You Can Hear Us In The Streets: Recent Episodes
First Methodist Houston
Every week, pastors and leaders from First Methodist Houston gather to talk about the church, faith, and the world. We answer questions from church members and listeners, with a promise that there is no topic we won't tackle.
It's Jim Welch's last few days on the job, and before he leaves, he sits down with Ben to talk about what he's seen in his time here, what he's excited about for the church, and the changes that he hopes to see coming.
Ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
It's Jordan's last podcast, and so she and Ben continue on to part two of their tournament, debating the best comebacks in the New Testament.
Fill out your own bracket! https://www.fmhouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Best-Clapbacks-In-The-Bible-NT.jpg
Ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
For Jordan's last podcasts, she and Ben return to an idea that they've been wanting to do for months - having a tournament of the best clapbacks in the Bible. What's a clapback? Tune in and see.
Fill out your own bracket! https://www.fmhouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Best-Clapbacks-In-The-Bible-OT-copy.jpg
Ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
After the shooting in Uvalde, Ken and Ben ditched their podcast plans and sat down to talk about how to respond to a tragedy like this, and what a Christian's response to events like these should be.
Ask us a question anytime. You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
Answering a question about evangelism, Jim, Ben, and Jordan end up speaking about matters of physics, the beginnings of the universe, the sheep and the goats, Pascal's wager, Nietche's "God is dead," and a whole lot of other stuff we didn't expect when we hit record on this podcast.
Enjoy!
Ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
A reader sends in a Twitter link about a possible mistranslation of a Scripture passage, and it leads to some combatitiveness over different Biblical translations, trying to read multiple* Biblical translations, and a surprising argument over whether we should be bothering to read the Old Testament at all.
*https://twitter.com/lllogannnnn/status/1520393475790979072, though it looks like the user has moved to private.
Ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
The phrase "He descended into hell" was removed from the Apostles' Creed a long time ago, and a listener wants to know the reason why.
Of course, that leads to a lot of much bigger questions about the nature of hell, the humanity of Jesus, and what answers preachers are supposed to give to tough questions.
Ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
With Palm Sunday approaching, a question comes in of whether we're celebrating the day completely wrong. Why is it a joyous celebration if we're remembering the crowds that turned on Jesus only 5 days later?
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/streets
Part two of our conversation, and it turns out there's almost nothing that Jim can't talk about for hours on end, and it's a fascinating ride. We start with "what's going to be happening at the church?" and end up at "is there a true limit on the universe?" in very short order.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/streets
If you've been aware of what's been happening at First Methodist, you'll know: it's been a very topsy-turvy week. Here to hopefully settle some things down is interim pastor Jim Welch, who answers some questions and allows us to start getting to know him a little bit.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/streets
Amanda, Ken, Jordan, and Ben talk about some positive sides to how their ministry has changed over the course of Covid, while admitting that they've seen the church atrophy in some ways over the past two years.
Ask us a question! We'll address it on the show. You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
A listener talks about how a betrayal from a long time ago has left them unable to forgive the person who wronged them. The group discusses the difficulty of forgiveness, how to work towards reconciliation, and the things inside ourselves that keep us from moving forward.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/streets
A member comes from a faith tradition that doesn't allow for female clergy, so they're asking whether there should be pastors who are women or not. Jordan and Amanda talk about female preaching and leadership in the Bible, their journeys to get to where they are now, and some of the road bumps they've run into.
Oh, and if you're looking for the Instagram picture we're talking about, it's here.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/streets
Andy, Ken, and Ben are divided on the nature of bad churches and whether they can still do good, which leads to Andy coming out against the Bible (not really. Or does he?), and Ken announcing that First Methodist is going to war. There are some stirring pronouncements about the spiritual character of Houston, and at the end of it all, we try and buy Andy a yacht.
Leave us a response or ask us a question! You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
A question about finding peace and rest gives us stories about various intentional practices, romantic dinners at Waffle House, and the time Amanda thought she was going to die at Disney World.
Ask us a question! Hit us at fmhouston.com/streets to leave a question or a comment about the show.
The group takes a question about why the church has embraced the Sinner's Prayer when it never appears in the Bible, leading to a brief history of revivals and the Sinner's Prayer, plus the questionable theology we keep running into, and figuring out just what our role is in bringing people to Christ.
Got a comment or a question? Visit us at fmhouston.com/streets
The gang fields a question about how John Wesley treated confession, and how the church treats it today. It turns out to be a fertile topic, featuring some wide-ranging stories from everyone's experience, and a very specific callout of a certain church nearby.
