Means of Grace

Today we explore the life and legacy of John Wesley, focusing on his early influences, the development of Methodism, and its impact on American Christianity. Hosts Jesse Ennis, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager discuss Wesley's background, his innovative approaches to ministry, and the importance of small group discipleship. They also reflect on Wesley's love for America and how his theology continues to inspire social justice and transformation in the church today.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:58 Wesley's Early Life and Background

06:03 The Influence of Background on Religion

08:27 Wesley's Focus on Means of Grace

14:22 Small Group Discipleship and Practical Piety

17:30 Wesley's Emphasis on Social Justice

24:52 Adapting and Innovating in Changing Contexts

29:29 The Future of Methodism in America

30:45 John Wesley's Mission to America

31:53 The Methodist Tradition of Piety, Connection, and Mission

32:53 Adapting and Transforming the Church

33:22 The Legacy of John Wesley

Connect with the Means of Grace Hosts:

John Yeager

[email protected]

Calvary United Methodist Church, Charlotte

IG: @sportstheology85

Jesse Enniss

[email protected]

St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Charlotte

Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

[email protected]

Kairos University and Northbrook Charge

jlemaster-smith.com

FB.com/theruralprofessor

IG and Threads: @Rural_Professor

Fall is here, football is in the air, and the Means of Grace team explores the intersection of sports and faith. Hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith share their favorite teams and the impact of sports on their lives. They also explore the deeper meaning of sports and the opportunities for growth and connection that they provide. The conversation explores the intersection of sports and faith, discussing the communal experience of sports, the role of sports in bringing people together, and the lessons that can be learned from sports about evangelism.

In this final part of the conversation, the discussion revolves around the intersection of sports and faith. Special guest Nina Miller explores the topic of athletes expressing their faith after games and the balance between predestination and personal responsibility. The conversation concludes with a segment highlighting a wood chopping ministry as an example of a heartwarming ministry found in the Methodist Church.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:56 The Intersection of Sports and Faith

06:01 Does God Care About Sports?

16:00 Opportunities for Evangelism in Sports

22:19 Putting Sports in Perspective

25:49 Growth and Reflection in the Intersection of Sports and Faith

28:54 The Communal Nature of Sports and Faith

29:52 The Power of Unity and Belonging in Sports

31:18 Authenticity in Expressing Faith in Sports

43:21 The Impact of Actions in Sports and Faith

50:32 Exploring the Relationship Between Sports and Faith

51:02 Reimagining Evangelism in the World of Sports

52:49 The Future of Sports and Faith

56:32 Sports as a Unifying Force

01:00:40 Engaging in Sports as a Form of Ministry

Visit the North Carolina High School Athletic Association: nchsaa.org

Connect with the Means of Grace Hosts:

John Yeager

[email protected]

Calvary United Methodist Church, Charlotte

IG: @sportstheology85

Jesse Enniss

[email protected]

St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Charlotte

Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

[email protected]

Kairos University and Northbrook Charge

jlemaster-smith.com

FB.com/theruralprofessor

IG and Threads: @Rural_Professor

No man is an island, and no religion exists in a vacuum. Within the US alone, there are more than 200 denominations of Christianity, and many more globally. In today's episode of Mean of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager discuss the concept of ecumenism and the importance of unity within the Christian faith. They explore how different Christian denominations can find common ground and work together towards a shared mission of faith and service.

Joining them in this discussion is Reverend Christopher Harris, Executive Pastor at Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. Together, they express their hope for a future where Christians of different denominations collaborate and come together for common goals, such as disaster relief, veteran care, and refugee assistance.

Chapters:

00:00 Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Ecumenism

04:10 Unity in Diversity: Finding Common Ground

07:39 Different Types of Ecumenical Partnerships

12:26 The Importance of Ongoing Dialogue and Collaboration

26:55 Introduction of Christopher Harris

29:45 Engaging Younger Generations in Ecumenical Efforts

34:11 The Importance of Answering Real Questions

37:19 Teaching the Historical Context of Theology

41:35 Dreaming of Collaboration and Church Mergers

44:12 Collaboration and Church Mergers for Greater Impact

46:16 The Significance of Multi-Generational Churches

52:27 The Importance of the Holy Spirit in the Church's Work

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