In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting landscape of religion in America, exploring the growing divide between those who identify as religious versus spiritual. Drawing on recent PEW research, we discuss the numbers behind this trend, examining the rise of spiritual but not religious individuals and what it means for the future of faith in the U.S. How is the church responding to this shift? Are traditional religious institutions adapting, or are they struggling to keep pace with the evolving spiritual needs of Americans? Join us as we unpack the data, share insights, and discuss the complex relationship between belief, identity, and community in today's society.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Colin Bagby, the lead pastor of Branches Church in Houston, Texas. Colin shares the heart behind Branches Church, a place where everyone belongs—no matter who you are or where you're from. With a mission to build a welcoming home and community, Colin discusses the vision of creating a church that reaches beyond just a building and into the hearts of people in Houston and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about belonging, faith, and the power of inclusive community in today’s world.

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we are honored to welcome Dr. Stan Copeland, Senior Pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas since 1998.

Dr. Copeland has dedicated his ministry to "loving all people into relationship with Jesus Christ," fostering a vibrant and diverse congregation through various outreach ministries. Under his leadership, Lovers Lane UMC has expanded its impact, serving communities in need and emphasizing the power of faith in action.

In 2022, Dr. Copeland was recognized as the Distinguished Graduate Award recipient and commencement speaker at Saint Paul School of Theology.

Join us as we explore his journey, his passion for ministry, and his vision for the future of the church!

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Pastor Joseph Rios, leader of Generaciones, a thriving Spanish-speaking worship community of Chapelwood! (iglesiageneraciones.org). Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation about the challenges and opportunities of ministry in Houston’s Spanish-speaking communities. We discuss the growing need for faith-based support, how churches can better serve diverse congregations, and the work being done to expand outreach in these communities.

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we dive deep into the recurring themes in Disney movies—why do the parents always die? Is there a hidden formula behind it, or is it simply a storytelling device? We also discuss the latest updates from the church and reflect on how they might be shaping the modern faith landscape. Finally, we explore the parable of the sower and what lessons we can learn from it today. Tune in for a conversation that blends pop culture, spirituality, and a whole lot of mercy!

We’re honored to welcome Richard Beck to Pod Have Mercy this week! Richard is a psychologist, author, and professor who has spent decades exploring the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and justice. His work is groundbreaking, particularly in the areas of prison ministry and the way our spiritual lives intersect with our emotional well-being.

In this episode, Richard shares his profound insights on how our faith can be a source of healing and transformation, especially in some of the most challenging environments. As a leader in psychological and theological reflection, he’s spent years researching how people can heal emotionally and spiritually—especially those on the margins. His work on the psychology of forgiveness, trauma, and redemption will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.

Richard is the author of several books, including "Unclean" and "The Psychology of Christian Spirituality," and his blog, Experimental Theology, is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and mental health.

Richard's Links:

http://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com

https://richardbeck.substack.com/about

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re getting into the holiday spirit with a twist! Tune in as we read the Christmas story… but not in any ordinary way. Instead, we’re diving into the ChatGPT Bible written in full-on Gen Z lingo. It’s a fresh, hilarious take on the birth of Jesus, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

Plus, we’re keeping it real with some practical tips on how to beat holiday stress. Whether you’re juggling family drama, endless to-do lists, or just trying to keep it together, we've got you covered with simple ways to stay calm and enjoy the season.

Grab your hot cocoa, hit play, and let’s spread some holiday cheer (with a dash of humor, of course). ✨

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Abraham Guajardo and Jared Darby, the co-pastors of Eden Church, a new church plant in Houston, Texas. In this episode, we dive into their unique journey of starting Eden Church and how they’ve embraced a co-pastoring model—a refreshing alternative to traditional leadership structures.

Abraham and Jared share their personal stories, how they came together to lead, and why they believe a collaborative leadership approach is key to building a thriving faith community. We also explore how they developed the church’s visual identity, and what God is doing through Eden Church in the Houston area.

If you’re curious about the future of church leadership, creative ministry, and the power of community, this episode is for you. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with two leaders who are breaking the mold and following God’s calling in a bold new way.

https://www.edenchurchhouston.com

This Thanksgiving, join us for a special episode where we dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude. Based on the insightful article "Attitude of Gratitude" from Calm, we explore how cultivating a grateful mindset can change the way we see the world, improve our mental health, and enrich our relationships.In this episode, we’ll discuss practical ways to build gratitude into daily life, share inspiring stories of how gratitude has made a difference, and offer simple tips for incorporating this powerful practice, especially during the holiday season. Whether you're looking to enhance your well-being or simply want to reflect on the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving, this episode is filled with inspiration to help you embrace an attitude of gratitude.Tune in to spark joy, find peace, and create a lasting sense of appreciation, not just for today, but for every day. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us!

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we dive deep into the powerful intersection of contemplative worship and music with special guests Michael Sciretti and Peter Johns. Michael and Peter are part of The Center for Contemplative Spirituality. In this episode, we explore how contemplative worship can lead us into deeper communion with the Divine, and how music plays a vital role in creating sacred spaces for reflection, prayer, and healing.Join us as we discuss the beauty of slowing down, embracing stillness, and using music as a pathway to encounter God in new and meaningful ways. Whether you're a worship leader, a musician, or someone seeking more intentional spiritual practice, this episode offers insights and inspiration for enriching your own worship journey.

For more information about The Center visit: TheCenterFCS.org

To listen to the new album visit: https://thecenterfcs.org/everything-belongs-album/