Hoosier United Methodist Podcast

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/we-dont-give-a-damn-about-the-poor/ (https://www.inumc.org/bishop/we-dont-give-a-damn-about-the-poor/)

test captivate

In Episode 041 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Rev. Glenn Knepp about the article A Taxonomy of United Methodist Centrists. which he authored in the online publication United Methodist Insight. https://um-insight.net/perspectives/a-taxonomy-of-united-methodist-centrists_1/. Glenn talks to Brad about his call to ministry his involvement in the church through his local church and the Indiana Annual Conference and his views on the state of the United Methodist Church. In particular Brad and Glenn discuss his article where he takes on the topic of analyzing and breaking down his understanding of centrists in the United Methodist Church. He uses the term taxonomy to describe the categorization of the myriad of approaches many UMCs take who would neither self-describe themselves as traditionalists or progressives in the ongoing dilemma in the UMC but do know they prefer a path which seeks to find more common ground over those who see division in the church. They are the rather large group of people called “Centrists.” This is fascinating discussion on the very nature of our beloved United Methodist Church done in a clever way which wordsmiths the various approaches which is a part of the present dilemma of division in the United Methodist church as we face the probability of schism in the near future. The conversation that Glenn and Brad have in Episode 041 of The United Methodist People Podcast will give food for thought to the listener who loves the United Methodist Church - particularly to those who identify as “Centrist.” November 2020 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller The Article: “A Taxonomy of United Methodist Centrists” https://um-insight.net/perspectives/a-taxonomy-of-united-methodist-centrists_1/

In Episode 040 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller interviews Rev. Todd Outcalt the author of “Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem.”   The book is a daily devotional guide from Advent through Epiphany emphasizing the pilgrimage journey of that all people take through Advent to Christmas to Epiphany following the biblical narrative of the journey of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.   Brad and Todd talk about the book in the light of the challenging journey most people are facing 2020 in a time of pandemic, social and political unrest and stresses in the church.    The conversation is deep and introspective and will be helpful to not only readers of the book but also to people looking for pragmatic ways to navigate challenging pilgrimages in their own life and take heart in the anticipation, inspiration, hope and wonder of the Advent, Christmas, Epiphany story through this engaging conversation.   The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.    Rev. Dr. Brad Miller October 2020     https://www.cokesbury.com/Let-Us-Go-Now-to-Bethlehem   https://upperroombooks.com/book/let-us-go-now-to-bethlehem/   https://www.amazon.com/Todd-Outcalt/e/B000APJLDW?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vu00_tkin_p1_i0

Rev. Mike Mather is Rev. Dr. Brad Millers guest on Episode 037 of The United Methodist People Podcast.      Mike is the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado after serving 17 years in the inner city of Indianapolis at Broadway United Methodist Church.   He is the author of ““Having Nothing,  Possessing Everything: Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places” which chronicles much about his ministry at Broadway.   In this deep conversation Mike reveals many of the transformative aspects of urban ministry which he describes as ministry on the edge of a knife.   The focus of the conversation was around recognizing the dignity of the ministry of all persons in and around the local church and not depending on corporate programs to do ministry.      Mike and Brad share many stories of ministry and the people which you will find engaging on Episode 037 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   https://fumcboulder.org/ mikedmather@gmail.com https://www.cokesbury.com/Having-Nothing,-Possessing-Everything  

On Episode 036 of The United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius Trimble talk with Dr. Paul Chilcote retired United Methodist Theologian about his book “Active Faith: Resisting Four Dangerous Ideologies with the Wesleyan Way”   PAUL CHILCOTE is a devoted follower of Jesus, a United Methodist minister, missionary and artist. A frequent speaker and workshop leader in applied Wesleyan studies, particularly in the areas of spirituality, worship, discipleship, and evangelism, he is the author of twenty books.   He has been involved in theological education on three Continents, serving as a missionary in Kenya, and as a founding faculty member of Africa University in Zimbabwe.   His primary interests revolve around Wesleyan theology and spirituality. He has always had a concern to bring Charles Wesley out from under the shadow of his older brother, John. He has published a number of devotional works and has helped rediscover the legacy of many women in Christian history, particularly Methodists.   He is past President of The Charles Wesley Society and the Academy for Evangelism, and enjoys a special relationship with Mt. Angel Abbey in Oregon as a Benedictine Oblate. With his wife, Janet, he has five daughters (Sandy, Rebekah, Anna, Mary, and Ruth) and four grandchildren (Alyssa, Collin, Levi, and Isabella). Having children or sons-in-law born in El Salvador, Kenya, Korea, and the United States, his family spans four continents.   The mission of The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary and is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller August 6, 2020

Dr. Phil Amerson president emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary joins Dr. Brad Miller and Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 33 of The United Methodist People Podcast. Dr. Amerson has spent his career writing, teaching and speaking about racism, institutional leadership, urban community development and the role of congregations in addressing poverty and discrimination. Dr. Amerson speaks about his early faith development as a “cradle” United Methodist attending many revivals growing up.  He talks about the definition transformative experience he had in ministering in Harlem and Panama had on his views on justice and poverty. He tells a fascinating story getting to know members of the Ku Klux Klan personally and helping lead them bring a most unique offering into a worship experience. Dr Amerson and Bishop Trimble engaged in an in depth discussion about Black Lives Matter and social justice issues in our country and in the United Methodist Church.  A major focus of the conversation was around taking time to listen to others before taking action.  Indeed, Dr Amerson cited his research which showed that the worst way to address racial bigotry is to preach a sermon about it. The emphasis is how we don’t know each other.  We have to listen to understand the depth of the problem and then act. Dr. Amerson and Bishop Trimble pointed to signs of hope in the United Methodist Church in the call and the involvement of young clergy and leaders who are speaking a prophetic word to the church and looking to creation out of chaos. The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.   The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller July 6, 2020   https://www.inumc.org/bishop/ https://philipamerson.com/about/

On Episode 033 of The United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Bishop Julius Trimble and Dr. Carolyn Johnson for a discussion about racial justice and relationships in the United States the world and in the United Methodist Church.   Bishop Julius Trimble is has served as the resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church since 2016.   Dr. Carolyn Johnson is the Associate Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at Purdue University and is active nationally in Black Methodist for Church Renewal is a past national president of United Methodist Women and a member of St Andrew’s UMC in West Lafayette Indiana.   Bishop Trimble and Dr. Johnson share their views of the state of the world regarding racial relations since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.    In particular Dr. Johnson spoke about how Mr Floyd has gained respect in death which was not afforded to in life.  She went on to describe about the how the movement sparked by the death of Mr. Floyd has caused all people see racial relationships and injustice through a “new lens.”   The new lens goes to emphasis with people of all races that racism is real and not some sort of figment of the imagination.    Dr. Johnson called on folk to not be observers but to be participants in the cause of racial justice.   She also discussed how the statement Black Lives Matter is a plea  to be heard and is not an indictment that devalues the lives of others.   She sees signs of hope in the ability of people to be morally outraged by racial injustice and say “no more.”   Bishop Trimble concluded the conversation by referring to 1 Corinthians 12 as a challenge in how United Methodist should speak to the matter of racial injustice.   The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the mission of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   https://www.purdue.edu/dro/ https://www.inumc.org/bishop/ unitedmethodistpodcast.com

In Episode 032 of The United Methodist People Podcast Bishop Julius Trimble speaks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller about his reaction and reflections on racism in the light of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis MN on May 25 by police officers and the subsequent nationwide marches and protests for civil rights, racial equality and police accountability.      Bishop Trimble speaks about his own experiences as a black man in experiencing racism and describes how the matter of racism is systematic and is prevalent matter in the minds of all people of color.   He talks about his reaction to seeing the video of the killing of George Floyd and how it impacted himself and how he thought that event set into motion the protest for reform around the country.  He related how the killing has raised the consciousness of racism to the surface for while people.   Bishop Trimble went on to describe the biblical foundations for speaking to peace and justice and racism and  how our churches and clergy can step up their involvement in the movement to creating a beloved community.   He believe the the call that Black Lives Matter is a part of the role of Christians and the church to value the lives of all people and that a true beloved community cannot be created apart from this call.   Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Rev. Dr. Brad by challenging anglo clergy and laity to take the next steps of peace, justice and racial harmony by prophetic teaching and activism in their ministry context.   The Untied Methodist People podcast is created by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist church through conversation and commentary.   June 8 2020 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller  

