In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager engage with Reverend Beth Crissman to reflect on the recent Peace Conference held at Lake Junaluska. They explore the themes of peace, action, reconciliation, and love, emphasizing the importance of confronting discomfort and fostering leadership for future generations. The conversation delves into the historical context of the Peace Conference, its evolution, and the critical role of mentorship in peace building efforts. The episode highlights the necessity of justice in achieving true peace and the challenges that come with it. The conversation explores the themes of inclusivity, confronting Christian nationalism, reflections on the Peace Conference, grassroots community organizing, future visions for peace gatherings, and learning from failures. Rev. Beth Crissman emphasizes the importance of inviting all faiths to the Peace Conference while acknowledging the need for the Christian community to confront its complicity in societal issues. The discussion highlights the success of the recent conference, the significance of grassroots organizing, and the vision for future peace initiatives within the United Methodist Church. Crissman also shares insights on leadership and the importance of learning from past mistakes.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Peace Conference and Its Themes 05:00 The Historical Context and Evolution of the Peace Conference 09:49 Reimagining the Peace Conference for Future Generations 14:59 The Role of Leadership and Mentorship in Peacebuilding 19:58 The Importance of Discomfort in the Journey to Peace 25:51 Inclusivity in the Peace Conference 29:10 Confronting Christian Nationalism 30:11 Reflections on the Peace Conference 36:04 Grassroots Community Organizing 37:26 Vision for Future Peace Conferences 43:40 Learning from Failures