Send us a question or a comment, and help shape what the next episode of the show could be. You can reach us at fmhouston.com/streets.
This week, the group has a question to wrestle with, as they explain what Jesus was doing when he changed the use of the word "blessed" in the Sermon on the Mount. Along the way, the group debates whether Jordan's opinions are going to ruin her chances of being ordained.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/streets
With cases on the rise, the group heads back to recording remotely. It's the first time for our newest hosts, and it takes some getting used to. Meanwhile, Andy locks himself out of his apartment.
Ask us a question! Since the season began, we have yet to get a single new question. Help us fix that.
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The podcast starts off with Ken finally revealing what, exactly, took place at the Coneby Christmas Barn, before the group talks about the ways that 2021 surprised them, changed them, and made them look at the world differently.
We are taking your questions! Visit us at fmhouston.com/ama for more episodes and to send us a question or a topic you'd like to hear more about.
With Christmas upon us, the group talks about what things they do to find the Christmas spirit each year, and what traditions their families have kept to make Christmas Eve feel like an actual celebration of the birth of Christ. What they mostly find is that everybody has some pretty weird traditions in their family.
Ask us a question! We're still taking questions at fmhouston.com/ama, and we'll get to your questions in the new year.
The group talks about how to get your family into the correct Christmas spirit, and accidentally spoils the secret that Santa isn't real (beware of listening with your kids around!). As a result, we get some unorthodox Christmas traditions, and the story of the time Ken successfully caught Santa Claus.
We're still looking for your questions! Send us a question at fmhouston.com/ama and we'll include it in the show.
We're back! After a long pause and some retooling, the podcast has returned, with a new vision and title that's easier to find on web searches. "Ask Me Anything" is now "You Can Hear Us In The Streets" (for reasons explained in the podcast), and we use our first episode to introduce one of our new cohosts, Jordan Czichos, and talk about how to prepare your heart for Christmas during a difficult Advent.
We're still looking for your questions! Send us a question at fmhouston.com/ama and we'll include it in the show.
It is Donyale’s last podcast, and the group talks about the year of ministry that followed George Floyd’s death – the way their approach to ministry changed, and the need to be a church calling for justice. It’s a reconsideration of faith in politics, and call for faith in politics.
The Ask Me Anything Podcast will be on a brief hiatus, but will return with new co-hosts later this summer! In the meantime, send us new questions at fmhouston.com/ama.
On a very loose podcast, the group tries to answer what to do when you feel you need your faith back, and how you're doing better than you think you are.
This podcast sounds undedited, but trust me, it is very edited.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
A follow-up question about the New Jim Crow podcast series asks if the conversation about black imprisonment is perhaps too one-sided. The group… does not agree!
Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama.
As we wrap up our discussion on Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” with Trinity United Methodist Church, Kenneth Jackson returns to the conversation to address the problems of trying to address a system built to consistently, repetitively keep people down. It leads to a discussion about what the church – and what we, as individuals – are required to do by our love of Jesus and willingness to follow his direction.
The discussion will continue in the coming weeks, depending on what you ask us about! Reach out to us with a question: fmhouston.com/ama.
In the middle chapters of “The New Jim Crow,” Michelle Alexander breaks down racism baked into the justice system, and the group talks about being raised with different expectations, and passing those lessons along to their children. Plus, the exhaustion that comes with constantly being teachers, but the responsibilities we have to educate the people that we talk to.
Got a question or a response? Reach us at fmhouston.com/ama!
On our first podcast discussing “The New Jim Crow,” Andy and Donyale are joined by Trinity United Methodist’s Deirdre Barrett. The group discusses what stands out in the early chapters of Michelle Alexander’s book, including her statement that “colorblindness is not the answer, it’s the problem.”
The discussion fans out into the call each member felt like the book put on them, including learning to find beauty in diversity without being threatened by it, and trying to find an equal amount of justice and forgiveness.
The discussion will continue for two more weeks! Got a question? Visit us at fmhouston.com/ama.
A pretty straightforward question leads to a surprisingly fun and revealing conversation as the group each talks about their favorite sections of the Bible.
Got a question? Ask us at fmhouston.com/ama!
The group considers the people God chose to destroy in the story of Noah’s ark, and point out the flaws inherent in comparing ourselves to people in the past, both for good and for bad.
Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama
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During a very tough recording session, the group fights through to talk about metaphor and reality in the Bible, how to approach the gospels, and dealing with matters of faith and the heart.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
Today’s question covers a wide span – starting with John Wesley’s abolitionist stance, to the division of the United Methodist church in the run up to the Civil War, to its history within Houston and the Civil Rights movement. Plus, a long look at the ways Scripture has been used to maintain white supremacy in America, and an acknowledgement that this conversation can only be had when we recognize our failures – and learn from them.