Bishop Julius Trimble brings an encouraging word to the United Methodist People Podcast as he speaks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller about living an Aldersgate experience of a “heart strangely warmed” in an age of a pandemic.   Bishop Trimble speaks of his own spiritual conversion at church camp as a youth and the to challenges of the church providing the environment of spiritual experience in church camps and on our college campuses in the era of a pandemic.   Bishop also outlines some of the processes involved in getting churches prepared to come back together in personal worship through a plan of logistics, learnings and leadership.   Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Dr. Brad with a devotional message about developing a prayer movement in the church and there is no greater time to develop a choral movement of people committed to consistent prayer at all times and always. He encouraged all to respond in prayer to the question “What does it mean for us to be perfected in Christs Love?”   The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller for the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller May 11, 2020   www.inumc.org

Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble talks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on matters of fear and faith on Episode 028 of the United Methodist People Podcast.  Their conversation updated plans in the church related to dealing with the quarantine caused by the cover-19 pandemic.   A decision has been made to ask churches to continue to not meet in person into June.      Bishop and Brad then had a lengthy conversation about how the stress caused by the pandemic has lead to a culture of fear among some that the church needs to speak to.   Bishop believes that respect and room needs to be made for people to experience the reality of the fear prevalent in the pandemic.   He goes on to talk about the need to ask God to strengthen our faith as a repose to facing our fears.   Bishop talks about now is the time to lean into our United Methodist connections and use this opportunity to be the family of God and to be strong and courageous in the face of the fearful circumstances we find ourselves in.    The United Methodist People Podcast has the mission to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller May 4, 2020   inumc.org

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Indiana Area Bishop J Bishop Julius Trimble on Being Encouraged by the Bishop on Episode 27 of the United Methodist People Podcast. Bishop Trimble brings a word of scripture from Psalm 33:20 about trust that God is our help and shield in every time of trouble.  Bishop confirmed that due to the quarantine and pandemic that the earliest churches would be back into public worship would be May 17. 2020. Brad and Bishop go on to have a conversation about what a new normal might look like for the UMC moving forward beyond the pandemic.  In particular there was deep conversation about the impact and role younger clergy and younger people feeling the call to ministry are shaping the nature of the ministry of the church moving forward.  There was an emphasis on adaptive leadership among our young clergy highlighted by the need to not wast time on internal conflict and seek impactful ways to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in the new normal world. Bishop Trimble concluded his conversation with Dr. Brad with a devotional thought on the Wesleyan question: Is it well with your soul? The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and has a mission to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. April 27, 2020 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller unitedmethodistpodcast.com Indiana Annual Conference The United Methodist Church    

In Episode 026 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller continues his conversation with Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble on Be Encouraged by Bishop Trimble.   In the conversation Bishop Trimble brings updates on plans to reopen churches, annual conference and General Conference.    Moreover, Bishop Trimble goes into matters of how how clergy and churches can best use their time during a time of quarantine.   In particular he speaks to Dr. Brad about his personal spiritual disciplines and the impact of considering the Wesleyan question: “How is it with your soul?”   Bishop Trimble concludes his conversation with a devotional thought from James 3:7 regarding wisdom, peace and mercy in a time of pandemic closing with a prayer of blessing for the listener.   Be blessed by Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 26 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   The United Methodist People Podcast is a production of Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the mission of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller April 20, 2020   www.inumc.org

Easter 2020 was very unusual to say the least according to Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble.  Bishop Trimble was Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Be Encouraged by the Bishop on the United Methodist People Podcast.  Bishop Trimble shared how he spent his Easter attending four online worship experiences and recording an Easter sermon which was aired on television and online on Easter Sunday.  Of course the coronavirus pandemic caused the closure of almost all United Methodist Church buildings for Easter leaving most churches to worship in some sort of lifestream form. Bishop Trimble shared some of the key points from his Easter message:   -To not be afraid. -To come and see. -To go and tell.   Bishop Trimble then pointed to the ways that the church need to respond to impact of the pandemic on the future of worship, missions and ministry in the UMC.  He said in order to sustain ministry moving forward it will take strategic prayer and planning that will mean the church will need to be more effective and efficient in a new day post pandemic.   In order for new strategies to be implemented Bishop emphasized that collaborative effort need to ramped up and that kindness needs to become as viral as coronavirus.    Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Brad by giving a devotional thought about caring for one another moving forward as our brother and sister’s keeper and offering a prayer of encouragement.   The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller as a means to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   April 13, 2020   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller   inumc.org Brad Miller 0:00 Be encouraged with Bishop Julius treble. I'm Reverend Dr. Brad Miller, your host today are in the United Methodist people podcast and we are privileged to talk with Bishop treble here on the day after Easter. We are talking on April 13 of 2020. Today after Eastern So, Bishop, good morning, and how was Easter for you? Bishop Julius Trimble 0:21 Happy Easter granted, Easter was different. That's an understatement. I cannot recall any time in my life, having not been in church on Easter. That may have happened, but I don't recall that happening. And it was unusual. But it was also glorifying in the sense that that the message is still the same Jesus Christ is risen, risen indeed. And I heard that proclaimed on four different occasions on Easter because I was able to connect online with various worship services three through three United Methodist and one Africa. Methodist Episcopal worship service out of Cleveland with a former Associate Minister of mine. Brad Miller 1:09 Wow. So you got to Chris and various things you did. You're also they were experiencing how some churches are handling doing live streaming worship and things of this nature. And so we're trying to understand how to do that type of thing itself. But you also had the opportunity to share an Easter message yourself over Easter and it was televised in some local areas. Tell us a little bit about what it was like for you to preach on Easter, given the circumstances? Bishop Julius Trimble 1:39 Well, it's always I counted a privilege to preach anytime, Brad, especially on Easter. And frequently bishops don't often get invited to preach on Easter in the local congregation. But on occasion, there is an opportunity to to share the message of the risen Christ so that I was counted as a privilege. This is this is An unusual moment in history. We know that because the message I preached was pre recorded in a sanctuary that had three people in it. So not being physically together on Easter, the going in and out of churches is somewhat contributing to the dissonance and the and probably the discomfort that we have. Because part of the resurrection, Sunday is often the gathering and the fellowship that is that's associated with that, the emphasis on children and so forth. So it was a glorious Easter to proclaim the message of the risen Christ. And yet I recognize that many people, they experienced the Easter even though they had an opportunity to see it on television or online, they probably experienced something. Something was missing in that in that experience. Brad Miller 2:54 And so that's part of what we've got to try to navigate and figure out now but the message I want to touch on your message Just a minute because I think there are some points that I think are helpful to us and not from your Eastern message itself. And you really emphasize a couple of things that I thought were important to not be afraid to not be afraid. That's a Bishop Julius Trimble 3:14 big thing. That's a big problem. And at this moment, in fact, I've heard from several people, including some of my relatives who live across the country that never would have been able to hear me preach. Had I've been preaching in the local church in Indiana. And their response was, thank you for the message, especially the reminder that comes from Jesus and the angels at the tomb. And, and the whole of the gospel for us not to be afraid. I don't believe that, that this virus has caught God by surprise, nor any other crisis that we face. And God's message consistently is the same. And Jesus really hones in on that. In fact, I think that is part of the blessing of Easter is from not be afraid, life and death have been cared for by God. Brad Miller 4:05 And, well, if we really, truly, truly believe in the resurrection, then the matters of life and death itself are behind us. And now we move and move when we move forward. And that's part of what I wanted to talk to you about today. But I also know a couple things, things that your messages wanted to touch on, that I think are important to, to, to carry through with it not be afraid part is you said about to come and see that this is for us to discover for ourselves, the personal meaningfulness of this. Bishop Julius Trimble 4:34 Paul writes in First Corinthians, Dr. Bread, that, that if Christ has not been raised from the date our preaching is in vain. So I think the cornerstone of the gospel and our cost per message is that that the risen Christ God raised Jesus from the dead and And though we were not there on that first Resurrection Sunday, if you will. Because of the gospel, and because of the the lifeblood of the church, we're able still to come and see that God is present with us that God has been raised from that. And if, in fact, our, if God was Jesus was not raised from the dead, our preaching would be in vain. And we will be found to be false witnesses to the gospel that we that we claim to that we proclaim without apology. So I think we can still come and see. And maybe it may have been different, different, difficult yesterday on Easter, for people don't really see that message, because they're not doing it in the sense of the same community of being with people to celebrate. But the message is still the same. And it's still very powerful for us to come and see. And that is, that is what it means for us to walk by faith bread. Yes, yes. For us to walk by faith. Brad Miller 5:55 Well, it's helpful to have that affirmation and confirmation I was privileged to be go to the whole Atlantic cup. times and I went to the Garden Tomb is still empty, isn't it? The tomb is still empty. Bishop Julius Trimble 6:06 Whenever we come back I call my mother my wife can attest to this. And I, because my mother has long wanted to go to the whole van and not been able to do that. And I tell her, tell her she always wants to know if we get back safely. And then I say I'm calling to give my report that the film is still empty. And we say that with laughter but it's really sure yes, of faith as Brad Miller 6:29 well. Was that part of coming see to affirm and confirm this and I think there is maybe some even metaphorical understanding when in our churches were empty in terms of their physical buildings this Easter. Wow. And yet, Christ was still there, right. And crisis. Oh, there's cries of crisis, the church not not isolated to that building. But also the church dispersed into the various homes are places that people I know that in my online message, I had some people connected with me who were would normally connect with our with our Bishop Julius Trimble 7:01 with. I'm hearing that story all across Indiana. I'm sure that's the same case across the country and across the globe. There was a virtual choir that United Methodist choir that. I don't know if you saw that discipleship ministries, and I did. I did. Awesome. Awesome. It was just just wonderful to see that. So there's a lot that can be done with technology. But I think we also need to acknowledge some people probably were not able to connect. Brad Miller 7:28 Oh, yes, yeah. So this is our challenge moving forward. And it goes with a third point your message just wanted to touch on that you you said in your Eastern message to go and tell it's still our responsibility in spite of whatever obstacles are here to share the good news moving forward. So Bishop Julius Trimble 7:45 I'm back a little bit. If you think about the, the John's Gospel of the resurrection that that wasn't the focus of my preaching on Eastern Matthew, but if you go to the to the post resurrection appearance, Jesus calm To the disciples who are locked up in the house, they, in one sense, you could say they were on a state stay at home, they were in a stay at home and comes and says peace steel. So this notion that the church only is the church when we're gathered is really a misnomer because the church has always been on the move. And I think our message to go and make disciples our mission as United Methodist and as Christians is to share the gospel that we have been that we have received. So the golden tell is that it doesn't change based upon the Coronavirus we still have to find ways to go and tell the story entered entered priests sometimes if without using words, just witness and buyer compassion Brad Miller 8:51 will be can be the church gathered in and the church scattered as well done thanks. Don't get spread until we scatter them out there. So let's let's talk now Bishop about where we go from here. Easter is something we can for all Christians for all pastors, we all look forward to it. Yes, this was an incredibly different odd, strange Easter. And yet, it's still a high point for us. And now we have to sustain we have to live as the eastern people moving forward. And this may be a bit of a challenge because this Coronavirus thing has not been just a few week thing. It is an open ended type of thing and we we just don't know where we're going to go with this. And so let's, I just like to speak a little bit to where wherever the church can move forward now as we look to sustain kind of a new way of life and I'm talking about issues of worship, like we've talked about here a little bit and also pastoral care missions. A whole ball of wax give us some of your thoughts about how to sustain this new way of church. little longer term here, Bishop Julius Trimble 10:02 I think we really got to have to really enter into a period of a strategic prayer and strategic planning. The Indiana conference already had established with Blue Ribbon task force at our last annual conference. So we were, we are already in the process of looking at how we can be church differently, more efficiently and effectively going forward. Little did we know, we didn't know at all that this, this early strategic planning work would be impacted by us being forced to stay at home for a period of time. I believe that the corona virus isn't going to last forever. But it would have disrupted disrupted our church life in such a way that we really are going to have to rebound from it, but also adapt so that we go forward using more digital platforms, calling on people like yourself Dr. Brad Miller, who has been doing podcasts for a while to expand our message and our witness, find ways in which we can do increased online giving, we will be able to get back together, it's gonna be a matter of weeks, possibly months, but certainly a few more weeks at least. So what does that mean for us when we come back, so I think local congregations and certainly annual conferences as we are going to have to engage in a period of sustained strategic planning and adaptation to the new reality for the church life, fresh expressions, which are really ministries that are not just just traditional worshiping in the sanctuary ministries, I think is going to have to expand. The fact that our economy has has been rocked and unemployment is at a record all time high right now. impacts everything that we do in the church. We minister to people who work, minister to people who have families minister to people who are unemployed, minister to people who are underemployed. And so what does it mean for us? A nonprofit 501 c three charitable, Christian movement that's dependent upon offering to continue to go forward. So I think there's gonna be a rapid increase of churches being able to do online giving, and online stewardship education. And there also has to be a way for us to kind of break down our our silo mentality and ministry. He talked, I've been talking about this for years breath, but I think we're going to be forced to in in the immediate future, to find ways to collaborate in ministry ministry that we do as as well as outreach, but also ministry as well, what we're doing relative to worshiping and our ability to do things on digital platform's? Brad Miller 13:01 Well, as you mentioned, it believes that we're just going to be much more nimble and much more adaptable to new models of ministry, collaboration, churches working together, leadership, teams, various things. And we're going to have to implement, you know, we could talk about talking about talking about it, but some of this is going to be implemented, because we're going to have churches and clergy and situations that are going to hit a crisis here if they're not here for not already. So we have to have to do that. So let's talk a little bit about some decision making that kind of needs to go into process you've and this might be helpful to to our listeners as well. And that has to do with annual conference and about regarding when we meet, for instance, you know, you have asked us not to meet as churches through the month of April. And so that leaves open ended the month of May, for instance, and there's a lot of talk when when other from health officials and so on about the wisdom of that When can we expect some sort of decision or some sort of a leading from your office regarding that because here we are. We're this. We're midway through April now. So churches will need some direction on that. And then can you speak to that a little bit about the decision making process regarding our churches from the Congress perspective? Bishop Julius Trimble 14:19 So further beginning from the beginning of this Coronavirus pandemic and the way it has impacted Indiana, I've said this on a number of occasions. We want to make good decisions that we have control over after we prayed about it and deliberated. Do it as quickly as possible. Because some decisions won't be made by us. by us. I mean, the bishop, the church leadership, local pastors, and we saw that happen. Sure enough, not long after I said that, of course, others were saying that. Then governors began to institute stay at home orders and we're trying we try to listen to the doctors And scientists and health professionals in our governor and follow their follow his lead. I think it's not wise for us to anticipate going back to worship at the end of April just because that's already been said. So mine, I anticipate in the next week or so the next seven to 10 days at the latest of announcing my recommendation or whether or not we received a request or mandate or another executive order from our governor, whether this has to be extended into May, meaning to stay at home, no gathering of worship. We will be meeting this week, the annual conference sessions committee, at which point I will make a decision relative to postponing our annual conference and when we will host that annual conference. For example, they may it may be that that groups are able to meet in June but it may be requested that large groups not The meeting right away. So our annual conference isn't, you know, is a meeting of about 2000 people close to 2000 people. So that's different than going back and meeting for your church council or leadership team meeting, attended meeting. So we will that decision will be made this week about annual conference date. We've already found out our General Conference is postponed to 2021. And will soon hopefully we'll still know the exact date for that Brad Miller 16:33 about jurisdictional conference so that you know, with the lucky bishops with so Bishop Julius Trimble 16:37 yeah, all of the all of these things are up in the air and will be postponed and as soon as decisions are made will be made, and information will be made available quickly. So probably this next week or these next two weeks. Announcements will be made about proposed worship times are coming back together as well as certainly annual conference people in the In the conference, we'll hear hear from their Bishop about. Brad Miller 17:03 Well, I just think it's just one of the things where we just, you know, need some direction. And I think we need to be prepared for either for any possibility, really, you know, it seems to me we have to be prepared for any possibility and I've been taking some direction from I don't fear from the Stockdale paradox or not, but basically where you where you deal with the brutal facts at hand and still move forward with with faith. And I think that's where we have to be, but if we want Bishop Julius Trimble 17:32 honesty, people want honesty, we have heresy, Brad Miller 17:36 we need transparency and clarity and leadership and Bishop, I thank you for that. I just want to say that right now, we don't always get that from all the leaders that we deal with in the political realm or other realms. But we need that we crave that right now. And our people crave that from us, clergy and as well. So that's some some things there that are there going on. You Anything we need to know that you might have regarding some of the local church functions? I'm thinking about? The we've got a lot of information recently about the cares Act, the payroll, protection processes, anything new information on that, that you may have for us. You know, a lot of recruits are applying for that who we haven't heard anything yet. Bishop Julius Trimble 18:20 I don't have any new information, I would say stay tuned to our conference website. Our director of administrative services, Ian Hall is excellent. He's really on top of these kinds of things and is in communication with other church treasures across the country, and the general council on Finance and Administration. I'll be talking with our Director of clergy care services, Reverend Mike or around how we how do we expand our outreach and adapt, adapt to caring for clergy and clergy families during this time? Of course, we already were set up some conferences don't have this benefit, but we already set up where we have a clarity Care Services and persons can call and, and anonymously get support pastoral care support and counseling through connecting with the Reverend Reverend Michael Warner, so I'll be talking with him just to see given this this is a different environment. What do we need to be paying attention to if if anyone's been watching the news? We know that there's just some difficult things happening. Oh, yes. Yeah, we just lost a police officer here. Oh my gosh, Brad Miller 19:27 yes. That was a Bishop Julius Trimble 19:30 disturbance. Yeah. Brad Miller 19:30 That was right in the neighborhood of the church. I serve By the way, so it's in my neighborhood. So very just tragic. Yeah. So you know, but God is still God in the midst of all this right? Absolutely. Bishop Julius Trimble 19:45 God is still God and Christ is risen. And so what, Brad Miller 19:49 what, what words do you have just in the last few minutes together here Bishop what kind of words do you want to share what's on your heart today, maybe a scripture or a leading or an excellent As you may have had, or good or bad, but just share with us what's on your heart now for just a minute or two. Bishop Julius Trimble 20:06 I think we need to still continue to look to the hills from whence cometh I help someone 21 I help comes from the Lord. But we should not also look to the Lord who will grant help and your answers Hill. But remember that we are our brother's keeper, our Sister's Keeper. So this notion of a loving God and loving neighbors, not just something to be taken as a biblical cliche. I think I think this is a this is where the proof is in the pudding. They will know we are Christians, by our love by our love. This is a time for us really to, to demonstrate that in the ways in which we can and recognize that we can't do that. In in large gatherings at this moment, but one one on one. We can continue to demonstrate the love of God in real practical real time ways, I pray people will do that and be encouraged as they are doing that. Brad Miller 21:07 Yes. And that is certainly part of your role and what you do well is to be encouraged and we are here to, to be encouraged by you, Bishop and we want to encourage you as well and thank you for your service. And can you close our time together with prayer my friend, Bishop Julius Trimble 21:21 I'd be glad to pray and I would invite persons who hear this podcast and know that they can reach us and and that we'd love to hear from them. If you have questions that you'd like to be me to respond to in future podcasts. be more than happy to hear from you Lord God, we thank you for the gift of Easter. And now we are to live in this Easter tied this Easter post Easter period oh god in which we proclaim the risen Christ. God you made a promise and kept that promise. And you were promised to be with us through the end of time until the end of time. Or Lord, we know that there are people who are hurting because they are unemployed. We know there are people Who are hurting Oh God because they've lost loved ones. We pray for God for our police officer in Indian Indianapolis, Brianna Lee Brianne least, and for her family and for those who mourn her loss, we pray to God for those persons who who have not been able to connect online and worship for them to know God that they are loved beyond measure. gratis Oh God, the capacity to make kindness more contagious than the Coronavirus and we pray all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. Amen. Brad Miller 22:35 Man. Thank you, Bishop Julius tremble and you've been listening today to be encouraged with Bishop Julius tremble. It's my pleasure to be with you. I'm Reverend Dr. Brad Miller. Let me just leave you with these words from john Wesley to always do all the good that you can Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Bishop Julius Trimble brings a message of encouragement for Holy Week on the United Methodist People Podcast Episode 024.   Bishop Trimble encourages us to slow down this Holy Week and trust God.   He speaks to Brad about creative ways that congregations are connecting to community thought digital worship and parking lot giveaways of palm branches.   He talks about lessons learned in how to deal with corona virus quarantine through connections with the medical and pastoral staff at Indiana University Health System.   Bishop Trimble offered a message to clergy and people for Easter to be compassionate with yourselves. Be generous with your grace, and be faithful in your calling.   Future more he emphasized that many will feel like we're living in a Good Friday world but Easter is coming. And when Easter comes, we all will be able to say Jesus Christ is risen; Jesus Christ is risen indeed.   The mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church though conversation and commentary.   April 6, 2020   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller   inumc.org  

UMPP:022.  Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble-Indiana Area United Methodist Church   Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble is a special edition episode (022) of The United Methodist People Podcast w/ Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.   In the light of the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic upon all aspects of life and its particular impact upon the United Methodist Church in Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble is Dr. Brad’s guest on Episode 022 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   In their conversation Bishop Trimble encourages you to remember your baptismal covenant that “The Church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time” as a reminder that this great ordeal will someday pass and that the church will remain.   Indeed, Bishop Trimble believe that this crisis may lead to a revival in the church.   He emphasizes that we need to support one another and bear one another burdens during this crisis.  This includes self-care for clergy and their families.   The conversation included various innovative ways to do church while respecting the social distancing required by health officials.  He said social distancing does not mean social isolation. These innovations include:   -online worship -using zoom video calling -stepped up connections in congregations via phone and social media.   Bishop Trimble shared some comforting scriptures such as Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” Psalm 46 “Be Still and know that I am God” as examples of overcoming fear and the spiritual discipline of stillness.   Bishop Trimble emphasized that United Methodist’s are connectional and no one in our church is to go through the coronal virus crisis alone.   Therefore, Bishop Trimble plans on publishing a weekly podcast episode with Dr. Brad each Tuesday during the course of the crisis “Be Encouraged by the Bishop”   The show will feature devotional thoughts and prayers from Bishop Trimble, practical tips on managing your ministry through the crisis and will include the Bishop fielding some questions.   If you would like to ask Bishop Trimble a question for the Be Encouraged by the Bishop episodes of the United Methodist People Podcast please email them to serena.acker@inumc.org or brad.miller@inumc.org.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller March 23, 2020  

UMPP.021: Faithful and Inclusive: The Bible, Sexuality and the United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Fuquay, Susan Wilke Fuquay and Rev. Dan Gangler.   In Episode 21 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller leads a round table conversation about the video resource “Faith and Inclusive-The Bible, Sexuality and The United Methodist Church” with author, presenter Rev. Rob Fuquay, producer Susan Wilke Fuquay and hall of fame UMC communicator Rev. Dr. Dan Gangler.   Rev. Rob Fuquay is the Senior Pastor of St Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, one of the UMC’s largest churches, and is the author of a number of books and small group resources including “The God We Can Know,” and “Which Way, Lord.”      Susan Wilke Fuquay is a United Methodist Christian Educator. For more than 25 years, Susan has been directly involved with Disciple Bible Study. She co-edited the youth version of Disciple. She was a Disciple trainer at National Training Events for many years and has personally facilitated more than 30 Disciple groups.   Rev. Dr. Dan Gangler  is a member of  the The United Methodist Association of Communicators  Hall of Fame. He is now retired and living in Indianapolis after 38 years in pastoral and communication ministries telling the story of the United Methodist Church.  He is the chair of the United Methodist Reconciling Ministries Network of Indiana.   In a round table conversation in Episode 21 of the United Methodist People Podcast Brad discusses with Rob, Susan and Dan the small group video resource “Faithful and Inclusive-The Bible Sexuality and the United Methodist Church“   They talk about the origin of the creation of the resource as a local church response to questions about the bible and sexuality and the conflict they illicit in the United Methodist Church.  There is a deep dive with Rob into some of the biblical passages regarding homosexuality which are at the center of differing interpretations which are divisive in the church.  Susan talks about a number of testimonials in the resource which feature members St Luke’s UMC who have been impacted by the controversy over sexuality in the church. Dan talks about how the resource can be used in the local church as a communication tool to open up conversations to guide clergy and church members and leaders in their context.   Episode 21 is a good introduction about how this resource can be implemented by clergy and the local church as a response a need in the church for a process to approach the bible its understanding interpretation and application to the local church in the matter of human sexuality and how it is possible to be both faithful and inclusive.   “Faithful and Inclusive: The Bible, Sexuality and the United Methodist Church” is available at:   www.institutefordiscipleship.org/dvd https://www.cokesbury.com/9780578561752-Faithful-and-Inclusive-DVD https://www.abingdonpress.com/authors/susan_wilke_fuquay/ https://upperroombooks.com/author/rob-fuquay/ https://www.facebook.com/daniel.r.gangler https://www.facebook.com/unitedmethodistpodcast/   The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is to provide a resource to the people of the united Methodist church to help achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.   February 2020   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is strengthening the connection in Indiana United Methodist churches in order to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In September 2017 five Indiana United Methodist churches converged in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky to put faith in action at the Redbird United Methodist Mission Work Camp. The Redbird United Methodist Mission serves a three county area of southeastern Kentucky in the Appalachian Mountains ravaged by desperate poverty. Redbird Mission provides a school, medical and dental clinics, food clothing and agricultural ministries, a clean drinking water program, and home rehabilitation projects. It was in the home rehabilitation projects where the majority of the efforts of five United Methodist churches from Indiana were involved. Work teams repaired and replaced roofs, painted and repaired porches, kitchens and ceilings at homes which were woefully in disrepair. Moreover, the Indiana teams made personal connections with the homeowners and other residents of the Redbird community sharing stories of life and faith together. Indeed, all the mission teams received just as much benefit from their work week at Redbird as did the residents whom were served. In Episode 36 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast Dr. Brad is joined by five dedicated laypeople who helped lead their individual church teams to Redbird Mission the week of September 10-16, 2017. Brad's guests included: Mark Van Hook - Greenwood: Honey Creek UMC, Chris Adkins-Portage: First UMC, Dave Osza-Lapel UMC, Bob Youell-Edwardsville UMC, and Doug Brown-Carmel: St. Mark's UMC. These men shared with Brad the stories of how each of their individual churches devoted themselves to a week apart in mission at the Redbird Mission. They shared stories of hope, friendship, sacrificial giving, community development, transformational moments and touching memories of working with the local folk, in particular the homeowners, at the work projects. They shared the power of hands on mission which was embodied by the theme of the work camp experience "Love Out Love" based on 1 John 3:18 “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Furthermore, the five church leaders shared the importance of taking the message of transformational missions learned from their Redbird experience back to their home churches and communities. The church leaders are motivated to move beyond looking for reasons why churches can't do things in missions to embracing the attitude of "why not!" Episode 36 of the Hoosier United United Methodist podcast provides great insight, teaching and a challenge to any Indiana United Methodist Church looking to get involved with work camp experiences as a means to recharge their commitment to missions. A sign posted at the Redbird Mission school embodied much of what the five Indiana United Methodist Church experienced in Kentucky and brought back home again to Indiana. The sign stated: “You Have Been Assigned This Mountain, to Show That It Can Be Moved." You will want to hear and be inspired by Episode 36 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast “Love Out Loud” at Redbird Mission. Hoosier United Methodist Podcast http://hoosierunitedmethodist.com/ Redbird Misison http://rbmission.org/ Mark Van Hook, Honey Creek UMC-Greenwood http://honeycreekumc.org/ Chris Adkins, First UMC-Portage http://www.portageumc.org/ Dave Osza, Lapel UMC http://www.trinity-tlc.com/ Bob Youell, Edwardsville UMC http://eumc.me/ Doug Brown, St Mark’s UMC-Carmel http://stmarkscarmel.org/

EP. 035: Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble: “Children of a Most High God” In Episode 35 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller has an in-depth conversation with Indiana Area Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble. Bishop Trimble celebrates his first anniversary as Indiana Bishop in September 2017 and shares with Brad his impressions of and lessons learned about the state of the church in Indiana. Bishop Trimble shares his vision moving forward for Indiana United Methodism of becoming a powerful witness for God connecting every community. Bishop Trimble tells Brad about his experience in observing effective ministries to children, missions and peace and justice matters in Indiana United Methodist Churches. Bishop Trimble emphasizes transformation through connection with community and the church as a prophetic, encouraging voice that speaks to a hurting world. Bishop Trimble and Brad speak about the challenges facing the United Methodist Church as a whole over issues of human sexuality. In particular Bishop Trimble offers his take on “a way forward” for the United Methodist Church. Bishop Trimble shares a word of encouragement for pastors and leaders in Indiana and the UMC that all are children of a most high God. Enjoy Episode 35 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast featuring Bishop Julius Trimble.

HUMP EP 034: Rev. Dan Gangler - “Reconciling Ministries Network” In Episode 34 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Rev. Brad Miller speaks with Rev. Dan Gangler the Corresponding Secretary of the Reconciling Ministries Network. Dan is the former Director of Communications for the Indiana Conference who now is a spokesperson for the primary group in the United Methodist Church which advocates inclusive language in the Book of Discipline regarding ordination of homosexual people and the allowance of UM clergy to marry same sex couples. Brad and Dan have an in depth discussion of theological and biblical arguments surrounding the issues, the possibility of a schism in the church the implications for local churches and clergy as well as the efforts to find a “way forward” to for our church. This the most important issue facing the church and our future as a United Methodist Church as it is presently constituted. Undoubtably the voices of advocacy groups such as The Reconciling Ministries Network will be active in advance of a called General Church Conference in 2019 to address these matters. The Hoosier United Methodist Podcast will hear from all sides of this issue and be a sounding board for all to be heard in an effort to find common ground. The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana to fulfill the mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” https://rmnindiana.org/ rmnindiana@gmail.com HoosierUnitedMethodist.com Facebook.com/HoosierUnitedMethodist

HUMP.033: Annual Conference 2017- “Together We Are More” Episode 033 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is a special edition previewing the 2017 Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The theme of Annual Conference is “Together We Are More” and is held June 8-10, 2017 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This is the first Annual Conference under the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Julius Trimble. Dr. Brad makes some observations about the place, purpose and importance of Annual Conference based on his experiences. He introduces the keynote speakers and the four focuses of the United Methodist Church which will be emphasized at the conference. • Creating New and Renewed Congregations • Developing Principled Christian Leaders: Encouraging the Call • Engaging in Ministry with the Poor • Improving Global Health The unity of the body of Christ is the overriding theme of the Annual Conference embodied by the key verse of scripture. Ephesians 4:16 “From Him (Jesus) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it works.” The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana to fulfill the mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”

HUMP EP.032 Rev. Dr. Todd Outcalt “The Seven Deadly Virtues" In Episode 32 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller talks with the author of “The Seven Deadly Virtues: Temptations in The Pursuit of Goodness,” Rev. Dr. Todd Outcalt Senior Pastor of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Indiana. Brad and Todd talk at length about the nature of goodness and virtue. Todd's book explores the teachings of Jesus regarding living a virtuous life in parables such as the “rich young ruler” as well as the teachings of the early Saints of the church including ST. John Chrysostom whose quote “where virtue is, there are many snares.” which was a spark which led him to write the book. Brad and Todd explore such topics as: The temptation to do things our way instead of God’s way. The lure of success or the allure of grace. Prideful generosity as opposed to overflowing with gratitude. In their conversation read and Todd discussed the implications of the "deadly virtues” to living as a Christian temptations of pride among clergy and effectiveness of local churches in reaching unchurched folks when the church is perceived as “holier than thou.” He also talks about the the powerful and inspirational impact walking the Camino De Santiago, in Spain, had in inspiring his writing. Brad and Todd also talk about issues facing the United Methodist Church and gives his thoughts on a way forward to deal with the real challenges in the church. Todd also shares some of writing disciplines that he applies as the author of over thirty books while serving a growing congregation. There is a lot to dig into in Episode 32 of the “Hoosier United Methodist Podcast” which will be helpful to pastors and leaders as a tool to strengthen the connection in The United Methodist Church in Indiana. Learn more about Rev. Dr. Todd Outcalt http://www.toddoutcalt.blogspot.com www.ivpress.com/ http://calvaryunited.org/ https://www.facebook.com/todd.outcalt

Rev. Dr. Bob Walters author of “The Last Missionary” is Dr. Brad’s special guest on Episode 31 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast.  Bob talks to Brad about his many years working in both the Indiana Annual Conference and in the North Katanga Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. Bob describes to Brad his experiences in both worlds and his take on mission partnerships over missionaries in the mission field and engaging in "deep listening.”  Bob talks about the exceptional leadership that he found at work with among the people of the  Methodist Church in the DRC.  Bob also talks to Brad about the unique way that he forged relationships in remote areas through the use of his bicycle. You will be engaged by this conversation in Episode 31 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast with Dr. Brad Miller. The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ the transformation of the world. thelastmissionary.com friendlyplanetmissiology.org hoosierunitedmethodist.com facebook.com/HoosierUnitedMethodist  

HUMP#030: Dr. Adolf Hansen-"A Fuller Understanding of God's Revelation" the purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ of the transformation of the world. In Episode #030 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a far ranging conversation with Dr. Adolf Hansen. Hansen is the author of the recent book "Carrying For Those Who Remain: A Practical Guide For End of Life Preparation.” Brad and Adolf talk about his early faith development in Brooklyn, New York in the Norwegian Methodist Church and his academic career as a faculty member at the University of Indianapolis and at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Adolf's writing career really blossomed and retirement while serving as theologian in residence at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. There responding to the untimely death of his own daughter, in an accident, Adolf wrote the books "Responding to Loss" and "Tuesday Mornings with the Dad’s,” which emerged from a support group for dads who lost children. In "Carrying For Those Who Remain" Adolf shares with Brad that the purpose of the book is to generate intergenerational conversation for people facing end-of-life issues. The book is designed to be a practical guide dealing with matters of legal, financial, and funeral issues as well as spiritual, interpersonal and family dynamic issues. Adolf tells his own poignant story about dealing with his own father and mother on such matters and outlines how his experiences may be helpful to others. Importantly, Adolf makes the point that by dealing end-of-life matters in a practical and pragmatic way well ahead of the drama of death you can be set free from many of the stress that come with the loss of loved ones. Adolf goes on to share with Brad about his upcoming book “Hope In The Midst of Loss" which is his response to many of the stresses in the United Methodist Church and in the political landscape. The theme of this book will be choose hope because it doesn’t just happen.anchor your hope in love. In this part of the interview bread and Adolf drilled deeper on what Adolf calls "the elephant in the room" which is the matter of data we dealing with homosexuality in the United Methodist Church. Adolf offers an innovative approach to understanding this issue in the UMC and proposes a significant change in our denominational polity as a viable approach to dealing with the matter which is the source of so much conflict and consternation in our church. Help makes the point that he sees hope in the church that even has many are rigidly choosing sides there are many other people open to really listening and examining their own assumptions and be in dialogue with others. Adolf’s hope is that this listening will lead to a fuller understanding of God’s revelation for our church. In additions to all this Adolf shares with Brad his adventures in sailboat racing, skiing the Matterhorn in Switzerland and the importance of deep abiding friendships. You will want to join Dr. Brad Miller in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Adolf Hansen in Episode #030 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast.

HUMP #029: Rev. David Powell-“Disaster Response Ministry" The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana for the mission of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. Rev. David Powell is Brad Miller's guest on Episode #029 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast. In October 2016 Rev. Powell found himself literally in the middle of a hurricane when the medical mission group to Haiti he was with, planning to run medical clinics, ihad to change their plans when the country was struck by a hurricane. Responding to disaster is nothing new for Rev. David Powell as he has spent much of his ministry involved with disaster relief ministry. In this episode Dave talks to Brad in-depth about disaster relief ministry and its core purposes of training and preparedness, responding to the immediate needs of people and churches struck by disaster and working with volunteers in mission in recovery and rebuilding. As the former head of the Indiana conferences disaster response ministry Dave found himself working with the church in response to tornadoes hitting Henryville as well as flooding in Kokomo and South Bend and responding to many other disasters in Indiana and beyond. Dave tells Brad about his call to ministry which has always included dealing with people in crisis. He has worked in police and fire department chaplaincy where he finds great satisfaction in working with first responders and the people they serve. Dave shares with Brad a poignant story about a family lost everything in the Henrville tornado, including their garage-based beauty shop which was their only source of income and how the church through disaster relief responded to help them rebuild their lives. An avid photographer Dave tells Brad about his unique hobby related to photography and how he uses that skill in his ministry. Dave outlines how people can get involved with disaster relief ministries and how the key requirement to get involved is a keen sense of humility and grace. You will be inspired by Episode #029 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller talking with Rev. Dave Powell lead pastor of the Edwardsville United Methodist Church.

HUMP #028: Rev. Randy Anderson-“A Vehicle for Church Transformation" The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Episode #028 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller speaks with Rev. Randy Anderson who is on the Indiana Annual Conference staff on the church development team as well as serving as associate district superintendent of the Southwest district. Randy talks to Brad about his responsibilities in church development in particular regarding the fruitful congregations journey process. Randy works with pastors and lay teams in the classic fruitful congregations journey which is a three-year process as well as helping churches transition into FCJ 2.0 which goes a bit deeper in the process and helping churches implement their discipleship making plans. in addition Randy works with churches with attendance lower than 70 in the FCJ Impact program specifically designed for these churches. Randy tells Brad about how FCJ was instrumental in helping his local church focus on outreach and evangelism and how the concept of "radical hospitality" is crucial for churches to transform their ministry to their communities. Randy is all about training coaches and equipping facilitators to transform local churches into healthy congregations. He sees FCJ as a vehicle to transform local churches in a manner specifically integrated to their local settings. In the words of Randy "this is not a cookie cutter process". Randy goes on to tell Brad about the overall vision of church development in the Indiana Conference which is the development of Alpha teams to focus on new church planting and Omega teams to work on redeveloping existing local churches. In both teams the emphasis of church development is for the church to see discipleship as a verb and how there is no room in discipleship for people to be merely pew sitters. Randy also tells Brad about how his relationships with his grandchildren is the key factor which keeps him fresh in ministry and enthusiastic about life. Rev. Randy Anderson is a delightful and engaging personality and committed to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In episode #028 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast you will hear that commitment as Rev. Randy Anderson wants to get all Indiana churches on board the vehicle of church development for the transformation of the church. Rev. Randy Anderson http://www.inumc.org/churchdevelopment randy.anderson@inumc.org 800-919-8160

HUMP #027: Rev. Beth Ann Cook-"Go Where the People Are" The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In episode 027 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Brad talks with Rev. Beth Ann Cook about her passions for evangelism and global missions. Beth Ann is a three time delegate from Indiana to General Conference where she has served as a spokesperson for the Good News Movement. Through her connections in the General church she has also become quite involved with global missions particularly in the African countries of Burundi and The Congo. Global missions is her passion and she is an advocate for realigning resources to serve the needs of rapidly growing African churches. She cares deeply about the direction of the church and continuing our Wesleyan heritage. She calls upon her own powerful conversion experience moving from a primarily unchurched family to becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ as motivation to help other people know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. She lives this out in her ministry as pastor of the Ogilville and Rockford United Methodist Churches in southern Indiana. Beth Ann tells Brad a great story about evangelism and gourmet pancakes. Indeed, in episode 027 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Beth Ann Cook makes it clear that her calling is to "go where the people are!"

HUMP#026: Kate Biggs-“Care and Support for Clergy Spouses” The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is Strengthening the Connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana for the purpose of achieving the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. In Episode #026 Dr Brad Miller has an enlightening conversation with Kate Biggs from “Thrive” which is an organization which provides care and support for clergy spouses. Kate talks to Brad about how many clergy spouses feel like they live lives in a fishbowl with pressures and challenges unique to their situation. Thrive provides an organization to empower clergy spouses through a network of like-minded people with common sets of experiences in the clergy household. Kate explains how Thrive though retreats and a Facebook page connects clergy spouses one to another and provides a safe place to process personal issues such as moving to new communities, making friends in congregations and raising children. Kate shares with Brad powerful advice to clergy spouses entering the ministry lifestyle and shares how she and her family take opportunity to enjoy life as a clergy family. Episode 026 of the United Methodist Podcast is a great resource which brings to light the vital, and often neglected, role that clergy spouses play in strengthening United Methodist Churches in Indiana. Kate Biggs lives in Fairland, Indiana where her husband Ben Biggs is the pastor of the New Life United Methodist Church.

HUMP#025: Rev. Dr. Keith Adkins-“Getting Unstuck with Ministry Coaching” Many clergy feel "stuck" and ministry coaching and a listening ear can help these pastors get unstuck and began moving forward again. So says Rev. Dr. Keith Adkins in episode 025 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast. Keith talks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller in episode 025 about the opening of his Keith H. Adkins Ministry coaching practice. Keith saw the need for life coaching, particularly targeted towards clergy as a group, and specifically towards United Methodist clergy. Keith is an Elder in the Indiana Conference UMC presently serving at the Irvington United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. In episode 025 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast he talks about the hunger that clergy have to be listened to and how that is exactly what his service provides. His coaching is not therapeutic in nature or diagnostic of the health of the church body; Keith is concerned with the health and welfare of the individual pastor. Keith shares with Brad his good news approach to walk alongside clergy to help them move from good to great. Keith shares his journey towards becoming a coach for clergy and his belief in the power of coaching inasmuch as 95% of people who try coaching stick with it. Keith also shares with Brad his love of the outdoors as being instrumental to his call to ministry and essential for his continued personal development. Episode 025 of the United Methodist podcast is a great tool for the clergy person looking to get "unstuck" and move forward in life. The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

HUMP#024: Nick Yarde - “The Power and Impact of Camping and Retreat Ministry in Indiana” The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana to achieve the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Episode 024 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller interviews Nick Yarde the Associate Director of Discipleship Development, Camping and Retreat Ministries for the Indiana Conference. A Purdue University graduate in Outdoor Recreation Nick Yarde has been involved in virtually every aspect of outdoor ministry in Indiana serving as camp manager at three Indiana Conference camp sites before settling into his current role of discipleship development. An enthusiastic advocate for the power of camping ministry to faith development in children and youth Nick speaks with passion about how 95% of people come to Christ as youth, many at church camp and retreat experiences. Nick talks about the changing nature of camping and retreat ministry much of it driven by school systems moving to year-round schedules and the multitude of activities available to young people. This means that the church camp experience has to move from a summer focused to a year-round focus. The need for a year-round outdoor ministries challenges the physical facilities at all our Indiana campsites which were geared towards summer ministry. Nick has been working closely with Bishop Coyner on a major campaign to build a new discipleship center at Epworth Forest and building a new lake at Camp-Indi-Co-So. Enjoy Episode 024 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast which brings insight into one of the most impactful ministries in the Indiana Conference which has proven to powerfully fulfill the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

 In Episode 23 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr Brad Miller has a conversation with Rev. Tom Heaton the founder and director of Mission Guatemala. Tom tells the story of the founding and the focus of Mission Guatemala. Tom shares with Brad how adopting son’s from Guatemala led to trips to the country, (the poorest in the western hemisphere), where Tom personally witnessed the devastating poverty. Tom felt the call l to do do something about the poverty he saw which led to his decision to leave the local church in Indiana, pack up his car and his son’s and drive to Guatemala to start the mission project from scratch. Now six years old Mission Guatemala has a four-fold focus of health, eduction, nutrition programs and community development. The mission is quite successful serving 19 villages in the rural mountainous region. In addition over 600 persons from over 45 work teams have visited Mission Guatemala to serve in ways ranging from providing medical care to building sinks in school buildings to improve student hygiene. Tom shared with Brad stories of life transformation among the local folk as well as from the visiting mission teams. Indeed, it is evident that Mission Guatemala has borne fruit for the kingdom of God and is a real success story born out of the vision and passion of Hoosier United Methodist missioner Tom Heaton. You will want to hear the inspiring story and feel the passionate leadership of Tom Heaton in Episode 23 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast. The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

On July 16, 2016 the North Central Jurisdiction of United Methodist Church announced that Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble presently serving the Iowa Annual Conference UMC was assigned to become the resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the UMC as of September 1, 2016. A few months prior Dr. Brad Miller had an opportunity to interview Bishop Trimble about his call to ministry, his views on the state of the church and about his book on issues of the church in global health.   The conversation that Dr. Brad had with Bishop Trimble is shared here in Episode #022 the Hoosier United Methodist podcast and provides great insight into the the spiritual depth and passions which drive the man whom will become the new Episcopal leader for the United Methodist Church in Indiana. You will learn: The influence on his life of a strong local United Methodist Church in Chicago which was active in the civil rights movement and the impact of United Methodist church camp experiences on his call to ministry. The importance and guiding principle of his personal mission statement: “To encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential.” His journey in service at all levels of the church, including pastorates in Chicago and Cleveland, serving as a district superintendent and his experience as resident bishop in Iowa. His views on the importance of higher education based on his experiences as a schoolteacher and community organizer. The power of partnering with the church in Africa. His views on justice for people in immigrant communities and his passion for comprehensive immigration reform. His investment in issues of "environmental holiness" and global health which include writing his book “A Faithful Church and a Healthy World" and commitment to the “Imagine No Malaria” campaign. His passion to reach the “NONES" (unchurched) in particular younger people by appealing to their sense of call to "transform" the world. His overall optimism about a church at the crossroads which is ebodied in his call to be an encourager. How he loves to play ping pong and plays often when he visits local churches. Episode #022 of The Hoosier United Methodist Podcast provides a great introduction for Indiana United Methodist to learn about the man who become the episcopal leader of the UMC in Indiana.  Furthermore, Dr. Miller calls upon Hoosier United Methodist to become encourager's to Bishop Trimble and his wife during their time of transition through prayers, cards and notes.   The call is to encourage our new Bishop of encouragement.    The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in United Methodist Church in Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ the transformation of the world.  In episode 21 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcasts Dr. Brad Miller has a in-depth conversation with Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Gibbs, chaplain at the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Gibbs directs the campus ministry at the University of Indianapolis and is on the faculty teaching Christian formation. Dr. Gibbs also recently transferred his denominational affiliation from the Assemblies of God denomination to the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church where he is on track to become an Elder. Gibbs shares with Dr. Miller the complex nature of campus ministry at a university with a complex student body which embraces many diverse religious groups.  At UIndy Gibbs deals with people from many different Christian denominations and religious backgrounds and styles of worship.  He talks about how he can often tell the health of local churches through the spiritual depth and religious backgrounds of the students who arrive at UIndy. This is an area that Gibbs shares comes some concern about inasmuch as to many students arrive at college lacking spiritual depth and religious knowledge. A learning experience that Gibbs oversaw was the integration of Muslim students into the religious life of the University. This is led to some uncomfortably ambiguous encounters where the same worship space was shared by Muslim and Christian students alike which resulted in a gratifying experience of radical hospitality on the parts of students of all faiths. Dr. Miller and Dr. Gibbs also go into a deep conversation about the transition that Gibbs made it becoming a United Methodist from the Assemblies of God. Gibbs outlines how  attending a United Methodist seminary at in particular marrying a United Methodist pastor played important roles in helping him land a position at the United Methodist University of Indianapolis. Gibbs also talks about the theological and church culture reasons for making the transition to becoming a United Methodist. In particular he lifts up two areas of hope in United Methodist Church which he found particularly attractive. The first being the ability to move forward in ambiguity and be welcoming to diverse religious perspectives and the second being the great opportunity for leaders to thrive in the church. Gibbs spoke about joining United Methodist Church during some tumultuous times in the denomination but he is moving forward in faith and does not fear any catastrophic shifts in the United Methodist Church. On a personal level Jeremiah shares how he enjoys the diversely and acceptance of the local church, were his wife is the pastor, inasmuch is he is a part of a biracial family and how he enjoys playing guitar and leading worship at the church's contemporary service. You will want to listen to the journey that Jeremiah Gibbs makes in this episode of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller. Episode 21 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is sponsored by the book “Meet the Good People: Wesley’s Seven Ways of Sharing faith" and supports “Mission Guatemala.” (missionguatemala.com)

