestle with what it means to uphold the sanctity of life while confronting the realities of violence and suffering.In this episode:Grief, remembrance, and Día de los MuertosWhy grief should be experienced in communityBearing witness to suffering without trying to fix itPope Leo XIVJesus, nonviolence, justice, and forgivenessRESOURCESChapelwood Wednesday Grief Support Group:https://chapelwood.org/groups/wednesday-grief-group/Learn more about Chapelwood United Methodist Church:https://chapelwood.org/Pod Have Mercy is hosted by Rev. John Stephens and Rev. Matt Russell of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.

What can a vineyard teach us about faith, patience, and spiritual growth? And how can the church remain faithful to its mission in an increasingly divided world?In Episode 246 of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Matt Russell are back together for a conversation about life, ministry, and the intersection of faith and culture.John shares the inspiration behind his upcoming book, "Vineyard in the Soul," exploring how the natural rhythms of a vineyard reveal important lessons about spiritual formation. From winter dormancy and new growth to ripening and harvest, each season offers a different perspective on patience, transformation, and the unseen work of God in our lives.The conversation then turns to Chapelwood United Methodist Church's $35.2 million Rooted in Grace capital campaign. John and Matt discuss the church's vision for expanding its community impact through food pantry facilities, childcare, youth programming, and neighborhood partnerships. They reflect on what it means to invest in ministries that are already making a difference and build for generations they may never see.Finally, they take on recent conversations surrounding religious freedom in the U.S. military, the role of chaplains, and concerns about Christian nationalism. They also reflect on the legacy of televangelist Jim Bakker and the responsibility of churches to practice financial transparency, accountability, and faithful stewardship.From the vineyard to the wider world, this episode explores what it means to cultivate a faith that produces lasting fruit.LINKS & RESOURCESChapelwood Rooted in Grace Capital Campaign:https://chapelwood.org/capital-campaign/WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines:https://www.wset.co.uk/qualifications/wset-level-4-diploma-in-winesWine Scholar Guild:https://www.winescholarguild.com/certifications/scholar-programs/french-wine-scholarChurch Publishing Incorporated:https://churchpublishing.org/Americans United Statement on the Office of Religious Affairs:https://www.au.org/the-latest/press/hegseth-religious-affairs-military/Pod Have Mercy Episode 244 with Zach W. Lambert:https://chapelwood.org/media/episode-244-a-conversation-with-zach-w-lambert/ABOUT POD HAVE MERCYPod Have Mercy is hosted by Rev. John Stephens and Rev. Matt Russell of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Through conversations with theologians, pastors, authors, and other thought leaders, the podcast explores faith, culture, leadership, and life in the church.Explore more episodes: https://chapelwood.org/podcasts/

What does it take for the church to embrace change, take meaningful risks, and imagine a different future?In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Matt Russell welcome Rev. Matt Rawle, pastor, author, speaker, and co-founder of the Hub for Innovation, for a conversation about faith, creativity, leadership, and the future of the United Methodist Church.Matt shares his journey from studying opera at LSU to pursuing ministry at Duke Divinity School, along with the experiences that shaped his approach to preaching and leadership. The conversation explores how churches can move beyond simply preserving what has worked in the past and begin experimenting with new approaches to ministry.They also discuss the role of technology and AI in ministry, the importance of creating space for failure, and why traditional measurements of church success may not always reflect meaningful discipleship and community.Matt introduces his upcoming book, "Isaiah for the People: Prophet of Protest," exploring the prophet's challenging message of inclusion, reconciliation, and justice, and why those ancient words remain relevant to the church today.From creative leadership to the practice of Sabbath, this conversation offers a thoughtful and often humorous look at what it means to follow God's call in a changing world.CONNECT WITH MATT RAWLEMatt Rawle's WebsiteMatt Rawle's Books and PublicationsMatt Rawle's Books on AmazonBOOKS MENTIONEDIsaiah for the People: Prophet of Protest - Coming February 2027Dream, Dare, Disrupt - Matt Rawle and Rachel BillupsMore Books by Matt Rawle - Abingdon PressMINISTRY AND CHURCH LINKSHub for InnovationCarrollton United Methodist Church - New OrleansSt. Matthew's United Methodist Church - MetairieIn the Sandbox PodcastABOUT POD HAVE MERCYPod Have Mercy is hosted by Rev. John Stephens and Rev. Matt Russell of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Through conversations with theologians, pastors, authors, and other thought leaders, the podcast explores faith, culture, leadership, and life in the church.Learn more about Chapelwood