In this episode, we sit down with BJ Hightower, the Texas Annual Conference Chaplain, to learn more about her journey into this new role and the heart she brings to this ministry. BJ shares her call to serve, what chaplaincy looks like within the life of the Conference, and how she hopes to walk alongside clergy, lay leaders, and staff in seasons of joy, challenge, and transition.

This conversation offers a glimpse into who BJ is beyond the title—her faith, her story, and her deep commitment to care, presence, and prayer within the Texas Annual Conference. Whether you’re curious about the role of the Conference Chaplain or simply want to get to know BJ a little better, this episode invites you into a meaningful and encouraging conversation.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Ben Burnside, Associate Director of Leadership Vitality for the Texas Annual Conference, for a conversation about what it means to lead with clarity, faith, and purpose in today’s church. Together they explore how leadership vitality shapes congregational health, supports clergy and lay leaders, and helps local churches thrive in a season of change. Along the way, you’ll also get to know Ben on a more personal level as he shares stories, insights, and a few fun details you probably didn’t know, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the leader behind the title.

Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive-story. Whether someone serves in a formal leadership role or lives out their faith in quiet and faithful ways, their story can encourage others and help strengthen connection across the conference.

In this episode of This is How We Thrive, host Rev. Irv White sits down with Rev. Brandi Horton to explore the origins of the Thrive initiative - how it began, what it means for churches across the Texas Annual Conference, and the vision for the future.

Thrive began as a grassroots initiative, born out of deep listening sessions among laity, clergy and Bishop Harvey from across the Texas Annual Conference. The vision for Thrive emerged as laity and clergy made it clear they were ready to reimagine what it means to be a vibrant, thriving community of faith. More so than wanting their church to thrive, each group identified the flourishing of their neighborhood as a key driver in what it means to follow Jesus as a United Methodist.

The conversation unpacks the core principles of Thrive and how it is equipping churches to be thriving congregations within thriving communities. Rev. Horton shares insights into the initiative’s key markers: Clarity, Witness, Abundance, Kinship, and Joy, and how these guide churches toward renewal and vitality.

In this inaugural episode of How We Thrive, host Rev. Irv White sits down with Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and Rev. Thea Curry-Fuson to explore the vision behind launching our "This is How We Thrive" podcast. They discuss why podcasting is a powerful tool for digital ministry, how storytelling connects faith communities, and the broader impact of sharing real, transformative experiences.