Claim OwnershipGet Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast
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We know that exercise and good nutrition help keep us physically healthy. Unfortunately, we don’t always follow through. Our spiritual lives are similar. We know what we need to grow as Christians, but sometimes we struggle. Get Your Spirit in Shape is a free, 30-minute, monthly podcast from United Methodist Communications featuring conversations with leaders, authors, and others who offer spiritual nutrition and exercises for our everyday lives. Join us as we get—and keep—our spirits in shape.
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In the second of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on … Continue reading "More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 2"
In the first of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on … Continue reading "More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 1"
‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you’re feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving. Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season for some folks and shares a guided meditation that acknowledges that you might feel blue at this time of … Continue reading "When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope"
From playing at Willie Nelson’s Picnic to viral videos, Jaron Bell shares how his love for music and comedy turned into a calling the country-singer-turned-pastor never expected. 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 … Continue reading "A funny thing happened on the way to the sanctuary"
It’s our 200th episode! Thank you for joining us as the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Matt Rawle take a look at the profound change The United Methodist Church has experienced during the past four years and share honest reflections on what these shifts mean for how United Methodists live into … Continue reading "Celebrating 200 episodes: Reflecting on four years in The UMC"
The Bible has often been misused to wound and exclude, with distorted interpretations justifying harm. Drawing on his own experiences of being rejected by faith communities, Pastor Zach Lambert wrote “Better ways to read the Bible: Transforming a weapon of harm into a tool of healing” to share how to reframe Scripture as a source … Continue reading "From harm to healing: ‘Better ways to read the Bible’"
Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are never forgotten. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? … Continue reading "Answering the call to preserve Black Methodist stories"
The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry. A dedicated runner and ultra-marathoner, he reflects on discerning his call within … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Carlo Rapanut"
In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in our lives and churches. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are … Continue reading "‘Transformed by Grace’: Wesleyan wisdom for today’s UMC"
Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting young people long after summer ends and how you and your local church can be part of … Continue reading "Sacred summers: How camps shape faith that lasts"
John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley’s practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow … Continue reading "‘Calling on Fire’: Reclaiming Wesley’s method to renew the church"
Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a model for connection in today’s divided world. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a … Continue reading "‘Sacred Tension’: The Bible’s embrace of diverse voices"
Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn more and/or order a copy … Continue reading "When hope meets hardship: Faith as a healing force"
Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek.” More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn more and/or … Continue reading "‘On Love’: 20 lessons for a gentler world"
This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—words spoken by billions of Christians across centuries and continents. In his new book, “We Believe: How the Nicene Creed can deepen your faith,” the Rev. Michael Carpenter shares how these words written in the 4th century aren’t just ancient history, but also have the power … Continue reading "Ancient Words, Living Faith: The 4th century Nicene Creed in 2025"
Every call to serve invites both courage and questions. For Kim and Pat Lewis, that call is taking them from Montana to Mexico, where they’ve been commissioned as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries. After deep discernment, the Lewises are prepared for a new chapter, one rooted not in tasks but in relationships … Continue reading "The courage to go: Lewises embrace mission rooted in connection"
Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our … Continue reading "Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action"
To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question … Continue reading "Covering a worldwide church: Journalism with integrity and heart"
All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene’s key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more closely not only teaches us the truth, but also shows that her story can serve as a guide … Continue reading "Mary Magdalene: The Resurrection’s first witness"
It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available … Continue reading "Turning the world upside down with ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality’"
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