What does it mean to live out your faith in one of the most competitive industries in the world? In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, we sit down with Greg Lyons, a film producer and member of First UMC Richardson, to talk about vocation, creativity, and how following Jesus shapes a career in Hollywood.

Greg also shares the story behind Light of the World, a new 2D animated feature film based on the Gospel of John that’s heading to theaters worldwide. More than just a movie, it’s a ministry project designed to share the gospel through story and art.

“Success now isn’t about how much money a project makes, it’s about how many hearts it can change.”

Join us for a conversation about calling, creativity, and the hope that shines through when faith meets film.

https://lightoftheworld.com/

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

Immigration isn’t just about policy — it’s about people, families, and faith. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Amy Spaur and Rev. Faiana Prescott Funaki to share stories that highlight the lived realities of immigration within the church. Together they reflect on how communities of faith live with courage and resilience, and how the church is called to embrace grace and belonging.

As Rev. Amy Spaur reminds us, “Immigrants are us. They are faithful people with families, with hopes and dreams. And they are us. And I am them.”

Be part of the movement. Join us at the Immigration Advocacy Symposium on September 21st at Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco. Explore how faith communities can respond with justice, hospitality, and hope. Details and registration: htcumc.org/immigration-advocacy-symposium

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

A year ago, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez of City Point UMC joined Rev. Daniel Hawkins to share what they were excited about and how they were stepping into leadership in their first weeks at new churches. Now they’re back — 13 months later — to reflect on the wins, the struggles, the surprises, and what they’ve learned along the way.

From building trust and belonging, to navigating leadership challenges (and yes, even a run-in with a less-than-jolly Santa), this conversation is equal parts honest, hopeful, and hilarious.

As Rev. Brower notes about that first season in a new church: “You can only watch and learn for so long before it’s time to lead.”

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

When a pastor is appointed to a new church, the whole family feels the shift. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan and Rev. David Lessner as they share how they’ve stepped into new ministry contexts while keeping their families rooted in familiar communities. They reflect on what it means to show up fully in both church and home life—and how churches can play a vital role in helping pastors and their families thrive during seasons of transition.

“The churches didn’t just welcome me, they made sure my family felt like they belonged.” -Rev. David Lessner

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Kissa Vaughn of St. Barnabas UMC in Arlington for a conversation about what it means to be deeply intentional with the community around them. From midweek worship and preschool partnerships to third-grade reading mentors and Thursday lunches for 400 high school students, St. Barnabas is building meaningful connections that go far beyond Sunday mornings.

As Kissa puts it, they come back not because they signed a membership form, but “because we showed up with love when it mattered most.”

Gather with other churches in your district to celebrate a local church's success in capturing first-time guest info, learn simple steps to improve follow-up, and work with your team or someone seated near you to plan next steps for helping guests feel they belong. Register Here

https://www.ticketleap.com/

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

This week on POD Strangely Warmed, we continue our series alongside the Multiplication Masterclasses with Hospitality that Multiplies. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev.  Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Dr. Keith Somerville, Senior Pastor at The Village in DeSoto, to explore how intentional language, self-kindness, and authentic community create spaces where people feel seen, known, and invited to belong. As Keith puts it, “Not just we’re glad you’ve come into our church, but have a seat at our table.”

Gather with other churches in your district to celebrate a local church's success in capturing first-time guest info, learn simple steps to improve follow-up, and work with your team or someone seated near you to plan next steps for helping guests feel they belong. Register Here

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

This episode kicks off a new series tied to the Horizon Texas Conference’s Multiplication Masterclass, From Visit to Belonging. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Armando Alvarado from the conference’s Multiplication Team for a conversation about what really helps guests become part of a church community. With real stories and practical ideas, they explore how building relationships is the first step toward lasting connection and how that connection leads to growth.

Gather with other churches in your district to celebrate a local church's success in capturing first-time guest info, learn simple steps to improve follow-up, and work with your team or someone seated near you to plan next steps for helping guests feel they belong.  Register Here

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

Recorded live at the inaugural Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this episode features a powerful conversation with keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Known for his work on adaptive leadership and church resilience, Tod goes beyond his keynote address to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s church leaders. From the tension between nostalgia and mission to the power of storytelling and identity in guiding change, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for leaders navigating uncharted territory. Whether you’re in the pews or the pulpit, this is a conversation about becoming a church that is both rooted and resilient.

aesloanleadership.com

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and Bishop Delores Williamston, Bishop of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recorded during the first Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this conversation explores what it means to lead with resilience through life’s challenges and the ongoing work of ministry. Bishop Williamston and Bishop Saenz, longtime friends and colleagues, share stories of grit, grace and vision, offering wisdom and encouragement for anyone seeking to lead with faith and courage in a complex world.

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

This week marked our very first Annual Conference. In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins brings you conversations from across the connection: youth delegates, newly ordained clergy, and conference leaders—including Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.—all reflect on the spirit and significance of this historic moment.

From stories of transformation at church camp to the deep joy of ordination, from new pastoral appointments to prayers of bold hope, this episode offers a front-row seat to a vibrant, growing conference—and a glimpse into the future of the church we're building together.

All the information for Annual Conference can be found at https://www.htcumc.org/ac25

Website - htcumc.org Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc  Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference