Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless.

Corey Turnpenny is the founding pastor of Church in the Wild, a unique nature-focused congregation in Upstate New York. Her journey from the UMC Next conference in 2019 led her to create a spiritual haven where individuals reconnect with their spirituality amidst the splendor of creation. Through outdoor worship and a vibrant community, Corey is pioneering a movement that calls people back to nature.

In this episode, explore the fascinating intersection of faith and nature, understand why community gatherings in the wild hold profound significance, and learn how natural settings can enhance spiritual practices. If you’re on a quest for a deeper spiritual connection and appreciate engaging conversations about faith, this episode is for you!

In this episode:

Find episode notes and more episodes of Compass: www.umc.org/Compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.

Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape one’s faith journey but influence daily habits and mindfulness.

Ben Gosden, a pastor and author of “Grace Rediscovered,” has over fifteen years of pastoral experience. His book chronicles his personal path to recovery and deeper spiritual understanding. For those seeking spiritual growth or grappling with their own challenges, Ben offers a candid look at the power of prayer, humility, and acceptance. Discover how aligning your daily life with your core values can lead to genuine spiritual richness and connection.

Tune in and be open to the transformative grace and spirituality that beckon us in our everyday lives.

Find notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass

(00:00) Addiction, Recovery, and Grace

Keywords: spirituality, faith journey, recovery, transformation, addiction, grace, spiritual alignment, prayer, humility, acceptance, Ben Gosden, “Grace Rediscovered”, pastoral experience.

Discovering Faith Through Questions with Erin Moon on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Join host Ryan Dunn in a conversation with Erin Hicks Moon, a dynamic podcaster and author of the upcoming book “I’ve Got Questions.” Together, they investigate the powerful role of curiosity in deepening one’s faith and navigating skepticism.

Explore themes like the value of humor when tackling serious faith topics, the importance of diverse theological voices, and Erin’s journey through evangelical culture. Whether you’re grappling with spiritual questions or seeking new perspectives, this episode is tailored for spiritual seekers and those curious about faith.

Erin Moon is one of the producers and hosts of the Faith Adjacent podcast and serves as the resident Bible scholar, bringing thoughtful insights and a touch of levity to theological discussions. Her upcoming book, “I’ve Got Questions,” promises to further explore how asking questions can enrich our spiritual lives. Erin’s journey provides a safe space for anyone looking to explore complex questions about their beliefs.

Important topics discussed:

Don’t miss this enriching conversation that will leave you inspired to explore your own faith journey with curiosity and openness.

Let’s get dirty and honest about our often voyeuristic relationship with the divine — and how prayer can profoundly disrupt and enrich our everyday lives. Explore the curious phenomena of spiritual fascination from a safe distance and the transformative power of genuine engagement with the divine through prayer.

Rev. Ryan Dunn uses relatable analogies, like our fascination with Shark Week, to elucidate our modern spiritual postures. We look into the biblical narrative of Exodus 20 to showcase how prayer can align us with God’s love and calls us into action. This episode also addresses the common queries about the efficacy of prayer in times of crisis and the oft-repeated phrase “thoughts and prayers.”

Matthew Ian Fleming on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Matthew dives deep into the enigmatic Book of Revelation, shedding light on its broader message of hope, justice, and new creation, far from its often misinterpreted doom and gloom reputation. Learn about his unique approach to understanding Revelation, anchored by Psalm 139, and its relevance in contemporary society.

Matthew Ian Fleming, author of “The End is the Beginning: Revelation, Hope, and the Love that Lit the Stars,” and leader of Church Anew, discusses his perspective on Revelation as a misunderstood text. Addressing complex themes like the impact of historical contexts, the metaphorical images of a new heaven, city, and garden, and the role of Christians in opposing injustice, Matthew invites us to see Revelation as a source of hope and spiritual introspection.

Discover how worship influenced by Revelation can transform individuals and communities, and revisit the concept of the rapture, challenging its historical roots. This conversation is an invitation to engage deeply with Revelation, seeing it as relevant today, amid modern crises like polarization, climate change, and violence.

