"To Be And Do" with Philip Amerson

Episode Overview

The conversation focused on reflecting upon recent calls by Indiana's governor and lieutenant governor to emphasize the biblical mandate behind the so-called "nuclear family" during the month of June. The discussion challenged the narrow interpretation of family promoted by political and religious leaders, highlighting the broader, more inclusive portrayal of family found in scripture and lived experience. Personal anecdotes, biblical references, and a powerful story about a professor’s encounter with Native American family life were used to question exclusionary definitions and urge listeners to reconsider what it means to be “God’s family.”

Three Takeaways1. Questioning the “Biblical Mandate” for the Nuclear Family

A key theme that emerged was the critique of official attempts to define family strictly as one man, one woman, and children. The discussion explored how this interpretation is not only limiting but also inconsistent with the biblical record itself. Several points were raised, including references to Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and even Jesus, none of whom fit neatly into the so-called traditional nuclear family model 00:59–01:14. The conversation underscored the selective reading of scripture used to justify these narrow definitions and highlighted the exclusion of orphans and widows from such narratives.

2. Learning from Broader Family Traditions

One concept discussed was the experience of a Christian professor who, tasked with teaching about family in the Midwest, encountered Native American forms of family that differed radically from the stereotypical nuclear setup. Rather than insisting on his own definitions, the professor was humble enough to learn from these families, realizing that kinship and support go far beyond traditional images 02:11–02:56. This anecdote illustrated the value of cultural humility and openness to learning about real family dynamics as they are lived by different communities.

3. Expanding Faith Communities’ Definition of Family

The discussion explored how many churches proclaim themselves as “family churches,” yet often fail in practice to fully welcome single mothers, orphans, or widows 03:31. A call to action was issued for listeners and faith communities to rethink belonging and kinship within the “Kingdom of God,” encouraging greater inclusivity and empathy. The segment urged that being part of God’s family means embracing everyone, not just those who fit a prescribed mold.

Final Reflection

Listeners are encouraged to move beyond received notions about who constitutes a family and to embrace diverse, inclusive forms of kinship, learning from both scripture and the lived experiences of others 03:54.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Phil Amerson sits down with Tom Heaton, founder of Mission Guatemala and longtime leader in missions and justice ministries in Indiana and beyond. Together, they explore Tom Heaton journey from local church challenges to creating a nonprofit making a tangible difference in rural Guatemala. The conversation touches on the organization’s origins, ongoing projects, guiding principles, and the power of genuine partnership.

Three Key Takeaways1. Turning Frustration into Action

• Tom Heaton described how Mission Guatemala was born out of frustration with misplaced priorities in the local church—including a moment when complaints about scuff marks on a floor sharply contrasted with the realities he’d seen abroad, such as children without shoes. This perspective shift led Tom Heaton to embrace responsibility and move from “someone should do something” to actively being that someone. His experiences adopting children from Guatemala and witnessing need firsthand drove him to launch Mission Guatemala 05:31.

2. The Power of Partnerships and Community-Led Solutions

A recurring theme is that meaningful aid comes from partnership, not paternalism. Tom Heaton emphasized that Mission Guatemala does not impose solutions but listens to local communities and works alongside them. Projects, whether a medical clinic, computer classroom, or sanitation facilities, succeed because locals contribute “sweat equity.” This approach ensures both effectiveness and community pride, as seen in a story where parents, having helped dig a septic hole, took extra ownership in school bathroom maintenance 14:19.

3. Holistic Impact: Healthcare, Education, and Nutrition

Mission Guatemala’s work focuses on three priorities: health, education, and nutrition. Services range from a respectful medical clinic and pharmacy to running computer classes for middle schoolers (filling a governmental gap) and partnering with groups such as the Matteal Institute to provide high-nutrition food for infants and young children. The goal is sustainability and long-term change through local engagement, collaboration, and addressing real needs identified by Guatemalans 08:04 10:12.

Learn More

• To support or learn about Mission Guatemala, visit missionguatemala.com
• Want more stories of connection and belonging? Check out past episodes on our blog.
• ABOUT TOM HEATON
• Tom Heaton is a retired United Methodist pastor who served congregations across Indiana for nearly thirty years and later led mission and justice ministries for the Indiana Conference of the UMC.
• He is also the founder of Mission Guatemala, a nonprofit ministry serving rural communities in Guatemala through healthcare, education, nutrition, and community development. His years in Guatemala deeply shaped both his faith and the way he understands prayer, suffering, and the presence of God in ordinary life.
• Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Evansville and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. He writes and speaks about faith, prayer, grief, and everyday life with honesty, warmth, and a pastor’s heart.
• email: [email protected]

"Because of Scriptures"Episode Summary

In this reflective episode, Speaker A (Phil Emerson) invites listeners to reconsider how they approach scriptures—not as a rigid rule book or quick-fix spiritual guide, but as a diverse library meant to be wrestled with thoughtfully. Sharing both personal insights and common misinterpretations, Speaker A encourages daily reading and deeper engagement, using the Gospel of John as a starting point. The episode offers wisdom on how context and careful reading can transform our understanding, especially as it relates to faith and everyday life.

Three Takeaways1. Scriptures Are a Diverse Library, Not a Rulebook

Speaker A explains at 00:33 that scriptures were never meant to be used as a legalistic checklist or a collection of instant remedies. Instead, they are a rich library, containing poetry, history, songs, sermons, prophecy, and even apocalyptic literature filled with symbols. This diversity, according to Speaker A, demands that readers recognize the variety of genres if they are to truly understand what is being communicated.

2. Context Matters—Beware of Misusing Scripture

The episode offers vivid examples of scriptures being misinterpreted, such as the idea that "turning the other cheek" is about retribution rather than forgiveness and restraint (01:29). Another common misreading is the phrase "the rain falls on the just and unjust." Speaker A clarifies at 02:34 that, in its original context, rain in the Middle East was seen as a blessing, not a hardship—thus the saying actually expresses the overflowing generosity of good things to all, not indifferent misfortune.

3. Engagement and Reflection Are Essential

Speaker A encourages listeners at 03:00 to read the scriptures regularly—suggesting even just a chapter a day—and to struggle with the text rather than seek instant answers. Citing the story of Jesus turning water into wine from the second chapter of John, Speaker A lets listeners know that the text continues to offer deep lessons about faith if one is willing to engage thoughtfully. The key is not speed, but reflection and openness.

Episode Challenge

Check out the second chapter of the Gospel of John. Sit with the text, reflect on its meaning, and prepare to revisit these insights in a future episode.

Episode Overview

In this reflective episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson confronts the current moral and civic climate of America, with a focus on the shifting purpose of higher education, the role of public service, and the increasing divides in political and community life. Using recent political candidates and legislative trends as a springboard, the conversation explores what it means to foster both individual and collective character the episode highlights the urgent need for renewed civic engagement and moral consideration in public life.

Three Key Takeaways1. The Changing Role of Higher Education

Phil Amerson critiques a recent Indiana Senate bill requiring public colleges to terminate programs leading to “low income earnings,” pointing out the growing trend of tying education solely to economic outcomes. He observes that this represents “a hunger in our society for something different than we've been experiencing recently” as education’s traditional focus on moral and civic development gives way to purely financial concerns 01:23. According to Speaker B, measuring education only by earning potential strips away essential elements of personal and civic growth.

2. The Erosion of Civic and Moral Formation

The episode warns of the dangers when economic concerns trump moral and ethical development. Speaker B laments the loss of educational experiences designed to foster character and community involvement, noting, “What does it profit a school... to gain the whole world and lose the soul of moral development?” 03:13. The host ties this erosion directly to broader concerns, from college culture focused on “bar crawls” to legislative choices, that prioritize profit or immediate gratification over deeper, long-term well-being and societal contribution 03:44.

3. A Call for Genuine Moral Leadership

Reflecting on political candidates James Talarico and Adam Hamilton, Phil Amerson stresses the importance of leaders who champion civic pride and moral fiber. Citing the biblical principle of Matthew 25, he asks listeners to consider how we treat "the poor, the immigrant, and the stranger" 05:54, insisting that public service should prioritize compassion, justice, and integrity. Phil Amerson closes with a plea for leaders—not just politicians but also artists, teachers, and community members—who are willing to dream big and work selflessly for the greater good 07:14.

Listen & Subscribe

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Episode Summary

In this reflective "Because" episode, Phil Amerson shares insights on faith, the evolving role of religious institutions, and how communities can rediscover a deeper sense of purpose by looking beyond organizational boundaries. Drawing from an encounter with theologian Willie James Jennings, Phil Amerson encourages listeners to notice the abundance of "unused gospel" and the opportunities for divine-human connection present all around, not just within the walls of institutional churches.

Three Key Takeaways1. Faith Outlasts Institutions

Phil Amerson points out that religious institutions are inherently fragile and not the sole stewards of faith. Over 2,000 years, Christianity has flourished and adapted, often moving beyond the confines of any single institution. The reminder here is that while institutions may struggle, the enduring nature of faith continues wherever people gather in its spirit—even outside the structures we often feel compelled to defend 00:13, 00:36.

2. Viewing from the Outside In

Reflecting on the words of Willie James Jennings, Phil Amerson suggests that revitalization comes when institutions choose to see themselves not only from the inside but also from the "outside in." By asking what God is already doing in the world around the institution, members discovered "the newness of God's mercy" and fresh opportunities to serve and grow their communities. This shift in perspective allowed them to connect more deeply with their surroundings, going beyond anxiety about their own survival 01:01, 01:11.

3. Embracing the "Unused Gospel" in Daily Life

A powerful idea from the episode is the notion of "unused gospel"—the untapped potential for divine encounter that exists all around us. Phil Amerson encourages listeners to listen for the "music of faith" beyond traditional settings and to engage actively with their broader communities. By reaching out, wishing others well, and recognizing God’s work beyond organizational rituals, individuals can rediscover the essentials of faith in everyday relationships 01:47, 02:07.

Final Thought

Phil Amerson closes with a call to action: “Go out and meet someone today, wish them well, and learn that God is at work beyond our small stories and rituals.” This episode invites all to embrace a broader, more vibrant sense of spiritual community.

To Be and Do PodcastEpisode Overview

In this episode, Phil Amerson reflects on new research from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research regarding recent trends in American religious life. The episode explores the nuanced realities behind church attendance numbers, the influence and limitations of megachurch culture, and the often-overlooked power of small congregational acts. Amerson recounts personal experiences from pastoral work, sharing stories that reveal how renewal happens not just through numbers, but in the everyday acts of community, faith, and grace. The episode ends with a moving meditation on the concept of grace, drawing from the writings of Frederick Buechner.

Three Key Takeaways1. Religious Involvement is Experiencing Modest Growth—But Not a Traditional Revival

Recent research from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research indicates a shift in religious engagement after decades of decline. Where average church attendance had dropped dramatically—from 135 in 2000 to just 45 during the COVID pandemic—it is now climbing back above 65 (01:19). Though some claim these numbers mark a religious revival, Amerson emphasizes a more nuanced picture: the increase is real, but modest and often concentrated in certain areas, especially within megachurches.

2. Megachurches Aren’t the Only Places Where Renewal Happens

While researchers like Scott Tooma and high-profile pastors like Adam Hamilton focus on megachurch growth as the vector for the future of American religion, Speaker A challenges this perspective. The episode argues that small, local congregations—both urban and rural—play a crucial role in community life and spiritual vitality (04:49). These smaller communities offer meaning, belonging, and empowerment in ways that aren’t always reflected in attendance statistics.

3. Grace and Renewal Are Found in Small Acts and Relationships

Drawing on personal experiences at Broadway United Methodist Church, Amerson recounts stories of individuals whose quiet faith and generosity became the backbone of vibrant congregational life (07:20). By highlighting the unseen power centers within small gatherings—such as a handful of women meeting for healing and Bible study—the episode illustrates that genuine renewal is about joy, restoration, and the rediscovery of shared purpose, not just numerical growth. The episode’s closing passages center on the profound and unearned nature of grace (12:21), encouraging listeners to recognize and accept the abundance already present in their lives.

Listen and subscribe for thoughtful discussions on meaning, purpose, and the everyday ways we shape our shared life.

In this reflective and thought-provoking "Because" episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson guides listeners through a contemplation of faith, community, and the essential distinction between form and substance in religious life. Opening with Sam's evocative lines about coffee and time, the mood is set for a discussion grounded in both the everyday and the transcendent.

Phil Amerson, discusses the often-overlooked difference between focusing on religious structures—like congregations or denominations—and the deeper “music” these institutions are intended to embody. Rather than becoming preoccupied with perfecting the earthly instruments, Speaker B encourages listeners to rediscover the spiritual essence pulsating beneath the surface of ritual and organization.

A central theme is the tendency of faith communities to search for a “perfect formula”—a guarantees path to success or holiness. Speaker B references Geraldo Marti’s insight, suggesting that continually striving for perfection in form can lead to missing the true purpose: tuning in to the spiritual “music” that both inspires and sustains faith. Anecdotes of denominational meetings, where participants are asked to share prescribed “glory sightings,” serve to illustrate how even sincere efforts can sometimes fall short—feeling contrived or artificially limited in their scope. Instead, Speaker B proposes a more abundant, everyday recognition of the divine, echoing Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s lines: “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes—the rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”

The episode closes with Sam's warm, melodic refrain, returning us to the world of daily ritual—a cup of love, laughter, and connection, signifying the perpetual opportunity to encounter the sacred in our ordinary routines.

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize Essence Over Form: Speaker B emphasizes the importance of valuing the spiritual “music” over merely perfecting the religious “instrument” 00:17.
2. Beware of Formulaic Faith: The search for perfect formulas can distract from encountering genuine spirituality and the living presence of the divine 00:35.
3. Recognize Divine Abundance: Limiting glory to rare, contrived moments diminishes the awareness that every moment and encounter is charged with the sacred 01:19.
4. Practice Everyday Awareness: Through poetic reference and personal experience, Amerson invites listeners to cultivate a daily attentiveness—to see, listen, and respond to the constant presence of grace all around 02:11.

This episode invites all to stop “plucking blackberries” and instead, to look for the glory ever-present in the mundane, rediscovering faith not as an instrument to fix, but as a song to live.

In this inspiring episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson welcomes the multifaceted and ever-energetic Brad Miller, a retired United Methodist clergy whose dedication to ministry and media has only expanded in retirement. Miller shares insights from his years of creativity in service, his pivot into podcasting, and his commitment to “meaningful media”—producing positive, transformative content that touches listeners' lives.

Here are three key takeaways from today’s conversation:

1. Retirement Isn’t the End—It’s a New Beginning

Miller illustrates that retirement from formal ministry can be a launching point rather than a stopping place. While no longer leading a congregation week-to-week, he actively seeks new ways to serve and create. From starting podcasts rooted in real-life experience to engaging communities through innovative projects, Speaker B is a testament to lifelong vocation and the value of adapting one’s calling to new seasons of life (02:40, 11:17).

2. Healing Through Humor and Faith

After a personal cancer diagnosis, Miller was motivated to start "Cancer and Comedy," a unique podcast blending therapeutic humor with faith-based reflection. He describes how laughter and a “cheerful heart” (inspired by Proverbs 17:22) can bring healing, hope, and perspective during the darkest moments. The podcast features candid conversations with survivors, doctors, comedians, and experts, always concluding with a devotional segment that infuses faith into the journey of coping with adversity (04:03, 05:08, 05:39).

3. Transformation Thrives on Innovation and Risk

Throughout his ministry—and now in media—Miller has leaned into innovation. From Christian rock bands and worship in movie theaters to digital daily devotionals ("The Daily Bible Refresh") and a beloved Santa-themed podcast, his philosophy is simple: “New people are attracted to new things.” He urges leaders to courageously experiment and create space for transformation, even if some ideas don’t always succeed. For Miller, the drive is always about life-change and helping people flourish through fresh, relevant approaches (13:16, 14:02, 14:19).

Links Mentioned:

• Cancer and Comedy
• Daily Bible Refresh / Voice of God Daily

In this reflective "Because" episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson explores the evolving nature of parish life, the power of faith expressed beyond institutional boundaries, and the temptation to focus on perfecting forms rather than embracing the messy, vibrant reality of faith in action. Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful analogy, the episode invites listeners to reconsider how they recognize and respond to the spiritual rhythms that pulse through ordinary and extraordinary moments alike.

Three Key Takeaways1. Parishes Transcend Geography and Time

Traditionally, parishes were bound by geographic markers—literal boundaries walked and declared as a community's responsibility. Amerson notes at 00:15 and 00:40 that these bounds have become far more flexible over time. The modern reality is that “parishes” may form around shared experiences, relationships, or causes, transcending physical space—sometimes lasting decades, sometimes meeting virtually. This shift encourages communities of faith to see their reach, purpose, and responsibility in much broader terms than just a defined patch of land.

2. The Music of Faith is More Than Its Instruments

A recurring metaphor in the episode is the distinction between the “music” of faith and the “instrument” of the church or institution (01:02, 03:39). Speaker A reminds us that the vibrancy of faith cannot be contained or defined solely by our organizational structures. He recounts the spontaneous singing and solidarity displayed on the streets of Minneapolis in 2026 following tragic events (01:19). These outpourings of faith and hope transcended institutional and denominational lines, reminding listeners that the true witness of faith is often found when the community moves beyond scripted rituals and engages with the world’s joys and sorrows.

3. Heaven is “Crammed” into Ordinary Life—If Only We Notice

Drawing on Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poetry, Amerson challenges the practice of searching for singular “glory sightings” as an impoverished way to acknowledge God’s abundance (04:24). He suggests that instead of limiting our perception to occasional, dramatic moments, we should cultivate an attentiveness to the sacred embedded in everyday life. Taking off one’s shoes in awe, rather than “plucking blackberries,” becomes a metaphor for spiritual attentiveness and humility (05:17). The episode closes with an encouragement: practice listening for the music and let the fullness of faith arise, not just within set boundaries or routines, but everywhere.

For those seeking to deepen their perspective on spiritual community and the lived reality of faith, this episode provides nourishing insights and gentle provocations.

Show Notes: To Be and Do

Guest: Jonathan Massimi, Managing Director at Civic Bloom

Host: Phil Amerson

Episode Overview

In this reflective episode, Jonathan Massimi delves into the complexities of leadership transitions within faith communities. Drawing from his experiences in Kitchener, Ontario and the frameworks of asset-based community development (ABCD), Jonathan Massimi and Phil Amerson explore how structure and spontaneity coexist, the role of institutional frameworks, and the spiritual metaphors that help communities grow through moments of uncertainty.

Three Key Takeaways1. The Importance and Paradox of Structure During Transitions

Jonathan Massimi shares vivid examples highlighting the tension between hierarchical “triangles” (formal structures) and communal “circles” (relational communities) 04:18. In times of transition—like the recent resignation of a pastor—faith communities face instability, uncertainty, and competing reactions: worry, excitement, nostalgia, and power dynamics among those who step up to fill leadership gaps 01:23. Jonathan Massimi argues that while circles foster participation and community, some structure is necessary to provide direction and prevent the loudest voices from dominating 05:12. The challenge, he notes, is finding the right “geometry”—using structure not to restrict but to “prop up” healthy circles, akin to an ice cream cone supporting the scoop 13:29.

2. Balancing Inclusion and Leadership Ownership

The episode discusses how leadership in communities is most effective when it invites widespread participation while maintaining clear roles. Phil Emerson offers a personal anecdote involving servant leadership expert Robert Greenleaf, who taught that strong leaders must include others in leadership to prevent disconnect or overreach 08:32. Jonathan Massimi reinforces this by pointing out the hazards of unchecked individual ownership (like the person who controls a church kitchen to the exclusion of all others) 10:48. Effective community renewal requires both acknowledging internal gifts and welcoming external talents in a dynamic, ongoing balance.

3. Spiritual Metaphors: Breathing and the Table

Jonathan Massimi introduces metaphors of “breathing” and “the table” to express the rhythm of community life and faith 12:41. Healthy communities inhale (welcome new energy from outside) and exhale (release their own gifts to the wider world), creating cycles of growth 13:01. The conversation culminates with the image of the table, especially as seen in the Emmaus Road story, as a powerful place of revelation and belonging 16:26. These metaphors invite listeners to reconsider familiar religious practices and symbols as avenues for inclusion, transformation, and ongoing discovery.

Listen for practical wisdom on navigating organizational change, spiritual renewal, and the enduring tension between structure and freedom in community life.

https://civicbloom.ca/