The Methodical Methodist Podcast

He was a powerful voice in the early days of American Methodism—so powerful, in fact, that Francis Asbury once referred to him as his “silver trumpet.” Nicholas Snethen was a farmer, an itinerant preacher, a gifted orator, and a devoted church leader. He served as chaplain to the United States House of Representatives, bringing the gospel into the heart of American government. And he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Methodist Protestant Church, advocating for greater lay representation and a more democratic structure within Methodism. From his days riding the circuit to his influence in shaping the future of the denomination, Snethen’s life was marked by conviction, courage, and a deep commitment to both preaching and reform.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

Long before modern medicine, Urgent Care, or WebMD, John Wesley published a manual on health and wellness called Primitive Physick, or an Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases. This practical guide was filled with advice on everything from colds and fevers to melancholy and asthma. John Wesley believed that physical health was as important as spiritual health and had a deep concern for the whole person – body, mind, and soul. Wesley also believed that healthcare should be accessible and affordable. And while some of the cures might cause us to laugh today, Wesley’s passion for healing was not a joke. He saw it as part of his mission to care for the physical as well as the spiritual needs of his community.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

The Soldier Preacher – Captain Thomas Webb was an unmistakable figure in Methodism. He preached in a scarlet and gold military uniform— with a green patch over his right eye and a sword brandished across the pulpit. Webb was a British Army officer turned Methodist lay preacher, who was known for his dynamic, energetic, bold, and enthusiastic personality. John Wesley once said of Webb, “The Captain is all life and fire.” Though he lacked formal ordination, Webb’s powerful testimony and commanding presence drew crowds in cities like Philadelphia and New York, where he helped establish some of the first Methodist societies on American soil. A soldier by training and an evangelist by calling, Captain Webb’s bold witness helped carry the Methodist message across the Atlantic and into the hearts of a growing nation.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

He has been called the “Maverick of Methodism” and “the First Apostle of American Methodism.” Robert Strawbridge was a Pioneer of American Methodism and the first Methodist Circuit Rider in the United States. Strawbridge immigrated from his home in Ireland and traveled to Maryland where he is credited for establishing the first Methodist Society in American history. He did this without an official appointment, without a formal ordination, and without waiting for permission. His passion and vigor helped lay the groundwork for what would become a nationwide movement. The contribution of Robert Strawbridge to the Methodist Movement cannot be denied, and his legacy is woven into the very foundation of American Methodism.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

He was called Methodism’s “Paul Revere”—a tireless messenger of the gospel, riding from town to town with the fire of revival in his heart. Freeborn Garrettson was one of the most influential and fearless voices in early American Methodism. A fiery circuit rider, a bold abolitionist, a strict pacifist, and a passionate evangelist, Garrettson gave up the comforts of a privileged life to follow a higher calling. Converted under the ministry of Robert Strawbridge, he traveled thousands of miles on horseback, preaching in homes, fields, and courthouses from New England to the Deep South. He was even imprisoned for preaching against slavery—but never wavered in his conviction that Christ’s message brings both spiritual and physical freedom. His life and ministry helped pave the way for the expansion of Methodism across a growing and divided nation.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

He has been regarded as the “Father of Western Methodism.” William McKendree was shaped by the fires of the American frontier revival. He answered the call to ministry as a circuit rider, proclaiming the gospel through rugged terrain and across remote settlements. He was the first American-born bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his leadership helped solidify and expand the Methodist movement in a rapidly growing nation. From his early days as a Revolutionary War soldier to his later years as a respected bishop, McKendree’s life was marked by conviction, courage, and a profound commitment to spreading the love of Christ.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

He has been described as one of the saintliest men in the itinerancy of Methodism. Richard Whatcoat was a Band and Class Leader in the Early Methodist Movement. He traveled as a circuit riding preacher. He served as a missionary to America. And he ultimately served as the third Bishop of the American Methodist Episcopal Church. From his humble beginnings in England to his pioneering work in spreading Methodism across the American colonies, Whatcoat’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his calling. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

What is Ash Wednesday? Why do we burn palm branches from Palm Sunday to make ashes? And then why do we put those ashes on our foreheads in the sign of the cross? On today’s episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast, we are going to explore the history and tradition of Ash Wednesday – the day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

Forgiveness is quite possibly one of the hardest things that we do as human beings. The need for forgiveness is a universal topic that affects everyone. Everyone has dealt with this theme of forgiveness in their lives – often on a daily basis. It is a big topic, and it is even a central theme in Scripture. On today's episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast we are going to be exploring the importance of forgiveness!Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://open.spotify.com/show/48DqxAAs9ikBGric3i7hyQ

