John and Matt are back from summer break, and Pod Have Mercy is kicking off a brand-new season! In this episode, they catch up on everything that’s happened over the summer and share a preview of the exciting things coming this fall at Chapelwood. From new guests to meaningful conversations and big moments in the life of the church, this season is full of energy and fresh perspectives.Tune in as we set the stage for what’s ahead and stay with us for more powerful stories, thoughtful dialogue, and inspiring voices in the weeks to come.

Grief touches every life, but knowing how to navigate it—especially alongside friends and family—can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’re joined by grief expert and therapist Sasha Coles for an honest, compassionate conversation about loss. Together, we explore healthy ways to process grief, support one another, and create space for healing in the midst of pain. Whether you’re walking through loss yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers hope, understanding, and practical tools for the journey.

Revs. John Stephens and Matt Russell sit down with renowned child psychologist Dr. Michelle Forrester in a timely and practical podcast episode. Dr. Forrester will share guidance to help your children (and you) process their feelings, answer difficult questions, and nurture resilience and comfort during challenging times. Chapelwood.org/Resources

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the resident bishop of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a conversation that is both sobering and urgent, Bishop Emmanuel sheds light on the escalating tensions between UMC and GMC members in Nigeria—tensions that have led to violence, misinformation, and even the tragic loss of life.

He addresses head-on the false narratives being circulated by the Global Methodist Church and offers a clear-eyed perspective on what’s truly happening on the ground. This episode is a call for truth, accountability, and prayer for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who continue to serve faithfully in the face of division and danger.

We invite you to listen with open hearts and minds—and to pray for peace, unity, and healing.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re recording from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a very special guest: Bishop Moyambe. Together, we explore the inspiring work of the United Methodist Church in Tanzania, how it’s growing, how lives are being changed, and what the future holds.

Bishop Moyambe shares firsthand stories of transformation, hope, and the power of the Gospel in action. We talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the Church here, and how people around the world can partner through prayer, support, and presence.

This is more than a conversation: it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger.

Ways to Pray and Partner:

Pray for the churches, leaders, and communities in Tanzania

Support development projects like clean water, education, and new church plants

Learn more at Chapelwood.org

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Shannon Hopkins, co-founder and lead cultivator of RootedGood, to talk about the evolving landscape of the church and its role in today’s world.

Shannon brings a wealth of experience in social entrepreneurship and innovation, having launched or influenced more than 15 campaigns and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. Her work centers on helping institutions and communities imagine new ways of being and doing church, especially in times of disruption.

In this episode, we explore:

• How traditional church models are being reimagined

• The tools churches can use to better serve their communities

• Why innovation and asset-based thinking are key to the church’s future

It’s a hopeful and thought-provoking conversation that invites us to see the future of the church not as a problem to solve, but as a story to write.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

📚 Shannon Hopkins' Recommended Reading List
At the end of our conversation, Shannon shared three influential books that have shaped her thinking around space, spirituality, and justice. Here’s her reading list—with links to grab a copy:

1. Imagining the Future Museum: 21 Dialogues with Architects by András Szántó
   A fascinating series of interviews with some of the world’s leading architects about the future of museum spaces—how they serve communities, foster imagination, and adapt in a changing world.
   https://www.amazon.com/Imagining-Future-Museum-Dialogues-Architects/dp/3775752765

2. Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline by Lauren F. Winner
   Winner reflects on how Jewish practices—like Sabbath, hospitality, and mourning—can deepen Christian faith and rhythm. A short, powerful invitation to embodied spirituality.
   https://www.amazon.com/Mudhouse-Sabbath-Invitation-Spiritual-Discipline/dp/1557255326

3. Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
   A landmark memoir from 1961 in which Griffin, a white journalist, darkened his skin and traveled through the segregated South to expose the brutal realities of racism in America.
   https://www.amazon.com/Black-Like-John-Howard-Griffin/dp/0451234219

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we talk about shame, how it shows up in our lives, how we carry it, and how we begin to let it go. As Christians, we often wrestle with guilt and shame, but we also believe in something stronger: connection. In this episode, we explore the idea that the antidote to shame isn't perfection—it's being known. True healing happens in relationships where we’re fully seen, and Jesus is right in the middle of those moments.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we reflect on the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of Pope Francis, following the news of his passing. Known as a reformer, a bridge-builder, and a pope of the people, Francis reshaped the global perception of the Catholic Church with his compassion, humility, and unwavering focus on the margins.Join us as we unpack the impact of his papacy, from his bold stances on climate change and interfaith dialogue to his calls for justice, mercy, and love in a divided world. We also explore how his vision of a more inclusive Church resonated far beyond Catholicism.Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, or just curious, this conversation offers space to grieve, reflect, and be inspired.

In this Holy Week edition of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Michael Jarboe take a thoughtful (and at times hilarious) walk through the final days leading up to Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. They share insights from their own ministry experiences, the weight and wonder of this season, and even pause to laugh at how bunnies, eggs, and chocolate somehow ended up in the middle of the most sacred story in the Christian faith.

Whether you’re deeply familiar with Holy Week or just trying to make sense of it all, this conversation invites you into both the mystery and the joy of Easter.

For service times and all that’s happening during this sacred week, visit chapelwood.org/easter.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Jayme McGhan and Andy Pederson from A.D. Players at the George Theatre for a powerful conversation on art, faith, and moral courage.

Jayme, the Executive Artistic Director and an accomplished playwright and educator, and Andy, the Education & Theater for Young Audiences Director, join us to discuss their new stage production: How to Die: The Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This original play explores the life of the German pastor and theologian who boldly stood against the Nazi regime—even when it cost him everything.

We dig deep into questions like:
🕊️ What does grace look like in the face of evil?
🕯️ How do we respond when peace and justice collide?
🎭 And how can the power of story shape our faith and our world?

This is more than a play—it's a reflection on conviction, sacrifice, and the Gospel lived out under pressure.

🎟️ Visit adplayers.org for tickets to How to Die: The Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
💥 Use code POD15 for 15% off your ticket price!

Whether you're a lover of theatre, theology, or stories of courage, this episode will stir your heart and mind.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.