Matthew has dedicated his work to helping people find spiritual reflection and justice through understanding Revelation. Join us as we explore these profound themes aimed at rekindling faith and hope.

In this episode:

Keywords: Revelation, spirituality, Christian faith, Matthew Ian Fleming, theology, hope, justice, new creation, rapture, worship, church, Book of Revelation, contemporary society, Psalm 139, Church Anew, biblical interpretation, eternal hope.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. find more episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

Join us on this special episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday as we celebrate Rethink Church’s impactful journey by revisiting some of their most beloved stories from 2024. Dive into the heart of community, mindfulness, and spiritual practices, all while exploring how innovative faith expressions can redefine modern spirituality.

In this episode, you will hear:

Key topics include mindfulness, community building through games, welcoming church practices, and innovative ministry models. Perfect for spiritual seekers and those curious about faith, this episode honors the legacy of Rethink Church with audio adaptations of their most impactful articles.

Episode chapters:

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Episode notes and more are available at www.umc.org/compass

Edith and Randy Woodley invite us to rediscover our connection with nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of community-based ecological practices. Uncover their approach to land stewardship, communal living, and the rejection of individualism for a more holistic and balanced way of living.

Edith and Randy Woodley are passionate environmentalists and spiritual seekers managing the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice. They’ve dedicated their lives to promoting sustainable small-scale farming, earth justice, and community well-being. Their new book, “Journey to Eloheh” sheds light on achieving wholeness over mere happiness, rooted in the Cherokee concept of “Eloheh.”

In this episode:

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More episodes and episode notes: www.umc.org/compass

We’re working through our fear and fostering a bit of empathy in this conversation with Rev. Dr. Paul Burns on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us as Paul Burns dives deep into the core of human spirituality and relationships, addressing the instinctual divisions between people and how finding common ground can create bridges of empathy. Discover the intricacies of “soul metrics” and how spiritual intelligence can transform your life without compromising your beliefs.

Paul Burns, founder of Soul Metrics, provides tools to measure spiritual intelligence through psychological assessments, focusing on secure attachment with God, self-differentiation, and empathy. The episode discusses the vital role of these assessments in discussions about spirituality, aiming to reduce shame and offer snapshots of one’s spiritual state influenced by personal factors.

Paul explains the connection between the fear center of the brain, spiritual intelligence, and how insecure attachments or trauma impact our relationships and spirituality. He emphasizes compassionate listening as a healing tool and shares practices from his book, “Becoming Spiritually Intelligent,” to develop trust and empathy in one’s spiritual journey.

In this episode:

Learn more about Paul Burns and Soul Metrics: https://soul-metrics.com/ Get “Becoming Spiritually Intelligent” by Paul Burns: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506497211/Becoming-Spiritually-Intelligent

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Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. See more episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

It’s an exploration of the mysterious, spooky, awe-inspiring realm of Halloween.

This episode looks at Halloween questions through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—the Wesleyan quadrilateral—to uncover multifaceted answers. We’ll ponder biblical stories, explore John Wesley’s haunted childhood home, and consider contemporary beliefs about life after death. Moreover, we’ll reflect on the role of fear and how it fits into a spiritual life, examining not just the supernatural but the everyday fears that haunt us.

In this episode:

For more episodes and show notes, visit umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is hosted and produced by Rev. Ryan Dunn.

We’re unleashing the power of “Rage Prayers” with Reverend Elizabeth Riley. Dive into the transformative practice of honest, heartfelt prayers that express our deepest emotions and frustrations. Explore how embracing our anger and lament can lead to spiritual healing and personal transformation.

Rev. Elizabeth is an Episcopal priest currently serving in the Diocese of Olympia, which covers the Western portion of Washington state. You can find her on TikTok at @TheRevRiley. And her book, Rage Prayers, comes out on October 8, 2024.

In this episode:

(00:00) Rage prayer: Expressing authentic emotions in prayer.

Compass is a bi-weekly production of United Methodist Communications. More episodes and show notes are at www.umc.org/compass