Holy Conversations: The WCA Podcast: Recent Episodes
wesleyancovenant
The podcast of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, featuring conversations about the future of a new traditional Methodist movement. Hosts: Stephanie Greenwald and Bob Kaylor
WCA President Jay Therrell sat down with host Bob Kaylor on April 19 to discuss the latest updates for churches and annual conferences going through the disaffiliation process. Jay updates the status of lawsuits in several annual conferences and provides some helpful advice for churches as they navigate the process of voting and upcoming annual conference sessions.
For more updates and the latest news, visit the Wesleyan Covenant Association website.
We know that some traditional Methodists will either be forced to or choose to remain in the UMC after 2023 for many different reasons. The biblical paradigm of the faithful remnant is a model for those who will stay. Rev. Brian Felker Jones from Indiana and Rev. Bob Zilhaver from Western Pennsylvania joined us to discuss why they plan to remain as evangelical pastors in the changing environment and culture in the United Methodist Church.
Email questions and comments to wcapathways@gmail.com. Follow Holy Conversations on Twitter @WCAPod.
Licensed therapist Joel Watts joined us for a discussion about handing conflict in your local church in the wake of disaffiliation votes, how to deal with "disenfranchised grief," and how to take care of yourself in times of stress and uncertainty.
Email Joel Watts: Joel@integratedinsighttherapy.com
To receive a list of resources recommended by Joel, email the WCA Pathways Task Force at wcapathways@gmail.com.
Link to the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church
Angela Pleasants, the GMC’s Director of Clergy and Church Relations, joined us to discuss the process for pastors and churches to join the GMC, how the new denomination is connecting open pastoral appointments with available clergy, how benefits work in the new denomination, and a host of other issues related to connecting with the Global Methodist Church.
To contact Angela, email her at apleasants@globalmethodist.org
To find answers to your questions about the Global Methodist Church, check out the website.
To sign up for upcoming WCA Pathways webinars, email us at wcapathways@gmail.com. When you sign up, you'll receive additional show notes and contact information.
Kenny Ott from The River Network, the Global Methodist Church’s church planting partner, joined host Bob Kaylor to talk about the process of starting or restarting new GMC churches and how groups of laity and pastors can begin discerning and training for a successful launch in their communities. This is the first in a series of webinars recorded by the WCA Pathways Task Force, whose purpose is to help churches and pastors disaffected by the disaffiliation process in the United Methodist Church.
Contact The River Network for training, coaching, and consulting in planting a church in your area.
Click here to connect with Global Methodist leaders in your area.
Learn about the Wesleyan Covenant Association at our website and follow the podcast on Twitter @WCAPod.
WCA President Jay Therrell joins host Bob Kaylor to talk about the results of the UMC Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States, what they mean for the future of the United Methodist Church, and why now is the time for churches considering disaffiliation to start moving. Jay and Bob also talk about the new WCA Pathways Task Force and how it can help laity and clergy who are left behind if their church doesn't have the votes for disaffiliation.
Recorded November 7, 2022
Send your comments and questions to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Check out the new WCA web site at wesleyancovenant.org.
Since the beginning of the movement, the people called Methodist have always been a singing people. We know that Charles Wesley himself wrote thousands of hymns that communicated Methodism's emphasis on God's grace and love in Christ, the transforming power of the Spirit, and the journey of sanctification. Many of these hymns are contained in the current United Methodist Hymnal, and while there have been some supplements to the hymnal that incorporate some more contemporary worship music, the hymnals that most United Methodists use is now more than 30 years old. Other Wesleyan traditions use different hymnals, and even more churches now use screens to enable congregations to sing more contemporary worship music. In the digital age, the idea of a new hymnal might seem like a throwback to a bygone era. But a new hymnal promises to recapture the great songs of the Wesleyan tradition and bring them to a new audience hungry for both good music and good theology. Our Great Redeemer's Praise , published by Seedbed, will soon be available to churches everywhere. Dr. Jonathan Powers is one of the editors of this new collection, along with Julie Tennent and many other contributors. Jonathan is the Associate Dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of Mission and Ministry and Assistant Professor of Worship Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Check out Our Great Redeemer's Praise. Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The Global Methodist Church launched on May 1, 2022 and in just a few months the new denomination has seen an influx of churches and pastors join up, with more on the way. New provisional annual conferences are being formed, new churches and missions are being launched, logistics for churches and pastors around pensions and insurance are being put together, and a host of other details are coalescing during the early months of the new church. Rev. Keith Boyette is the Transitional Connectional Officer for the Global Methodist Church and he joined podcast host Bob Kaylor to give us an update on what's happening with the GMC, how churches can become part of it, and what's ahead as the denomination moves toward a convening conference in the future. Check out the Global Methodist Church website and the FAQ section for more information about joining the GMC. To learn more about church planting in the Global Methodist Church, contact The River Network. Send your questions and comments on the podcast to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
As churches and pastors discern where they will land as the United Methodist Church separates, some traditional Methodists may be wondering why theologically orthodox pastors and churches are leaving the denomination, even though they have been faithful to the doctrine and Discipline of the United Methodist Church. Others are considering aligning with the new Global Methodist Church and have questions about what that will look like, how it might be different than the current United Methodist Church, and how the new church will go about mission and ministry. To address some of these questions and to provide a hopeful vision for the future, Bishop Mike Lowry and Dr. Jeff Greenway, two key leaders in the Wesleyan Covenant Association and Global Methodist Church, have written a brand new book titled Multiplying Methodism: A Bold Witness of Wesleyan Faith at the Dawn of the Global Methodist Church. In this episode, host Bob Kaylor talks with Bishop Lowry and Dr. Greenway as they outline some of the key reasons for disaffiliating from the UMC along with ten reasons for congregations and pastors to consider joining the Global Methodist Church.
Get your copy of Multiplying Methodism.
Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Catechism - it's a word you probably haven't heard much in Methodist circles, but it's a word that has been vital to other Christian traditions. We might think of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, for example, which provides the doctrinal foundation for some Reformed churches. For millions of Christians, a catechism has been an important tool for understanding and living out the Christian faith in line with Christians across time and space. After all, that's what "catechism" means: instruction. It's a shorthand way for teaching the faith to people of all ages--a way that can be learned, digested, and committed to memory as a guide for the Christian life and a guard against false teaching. John Wesley loved the Shorter Catechism, even offering a revised version of it for the people called Methodist. But much of Methodism, and particularly United Methodism, hasn't had a catechism of its own that draws together our doctrines into a teachable form. Until now, that is. The Global Methodist Church recently released a catechism for the new denomination. Put together by a diverse team of scholars, pastors, and laity, this catechism offers the church a gift of clarity and a tool for teaching what we believe. Dr. Jason Vickers, Professor of Theology at Asbury Seminary, led this team and he joins host Bob Kaylor for this episode to talk about all things catechetical. Read The Catechism of the Global Methodist Church Send your comments and questions to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. For more information about the Global Methodist Church, check out the web site.
Being a whistleblower is a difficult calling. It takes courage and a willingness to tell the truth when powerful systems would rather keep things under wraps. That's especially true in the church world, where whistleblowers and victims are often silenced. Rev. Beth Caulfield has written a new book outlining her experience in the United Methodist appointment system, exposing some of the problems in the system around appointments and the treatment of women in ministry. The book is titled People Throw Rocks at Things That Shine: A Clergy Whistleblower's Journey. Beth formerly served in the Greater New Jersey annual conference of the United Methodist Church, but is now an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church and President of the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the WCA.
Order Beth's book here.
To learn more about the Global Methodist Church, visit the website.
Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
As the United Methodist Church begins to separate and churches are discerning whether to disaffiliate or remain with the UMC, one of the things that institutional United Methodist leaders are saying is that there is no reason for churches to leave the UMC because the United Methodist doctrinal standards won't change. They are codified in the Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith and can't be altered because of the Restrictive Rule. And it's true that some who remain in the United Methodist Church will maintain and orthodox theological position, at least to a degree.
But we also know that from the beginning the United Methodist Church began embracing liberal theology, particularly among most of the official seminaries along with many in the Council of Bishops and denominational agencies. Liberal theology may use some of the same words and concepts as outlined in our doctrinal standards but means something very different by them. In this episode, Bob interviews Dr. Roger Olson, who is emeritus professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. His latest book is Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity. Dr. Olson argues that liberal Christianity isn't really Christianity at all, but a different religion altogether. He makes the case that discerning and challenging liberal theology, along with critiquing more fundamental forms of Christianity, are keys to making Christianity Christian again.
Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association visit our website.
Host Bob Kaylor sat down with Rev. Jay Therrell, the new President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, to chat about what's happening with church disaffiliation processes across the United Methodist connection, the latest news on Judicial Council rulings and the Council of Bishops, updates on the Global Methodist Church, and much more.
To learn about about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, visit our website.
To connect with the Global Methodist Church, visit their website.
Send your comments on the podcast to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!
"Why is it so much easier to act like a Christian than to react like one?" Matt Hook, Pastor of Dexter UMC in Dexter, MI, closed the 2022 Global Gathering with a call to keep running the race of faith even when we're wounded, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Afterward, Bob and Stephanie spent a few moments with Matt backstage for a bonus interview.
