The United Methodist People Podcast

United Methodist People Podcast

Show Notes

On this illuminating episode of The United Methodist People Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller welcomes longtime friend, author, pastor, and leadership coach Roger Ross to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities facing today’s United Methodist churches. Centered around Ross’s latest book, “Kinda Christian: From Curious to Serious About Jesus,” the conversation explores how churches and individuals can move beyond complacency to cultivate authentic discipleship, transformational community, and purpose-driven faith.

Episode Summary

The episode kicks off with Dr. Brad Miller introducing Roger Ross, whose decades of ministry and church leadership have inspired innovative approaches to spiritual growth and coaching. They revisit their joint history as church planters, emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership—an ethos behind Ross’s new venture, The Humility Group, created to support pastors and faith-based leaders.

Ross shares the origin story of “Kinda Christian,” highlighting his realization that many church newcomers crave clarity about what being a disciple truly entails. After wrestling with his leadership team, Ross’s church developed the G6 process, outlining six essential marks of discipleship: glory, grace, group, growth, giftedness, and generosity. Stories like Chantel’s—whose life was profoundly changed by this process—illustrate the transformative power of intentional discipling.

The conversation delves into the broader issues facing churches, such as lack of clarity and processes for making disciples. Ross argues that the mission to “make disciples” often falters when churches cannot define what a disciple actually is or lack a roadmap to help people become one. He introduces three core callings to help believers and churches get “unstuck”: love God, launch community, and unleash compassion.

Ross and Miller discuss practical metaphors—lake churches (static, attractional) versus river churches (dynamic, sending)—encouraging leaders to build churches that nurture, equip, and send disciples into the world. Authentic community, Ross asserts, is the antidote to today’s epidemic of loneliness and meaninglessness; it requires relationships that are loving, truthful, and deep, not merely surface-level fellowship.

The episode also touches on practical spiritual disciplines, like engaging with scripture regularly, and the statistical evidence of its impact. Ross explains that just four times of meaningful Bible engagement a week can significantly reduce loneliness and increase purpose.

Finally, Ross shares how “Kinda Christian” is being adopted by United Methodist bishops and conferences as a resource to help local churches define discipleship and create processes for cultivating it. On a personal note, Ross urges listeners to start small—pick one spiritual discipline, such as solitude or focused prayer, and commit to it daily—as the first step toward becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

Three Takeaway Points:

1. Clarity on Discipleship Is Critical for Church Health: Without a clear, actionable definition of what it means to be a disciple and how to cultivate one, churches will struggle to fulfill their mission and fail to engage seekers meaningfully.
2. Churches Must Move from Lake to River Models: The future of vibrant ministry lies in churches that not only attract but equip and send disciples to impact their communities, flowing outward rather than hoarding resources.
3. Deep Community and Small Steps Lead to Transformation: Combating loneliness and spiritual complacency begins with intentional relationships and adopting manageable spiritual practices, like daily solitude or scripture engagement.

For more about Roger Ross and The Humility Group, visit thehumilitygroup.org, and for podcast updates, check out unitedmethodistpodcast.com.

Rev. Craig Duke is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller's guest on Episode 059 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

Craig tells the story of the unique opportunity that came his way to appear on the HBO Television show "We're Here" which features a traveling "Drag Queen" show that recruits and transforms local folk in smaller towns to participate in a "Drag Show."

Following a calling, Craig felt, to become a bridge between the church and LGBTQ community and to support his daughter Craig agreed to participate in the show.

The fallout following his appearance in the show led to his departure from his church.

In this episode, Craig tells the good, the bad, and ugly of his experience and his newfound commitment to new ministry opportunities.

For United Methodists following the debate in the church regarding how the church relates (or doesn't) to LGBTQ persons, this is a must listen to hear first-hand the personal heartache, drama, and rejoicing surrounding matters of human sexuality in our church.

The Open Door Facebook Group

Dreamcatcher Podcast

In Episode 58 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Rev. Rob Fuquay of St. Luke's UMC-Indianapolis about his new book and Lenten resource "The Passion Play-Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" which is inspired by the Oberammergau Passionsspiele.

Jesus' Passion Story is presented each Lent in countless churches each year. But one play presented by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, in Bavaria Germany, may be one of the longest-running performances of all. Staged every 10 years since 1634. To play makes an impact not only on the villagers who portray the characters and all who see it as well. And the passion play Rob Fuquay follows the biblical story of the passion and shows how this amazing play as we use both as a ritual of praise and later as a weapon through that's anti-semitic past.

Brad and Rob talk about the book at length in this interview including its relevance in today's world of pandemics and anxiousness.

The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a retired UMC Elder with a heart for "doing all the good I can; particularly in anxious times."

The United Methodist People Podcast is all about sharing the story of the United Methodist people who have similar commitments to doing all the good they can through conversation and commentary.

To Purchase "The Passion Play-Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" Go to:

https://www.cokesbury.com/the-passion-play

If you like The United Methodist People Podcast then you are invited to try one of the following podcasts Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is involved with.

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble (co-host)

https://www.tobeencouraged.com/

Voice of God Daily Bible Study

https://www.voiceofgoddaily.com/

Beyond Adversity: Helping People Navigate Adverse Life Events and Emerge Victoriously.

www.DrBradMiller.com

On Episode 57 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller Bishop Julius C Trimble shares a “Letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr” to mark the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr holiday.

It was also officially announced that the “To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble” Podcast will launch on Tuesday February 1, 2022.

