Un-Tied Methodism

Hear the story of Gulfside Assembly, where, 100 years ago, swampy Mississippi acreage was transformed into a retreat center that provided spiritual, educational and recreational facilities to Blacks who were denied access elsewhere because of segregation. Dr. Ashley Boggan D. chats with Cheryl Thompson, Gulfside Assembly’s executive director, about the renaissance happening at this historical landmark of The United Methodist Church.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Dr. Ashley Boggan D. welcomes Dr. Christopher Evans to discuss the remarkable and energetic Frances Willard. Willard, a cradle Methodist, was one of the most widely known people in America during her lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on not only Methodist history but U.S. history as an American educator, women’s suffragist and national president of Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. She is credited with being instrumental in the passage of the 18th and 19th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, welcomes Bishop Ernest Lyght and Bishop Forrest Stith, to “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss the years 1968-1972, a quadrennium filled with hopes, plans and disappointments for Black Methodists, and learn why United Methodism’s greatest challenges of cultural diversity and connectionalism are also the denomination’s greatest strengths.

“Do not imagine that you can avoid giving offense,” John Wesley tells the People called Methodists. This advice, along with four other nuggets of wisdom continues to serve as good words to us as we live out our lives and spread the love of God.

Dr. Ted A. Campbell, the Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at SMU Perkins School of Theology, joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. on today’s episode.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with presenting the first Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve in the early 1200s. Fast forward to the 21st century when Christmas pageants haven’t veered too far from the 13th century version with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and a few animals.

Inspired by slam poetry, Rev. Katy Shedlock, United Methodist clergy, church planter and co-pastor at The Creator’s Table in Spokane, Washington, decided to change it up. In the “Deleted Scenes Christmas Pageant,” Shedlock puts the spotlight on Mary, filling in the unknown parts of the traditional story with an unconventional narrative that highlights Mary as a powerful, fierce teen woman.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with presenting the first Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve in the early 1200s. Fast forward to the 21st century when Christmas pageants haven’t veered too far from the 13th century version with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and a few animals.

Inspired by slam poetry, Rev. Katy Shedlock, United Methodist clergy, church planter and co-pastor at The Creator’s Table in Spokane, Washington, decided to change it up. In the “Deleted Scenes Christmas Pageant,” Shedlock puts the spotlight on Mary, filling in the unknown parts of the traditional story with an unconventional narrative that highlights Mary as a powerful, fierce teen woman.

Earlier in November, 13 new bishops were elected to serve The UMC across the U.S. Learn when bishops first became part of the denominational narrative, why Francis Asbury changed their title from general superintendent and more episcopal history when the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Williams, former general secretary of Archives & History, joins this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism.”

Earlier in November, 13 new bishops were elected to serve The UMC across the U.S. Learn when bishops first became part of the denominational narrative, why Francis Asbury changed their title from general superintendent and more episcopal history when the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Williams, former general secretary of Archives & History, joins this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism.”

In this special episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” we partner with United Methodist Communication’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast to talk about the importance of Charles Wesley. When it comes to John and Charles Wesley, oftentimes in Methodist history, John gets the focus. But what about Charles? What was he like? How did he contribute to Methodist history, Methodist theology and the legacy of Methodism as it has grown around the world?

Guest: The Rev. Dr. Paul W. Chilcote is a retired United Methodist elder and professor of historical theology and Wesleyan studies who has taught on three continents. An award-winning author, he has published nearly thirty books, including “Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit, A Faith That Sings” and “Recapturing the Wesleys’ Vision.” He is a Benedictine Oblate of Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedictine, Oregon. Chilcote most recently served as interim director of the Centre for Global Wesleyan at Cambridge University.

Hosts: Dr. Ashley Boggan D., General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. She earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of “Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights” (2020) and “Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality” (2018).

Crystal Caviness, manager, member content development for United Methodist Communications and communicator for General Commission on Archives and History. Caviness is host of “Get Your Spirit In Shape,” a podcast for members of The United Methodist Church.

The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women marks its 50th anniversary on Sept. 15, celebrating a half century of advocating for the full inclusion of women in church life as well as helping to promote sexual ethics. General Secretary Dawn Wiggens Hare discusses the history of the organization, its impact, and where she envisions the organization going in the next 50 years.

Guest: Dawn Wiggins Hare currently serves as General Secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, a position she has held since 2013. She is an attorney and was the first woman elected in the 35th judicial circuit as circuit judge in Monroeville, Alabama. She has also served as a delegate to the last four General Conferences.

Host: Dr. Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. Dreff earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights (2020) and Entangled: A History of American Methodism, Politics, and Sexuality (2018).