This is How We Thrive

In this episode of This Is How We Thrive, Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Jordan Czichos of Christ Church Sugar Land for a conversation about faith, voting, and loving our neighbors through an election season. Jordan shares about the voting guide she created for fellow Christians, available in English and Spanish, and how theological reflection can help us approach our civic responsibilities with intention.

Their conversation connects the United Methodist Social Principles with the choices we make as people of faith, including how we engage with those whose perspectives differ from our own. Together, they explore the importance of participating in elections and continuing to nurture relationships after the votes are counted. From listening before making assumptions to choosing kindness in difficult conversations, this episode invites us to consider how loving boldly and practicing kinship can shape our public witness.

Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at txcumc.org/share-a-thrive-story.

With Love: A Faithful Guide to Voting

English Version: https://www.nalec.org/a-christian-guide-to-faithful-voting?pgid=mu635xxd-58f126ed-3e36-43d0-80ab-c492a7e1a298

Spanish Version: https://www.nalec.org/guia-cristiana-para-el-voto-fiel

UMC Social Principles: https://gbcs-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/124/59627e47-86c6-42f7-b7bf-9fc5ce52dfcd.pdf

Texas Impact: https://texasimpact.org/

Faithful Participation: https://www.txcumc.org/news-detail/faithful-participation-texas-annual-conference-leaders-reflect-on-voting-and-loving-our-neighbors-20041452

*Although the 19th Amendment protected women’s voting rights in 1920, many women of color remained excluded by discriminatory laws and practices, making the Voting Rights Act of 1965 another essential milestone in the struggle for equal access to the ballot.

In this episode of This Is How We Thrive, Alisha Bynum sits down with Trey Comstock for a conversation about all things media and communications, from early communicators in the Bible to the ways churches share their stories today. Together, they explore how creativity, purpose, and the resources already within our congregations can help churches communicate well on a budget. With practical ideas and encouragement for churches of every size, this conversation invites us to see communications as ministry and consider how we can use the tools we have to build connections, share the good news, and help our communities thrive.

What happens when we begin to see our everyday work as a place to live out our calling?

In this episode of This Is How We Thrive, Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Todd Wood, the Chief Public Defender of Brazos County and newly commissioned deacon, for a conversation about faith, vocation, and serving others.

Todd’s work places him alongside people navigating difficult circumstances. His journey into ministry invites us to consider how our professional lives, gifts, and relationships can become opportunities to put faith into action.

At the heart of this conversation is a question for all of us: where might God be calling us to serve, right where we are?

Want to share your own Thrive story? Visit https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive-story.

What happens when we stop worrying about the finished product and simply give ourselves permission to create?In this episode of This Is How We Thrive, Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Melissa Garza, pastor of Somerville UMC, to talk about creativity, worship, Sabbath, and finding joy in the process.After nearly 30 years in graphic design, Melissa now brings her love of color, composition, and beauty into pastoral ministry. She shares how collaborative art can build community, how creativity can help us slow down and listen, and why you don’t have to consider yourself an artist to create.Her invitation is simple: pick up the crayons, make a mark, pay attention to the beauty around you, and leave room for God to surprise you.You can contact Melissa to Learn more about the work she is doing at: [email protected] to share your own Thrive story? Visit https://www.txcumc.org/share-a-thrive-story

In this episode of This Is How We Thrive, Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Emanuel Echols, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Orange and St. James United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas. Emanuel shares how he is building relationships beyond the church walls and meeting young people in the places where they already gather. He talks about a community baptism day that welcomed 30 young people and what it means to pray with a football team before games.

Their conversation explores how a pastor can show up consistently, earn trust, and help people experience the love of Christ in everyday life. From the baptismal waters to the sidelines, Emanuel’s ministry offers a picture of a church engaged with its neighbors. For Emanuel, thriving begins with being present, listening, and making room for young people to know they belong.

Those who would like to be considered as a future guest are invited to submit a Thrive Story at txcumc.org/share-a-thrive-story

We’re kicking off Season 2 of This Is How We Thrive with Kristen Tropeano, Director of Student Ministries at Strawbridge UMC and a newly commissioned Deaconess in The United Methodist Church.

Kristen shares how a season of uncertainty in ministry ultimately led her to Strawbridge, the people who helped her recognize and nurture her calling, and the unexpected Zoom discernment event that introduced her to the Deaconess tradition.

She also talks about her passion for youth ministry, why some of the most important ministry happens outside the walls of the church, and what young people are really looking for from the Church today.

For Kristen, thriving is rooted in relationships—showing up for one another, sharing plenty of love and joy, and making space for both the silly conversations and the serious ones.

Join Alisha Bynum and Kristen Tropeano as we begin a new season of stories about what it means to thrive.

Want to share your own Thrive story?

Visit txcumc.org/share-a-thrive.

In this episode, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Emily Chapman for a behind-the-scenes conversation about Annual Conference 2026 and the preparation that goes into bringing the event to life. Together they discuss the planning process, the importance of creating meaningful experiences for attendees, and the excitement surrounding this year’s gathering.

Along the way, Emily shares insights from her own leadership journey, the value of teamwork and collaboration, and what she hopes people will experience when they gather together for Annual Conference this year.

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. 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, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Nikki Gray and Stephen Martin to talk all things worship for this year’s Texas Annual Conference. Together they share their vision for worship, what attendees can expect throughout the week, and how music, prayer, and sacred moments will help shape the conference experience.

Along the way, Nikki and Stephen share personal stories, ministry insights, and what excites them most as they help lead worship for this year’s gathering.

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. 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, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Steve Woody, District Superintendent of the Northeast District in the Texas Annual Conference. Together they explore Steve’s extraordinary journey of faith—from childhood heartbreak and seasons of deep loss to a life-changing encounter that forever shaped his call to ministry.

Along the way, Steve shares powerful stories of family, struggle, grace, and the moments that reminded him God was never finished writing his story. He also reflects on how those experiences continue to shape the way he walks alongside clergy, supports local churches, and leads with compassion, courage, and hope across the Northeast District.

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. 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, host Alisha Bynum sits down with Rev. Dr. Vincent Harris, pastor and Director of the African American Church Initiative (AACI) and We Love All God’s Children for the Texas Annual Conference. Together they explore what it really looks like for the Church to move from an inward focus to becoming more deeply engaged in the communities it serves. Vincent shares why community engagement matters now more than ever and how churches can live out their faith in ways that make a lasting impact.Along the way, you’ll also hear about Vincent’s own journey in ministry, the experiences that shaped his leadership, and the heart and vision that continue to guide his work as he helps strengthen the future of the Church.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. 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.