In this episode Bishop Trimble shared his thoughts on the impact and influence Dr. Martin Luther King has society and church today and how words and action should not be frozen in time but apple as earnestly as ever to today’s problems of racism, voter suppression and justice.

Bishop Trimble commented on how Dr. King might react to a present state of disparity, why the chasm between the rich and the poor continues? Dr. King brings challenging words to today that life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? That the measure of one’s life is to live a life of service.

Bishop Trimble also announced the launching of his own Podcast. As of Tuesday February 1, 2022. This podcast will put voice to Bishop Trimble mission “to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential” - in short, to be encouraged.

The podcast will feature Bishop Trimble’s insights and commentary on many issues facing society and the United Methodist Church such as: racism, pandemic, human sexuality, theology, bible study, voting rights, creation care and the future of the Untied Methodist Church. The podcast will publish each Tuesday and is co-hosted by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C Trimble is available at

www.ToBeEncouraged.com

Apple Podcasts:

https://tobeencouraged.com/applepodcasts

Facebook:

https://tobeencouraged.com/facebook

Spotify: https://tobeencouraged.com/spotifypodcast

In Episode 56 of The United Methodist People Podcast, with Reverend Dr. Brad Miller, the topic is building the new year of 2022 with Spiritual Infrastructure in the Be Encourage segment, Bishop Julius C. Trimble. 

Bishop Trimble outlines entering into the new year of 2022 with a vision of partnership to build a beloved community with spiritual infrastructure.  Spiritual infrastructure is composed of such elements as prayer, accountability, and faith.

Brad and Bishop discuss Jeremiah 29:11 regarding God’s plans for the church moving into 2022. The discussion revolved around God delivering us for our new season and it's going to be a good season.

It was announced that Bishop Trimble will be launching his own podcast in January 2022 “Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble”

The trailer is available now at https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm and the podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts and the other podcast directories.

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller closed the last podcast episode of 2021 with a word of appreciation to the guests and listeners of the United Methodist People Podcast and a quote from John Wesley.

“As for reputation, though it be a glorious instrument of advancing our Master's service, yet there is a better than that: a clean heart, a single eye, and a soul full of God. A fair exchange if, by the loss of reputation, we can purchase the lowest degree of purity of heart.”

John Wesley

Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is found at https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm

In Episode 55 of the United Methodist People Podcast Bishop Julius Trimble shares a Christmas message of How to be Real and Encouraged this Christmas.

Bishop Trimble shares the meaningfulness of Christmas memories growing up in his own family and in raising his own children. He also emphasizes the importance of clergy caring for their own families at Christmas and how laypersons can be helpful in this area.

He talks about the redeeming message of Christmas in the light of the Covid 19 crisis and other societal pressures. He relates that Christmas is a gift worth sharing - the gift of encouragement.

Episode 55 also featured the special announcement that in January 2022 Bishop Trimble is launching his own persona podcast "Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble." This included the release of an audio trailer for the new podcast which will be available on iTunes and other podcast directories after January 1, 2022.

Rev. Dr. Miller concluded the episode with gratitude to the listeners for their support in 2021 and the following quote from John Wesley.

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

― John Wesley

In Episode 54 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Indiana Bishop Julus Trimble and Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns about simplifying the United Methodist Brand with Love, Grace, and Forgiveness. This is part 2 of a two-part conversation about simplifying the United Methodist Brand. Part 1 of this conversation is on Episode 53 of the United Methodist People Podcast. https://united-methodist-people.captivate.fm/episode/53

In Episode 53 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Indiana Conference Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns about simplifying the distracted branding of The United Methodist Church.

Episode 53 is part 1 of this conversation wh9ich will continue on Episode 54.

David Johns is a retired automotive industry executive who brings his expertise in branding and marketing cars to his love of the United Methodist Church and his passion for Jesus Christ.

David and Bishop talk to Brad about the multifaceted nature of the United Methodist Brand the assets and liabilities of how the United Methodist Brand is viewed by the public.

The conversation turns to the need to simplify the message of the United Methodist brand to focus on "keeping our eye on the ball" of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation which will be resumed on Episode 54 of the United Methodist People Podcast focusing on the sacred worth of all people.

“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”

― John Wesley

Episode 52 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, features a behind-the-scenes look at the November 2021 Council of Bishops meeting with Indiana area Bishop Julius Trimble.

Brad and Bishop talk about the narrative set forth by the Council of Bishops to set the stage moving forward as the church faces probably division in 2022.

Bishop and Brad talk about a vision of setting a table for a home where all can be welcome no matter their differences of opinion.

Furthermore, Bishop and Brad talk about how music can be a universal language to bring people together. Music at family gatherings around a Thanksgiving table and the songs of Christmas and the holiday season can bridge divides among people.

Living with a grateful heart is the Thanksgiving message of encouragement from Bishop Julius C. Trimble on episode 51 of the United Methodist People Podcast.

Bishop Trimble and Rev Dr. Brad Miller talk about scriptures that speak to our hearts at Thanksgiving time particularly Luke 12:48 which indicates to those for whom much have been given much is expected and how that should guide us and how we serve others during this Thanksgiving.

Bishop Trimble and Dr. Brad also talked about how in many churches there will be a great emotional uplift that people are gathering for fall dinners and other social events for the first time since the pandemic.

Bishop Trimble and Dr. Miller also talked about what people can do to live out their sense of gratefulness and gratitude through various mission opportunities at our churches particularly those which focus on the needs of children.

Bishop Trimble and Pastor Miller also announced that in January of 2022 Bishop Trimble will launch his own podcast called "Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble".