Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast

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We know that exercise and good nutrition help keep us physically healthy. Unfortunately, we don’t always follow through. Our spiritual lives are similar. We know what we need to grow as Christians, but sometimes we struggle. Get Your Spirit in Shape is a free, 30-minute, monthly podcast from United…

United Methodist Communications

Nashville, Tennessee


    • May 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 184 EPISODES

    4.8 from 60 ratings Listeners of Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast that love the show mention: spiritual, joe, morning, god, sure, enjoyed, perfect, found, work, thanks, life, love, great, get your spirit, spirit in shape.


    Ivy Insights

    The Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast is truly a gem among the vast world of podcasts. As a relatively new podcast listener, stumbling upon this show has been a delightful surprise. I have found solace and inspiration in listening to this podcast as I walk my dog in the morning and evening. It has become an integral part of my daily routine, helping me focus on finding peace and personal growth.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the way it brings together various voices and stories from all over the world. The episodes feature interviews with inspiring individuals who share their experiences of faith and how God is using them to further his work. Each episode offers a unique perspective on love, worship, and God's presence in our everyday lives. I particularly enjoyed Matt Rawle's episode where he beautifully related love, worship, and God's work in our lives.

    Another wonderful aspect of this podcast is its accessibility and relatability. The episodes are typically around 30 minutes long, making them perfect for quick listens during morning runs or work commutes. The host is a skilled interviewer who knows how to draw out captivating stories from the guests and deliver them to the listeners with sincerity. The topics are well-chosen and appropriate for the season, offering spiritually uplifting content that resonates with many.

    However, one downside to this podcast is its frequency of release. While I understand that producing quality content takes time, I can't help but wish for more frequent episodes. As someone who thoroughly enjoys every episode, I find myself eagerly awaiting each new release. Although weekly episodes would be satisfactory, I can't help but imagine how amazing it would be if they were released daily.

    In conclusion, The Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast is an incredible source of inspiration, insight, and training for the soul. It provides a refreshing experience through its variety of subjects and its ability to showcase how God is present and at work in our lives. The podcast offers relatable and spiritually uplifting content in a digestible format. Despite my desire for more frequent episodes, I am immensely grateful for this show and hope that many more people discover it. Thank you to the host and the team behind this podcast for creating such a wonderful listening experience.



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    Latest episodes from Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast

    Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 31:56


    Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us  as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our … Continue reading "Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action"

    Covering a worldwide church: Journalism with integrity and heart

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 45:42


    To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church's story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question … Continue reading "Covering a worldwide church: Journalism with integrity and heart"

    Mary Magdalene: The Resurrection’s first witness

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 18:05


    All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene's key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus' most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more closely not only teaches us the truth, but also shows that her story can serve as a guide … Continue reading "Mary Magdalene: The Resurrection’s first witness"

    Turning the world upside down with ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 50:32


    It's time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available … Continue reading "Turning the world upside down with ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality'"

    Sophia Wisdom: Little known gift for big transformation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 25:14


    Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understanding of wisdom and transform our conversations, relationships and lives. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available … Continue reading "Sophia Wisdom: Little known gift for big transformation"

    Taking faith into the legislature: A politician’s story

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 31:24


    Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advocate who engages with her community, city boards, commissions and church to tackle pressing issues … Continue reading "Taking faith into the legislature: A politician’s story"

    Serving a community with unity, resilience and love

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 41:49


    Discover how love has unified a Los Angeles community through decades of civil unrest, gentrification and natural disasters when the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin shares the story of Holman United Methodist Church, an historic church embodying its Wesleyan heritage as a center for community organizing and worship. More information and a full transcript of this conversation … Continue reading "Serving a community with unity, resilience and love"

    Doodle your way to a deeper faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 27:02


    Discover how to doodle your way to a divine connection during Lent or at any time when the Rev. Stephanie Dunn shares practical tips for integrating creativity into your spiritual journey from her new book, “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent.” More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn … Continue reading "Doodle your way to a deeper faith"

    Holy Week: A tapestry of sacred stories in ‘The Final Days'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 32:35


    In a study for Lent from the Rev. Matt Rawle, “The Final Days: A Lenten Journey through the Gospels” explores the themes of justice, poverty, freedom and love woven throughout the sacred stories of Jesus' last days on earth. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or … Continue reading "Holy Week: A tapestry of sacred stories in ‘The Final Days'"

    Meet Bishop Kristin Stoneking

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 35:48


    As a part of the “Meet a bishop” series, discover how Bishop Kristin Stoneking, the newly-elected bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference, lives into her call by striving to be an humble learner as she communicates the church’s message in a changing world. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. … Continue reading "Meet Bishop Kristin Stoneking"

    When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 20:51


    ‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you're feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving. Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season for some folks and shares a guided meditation that acknowledges that you might feel blue at this time of … Continue reading "When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope"

    Transform your faith: From believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 37:04


    What if, instead of having faith in Jesus, you had the faith of Jesus? Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, who has integrated the Jewish faith of her birth with her chosen identity as a United Methodist, urges all of us to embrace our inner divinity to live a more purposeful life, one in which we move beyond simply believing … Continue reading "Transform your faith: From believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus"

    ‘A Full-Hearted Life’: Walking in wisdom and love

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 43:02


    Always being joyful and finding meaning in life can be challenging for many of us.  In his new book, “A Full-Hearted Life: Following Jesus in This Secular Age,” Bishop Jake Owensby offers a guide for navigating our culture's complexities by encouraging us to embrace our true selves, cultivate genuine relationships and walk through life as … Continue reading "‘A Full-Hearted Life’: Walking in wisdom and love"

    Training wild mustangs: A guide to harmonious living

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 36:48


    Clarity, consistency, communication and compassion. Learn how the 4 Cs that Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill used to train wild mustangs guides us in building authentic relationships across cultures. Today's “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is the second in a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of … Continue reading "Training wild mustangs: A guide to harmonious living"

    Sacred Journeys: Weaving Navajo spirituality with Wesleyan faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 26:40


    When the Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a seminary student, the Navajo holy man knew he had found his denominational home. Discover how Wesleyan discipleship aligns with indigenous spirituality and how understanding both can lead to a more welcoming church. Today's “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part one of … Continue reading "Sacred Journeys: Weaving Navajo spirituality with Wesleyan faith"

    Diversity in The UMC: Telling our stories leads to unity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 30:21


    As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz reminds us of the importance of listening to one another's stories and respecting one another's journeys as we live into a diverse and inclusive church that encompasses a rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latine heritage in the U.S. More information and a full transcript … Continue reading "Diversity in The UMC: Telling our stories leads to unity"

    Embracing Diversity in a World Where Racism is the “Air We Breathe”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 37:44


    “Racism is the air we breathe, the water we swim in,” says the Rev.  Dr. Donnell FitzJeffries. In this conversation about the complexities of racism, and the challenges of honest conversations, we are encouraged to be “holy surprised” at how the church an lead the way to be transformed by our collective diversity. More information … Continue reading "Embracing Diversity in a World Where Racism is the “Air We Breathe”"

    Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother's story

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 43:57


    In a poignant and powerful conversation about faith and loss, Julie Hilliard Wood, a lifelong United Methodist, shares her family's story of how homophobia and rejection within the church had devastating consequences and reminds us of how critically important it is to create safe and loving spaces for all of God's children. More information and … Continue reading "Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother’s story"

    Blessed are the peacemakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 43:38


    Even as we believe our differences are our downfall, scripture tells us that diversity is the source of our beauty. The Rev. Beth Crissman discusses the Purple Church Initiative, a guide to harmony that challenges us to take up Jesus' call to be ambassadors of peace, and how, as John Wesley taught, to be of … Continue reading "Blessed are the peacemakers"

    Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 40:25


    We live in a delight-deficient world, one where we, as adults, are driven to be productive and where play is seldom prioritized. The Rev. Tyler Strange reminds us that soul care means living from the inside out and that by rediscovering joy, we can unlock a playful spirit. More information and a full transcript of … Continue reading "Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world"

    Safeguarding safe spaces: A UM firefighter's ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024


    Protecting sacred spaces is a passion for Selena Ruth Smith. A firefighter and deaconess, the cradle United Methodist shares tips for how all of us can promote fire safety in our local congregations. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org Connect … Continue reading "Safeguarding safe spaces: A UM firefighter’s ministry"

    Conservative pastor focuses on common mission amid differences

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 23:18


    A lifelong United Methodist and career minister who describes himself as “conservative” discusses how, rather than focus on differences within the denomination, he concentrates on the common mission to make disciples, a space that supports The UMC's “big tent” distinction. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question […]

    Following a ‘holy nudge' from self-doubt to self-discovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024


    Discover how a “holy nudge” led Jordan Cramer on a journey from self-doubt to self-discovery while earning his Master of Divinity degree. The cradle United Methodist's story of commitment and faith reveals God's transformative power available to all of us. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question […]

