In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith explore the concept of unspoken rules and their impact on society. The discussion covers various examples, such as funeral processions, phone etiquette, clergy attire, all the way to some of the most recent changes at the highest levels of the Methodist church. The conversation explores the interplay between rules, traditions, and the larger story of Christianity. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging with rules and understanding their context and purpose. The hosts also discuss how rules can be flexible and subject to change, and how they are created by people within the community. This episode concludes by encouraging listeners to actively participate in shaping and revising rules for the betterment of the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

08:00 Unspoken Rules in Everyday Life

15:16 The Process of Changing Rules in the Methodist Church

23:19 The Inclusion of Youth and Ordination of Women

29:25 Consequences and Ripple Effects of Rule Changes

35:46 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Decision-Making

39:42 Holy Conferencing and the Bible

41:37 God's Rules and the Holy Spirit

45:40 Parenting and Contextual Rules

56:47 Engagement and Dialogue in Shaping Rules

In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith are joined by Kim Ingram, Director of Ministerial Services and former host of the Means of Grace podcast. Together, they discuss the recent post-conference events and their impact on the United Methodist Church. They explore topics such as the future of the church, jurisdictional conferences, bishop elections, and the need for creativity and adaptability in the face of financial challenges. They also highlight the importance of inclusivity and racial equity in leadership positions. The conversation also highlights the resources available for local churches to address issues of anti-racism, anti-immigration xenophobia, and indigenous rights.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Unpacking the Future of the United Methodist Church

02:37 Special Guest and Personal Experiences at the Conferences

06:36 Impact of Conference Decisions on the Local Church

10:45 Renewed Emphasis on Wesleyan Christianity

17:17 Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration

19:44 Regional Delegates

22:06 Continuing the Conversation

24:53 Impact of Recent Conferences on the United Methodist Church

31:02 The Importance of Embracing Change

38:03 Reflecting on Past Changes and Learning from Them

43:52 Change as an Opportunity for Growth and Transformation

46:34 Keeping Christ at the Center of All Decisions and Actions

48:02 Conclusion and Call to Share

In today's episode of Means of Grace, Jesse, John, and Jonathan discuss the importance of connection within the United Methodist Church. They explore the historical roots of connectionalism and how it is reflected in the church's polity and ethos. They also reflect on personal experiences of feeling connected to others and the world around them.

A busy conference season continues with 2024 Annual Conference, held in beautiful Lake Junaluska, NC. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith recorded live from Annual Conference, and provide us with critical updates and information from the weekend sessions.

Annual Conference returns to beautiful Lake Junaluska June 20-23. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith preview this year's conference, with a special guest appearance from Bishop Ken Carter.

General Conference 2024 is over and it was clearly one of the most historic conferences in the United Methodist Church's history. In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith discuss the 2024 General Conference and its key events, decisions, and updates.

To give context to the decisions made at General Conference, John explores the history of the Methodist Church, including its roots in the English Reformation and the formation of the United Methodist Church.

John, Jesse and Jonathan, the three new hosts of the Means of Grace podcast, highlight the ongoing efforts to foster unity, social holiness, and meaningful ministry within the Methodist Church. They explore implications of revising the social principles of the church to be more inclusive while also still rooted in scripture and tradition.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

19:56 Exploring the History and Formation of the Methodist Church

32:12 Updates to the Social Principles and the Potential for Full Communion

39:45 Fostering Unity, Social Holiness, and Meaningful Ministry in the Methodist Church

41:44 Revising the Social Principles

45:52 The Power of Worship and Unity

58:35 The Future of the United Methodist Church

The Western North Carolina Conference is the host for this year's General Conference. Delegates and clergy from across the US will be in Charlotte, NC from April 23 through May 3. To get you up to speed on what you need to know before attending the conference, Rev. Kim Ingram, the conference's Director of Ministerial Services, hosts a conversation between Jennifer Davis, the first elected lay person in the WNCC delegation, and Wanda Musgraves, chair of the WNCC host committee. The conversation between these three leaders will give you all the information you need before attending this year's conference.

Click here for more information about General Conference 2024.

To honor the 38th celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Reverend Dr. Bill White and Dr. Brian Tillman talk about the legacy of Dr. King, the state of race relations today, and what MLK would want for us in the future.