Faithful experimentation is becoming essential to the life of the church today. Drawing from lived ministry experience, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Rev. Al Martin explore how new expressions of church take shape through trust, patience and a willingness to learn.

Through stories and reflection, this episode examines how churches navigate change, test new ways of being in relationship with their communities and remain attentive to where the Spirit is already at work.

For more from Michael Beck visit his website: https://michaeladambeck.com/

Explore fresh expressions at Perkins School of Theology https://www.smu.edu/perkins

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What might the church look like when it takes faithful shape beyond the sanctuary?

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Rev. Al Martin for a conversation introducing New Expressions, new ways of forming Christian community that are rooted in Methodist heritage and shaped for the realities of today.

Often emerging in everyday places and centered on listening, relationship, and belonging, New Expressions invite the church to rediscover practices that have been part of Methodism from the very beginning. Rather than offering quick answers, this conversation raises thoughtful questions about how faith is formed, how community takes shape, and where the Holy Spirit may already be at work.

This episode is the first of a two-part conversation with Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and accompanies the Spring Multiplication Masterclasses, offering a starting point for leaders and communities curious about what it means to be church in new places.

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What does faithful leadership look like when you are still becoming who God is calling you to be? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we are joined by Laureen Kuizon and Rachel Risko, seminary students at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and members of the Young Adult Council of the Horizon Texas Conference, for a hopeful and honest conversation about shaping the church from the inside out.

Laureen and Rachel share their journeys into ministry, the questions that continue to shape their faith, and the ways young adults are already contributing to the life of the church as faithful leaders right now. Together, they reflect on unity without uniformity, the importance of listening across generations, and how hope takes shape when the church creates space for honest conversation and shared leadership.

This conversation invites listeners to consider how faith is formed in real time through listening, relationship, and showing up for one another. Whether you are connected to young adult ministry or simply curious about how the church is being shaped today, this episode offers wisdom, honesty, and hope worth sitting with.

https://rekindlesummit.com/

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After welcoming more than 54 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studios in 2025, we couldn't let their stories live in just one episode. Each week, we ask our guests to share their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry, and once again, the stories were too good to leave on the cutting room floor.

This second installment continues the celebration of the heart, humor and very human moments of ministry across our United Methodist connection. Stick around and hear if Rev. Daniel Hawkins finally cracked the code on what "6–7" actually means.

So settle in for part two of last year's Best, Worst or Weirdest Moments in Ministry.

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This year, we welcomed over 54 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studio. After recording each episode, we love to ask our guests to share a story about their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry. We heard so many fantastic stories from some truly wonderful people that we had to divide them into two parts. This episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist community, so without further ado, here's part one of this year's Best, Worst or Weirdest Moments in Ministry.

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This episode touches on some behind the scenes aspects of being Mrs. Claus that may not be suitable for younger ears. If you have little ones around we recommend listening later or with headphones. Thanks for understanding, Merry Christmas!

Creativity, imagination, and joy are essential parts of forming faith, especially in the lives of children.

In this Christmas-week episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Betsy Modrzejewski, Director of Children's Ministry at Fellowship UMC in Trophy Club, for a conversation about what it means to create space where children are welcomed, trusted, and invited to experience church as their church. Betsy reflects on how wonder is cultivated through presence, patience, and the freedom to explore faith in ways that feel authentic and life-giving.

Later on in the episode, we get a special visit from Mrs. Claus, who has a message for all our listeners just in time for Christmas.

https://www.wanderingdramacompany.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thespiritedmrsclaus

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Advent does not always arrive gently, but even in its weight, it carries the promise of light, hope, and renewed joy. For many, this season holds exhaustion, grief, and unanswered questions, yet it also invites us to slow down and notice where God is already at work.

On this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Sarah Garza and Rev. Lee Trigg for a thoughtful conversation inspired by the Advent study guide A Weary World Rejoices. Written by Daniel Hawkins, Johnny Brower, Katie Newkirk, Fai'ana Prescott-Funaki, Lee Trigg, and Sarah Garza, the study invites readers and communities to engage Advent with honesty, courage, and hope.

Drawing from pastoral experience and shared reflection, this conversation explores the power of naming what we carry, showing up in community, and trusting that God meets us in the midst of real life. This episode offers space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover how joy can still take root even in a weary world.

Buy their book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/f9FTL8h

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The holiday season brings joy and tradition — but it can also carry pressure, loneliness, and grief. In this episode, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Dr. Velda Turnley, Pastor of Spiritual Growth and Discipleship at St. Luke Community UMC, and Pamela Mickens, a longtime leader in St. Luke's Mental Health Ministry, for an honest conversation about staying mentally and spiritually well through the holidays.

Drawing from their work in launching and leading St. Luke's Mental Health Ministry, Dr. Turnley and Pamela share how their congregation began addressing mental health long before it was common in churches — and how that work continues to create a safe, Spirit-led space for healing today. They speak candidly about boundaries, emotional honesty, shifting family traditions, and why so many people struggle more deeply during this season.

This episode offers a grounded, compassionate invitation to approach the holidays with clarity, healthy limits, and openness to the peace God longs to give.

https://slcumc.churchcenter.com/groups/connect-groups-luke-groups/mental-health-ministry

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"There are more things that unite us than divide us." — Bishop Erik Gronberg

On this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Bishop Erik Gronberg of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Rev. Kenny Dickson, a United Methodist pastor serving at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas. Together they explore the story and lived experience of Full Communion, a unique partnership that allows United Methodists and Lutherans to share ministry, leadership, and mission.

Through personal reflection, calling, shared faith, and a few moments of genuine humor, this conversation offers a hopeful glimpse of what becomes possible when the Church chooses collaboration over separation. In a time when division often dominates the narrative, this episode lifts up a different story—one rooted in grace, unity, and the work God is already doing among us.

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This week on POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Jarrod Johnston and Rev. Scott Gilliland for a playful and competitive Thanksgiving Essentials Draft. A six-round showdown to build the ultimate Thanksgiving experience. Each round tests their strategy as they select must-have foods, family traditions, lifesavers for chaotic conversations, and unexpected wild-card picks.

There's friendly trash-talk, culinary confessions, birthday surprises, conversation strategy, strong opinions about pie etiquette, and more than a little chaos as each pick gets harder and the stakes get higher. 🦃🏈

Who built the best Thanksgiving lineup? What did they absolutely get wrong? And what belongs on your Thanksgiving essentials list?

Share your picks and what you're thankful for in the comments below—and help us decide this year's Thanksgiving champion.

https://communityumckrum.org/

https://fumcdenton.com/

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