    Nurturing mental wellness: Embracing inclusivity for all

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 30:45


    Mental wellness is a spectrum where each of us resides. Creating inclusive and diverse spaces so all of us can feel safe regardless of where we fall on the spectrum is a primary focus at First United Methodist Church in Holland, Michigan. First UMC's director of education Jill DeJonge shares her own story of growing […]

    ‘Life after Doom': A Guide to a Better Church, a Better World

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 40:50


    “Never waste a good crisis,” Winston Churchill was quoted as saying. In Brian McLaren's new book, “Life After Doom,” the pastor, author and American theologian urges us to confront the multifaceted crisis facing the world, especially climate change, political polarization, religious supremacy and growing economic inequality. With The United Methodist Church navigating its own crisis […]

    The path to General Conference: One delegate's story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 31:04


    Jessica Vittorio is a lawyer by trade, someone who spends her workdays amid conflict and difficult settings. As a lay delegate at the upcoming General Conference, the lifelong United Methodist knows the business of the church also can be challenging at times. But what she has found while preparing for the denomination's largest legislative gathering […]

    God's gift, our responsibility

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 35:11


    In late 2023, the Rev. Emily Carroll from Shady Grove United Methodist Church in rural Louisiana, traveled to the United Arab Emirates to meet up with 100,000 attendees of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Rev. Emily shares about her experience, the hopeful takeaways and what we all can do to be better stewards of […]

    Retirement + power tools + RV = NOMADS

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 33:29


    A nomadic life may conjure images of aimlessly traveling with no sense of destination. For lifelong United Methodists Tammy and Rodney Ripley, who have been NOMADS for several years, their lives are far from aimless and destinations are denomination-related churches, camps and other sites where the couple joins fellow retirees to offer hope in the […]

    Discovering thin places: How to encounter God in everyday life

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 33:16


    The phrase, “thin places,” dates back to the ancient Celts who used it to describe those times when we feel closest to the God, as if the veil between the natural world and spiritual world becomes very thin. The Rev. Jane Ellen Nickell discusses how to discover these sacred spaces in our own lives where […]

    Love yourself: A fresh perspective on 1 Corinthians 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 32:25


    1 Corinthians Chapter 13 often is referred to as the “love chapter.” Following the verses as a checklist of what love is, we might find that we're better at loving others than we are at loving ourselves. But to practice the commandment that Jesus calls out as the second most important – Love your neighbor […]

    Meet Bishop Tom Berlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 36:38


    This “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part of our “Meet a bishop” series. Bishop Tom Berlin, a lifelong United Methodist who grew up near Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, credits his local church with creating a strong sense of community in his life. Following a call when he was a summer camp counselor, the 2022 […]

    Wellness in 2024: Divine inspiration meets Wesleyan wisdom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 32:38


    The topic of health and wellness isn't new to the 21st century. Numerous Scriptures encourage us to take care of ourselves, reminding us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote a book on the topic titled “Primitive Physick,” and encouraged 18th century clergy to both […]

    GC worship leader blends diversity and ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 26:16


    Serving as worship leader at The United Methodist Church's General Conference is a feat that Raymond Trapp is embracing by offering music that both showcases the diversity of the church and also meets people at their point of need. Trapp shares insights into his musical strategy, his selfcare routine for the 11-day event and how […]

    United Methodists combat HIV/AIDS with compassion and action

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 33:21


    HIV and AIDS aren't in the news much anymore as the western world has gained access to life-saving medications and cases have decreased. Despite the good news, the worldwide HIV/AIDS pandemic still exists, with the World Health Organization reporting a startling statistic: Of those people living with AIDS who don't receive treatment, 95 percent die. […]

    Being United Methodist: A guide and celebration

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 34:57


    Let's celebrate being United Methodists! That single sentiment is the overarching message from a trio of United Methodist pastors – Andy Langford, Sally Langford, Ann Langford Duncan – whose new book, titled “Being United Methodist Christians,” reflects on the history and theology amid worldwide diversity, and urges members to embrace our unique contributions and be […]

    Empathy: The key to showing God's love in a complex world

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 36:14


    Navigating through the complexities of current conflicts, like the one between Israel and Hamas, can be challenging. The Rev. Dr. Ron Bell discusses how empathy, meaningful action and making room to see the humanity of others can help us rise above the political and news-driven narratives to model Christ's love in a polarized world. More […]

    Unwrapping the sights and sounds of Christmas with Matt Rawle

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 49:40


    Christmastime is filled with sights, sounds, tastes and smells. United Methodist minister and author Matt Rawle shares how our sensory experiences of Christmas can deepen our connection to the season's narrative and help us create a more meaningful Advent. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or […]

    Personal discipleship: The move from passive to active

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 29:04


    Personal discipleship is more than attending Sunday School and reading the Bible. The Rev. Stacey Harwell-Dye shares her thoughts on how following Jesus can move us into action in our churches and our communities. Today's episode, which marks the 150th episode for “Get Your Spirit in Shape,” was recorded as part of the 2023 United […]

    Moving beyond limited words for a limitless God

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 25:07


    Words matter – even the ones we use when we talk about God – or perhaps especially the ones we use to talk about God. Meg Lassiat from The United Methodist Church's General Commission on the Status and Role of Women discusses how words can limit or expand our relationship with God and how Scripture […]

    Quests, community and faith: Online gaming with a mission

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 42:49


    Sharing our faith where people commonly gather is a concept as old as John Wesley. The Rev. Dr. Adam Sowder believes, if Wesley were alive today, the founder of Methodism definitely would be gaming on Twitch, chatting on Discord and streaming his sermons across social media. Methodist Gaming, which Adam started, is an online community […]

    Confronting trauma, building resilience

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 31:30


    Trauma is universal and trauma, especially unaddressed, can affect how we engage with one another both inside and outside of our church communities. The Rev. Christy Miller White discusses how our behaviors can bring healing and offers practical tips for helping others and ourselves develop resiliency to live with trauma. More information and a full […]

    Courageous conversations: Why kindness beats niceness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 32:01


    Courageous conversations have nothing to do with being nice and everything to do with being kind, gentle and loving. The Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes of The United Methodist Church's Discipleship Ministries asserts that engaging in structured dialogues of learning – or courageous conversations – could create space for the most radical hospitality of all, a […]

    A poetic journey to healing with Stephon Void

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 29:18


    Crying out in grief. Thanking God for mercy. Asking for strength. Like a psalmist, Stephon Void used poetry to express how he felt as he navigated his father's terminal cancer diagnosis, as well as his own chronic health concerns. Stephon's new book, “A Healing Journey,” chronicles the cradle United Methodist's path that eventually brought him […]

    Meet Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 39:08


    When Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth was 9 year old, he prayed aloud at his small Alabama church, resulting in a standing ovation. His grandma then squeezed his cheeks and proclaimed that her grandson would preach one day. Though he was intent on becoming an architect, a stint in the U.S. Air Force set the teen on […]

    Anti-racism work: Intentional learning, intentional action with Andrea Gauldin-Rubio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 31:00


    United Methodist Andrea Gauldin-Rubio, a white woman who grew up in the rural south, shares about examining biases and recognizing white privilege, while acknowledging that anti-racism work should be ongoing and focused as much on action as on education. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or […]

    Understanding justice through a faith lens with ViaFaith McCullough

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 25:20


    At a young age, ViaFaith McCullough learned that people are more than their circumstances. After spending a summer as a college intern with The United Methodist Church's General Board of Church and Society, this cradle United Methodist discovered a deeper understanding of justice and found that, when we work together, even our simplest ideas can […]

    From depression to joy: One man's story with Pete Wright

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 29:56


    People have told Pete Wright that, from the outside, his life looked trouble-free: loving wife and kids, fulfilling career, all the signs of success. On the inside, Pete has struggled for years with chronic depression. He shares the story of his journey, from a place where he once attempted suicide to discovering joy in the […]

    The Healing Power of God's Creation with Beth Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 30:40


    Many of us seek God in the natural world, whether we backpack in the mountains, walk through a forest or relax by a lake. The Rev. Beth Jones shares how the discipline of slowing down and noticing God’s creation has the ability to heal us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as well as repair and renew […]

    Meet Bishop David Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 36:27


    In this special “Meet a bishop” episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape,” we meet the Rev. David Wilson who recently made history as the first Native American to be elected as bishop of The UMC. Bishop Wilson tells us how growing up in The UMC prepared him for his current ministry role, the highest […]

    Jesus' path from pain to triumph: a guided meditation with Cindy Serio

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 23:32


    Pause for a few quiet moments to ponder the events of Jesus’ final hours on earth through the contemplative spiritual discipline of guided meditation. The Rev. Cindy Serio, a retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director, leads us in a special meditation for Good Friday, helping us stay attentive to God’s invitation to us. […]

    Grief and compassion for such a time as this with Linda Holbrook

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 21:47


    United Methodists may feel grief as the denomination experiences disaffiliations. A spiritual director shares tips for healing while explaining why compassion is needed during this fragile time.

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