Books referenced in today’s show:
Jamar Tisby, “The Color of Compromise” (https://www.amazon.com/Color-Compromise-American-Churchs-Complicity-ebook/dp/B07BB6R827)
M. Shawn Copeland, “Enfleshing Freedom” (https://www.amazon.com/Enfleshing-Freedom-Intersections-Innovations-Religious/dp/0800662741/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CPT8VEKJP48J&dchild=1&keywords=enfleshing+freedom&qid=1616532938&sprefix=enflesh%2Cdigital-text%2C206&sr=8-1)
Our podcast with Trinity UMC regarding “The New Jim Crow” begins next month! Ask us a question: fmhouston.com/ama
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Andy, Ken, and Ben debate whether the church has a role in talking about personal health, what our role is when your actions affect the health of the whole community, and how best to talk to friends and family about the vaccine.
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Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama
A questioner wants to know how you’re supposed to treat other people with compassion when it’s difficult for you to treat yourself the same way.
The gang talks about mental health, how God’s goodness affects how you interact with the world, and get honest about some of their own struggles.
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Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
A member who remembers growing up with separate schools and water fountains wonders about how long the process will take before full racial healing is reached. The group talks about the process of doing work on yourself, what it means to try and become someone who brings about change, and how we need to pass things on to the next generation after us.
A new podcast series on “The New Jim Crow” is coming soon! Send in your questions at fmhouston.com/ama.
A listener confides that the way the Bible pushes “the fear of God” terrifies them – is that supposed to be the point? The group discusses some of the roots of the term in the Bible, how Jesus fits into all this, and the way we need to be aware of people’s experience when talking about the Bible.
Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama
A question asking about whether brokenness is a good thing or not takes the group all over the Bible, through Old Testament and New, as they discuss the various ways God combats brokenness in the Scriptures, and what it is that he desires for us.
Got a question? Send it to us at fmhouston.com/ama!
The group sorts through the various ways Scripture is viewed by modern-day Christians, try to differentiate between historical events and metaphorical stories, and knock down some common misconceptions.
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Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
A listener asks a question that came up in their small group - how do you actually pray for your enemies? It seems awfully difficult. And how do you know what to say?
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
The group discusses what led them to become pastors, and why they abandoned other avenues to head towards ministry. Plus, is it ever too old to enter full-time ministry?
Then, at the group's urging, Ben shares his journey into the world of church media.
fmhouston.com
A follow up to one of our earlier episodes – Episode 96: “Why Are Young People Leaving The Church?” – an actual young person writes about how relationships helped them maintain their connection to the church, and he finds that to be the magical elixir for other young people who get connected to churches. So what does the group think?
There’s conversation about how to be a person who listens to questions, how to handle questions you don’t know the answers to, and how the long history of the church can help you out of a tough situation even if you don’t know much about it.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
For their last show of 2020, the group looks back on the lessons they learned, the things that they missed the most, and the things they've discovered how to appreciate.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
Someone who thought Christmas would be easier without all the busyness is discovering that this is a much tougher season than they expected. Andy, Marty, and Ben talk about why so many people find Christmas to be hard, how to handle this year's particular difficulties, and the way loss affects the Christmas season.
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A question about whether traditional worship’s days are numbered brings out four strong opinions on the nature of worship, experiencing God in all contexts, and how we ignore church history at our own peril.
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This commonly-asked question is quickly flipped on its head, as Ken questions the motivations of the people who most frequently ask it. Soon, it becomes a conversation about the way we cling to the church that we already have instead of becoming the new church that we need to be. Also, Andy is very excited to be “the 24th most influential United Methodist podcast.” Here’s the link so you can see what he’s talking about: https://blog.feedspot.com/methodist_church_podcasts/“
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The group talks about the way action creates feeling, the various times Jesus addressed this very thing throughout his ministry, and how to know if you’re asking good questions or just beating yourself up.
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For Marty's first podcast, Ben decides to throw him in the deep end and asks a listener's question he hadn't been allowed to ask before: why does the Church struggle to talk about sexuality? It leads to a surprisingly emotional conversation about the responsibility of a pastor when they stand on a stage, preaching vs. dialogue, and how to handle the reality of abuse and pain among the people you're trying to talk to.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
Today's question concerns if we are making Jesus "relatable" enough - is he too separate from us, and from our lives? Are we failing the young people we teach? Is that why young people leave the church?
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
On Brandi's last week in the office, she sat down with Andy and Ben to answer some final, rapid-fire questions - the things she's most proud of, the things she's most disappointed to leave behind, and as many things as we could suprise her with as possible.
Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama
With Brandi on her way to becoming a head pastor of a nearby church, the group answers the question of whether head pastor is actually a role women are supposed to move into, or is that against what the Bible says? Brandi has stories, Bible passages, and books to recommend. Even when she’s not ready for the question... she’s ready for the question. Ask Brandi a question before it’s too late! fmhouston.com/ama
On one of our last few podcasts with Brandi (this is your last chance to send in questions you’d like to hear Brandi answer, so please send those in!), the group takes on how involved Jesus was in government, how much they think he’d be involved today, and what a Jesus-like approach to politics would look like.
Send in your question! FMHouston.com/AMA
This week the group take on a question dealing with loss of faith in a relationship. They take a look at what causes people to walk away from God and how to both parties can navigate through their wilderness. Questions? Contact us at fmhouston.com/AMA
During such uncertain times, should we be saving our money or sharing our abundance with others who are struggling to keep their heads above water? The group discusses battling the fear or generosity and the emotional side of giving.
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It’s Ben’s birthday! He lays out the definition of cancel culture and opens the floor for the table to discuss it’s place in not only the modern world but also in christian living.
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Persevering through technical difficulties, Andy, Ken, and Ben answer a piggybacked question for our last podcast about colonization. A questioner asks whether we've screwed everything up by showing Jesus as a white man, and what level of personal interpretation we should bring to the Bible.
Ask a question! FMHouston.com/AMA
The group takes a close look at the history of evangelism and its lasting impact on native cultures. They strip down the misconceived notions of missionaries as well as the responsibility we bear to be part of the solution to a larger issue.
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A listener dealing with the loss of loved ones asks for some guidance on intercessory prayer. The group share their insight dealing with death and filtering through the awkwardness of praying for the dead.
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Anthony Rogers, Yesly Antu and Deborah Nixon join the conversation to tackle the issue of racism within by Latinx against the black community. They dive into the toxic stereotypes streaming from the history of Hispanic and Latin countries, and the repercussions of comparing oppression. Also, how to combat issues that come from an us vs. them feeling, and the power in learning from each other's stories.
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The table discusses ways of reading spiritual text. Ben starts us off by diving into Ignatius of Loyola and the examen practiced by the Jesuits.
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As we continue to settle into the new normal, a questioner wonders how it’ll shape the Church. The table discuss stripping our church norms and embracing simplicity. As well as the new ways online church is changing how we practice discipleship.
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The group explore how they’ve handled difficult but necessary conversations. Donyale reminds us that sometimes the road to peace means disrupting the “peace”.
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Tension remains on high consequently fueling the growth of keyboard warriors. A questioner who’s noticed christian friends on opposite sides of the spectrum asks what it looks like to be followers of Jesus online. Donyale shares some words to defuse online courage.
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Anthony joins the table as Ben hosts this weeks episode. A questioner reaches out to get clarity on what separates hope and prayer. The table discusses their practiceses talking with God and explore the limits of hope.
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The group look at the different ways we service and give but also what it means to be humbled by receiving.
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In death are we healed of our illnesses or does it come with us? The table shares their insight and hope for those struggling with mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health contact your mental health professional or other qualified health provider.
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Ben waits to surprises the group with today’s question - was it racist of God to single out the Israelites? The table discusses what Scripture tells us about why He chose the Hebrew people. Andy uses a food metaphor that has everybody questioning what kind of food they are.
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On today’s episode, the group takes an opportunity to have a conversation about the events happening in Houston. Donyale and Andy share their experience at George Floyd’s funeral. They reflect on the impact of these events and what it means for us as a nation.
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The group take a moment to reflect on their experiences at the downtown march for George Floyd. Bloomed from our Ahmaud Arbery episode, today’s question searches for specific guidance on what the church can do to combat evil and what we as individuals can do.
Below is more information on the book recommendations mentioned in this podcast.
-Divided By Faith, by Michael Emerson -Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson -The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander -Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman -How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi -The Post-Racial Negro Green Book by Jan Miles -So you want to talk about race by Ijeoma Oluo
Books for Kids: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor White Flour by David LaMotte Monster by Walter Dean Myers
The UMC is already helping us talk to our kids. These are books that lift up the sacred worth of every human, no matter their gender, race, ability level, or sexual orientation. https://www.umcjustice.org/sacred-worth-books?fbclid=IwAR20VyKJ3ILh21SXuf5WE_RiboNC6M6LKcMoo0BdxqDtMSrOIMF2TH20ETM
fmhouston.com/ama
A non-member asks whether the Methodist church disciplines members, and if people are required to confess their sins to a pastor or another authority. It leads to a discussion of what rules the Methodist church actually has, the importance of accountability, and how pastors work to try to be someone who stands in your corner rather than punishing you.
FMHouston.com/AMA
Questions of racial justice, privilege and discipleship surface as the group breaks down the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. They reflect on the heavy price payed for racial harmony, the work that still awaits and the steps the church can take to be the champions of love.
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We’re talking about social holiness and what John Wesley meant by it. What that it looks like today and how it differs from how we interpret God defines it.
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All hands are on deck as the group dives deep into examining the consequences the precautionary actions we take to stay safe during the pandemic may have on others around the world. They find themselves wrapped in the same chaos our questioner finds themselves in.
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We welcome our first guest to the Ask Me Anything table, Bishop Scott Jones! The group pick each others brains’ on how they’re managing daily life, spouses, parenting and the “new trend” growth during this pandemic. They lean into the changes they’ve seen in how we’re worshiping due to the pandemic and the possible impact on the future of the church
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The group tackles two similar questions regarding the book of revelations. Ben’s pastoral side really shines when discussing the misconceptions of how we read this part of the bible. Everyone shares their experiences learning about the rapture growing up and the Left Behind series.
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Today’s question puts the formula of our worship services under a microscope. The group examines what elements of a service really matters and the roles that lay and clergy people play.
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Andy, Brandi, and Ben dissect the cons of staying busy for the sake of being busy. Moreover, the struggle to slow down our lifestyle.
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The group discuss the different ways they’re each adapting to daily life during the Covid-19 quarantine and the struggle of battling loneliness as a result of social distancing.
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The group begins today’s discussion picking up our conversation from last week’s episode and touching on the priesthood of all believers. However, they decide to hijack the question and talk through how they think the current pandemic will effect how we practice being the church.
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The group tackle what the rules are in taking communion during extreme times and what make separates communion from a love feast.
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The group discuss what they’re each doing for lent and what they hope to gain from it.
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On today’s episode the group tackles the second part of a question they never got around to finishing earlier - should we consider other specific perspectives on the Bible? They reflect on whose interpretation of scripture we tend to acknowledge more and explore what the practice of reading scripture in different environments does to our perspective.
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- Don't forget to send in your Lent questions!
FMHouston.com/AMA
The group takes a closer look at Romans 12 to discuss how literally to take the idea of being a "living sacrifice." Ken takes the question a step further and ponders if the church falls short in living sacrificially for each other.
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Andy and Brandi are ready to charge into today’s conversation on why there is only sixty six books in the Bible. The group finds themselves on different ends of the spectrum as they discuss what the conversation would look like if the canon was opened.
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The group breakdowns the assumption that people who take their own lives don’t go to heaven. David Wyman (Ben’s Dad!) and Ken Coneby join the conversation.
Today's subject deals with suicide, and mentions that suicide crisis lines now have a texting feature. If that's something you'd like to know about, you can find out more at https://www.crisistextline.org/
thesourcehouston.org
The group breakdowns the assumption that people who take their own lives don’t go to heaven. David Wyman (Ben’s Dad!) and Ken Coneby join the conversation.
Today's subject deals with suicide, and mentions that suicide crisis lines now have a texting feature. If that's something you'd like to know about, you can find out more at https://www.crisistextline.org/
thesourcehouston.org
Our trio discusses what they believe Paul meant in his letters in regards to women in the church.
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We have a full table this week as the group takes on what it means to be a peacemaker on a personal and global scale.
thesourcehouston.org
We have a full table this week as the group takes on what it means to be a peacemaker on a personal and global scale.
thesourcehouston.org
The group returns for the first episode of 2020 to tackle the question everyone has been asking, what is "The Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation" proposal and what does it mean for our church?
fmhouston.com/ama
Someone asks about the phrase "there but for the grace of God go I," and if God really gives better luck to some people than he does others. This one is a question of perspective, and it turns out everyone has a different take.
Merry Christmas! Ask us a question, and we'll get to it in the new year. FMHouston.com/AMA
The group talking about the birth story of Jesus, and how God always moves through truly unexpected people. Then, Andy and Ben tell the story of the Christmas Eve service that almost got them both fired.
Ask us a question! Especially a Christmas one. FMHouston.com/AMA
The group discusses dealing with death and grief and the churches stance on cremation. Ben shares his experience working at a cemetery.
thesourcehouston.org
From transactional blessings, iPhones, Kayne West and wealth, the group doesn’t hold back when discussing the prosperity gospel. Anthony Rogers stops by to join the conversation.
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The group dives into the importance of being apart of a small group and how different age groups have isolated themselves or navigated towards joining one. Emil Niz joins the conversation to share the small group opportunities available at out West campus.
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Scripture mentions being good stewards of all creation but what responsibilities do Christians bare in regards to our environment? The group discusses the different challenges they face living in Houston and trying to take of our planet.
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Out of all the ways there is to pray, does praying out loud really make your prayer more effective? The group breaks down some questionable advice given to a listener about written prayers.
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Is there a difference between christians and people outside the church when it comes to practicing forgiveness? Is it harder to forgive people who claim to be christian but turn their backs on you? Donyale and Ken join the conversations to discuss the hurdles that come with letting go of anger and overcoming difficult situations.
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Skeptical on the authenticity of speaking in tongues, a listener asks for some clarity on the spiritual gift and it’s relevancy today. Anthony Rogers joins the conversation as the group shares their experiences speaking in tongues and it’s place not only in the Charismatic Movement but the Methodist church as well.
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This week, a listener wants to know how much of the Bible they can believe, or if everything is just made up in order to get us to be better people. The answer: some of both! It's complicated! Take a listen.
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In today’s world where communication can be so instant, how can we identify who our enemies and neighbors are? A listener asks how to love our enemies like the Bible tells us to. The group questions if it’s possible to separate a person from their action.
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This week the group breaks down the “insider language” in the Affirmation of Faith and the history behind it. Should the Methodist church follow suit like other churches and change the language to be more easily understood or should we bide by tradition? Brandi shares her favorite new creed.
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The group discusses what to do when you experience the restlessness of feeling like you’re not doing enough. A surprise gift for Ben inspires Andy to send us off in an unprecedented way.
For the curious mind: Below are the links to the material referenced in this episode. Far Side Cartoon: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a5/ed/03/a5ed0391108aa830e4c8aabfe2fea3d9.png
Ted Loder - Guerrillas of Grace: https://books.google.com/books/about/Guerrillas_of_Grace.html?id=ds0wANApF0IC&source=kp_book_description
“Ah! Sunflower” by William Blake: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43649/ah-sun-flower
Got a question? Reach us at FMHouston.com/AMA and let us know!
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The group tackles questions about heaven, what it looks like and who/what we’ll find there. Andy shares what his heaven would look like, which means that Ben and Donyale have to try and keep Andy’s puns at bay.
Got a question? Reach us at FMHouston.com/AMA and let us know!
The group takes a look at "Red Letter Christians," whether we're qualified to translate what we read in the Bible, and the various slants that individuals take on Scripture.
Thoughts? Questions? Ask away: FMHouston.com/AMA
The group debates the two messages the Bible seems to send about money - one about giving a portion of your money, the other about giving up all you have to join the church. Which one applies to us? And are we thinking the wrong way about our money?
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Sadden by the District Attorney’s decision to seek the death penalty for the gunman responsible for the El Paso Walmart mass shooting, a listener struggles with the choice to trust the states decision for justice or oppose it. The group weighs in on the Church’s stance and reflect on the frequency of practice in Texas.
Got a question? Reach us at FMHouston.com/AMA and let us know!
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On Kaitlyn’s last podcast, the group reflects on what they’ve learned in the past three years while working at First Methodist. Their discussion leads them to contemplate the changing dynamics of the church and how it might look in the future.
Got a question? Reach us at FMHouston.com/AMA and let us know!
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Today’s question has lots of ground to cover, Brandi takes over on this weeks episode with the help of familiar and new voices. A listener questions whether prayer without action is enough.
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Today’s questions comes from a listener who wonders if there is a need to go out into the secular world like John Wesley did in the 18th century, in order to spread the word of God. The group shares some recommended material for another listen who wants to learn more about John Wesley and others like him who formed and shaped the UMC.
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With two Kaitlyn episodes left, we're trying to tackle all of the subjects we can that speak to Kaitlyn's heart. A listener questions whether or not divorce is an option when Scripture suggests it isn't. The group tackles the challenges of marriage, what the Bible really says about divorce, and makes sure to offer help to those who are in need of it.