The Vicar of Madeley –The Reluctant Saint of Methodism, John William Fletcher has often been referred to as the “First Theologian of Methodism.” He was perhaps most known for defending John Wesley’s position of Arminianism against the Calvinistic influences that were present in the early Methodist Movement. He was the man that John Wesley had hand-picked to be his successor after his death. Wesley believed that Fletcher was the only one who was qualified to act as his replacement – unfortunately, Fletcher (who was significantly younger) died 6 years before Wesley. He is an interesting character that has been largely forgotten...  but his influence in Methodism should not be ignored. So, join us on this Historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we will explore the life and ministry of John William Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Hope for the Holidays is more than just a catchy phrase that you might find in a Hallmark greeting. Hope is vital to our lives, and it is often the most prevalent during the season of Christmas. This book speaks about the message of hope that we find in the Christmas story as we celebrate Jesus' birth. In this book, we will explore the ways we can experience hope for the holidays. In each chapter, we will look at the different characters in the Christmas story and how they offer a message of hope to us in our own lives. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodistAvailable on Amazon! and Cokesbury!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Church door of the Wittenberg Castle in Germany. These 95 Statements challenged the status quo and made way for the Protestant Reformation. So, I hope you enjoy this historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the life and ministry of Martin Luther! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Maybe you have been at church and noticed the different banners change colors week to week? You might see the color of the stole on the pastor change colors too. One week it might be white, and the next week it might be green. So, what do those colors mean? Well, we are going to talk about all that and more today – as we explore the Liturgical Colors for the Christian Year! So, join us for this colorful episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

On this special episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast, Andrew is joined by two of his dear friends to talk about their love for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

For a period of three months, starting in December 1715, the Wesley family heard a number of strange sounds and witnessed numerous accounts of what they believed was a ghost name Old Jeffrey. Today we are going to explore these strange accounts reported by the Wesleys and the people who lived and worked in their home… The haunting of the Old Rectory at Epworth is considered one of the most famous poltergeist cases in British history. It has been called The Epworth Phenomena. So, join us on this spooky episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Legend of Old Jeffrey. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

George Whitefield was an Anglican priest and one of the founders of the Methodist Movement – from all the way back to the early days at Oxford where he was an original member of the Holy Club. Whitefield was a leader in the Great Awakening and preached a series of revivals throughout England and in the American Colonies. He is credited with bringing thousands of people into the Christian faith. Although he was considered to be a Methodist, George Whitefield did break away from John and Charles Wesley over issues like Calvinism – where the Wesleys subscribed to Arminianism. Also, George Whitefield was a proponent of slavery, unlike the Wesley Brothers. Overall, we will see that Whitefield was a fairly unconventional, controversial, and popular figure in early Methodism. So, join me on this historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the life and ministry of George Whitefield! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

On this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast, an old friend, Logan Murphy, joins me as we discuss ministry and the theological differences surrounding John Wesley and George Whitefield. John Wesley subscribed to a "free grace" Arminian theological framework whereas George Whitefield subscribed to a Reformed / Calvinist theological framework. Together, Logan and I discuss the importance of developing strong theological convictions that are grounded in the Bible (whether Calvinist or Arminian perspective). So, join us for this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Harry Denman – the man with only one suit – was a Methodist lay leader and evangelist whose life exemplified Jesus’ teachings from his Sermon on the Mount. He usually only had one pair of shoes, and he had no watch – because he liked to ask people for the time as a way of starting a conversation with folks. When people would gift Harry clothes, he would often turn around and give them to the needy. He served as the secretary for the Department of Evangelism in the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was the General Secretary of the Commission on Evangelism. He was responsibile for the publication of the devotional resource The Upper Room. He played a part in incorporating The Foundation for Evangelism. He was also instrumental in establishing the International Prayer Fellowship which is an organization that was headquartered at Lake Junaluska. In addition, he served as a member of several Jurisdictional Conferences. Billy Graham once called Denman, “one of the great mentors for evangelism.” So, join us on this Historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we will explore the life and ministry of Harry Denman. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

October 31st is a day we know as Halloween. Christians have been celebrating Halloween for centuries. However, much like Christmas, Halloween is a festival that has been embraced by the wider culture. And because of that, it is a holiday that has really changed over time. It is a time when children dress up and trick or treat. This holiday has also spawned a number of horror films and scary movies. It certainly been influenced by the consumerist culture. Some people avoid celebrating this holiday altogether because it seems too dark. All that being said, it is really interesting to see what this holiday was originally created for. The original purpose of Halloween is much different than what you might think. So, Join me on this Episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Tenth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist