In this month’s episode, Shalom Agtarap is joined by Beth Richardson. Beth Richardson is a longtime Upper Room writer, leader, worship designer, and spiritual guide whose journey with The Academy has reawakened her sacramental calling and shaped her ministry of hope, healing, and creativity.

In this conversation, we explore how the rhythm of The Academy — prayer, worship, silence, learning, and community — shapes vocational discernment, spiritual formation, and public ministry. Beth tells the story of first encountering The Academy while working at The Upper Room, and reflects on practices that keep her grounded in difficult times. She also shares how long-term community formation equips people to face issues of justice and reconciliation, and why The Academy matters to the world today.

Whether you are discerning participation in The Academy or longing for practices that ground you in hope, healing, and God’s presence, Beth’s story invites you to listen and discover the rhythm of life that sustains us.

Originally from Oklahoma, Beth now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her spouse, Jenni, and their spirited Scottie, JJ Shannon McGreggor. A retired Elder from the Mountain Sky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, she continues to serve the Academy community as worship leader for Spirituality in Practice. As a faculty member for Academy #43, Beth will teach on the curriculum of Spirituality & Ways of Healing, guiding participants into practices that nurture wholeness, restoration, and God’s transforming presence in their lives.

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The next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #43 and apply here.

Show Notes:

Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.

Audio editing and production by Tim Savage.  

A special thanks to the staff of The Upper Room, the Academy team, and everyone who helps bring this podcast to life. 

For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources

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