If you or someone you know if dealing with domestic violence, please don't hesitate to reach out to any of our pastors. As she mentions in this episode, Brandi is always available and ready: bhorton@fmhouston.com
Ask Us A Question! FMHouston.com/AMA
With Kaitlyn’s last podcast on the horizon, the group keeps going through the topics that Kaitlyn most wants to answer before she goes. The discussion of faith, joy, and facing that perhaps happiness is not the end result of prayer also features new pastor Donyale Fraylon, joining the podcast for the first time.
Got a question? Reach us at FMHouston.com/AMA and let us know!
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We're talking baptisms! Andy can't stop the puns from pouring out of him. The group answers why methodists practice infant baptisms and why methodist pastors don't rebaptize.
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A political question about the problems at the border camps leads to a lot of different topics, including Christians’ place in the political sphere, the importance of prayer, and the calling God places on us to help the foreigner and the orphan. Includes very light and cautious wading into political waters.
Ask us a question! Or (as you discover when you listen to this episode), send Ben hate mail! FMHouston.com/AMA
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Kaitlyn talks about a movement that means a lot to her - the emerging/emergent church (she explains the difference, don’t worry). It leads to a lot of conversation about what the modern church should be trying to do, and why we battle internally over smaller issues.
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With the help of some familiar voices, the group takes on two questions this week. One listener asks how we can work together to bring unity in our divided political atmosphere. Another questions whether Paul means individuals should seek greater gifts or the corporate body.
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Andy and Kaitlyn talk about what the life of a pastor is like in practice, talking about some of the more surprising pressures, the oddities of the life, and the problems that happen when your work life bleeds into your private relationships.
Ask us a question! Especially if you have one that you want Kaitlyn to answer. Fmhouston.com/AMA
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The group tells us what led them to become pastors. We explore Brandi’s long list of degrees and Ben shares why he didn’t go “Hollywood”.
Link to the poem mentioned in today's episode: https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/two-tramps-in-mud-time/
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Andy and Ben take a harder-edged question about asking for money head on, and spend some time talking about spending money on bounce houses, why you should show up to church, and the difference between giving to the church and being the church.
Ask us a harder-edged question yourself! Reach us at FMHouston.com/ama.
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The name of the game is 'Unfinished Business'. The group gets another shot at answering questions from Sunday's live AMA podcast - specifically on two question they want to reconsider: why did we have animal sacrifice, and why do we have female preachers? Meanwhile, Andy and Kaitlyn suggest an interesting read on what Houstonians are really thinking.
The link to that is here : https://kinder.rice.edu/houstonsurvey2019
Ask us a question! FMHouston.com/AMA
Andy, Kaitlyn, and Brandi have their second live Ask Me Anything podcast of the day, and this time they're ready for it. In this service, they handle questions about why God demanded animal sacrifice, what God feels about the Catholic church, and if there's any reason to join a church at all.
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Andy, Kaitlyn, and Brandi have their first EVER live Ask Me Anything podcast on Sunday, in front of the congregation. In this service, they handle questions about why Judas gets a bad rap and whether we will see our Jewish friends in Heaven.
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After a Sunday answering questions from kids, the group kicks around some of the questions they got and ponders why it is that straightforward answers from children led to deeper and more meaningful answers.
Ask us a question! FMHouston.com/AMA
No denomination is spared after Andy and Brandi are let loose on this week's episode! The group follows up on a AMA question from Sunday about choosing Methodism over other denominations.
Ask us a question!
FMHouston.com/AMA.
After a brief interlude to answer a question about how our Lenten practices are going, the group delves into a complex question about what discipleship After a big Easter weekend, someone wondered why an Easter bunny was included as part of our celebration – and whether the bunny and the eggs have any extra meaning, or if we’re just letting in some bad traditions.
WARNING: If you still have a tradition of Santa Claus/The Easter Bunny/The Tooth Fairy/etc. in your home, we recommend not listening to this podcast with your kids around.
Ask us a question! Especially now, during this Ask Me Anything series! You may be surprised at how many people want to hear the same thing you do.
FMHouston.com/AMA.
After a brief interlude to answer a question about how our Lenten practices are going, the group delves into a complex question about what discipleship looks like, what is “enough,” and whether you can be a good disciple while still asking questions like “how much does this cost?”
We need more questions! Get your question in at fmhouston.com/AMA.
Andy and Ben are back from their trip to Israel and full of stories from their time traveling there together. Then, the group takes on a question from a listener who has struggled to connect with people who feel quite differently about the Bible than they do.
Got a response? Send us a question! FMHouston.com/AMA
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After the shooting in New Zealand, a listener asks if the Church is adequately responding to the trauma. Andy, Kaitlyn, and Ben consider empathy and the ways at which we fail to forgive one another.
Got a question? Ask us at FMHouston.com/AMA.
A C.S. Lewis fan wonders what authors since Lewis will last, which is exactly the sort of question that Brandi and Kaitlyn love answering, and lead the group on a number of different rabbit trails considering the current state of Christian writing.
After Brandi (reluctantly) gives an update from a very messy General Conference, the group dives into a follow-up question a listener had about why there are sections of the Bible we don’t choose to preach from.
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Responding to an article discussing how experiencing awe is good for you, the gang discusses whether it’s possible to force experiencing awe, and the benefits of religion. Plus, Andy and Ben bicker over whether “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a good movie or not (it isn’t!), Kaitlyn picks her Best Picture winner, and Ben makes the case why you should see “Roma.”
(https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/why-scientists-say-experiencing-awe-can-help-you-live-your-ncna961826)
Send in a question! FMHouston.com/AMA.
The group takes on their very first question - one they have put off for MONTHS - and go into exploring the Biblical accounts of the Nephilim. But, to their surprise, it ends up being one of their most fun conversations! Plus, by the end of it, Andy has rebranded himself as a Millennial, so you know things have gone off the rails.
Send in a question! We’re desperate for more questions. You can reach us at FMHouston.com/AMA.
Kaitlyn returns, and we celebrate by giving her a question she absolutely does not want to answer. But once the group starts to take the question seriously, everyone is surprised to find that they have a lot to say.
Also! This question is a plea to please send in more questions! Any sort of question. We've answered a lot of questions about human sexuality and we would like to talk about something else!
FMHouston.com/AMA.
The group discusses the tragic death of young missionary John Chau, who traveled to try and convert the Sentinelese people and was killed for his efforts, resulting in an online firestorm centered around martyrdom, American exceptionalism, and the role mission organizations are supposed to play.
FMHouston.com/AMA.
After a Source In The City talk about how we, too, are creators, someone wants to know what the group’s favorite things are that are made for the glory of God. The list spans the globe, covers all genres, and at one point Andy makes a pun so bad Ben covers his head in his hands and can’t go on.
Got a question for us? Or feedback you’d like to give? Hit us up at FMHouston.com/AMA.
Every is back from vacation! It's time to sit down and take a question on where we (as a church? as individuals? It wasn't clear, so we answered both) give our money, and how we're supposed to decide such a thing when there's so many places in need in this world.
FMHouston.com/ama
This week's question asks, "when choosing a worship service, is it more important to be filled by the people in attedance or the worship itself?"
Andy, Brandi, and Ken give some guidelines on what to consider when "church shopping" and discuss some misconceptions about what worship should be, while also venturing down a rabbit hole to examine what the idea of being '"fed" by worship really means.
Ask us a question, or send feedback! FMHouston.com/AMA
Andy and Brandi kick off the new season by hijacking this week's AMA question and discussing the importance of generosity, while also tackling the classic question "why do bad things happen to good people?"
Ask us a question, or send feedback! FMHouston.com/AMA
The question has been asked before, but there’s still a lot to unpack - what is it that’s necessary to believe in order to not be a heretic? And what do we need to keep about the Christmas story?
The group gets into common misperceptions and the way our misinterpretation of the Christmas story doesn’t mean we’re getting the point of it wrong.
Here’s the article Kaitlyn mentions. (Link: https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2018/december/putting-christ-back-in-christmas-not-enough-nativity-americ.html)
We’ll be back in a few weeks! Ask us a question! FMHouston.com/AMA
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After referencing John Wesley last week, a new listener asks about the importance of Wesley, and whether the group could give him a starting point on Wesley's ministry and sermons. Unsurprisingly, Kaitlyn and Brandi are INCREDIBLY excited about this prospect.
Ask us a question, or send feedback! FMHouston.com/AMA
Here's links to the sermons referenced in this podcast: On Working Out Our Own Salvation (link: http://spokanevalleychurch.org/core/files/spokanevalleychurch/uploads/files/Wesley's_On_Working_Out_Our_Own_Salvation_Both_Versions.pdf)
The Scripture Way of Salvation (link: https://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-43-The-Scripture-Way-of-Salvation)
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A woman who had a profound experience with a stranger who told her that she had seen Jesus walking besides her wanted to know: do we believe in angels? Do we think that the person she met could have been an angel?
It’s a question that group hadn’t considered before, and so there’s discussion of the nature of angels in scripture, the presence of the Divine in every day life, and how American culture affects what we think we can and can’t believe.
Ask us a question, or send us feedback! This, plus every AMA episode, is available at FMHouston.com/AMA.