In this conversation, Bob Cain interviews Rev. Dr. Matt Seel, who is coming off the Board of Ministry, and discusses what the last few years have been like. From the present Annual Conference of the MidSouth GMC to changes in the Book of Doctrines and Disciplines that have occurred and those that will likely come in the upcoming General Conference in 2026, Matt approaches the subject by handling people entering the process at different stages of the discipline. Bob and Matt also discuss the role of the Board of Ministry and Matt's hopes for the upcoming General Conference.

In this conversation, Brother John interviews David Duggan, the lay leader of the annual conference, discussing the role and responsibilities of lay leaders, the importance of training and community engagement, and the challenges faced by small churches. They also explore the significance of ecumenical efforts and the need for unity among different denominations in the face of societal challenges.

In this conversation, Jessie Mansfield discusses her role as an administrative assistant for the Mid-South Conference, emphasizing the importance of connection among congregations and the collaborative efforts to strengthen local churches. She shares insights on the dynamics of the annual conference, the significance of community, and the challenges faced in organizing events, particularly with technology. The conversation highlights the mission of supporting local congregations and fostering relationships within the church community.

In this conversation, Brother John and Brother Bob discuss the vital role of prayer in ministry with their guest, Sue Eaton. They explore how prayer serves as a foundation for church activities, the importance of empowering local churches to have dedicated prayer coordinators, and the necessity of instilling a culture of prayer in youth. The discussion emphasizes listening to God during prayer and the various methods of prayer that can be practiced. The conversation concludes with insights on the current state of prayer practices in local churches and the excitement surrounding prayer initiatives.

In this conversation, Suzanne Whittaker discusses her role as the Disaster Relief Coordinator for the MidSouth Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church, emphasizing the importance of empowering local churches to respond to disasters. She shares her experiences following Hurricane Helene, the need for training and resources, and the significance of addressing unseen needs in communities affected by disasters. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts within the church and the call to action for individuals to step out of their comfort zones in service to others.

In this conversation, Todd Chancey discusses his journey in ministry, his new role as the incoming superintendent of the Mid-South Annual Conference, and the importance of community, health, and spiritual growth within the church. He emphasizes the need for connection and empowerment through the Holy Spirit, as well as the significance of Wesleyan theology in guiding the church's mission. Todd shares his personal experiences and aspirations for the future of the conference, highlighting the importance of relationships and collaboration in ministry.

You can reach the MidSouth GMC Annual Conference Superintendent Todd Chancey by email: [email protected]

Special Thanks:

• Theme song: "Jubilee" by Keith Medley www.keithmedleymusic.com
• Striking Sparks Logo: provided by Courtney Israel www.courtneyisrael.com
• Theme video footage: by Billy Salyers www.redeemedsteel.com

In this episode of the Striking Sparks podcast, John Carroll interviews Rev. Amy Carlson, the Director of Communications, regarding the vision and goals of the communications team for the MidSouth Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. They explore the challenges and triumphs in building a communication foundation, the resources available for local congregations, and the importance of connection within the conference. Amy shares her personal call story, motivations for her role, and insights on rejuvenation through learning and quiet time. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions and a call to action for listeners to engage with the conference's communication efforts.

MidSouth GMC Link Tree

 In this engaging conversation, Brother John interviews Bishop Levingston about his experiences and insights as a new bishop. They discuss the importance of term limits, the balance between local church responsibilities and episcopal duties, and the global nature of the church. Bishop Levingston emphasizes the need for accountability, trust, and transparency in leadership, while also sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on his journey. The conversation concludes with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, revealing Bishop Levingston's personal preferences and inspirations.

In this engaging conversation, Matthew Conover shares his journey as the Treasurer of the MidSouth Annual Conference and his next journey in his role as the Chief Financial Officer for the General Conference of the GMC. He discusses the challenges and rewards of building a new church community, the importance of keeping Christ central in financial matters, and the impact of local church empowerment. Matthew reflects on his personal journey into ministry, his hobbies, and his hopes for the future of the church, all while emphasizing the significance of faith and community in driving growth and impact.

**The Mexican cheese we could not think of during this episode was Cotija.

In this inaugural episode of Striking Sparks, hosts John Carroll and Bob Cain welcome Mike Powers, the Conference Superintendent of the MidSouth Conference. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of ministry, the importance of community and doctrine, and the modern reinterpretation of the superintendency. Mike shares his personal call story, insights on preaching, and the significance of being available to others. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Mike's hobbies and memorable experiences.