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Dr. Suzanne Nicholson, Professor of New Testament at Asbury University, addressed the 2022 Global Gathering with a look at the Church as an orchestra that needs to get "back on the same page." Using the Christ hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 (John Wesley's most-quoted Scripture passage), Dr. Nicholson discusses how the lordship and example of Christ must direct the steps of both the Church and the academy. Bob and Stephanie also interviewed Dr. Nicholson after her talk so keep listening for that bonus content.
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WCA Africa Coordinator Simon Mafunda addressed the 2022 Global Gathering with an update from Africa and a meditation on how to survive being planted "upside down." Stay tuned for Bob's interview with Simon after the keynote.
Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Outgoing WCA President Keith Boyette addressed the 2022 Global Gathering as he transitions to become the new Transitional Connectional Coordinating Officer of the Global Methodist Church. Keith describes the new mission of the Wesleyan Covenant Association during this time of transition and offers encouragement for those who will continue to contend for the faith and faithfulness of the Church.
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Erik Grayson, Senior Pastor of Aldersgate UMC in North Charleston, SC, and leader of the WCA's task force on Ministry with Marginalized People, addressed the 2022 Global Gathering on the how to navigate the wilderness of exile and why the journey is worth it.
Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Listen to Stephanie Greenwald's address at the 2022 Global Gathering and stay tuned afterward for Bob's interview with his Holy Conversations co-host and her admonition that "if you wanted normal, you should have stayed an unbeliever."
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Listen to Angela Pleasants as she addressed the WCA Global Gathering on May 7, 2022, and stay tuned as Bob Kaylor interviews her on what it means to "let the redeemed of the Lord say so."
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Listen to Rob Renfroe's address from the 2022 Global Gathering "More Than Conquerers" and then stay tuned as Bob Kaylor interviews Rob on faith not being a "puny thing."
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Hosts Bob Kaylor and Stephanie Greenwald sat down with a variety of church leaders who attended the WCA Global Legislative Assembly and Global Gathering May 6-7, 2022 in Indianapolis, including:
Jay Therrell - The new President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association
Tom Junk from the Oklahoma Conference
Richard Thompson from Cal-Nevada Conference and Ted Smith from Cal-Pac Conference
Kent Millard from United Theological Seminary
Chuck Savage from North Georgia Conference
Jessica LaGrone from Asbury Theological Seminary
Keith McIlwain from Western Pennsylvania Conference
Jeff Greenway from West Ohio Conference
Each leader gives us his or her take on what's happening in their corner of Methodism and their thoughts on the future of the Global Methodist Church.
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In this first of a series of episodes recorded at the WCA Global Gathering in Indianapolis, Bob Kaylor sits down with Forbes Matonga from Zimbabwe, Jonathan Razon from the Philippines, and Kimba Evariste from the Congo to discuss what's happening with the United Methodist Church, the General Conference, and the launch of the Global Methodist Church.
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Bob sat down with Keith Boyette to talk through pension issues, the disaffiliation process, and the next steps for churches and clergy who want to join the Global Methodist Church. Keith also provides information on some new resources available for those who want to learn more and share with others about the Global Methodist Church, as well as giving us a preview of the upcoming WCA Global Legislative Assembly and Global Gathering.
Links to some important information about pensions from Wespath:
- FAQs regarding Church and Conference Disaffiliations
- GC2019 Legislation and Disaffiliation of Local Churches and Clergy
Links to new resources for talking about the Global Methodist Church
- Video and Brochures
- Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about the WCA Global Gathering, "More Than Conquerers," and register today!
Send your questions about the Global Methodist Church to info@globalmethodist.org. To connect with us here at the podcast, email us at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
In an essay in The Next Methodism, Warren Smith, Professor of Historical Theology at Duke Divinity School makes the case that Christian marriage is a unique type of spiritual friendship in which husband and wife "encourage and challenge one another in the way of holiness." Bob and Stephanie talk with Warren about the importance of defining marriage and singleness within the biblical framework of baptism, sanctification, and resurrection, and discuss how a grounded theological understanding of sex and marriage can inform the theology and practice of the next Methodism. This is an important discussion for traditional Methodists who want to focus on what we're "for" when it comes to talking about sex and marriage.
Order your copy of The Next Methodism from Seedbed.
Send us your comments and questions at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and about our upcoming Global Gathering on our website at wesleyancovenant.org.
Ryan Danker joins the show to talk about The Next Methodism project, a movement among traditional Methodist scholars to bring their best thinking to the Church. Scholars met in Washington, DC, in January to craft a series of documents focusing on the next Methodism and many contributed to a book edited by Ryan and by Ken Collins titled The Next Methodism: Theological, Social, and Missional Foundations for Global Methodism, which is published by Seedbed. In this episode we discuss some of the key theological commitments for the new Methodism, we remember the legacy of Billy Abraham, and we review some of the highlights of the book and project.
Get your copy of The Next Methodism from Seedbed.
Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Stephanie and Bob talk with WCA President Keith Boyette about today's announcement that the UMC General Conference is postponed until 2024, and about the launch of the Global Methodist Church on May 1, 2022. Keith answers some important questions that churches and pastors may have in the wake of today's announcements (March 3, 2022).
Send your questions about the Global Methodist Church to info@globalmethodist.org. Answers to many of the questions about today's announcements can also be found on the Global Methodist Church website.
Send your comments and questions for the podcast hosts to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Bob and Stephanie interview European WCA chapter leaders Daniel Topalski from Bulgari and Gabi Kopas from Slovakia and get their perspective on Methodism in eastern Europe, the situation in the United Methodist Church, the impending launch of the Global Methodist Church, and their hopes for a new Methodist movement in the wide-open mission field they serve.
Email the show at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
Simon Mafunda is the new Africa Coordinator for the Wesleyan Covenant Association, working with Methodists across the continent as they consider the future of the United Methodist Church and the emerging Global Methodist Church. Bob and Stephanie talk with Simon about the history of Methodism in Africa, what's happening with the Africa Initiative, and an African response to the initiative of the WCA and partners to offer opportunities for Central Conference delegates to get vaccinated in anticipation of the 2022 General Conference.
Learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church.
Contact Simon Mafunda with your questions about the WCA and Africa: smafunda@wesleyancovenant.org.
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In this final episode of 2021, WCA President Keith Boyette answers questions about the status of the UMC General Conference, the status of the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation, and the launch of the Global Methodist Church. These are important pieces of information that we encourage you to share widely.
And with this episode, we close Season 2 of the podcast. We wish you all a blessed Christmas season and we look forward to being back with Season 3 in January of 2022!
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Use these links to learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church.
Debra Baty, chair of the task force, talks with Bob and Stephanie about the team's report and recommendations for the emerging Global Methodist Church in helping people to experience wholeness and healing, along with the beauty of the biblical vision for human sexuality, in a world dominated by the ideology of the sexual revolution.
Read the Task Force report. Watch the WCA website for information about listening sessions on the report coming in November and December of 2021.
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Bob and Stephanie chat with Dr. Ken Collins, Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies at Asbury Seminary, on his new book Jesus the Stranger: The Man from Galilee and the Light of the World. It's a unique look at the life of Jesus through the lens of "otherness" and suffering and offers some real hope and instruction for those who follow Jesus, especially in times when they are seen as "strangers" to the rest of the world.
Get your copy of Jesus the Stranger from Seedbed or wherever fine books are sold.
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to join, visit our website.
Bob caught up with WCA Vice President Walter Fenton at the New Room Conference, who offers us some updates on what's happening with the WCA and the UMC.
Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Check out our website for more details about the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Bob Kaylor took his digital recorder to the New Room Conference in Tennessee last week and took some time to chat with three young pastors about their hopes and dreams for the Global Methodist Church. You will be blessed by their enthusiasm, wisdom, and thoughtfulness as they discuss what it's like to be coming into ministry at such a time as this. Special thanks to Samantha Corbin, Hunter Bethea, and Ben Heubner for taking the time to speak with us!
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Click the links to learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the Global Methodist Church.
Bob and Stephanie interview the WCA's new Vice President of Clergy and Church Relations, Rev. Angela Pleasants. Angela talks about her new role on the WCA staff and offers answers to some frequently asked questions from clergy and churches preparing for the transition to the Global Methodist Church.
Contact Angela at apleasants@wesleyancovenant.org.
Send your questions and comments about the podcast to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. For more information about the Wesleyan Covenant Association check out our website.
In June of 2021, the Methodist Church in the UK voted to allow same-sex marriages and adopted other sweeping changes in the area of marriage and human sexuality. In this episode Rev. Dr. David Hull, President of Methodist Evangelicals Together, an evangelical renewal group in the Methodist Church, describes the impact of the decision on the "mother Church" of Methodism and how evangelicals in Great Britain are responding. He provides insight and encouragement for Methodists around the world to continue to "spread Scriptural holiness across the land" as some churches and cultures move away from orthodox Christian faith and teaching.
Visit the Methodist Evangelicals Together website.
David references Carl Trueman's book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
Learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association at our website. Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Bryan Collier, Lead Pastor of The Orchard in Tupelo, Mississippi, closed the 2021 WCA Global Gathering with a talk titled, "Shalom: For the Healing of the Nations." Bryan challenged those gathered to "embody the alternatives" of the Kingdom in a culture where peace is lacking. Bob Kaylor also caught up with Bryan via Zoom after his talk to discuss more about what it means to be a community of peace.
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Learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association at our website.
Eric Huffman, Pastor of The Story Church in Houston, addressed the WCA Global Gathering in May on the Acts 15 model for resolving conflict. Eric has a unique story and ministry to those who are skeptics and Bob Kaylor had a chance to talk wit more with him about that after his address. Check out Eric's podcast "Maybe God" wherever you get your podcasts and follow him on Twitter @EricTheStory.
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, visit our website.
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Razon, Senior Pastor of Living Faith United Methodist Church in Murong, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, addressed the 2021 WCA Global Gathering via video and exhorted those gathered in person and online to contend for the faith in his talk, "Fearless: Standing Before the Council." As Jonathan said, "We must become fearless with Jesus as our model."
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, go to our website.
Rev. Keith Boyette, President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, addressed the WCA Global Gathering on May 1, 2021 at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama and gave the crowd a rousing call to prepare for what's next with the new Methodism. Bob Kaylor caught up with Keith after the Global Gathering and they talked about waiting for the birth of the new Global Methodist Church.
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Contact Keith Boyette at president@wesleyancovenant.org
Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on Twitter @WCAPod, and learn more about the WCA at our website.
Listen to WCA Council Chairwoman Carolyn Moore's address to the 2021 Global Gathering in Montgomery, Alabama. In "Move: Going to Europe," Carolyn reminds us that when the gospel crosses thresholds, that's when we see the mission really happen!
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For more information about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, visit our website.
Bishop Eduard Khegay of the Eurasia Episcopal Area in the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference of The United Methodist Church joined the WCA Global Gathering via video and shared a vision for taking the gospel to the world. In his talk, "Vision: From Rome to Spain," Bishop Khegay inspires us to follow the examples of explorers like Vitus Bering and the Apostle Paul who never stopped moving forward for the sake of the Kingdom. Stay tuned after the Bishop's address for an interview Bob Kaylor conducted with him via Zoom.
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, check out our website.
Krystl Gauld is one of the dynamic young leaders in the Wesleyan Covenant Association and her talk "Audacious: Sharing the Faith with Who?" at the 2021 Global Gathering challenged everyone to follow Peter's example and take up residence with people who are not like us and who need Jesus. Krystl is Executive Director of Dignity Housing in Philadelphia and is working on her Doctor of Theology degree at Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, PA.
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and to join us, visit our website.
Over the next several weeks we'll be sharing audio and interviews from each of the tremendous speakers who addressed the WCA Global Gathering at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, Alabama, on May 1, 2021. First up is Dr. Tim Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary, and his talk "Called and Sent: The Great Commission."
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to join us go to our website.
Hear interviews and a recap from the April 30, 2021 Global Legislative Assembly of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, including a recap of some important resolutions passed by the body.
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On May 1, 2021, the Global Gathering of the Wesleyan Covenant Association will take place at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, Alabama. The day will feature a great line-up of speakers who will address the theme "Go Global!" and showcase the excitement we feel around the formation of the Global Methodist Church. On April 30, delegates from WCA Chapters will gather in Montgomery for the Global Legislative Assembly and discuss the continuing work of the WCA as we move forward in forming the new denomination. Carolyn Moore, Chair of the WCA Council, talks with Bob and Stephanie about these gatherings and about what's happening with the WCA Council as we await the launch of a new Church.
Register to attend the WCA Global Gathering in person or online on the WCA website.
Email us with your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
What's the real "method" in Methodism? In this episode, Stephanie Greenwald interviews co-host Bob Kaylor, who chaired the WCA's Accountable Discipleship Task Force. Bob and Stephanie talk about the Methodist way of disciple-making and about some bold proposals from the Task Force for making accountable discipleship small groups the centerpiece for membership in the new Methodism.
Read the report of the WCA Accountable Discipleship Task Force here.
Listen to Bob's new podcast Wednesdays with Wesley here or on your favorite podcast platform.
Learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and the upcoming Global Gathering by checking out our website.
Email the show at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
In his forthcoming book, Perfect Love: Recovering Entire Sanctification--The Lost Power of the Methodist Movement, Kevin Watson argues that "above all else, God raised up the people called Methodist to preach, teach, and experience one core doctrine"--which is entire sanctification or "Christian perfection." He goes on to say that "any form of Methodism that is not connected to the doctrine of entire sanctification has no future." What is entire sanctification, how do we move toward it, and what are the implications of this doctrine for the future of the Global Methodist Church? Listen in as Kevin discusses these questions and more with hosts Bob Kaylor and Stephanie Greenwald.
Perfect Love is set to release in May 2021. Check the Seedbed website for updates and to pre-order your copy.
Send your comments or questions to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, visit our website.
Host Bob Kaylor talks with Keith Boyette and Jeff Greenway about the Global Methodist Church's recently released Book of Doctrines and Discipline, how it was compiled, its relationship to the WCA's Doctrines and Discipline, and how the work that's being done by both the WCA and the Transitional Leadership Council will feed into the convening conference of the new denomination.
To learn more about the Global Methodist Church and read the Doctrines and Discipline, check out the new website.
To contribute your questions, comments, and suggestions to the Transitional Leadership Council of the Global Methodist Church email info@globalmethodist.org.
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To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, go to our website.
We continue our look at the work of the ministry task forces created by the WCA in a conversation with Erik Grayson, chair of the task force on Ministry with Marginalized People. Erik describes his passion for ministry with those on the margins and offers a look into how congregations can be centers of mission and healing for people both now and in the new Methodism.
To contact Erik, email him at ekgrayson@umcsc.org.
Send us your comments and questions for Holy Conversations at our email address: podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and to join, go to our website.
In this special edition of the podcast, WCA President Keith Boyette and retired Bishop Robert Hayes discuss today's announcement of The Global Methodist Church. Keith and Bishop Hayes answer some questions about the Transitional Leadership Council, the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline, the potential timeline for a convening conference for the new denomination, and other important information. While The Global Methodist Church is still not officially launched as a new denomination, the formation of this body provides annual conferences, churches, clergy, and laity with a more detailed look at what a new traditional Methodist denomination will look like when the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation passes at the next General Conference.
Visit the website of the Global Methodist Church at globalmethodist.org.
Email the Global Methodist Church at info@globalmethodist.org or phone 540-898-4960.
Email Keith Boyette at kboyette@globalmethodist.org.
Send your comments and questions about the podcast to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
In this special episode, Bob and Stephanie talk with WCA President Keith Boyette about the announced delay of the UMC General Conference to 2022 and what that delay means for the separation of the United Methodist Church and for the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Keith also discusses the implications and opportunities for local churches, pastors, and laity who continue to look forward to the launch of a new traditional Methodist denomination.
To read the news about the General Conference delay:
Press Release from the Committee on General Conference
Press Release from the Council of Bishops
Contact us with your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, check out our website.
Youth and young adult ministries will be a vital and growing part of the new Methodism. In this episode Bob and Stephanie talk with Dr. Steve Rankin, chair of the WCA Youth and Young Adult Task Force, and Caleigh Smith, who directs youth ministry at Bulverde UMC in San Antonio, TX, about plans for ministries with youth, college students, and other young adults including resourcing for leaders and advice for churches who want to engage in meaningful, disciple-making relationships with young people.
To learn more about the Youth and Young Adult Task Force and their report, contact Steve Rankin at stephen@spiritualmaturityproject.org.
To contact Caleigh Smith, email her at caleighkaysmith@gmail.com.
Email your questions and comments for Holy Conversations to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
For more information about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to join, go to our web site.
Steve Cordle, Pastor of Crossroads Church in the Pittsburgh area, chaired the WCA Task Force on Church Multiplication. In this episode, Steve talks with Bob and Stephanie about a bold strategy for multiplying and planting churches in the new Methodism, including an exciting vision for planting 3,500 churches worldwide.
To contact Steve with your questions about the Church Multiplication Task Force, email him at steve@crossroadsumc.org.
Send your questions and comments about the podcast to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to become a member, go to our web site.
In the first episode of Season 2, Rev. Paul Lawler gives us an overview of the work of the WCA Task Force on Global Missions and unveils a new denominational approach to reaching the world with the gospel in the 21st century.
To reach Paul with your questions on global missions email him at plawler@christchurchbham.com
Send us your questions, comments, and show suggestions to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to join, go to our web site.
Make sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod!
WCA President Keith Boyette joins Bob and Stephanie for another Mail Bag episode as we close Season 1 of the podcast. Keith answers listener questions about the anticipated separation of the UMC and the launch of a new traditional Methodist denomination. The questions focus on General Conference, the timeline for launching the new denomination, how churches will join, what property and financial arrangements are anticipated, how clergy will be deployed, and how the new denomination will focus on "spreading Scriptural holiness" across the globe.
Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and how to join, visit our website.
Lo Alaman's spoken word poetry has blessed the Church and many of our listeners will have heard him speak at the New Room Conference. Lo's new book of poems, We Sang a Dirge: Poems, Laments, and Other Things That Matter to God is a thoughtful and powerful look at the state of the culture and the Church. As a black man in the Church and a black man in America, Lo offers some candid insights into how the biblical practice of lament can speak into the issues of racism, injustice, and division that affect American society today and offers some thoughts on how the present and future Church can better reflect the Kingdom vision of unity.
Click here to order a copy of Lo's new book from Seedbed. You can also follow Lo on Instagram at LoThePoet.
Send us your comments and questions at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to join as a member, go to our website.
Leah Hidde-Gregory is a District Superintendent in the Central Texas Conference and chaired the WCA Task Force on Church Revitalization. In this episode, Leah talks with Bob and Stephanie about the work of the task force, their identification of 11 key marks of revitalization, some best practices for churches in the ramp-up to starting the new denomination, and information about a pilot project that churches can sign up for right now.
Read more about the Church Revitalization Task Force's work.
Learn how you can apply for your church to part of the WCA Church Revitalization pilot project by emailing your inquiry to info@wesleyancovenant.org.
Email us your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and to join, visit our website.
In this episode, Bob talks with Phil Tallon and Justus Hunter about their new book and video resource The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way which is designed for confirmation, new member classes, and Bible studies. Phil and Justus discuss the concepts that form the "absolute basics" of Wesleyan theology and practice, the state of catechesis in the Church today, and how we can have a more robust means of teaching and embedding Christian faith and practice in the new Methodism.
The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way is available from Seedbed.
To leave us a comment or question, email us at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCA Pod. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe!
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to become a member, go to our website.
Rural churches are vital centers of Methodist ministry around the world and they have some unique challenges and opportunities before them as they navigate a changing world and discern their place in the coming denominational separation. Rev. Meghan Riegerix, who pastors two churches in Missouri and consults with pastors and communities on rural ministry, offers some words of encouragement and hope for small membership churches and invites all of us to move from a mindset of "no" to "grow."
Check out Meghan's website and her article on developing community partnerships in rural areas.
Send us your questions and comments via email: podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and to join us, go to our website.
Dr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary, talks with Bob and Stephanie about his forthcoming book For the Body. How do Christians articulate what we're for when it comes to the body and sexuality rather than what we're against? In his book, Dr. Tennent offers seven key building blocks for a comprehensive theology of the body and gives us a vision for promoting a biblically-grounded sexual ethic for the Church. This is an important discussion for helping us speak truth to the culture and to navigate the way forward in a new traditional Methodist denomination.
Dr. Tennent writes regularly on issues facing the church in his blog.
His upcoming book For the Body will be published by Seedbed/Zondervan in October 2020.
To leave us a comment or question, email us at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org
Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
To learn more about the WCA or to join, go to our website.
What's it like to be in the room with the Council of Bishops? Retired Bishop Bob Hayes offers us an inside look as well his views on race and the future of Methodism. He also envisions the kinds of bishops a new traditional Methodist Church will need. Plus, we get some of is powerful gospel preaching on the side!
Send us your comments and questions at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org
Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
To learn more about the WCA or to join, go to our website.
The sermons of John Wesley are some of the foundational documents that have grounded the beliefs and practices of the Methodist movement since the 18th century. What role did these sermons play in early Methodism? How do they inform our doctrinal standards? How might those sermons be used in the Church today and what role might they play in the formation of a new traditional Methodist denomination? Dr. Jason Vickers from Asbury Theological Seminary talks with Stephanie and Bob about these important questions in this episode of "Holy Conversations."
Jason Vickers and Ken Collins put together a fresh collection of The Sermons of John Wesley in 2013. You can also find Wesley's Sermons online.
Leave us a comment or question at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.
To join the WCA or to learn more, go to our website.
We've got mail! In this special bonus episode, WCA Preside Keith Boyette answers listener questions about the WCA and preparing for the launch of a new traditional Methodist denomination. You'll hear an update on where things stand currently with the Protocol and General Conference and get answers to questions about things like racial and ethnic inclusion in the new church, the perspectives of African Methodists, the role of bishops, the importance of rural and small membership churches, the disposition of church property during the separation, the timeline for receiving pastors and churches in the new denomination, and much more.
Keith refers to a number of articles during the Mailbag:
- On Episcopal Leadership: "Dedicated, Faithful, and Honorable Leaders"
- On Transitioning to the New Church: "Transitioning to a New Church...In God's Time"
- On the Global Nature of the New Church: "The Beauty of a Global Church"
- Preparation for Launch
- Five Reasons Why You Ought to Join the WCA Now
Read Are We Really Better Together? by Rob Renfroe and Walter Fenton.
Email Keith Boyette with your questions: president@wesleyancovenant.org
Email the Holy Conversations team with your questions or comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
Go to our website to learn more about the WCA or to become a member.
The Wesleyan Covenant Association celebrates women in ministry and, in this episode, Stephanie and Bob interview two WCA Council members, Nako Kellum and Beth Caulfield, on their challenges and joys as ordained pastors, the biblical witness on women in ministry leadership, and their hopes for the new traditional Methodist denomination.
Email us your comments and questions at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org
Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and to join, visit our website.
How do we learn to love people like Jesus, and especially those whom we might find hard to love? Adam Weber, Pastor of Embrace Church (UMC), a multi-site church based in Sioux Falls, SD, talks with Bob and Stephanie about his new book Love Has a Name: Learning to Love the Different, the Difficult, and Everyone Else which is full of stories of loving real people with the love of Christ. Adam tells some powerful stories, offers some advice on loving people with both grace and truth, and gives us some tools for navigating the future for the Church and Methodism with a love that makes a difference.
To order your copy of Love Has a Name, check out your favorite bookseller (releases on August 25, 2020).
To download a complete (and free) sermon series package based on the book, go to Adam's website.
Send us your comments and questions at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org, and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Don't forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to join us, go to our website.
Class and band meetings were the "engine" of growth in both numbers and holiness in early Methodism, and they're seeing a resurgence today thanks to the work of our guest, Dr. Kevin Watson, who has written on both the class and band meetings and how they can be transformational for people today. In this episode, Kevin talks with Bob and Stephanie about the history of class and band meetings, how they are structured, what they produce in those who participate, and how they might once again drive the new Methodism.
Check out Kevin's blog and order his books on the class and band meetings at Seedbed.com.
Send your questions and comments to us at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
Follow us on Twitter @WCAPod
To join the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to learn more, go to our website.
What do Wesleyans mean when they talk about the "authority" of Scripture? What is the "quadrilateral" and is it an accurate understanding of Wesley's understanding of biblical interpretation? Why don't Methodists use words like "inerrancy" and "infallibility" in our doctrinal statements about Scripture? In this episode, Dr. David Watson, Dean of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, talks with Bob and Stephanie about the doctrine of Scripture and how we can read the Bible most effectively and faithfully.
Check out "Plain Truth: A Holy Spirited Podcast" after you listen to this episode!
Go to the new Firebrand online magazine for some great content by traditional Wesleyan scholars and thinkers.
Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and to join our movement, go to our website.
In a world where there is continuing conflict around issues of race, sexuality, identity, and the value of human life, it's clear that there is a lot of confusion about what it actually means to be human. The creation narrative in Genesis 1 offers us way of cutting through that confusion and gives us a paradigm for being the human beings God created us to be. Wesleyans hold in tension both the goodness of God's creation in humanity as well as humanity's brokenness while emphasizing grace as the means by which the image of God can be restored in us. In this episode Bob and Stephanie interview Dr. Bill Arnold, Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, who offers us some insight from the Scriptures and the Wesleyan tradition on how we might reengage the truth and the vocation of being truly human.
Check out Bill's article on a Wesleyan understanding of original sin in the new Firebrand online magazine.
Email us your questions and comments, especially questions for the upcoming "Mailbag" episode at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
Go to our website to learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association and join the movement!
In this energized episode, Bob and Stephanie chat with Krystl Johnson, a young adult lay member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference and Vice President of the Eastern PA Chapter of the WCA. Krystl offers her unique millenial perspective on the present and future of the Church, the recent protests concerning racial injustice, her work as Director of a Christian pregnancy center, her studies in restorative theology, and her preparations as a delegate to the 2021 United Methodist General Conference.
Read Krystl's article on "Revisioning the Global Church."
Send your questions, comments, and suggestion to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org. Subscribe to Holy Conversations on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!
To join the Wesleyan Covenant Association or to learn more, check out our web site.
Pastors and local churches have been dealing with a host of issues during the first part of 2020, while denominational decisions about separation in the United Methodist Church still loom on the horizon. With the postponement of General Conference until late summer 2021, how might local churches use this time wisely to prepare for the future? What are some ways that pastors and church leaders can help people make good decisions? In this episode, Bob and Stephanie interview Rev. Jan Davis, Senior Pastor of Central UMC in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Rev. Carolyn Moore, Pastor of Mosaic Church in Evans, Georgia. These outstanding pastors offer their perspectives and wisdom from both large and small church settings and provide some insight into best practices for preparing for what's next.
To leave a comment or a question, email us at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
Leave us a rating and comments on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean. Learn more about the WCA and join the movement at wesleyancovenant.org.
Bob and Stephanie chat with Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway, Chair of the WCA Council, about the process of developing a foundation for a new traditional Methodist denomination and how things might look different from the present United Methodist Church. Jeff also gives us an update on the progress of the WCA Ministry Task Forces, offers some advice to pastors in preparing their churches for General Conference 2021, and gives us his vision for the future of the Methodist movement.
Leave us a comment or question at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
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Rev. Keith Boyette, President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, talks with Bob and Stephanie about what's happening with the postponed United Methodist General Conference, the status of the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation, and how the Wesleyan Covenant Association is continuing to prepare for a new traditional Methodist church in the interim.
Leave us a comment or a question at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
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In this first episode, we begin looking forward by first looking back! Bob and Stephanie chat with Walter Fenton, Vice President for Strategic Engagement, about the events leading up to the creation of the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Leave us a comment or a question at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org.
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