The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ the transformation of the world. In Episode 20 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast Dr. Brad Miller speaks with Rev. David V. W. Owen chairperson of the Africa University campaign. David had the difficult task of taking on the chairperson ship of the African University campaign upon the untimely death of his good friend Rev. Bill Keith, the previous chair of the campaign. In this conversation David tells Brad about the purpose of Africa University and the impact of Africa University upon the entire continent of Africa which ranges far beyond religious training and agricultural teaching to make a perpetual impact on the political and economic fortunes of the entire continent of Africa and beyond.   The monetary goal of the Africa University campaign is $1.6 million by the end of 2016 and David shares how the great participation of many, many churches Indiana has brought the campaign to the point of meeting and perhaps exceeding the goal.  The specific purpose of the campaign is to endow an agricultural natural services faculty chair at Africa University. The broader purpose has been to deepen the missional impact of every local church to be a part of something greater than themselves which is transformational. David believes that a common factor of dynamic, impactful local churches is an emphasis on reaching out beyond themselves in missions. David considers this reconnecting with the real mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ through outreach a real sign of hope in Indiana United Methodist Churches.  You will want to listen in on this conversation Brad and Dave about Africa University and the perpetual impact a heart for mission can have on transforming individuals and congregations.    Episode 20 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is sponsored by the book “Meet the Good People: Wesley Seven Ways of Sharing Faith" by Rev. Dr. Roger Ross and the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is supportive of Mission Guatemala under the direction of Rev. Tom Heaton.  The Mission of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ the transformation of the world.

HUMP #019: Rev. Matt Lipan-“The Hybrid Approach to Launching Indiana's Newest United Methodist Church" The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church in the state of Indiana to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ of the transformation of the world. In Episode#019, Dr. Brad Miller has an enlightening conversation with Rev. Matt Lipan, Lead Pastor of "Gateway Community Church" in Indianapolis. Gateway is Indiana's newest congregation launching on July 1, 2015 and chartering on June 10, 2016. Matt shares with Brad the story of Gateway and how he and the leaders of the church strategically took a hybrid approach to launch strong and grow rapidly to the point where the church now has two worship experiences with over 200 adults and children in attendance. Matt tells about how Gateway emerged out of the mission and ministry of the larger Castleton United Methodist Church; and how working through the "Fruitful Congregations Journey" process was instrumental in decisions by the Caslteton church to give birth to the new Gateway congregation which is now completely independent and stands on its own. Matt describes how working with a parent church and launching a new work has elements of a redevelopment project as well as a brand-new work and thereby is what he describes as a "hybrid" approach to church planting. Dr. Brad drills deep with Matt on the particular pressures of planting a new congregation the emphasis on reaching children in the growing suburban community and his vision moving forward of Gateway becoming a teaching church for the region and giving birth to new congregations themselves with a multiplication strategy. You will also hear about Matt's personal call to ministry and his faith journey as well as the joys and challenges of “do-it-yourself” home remodeling projects. Episode#019 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast is sponsored by the book “Meet The Good People: Wesley's 7 Ways to Share Faith” by Rev. Dr. Roger Ross and supports Mission Guatemala under the direction of Rev. Tom Heaton.

HUMP#018: Josie Clark - Indiana Conference Youth Ministry President The mission of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast with Dr. Brad Miller is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church to achieve the goal of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In episode 018 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast the focus is youth ministry as Brad talks with Indiana youth ministry president Josie Clark. Josie graduated from Dyer (Indiana) High School in 2016 and is a member of the Dyer United Methodist Church she got active in Indiana conference youth and rose to become president. In episode 018 of the United Methodist podcasts Josie shares about the importance of youth ministry to faith formation among young people and the sharing of faith to others. She is a great example of this herself as she shares, in the interview with Brad, about her call to go to Honduras and study to become a missionary nurse. Josie shares about some of the programs that Indiana conference youth are involved with to strengthen faith and support local church youth ministry programming. These include the program “Youth TransforMission” and the “Bishops Student Leadership Academy.” She and other Indiana conference youth have been involved with mission projects including leading Vacation Bible School and building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Josie talks about the "ripple effect" of changing the world for Jesus Christ through influencing youth who influence other youth and how that influence multiplies. This interview with Josie Clark and Brad Miller exemplifies the importance of young people and youth ministry as vital to the health and vitality of strong local United Methodist churches in Indiana as a present reality not limited to a distant hope for the future. Josie encourages pastors and churches to believe and encourage the youth of their churches and do not judge them as all are part of God's plan. Episode 018 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is sponsored by the book “Meet the Good People" by Rev. Dr. Roger Ross and is supportive of Mission Guatemala under the direction of Rev. Tom Heaton.

HUMP#017: Bishop Michael Coyner - ?Imagine Indiana and More? / / The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana through conversation and commentary to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ of the transformation of the world / In episode 017 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has an in depth conversation with Bishop Michael Coyner. Bishop Coyner has served in the episcopacy for 20 years and is retiring in 2016. In his time as Bishop he has served the United Methodist Church in just about every capacity and oversaw all the challenge of bringing two distinct annual conferences together to form one new annual conference. Bishop Mike and Brad had a great conversation about the joys and challenges in serving as a bishop and what he sees as signs of hope in the United Methodist Church. Bishop Mike is a genuine and authentic leader of the church who has been able to navigate some very sensitive issues in Indiana as well as around the world of United Methodism. The conversation was far ranging touching on the state of the church as he sees it right now - what he calls a ?Big Tent Church? that's being stretched by significant challenges as well as his view of the impact of the local church when its at its best. Indeed, Bishop Mike very much considers himself a pastor, first and foremost. Bishop Mike gives his observations about the global church in places like Eastern Europe and Africa as well as the state of the church in North America. He talks about the advice he might give to a brand-new bishop and to younger clergy who are just starting out. You will find Bishop Mike to be very hopeful about the future of the church particularly because of the influx of younger clergy and the influence of devoted laypersons. Bishop Mike also reveals the two issues which he considers key for the future of the United Methodist Church ?nimbleness? and ?partnerships.? In addition to all this Bishop Mike also talks about what he is looking forward to most in his retirement. You will find this episode 017 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast helpful to understanding the person who has led the United Methodist Church in Indiana for 12 years and certainly is beneficial to Hoosier United Methodists.

HUMP#016: Allison Curts-"Mission & Social Advocacy" / In Episode #016 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Allison Curts, Associate Director for Mission and Advocacy for the Indiana Conference. Allison is a layperson and a member of the Yorktown United Methodist Church. She serves on the Annual Conference staff in relating to and advocating for mission opportunities in Indiana and beyond. Allison was elected as a lay delegate to the 2016 General Conference in Portland Oregon. She will be among the younger members of the delegation and talks to Brad about bringing the perspective of a younger person to General Conference. She speaks of some of the issues facing the United Methodist Church at General Conference as well as how she plans to contribute to General Conference as well as what she hopes to bring back from General Conference to support the church in Indiana. Brad and Allison also talk about her role in selecting a new Bishop for the Indiana Conference and her hopes that the new bishop will "get it" insofar as relating to the local church. Allison is passionate about the United Methodist Church in Indiana and shares her story of life transformation in in this Episode #016 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast.

In Episode #015 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast Dr. Brad Miller has an in depth conversation with Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, Senior Pastor of the North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Darren is the author of a new book “The Secret Transcript of the Council of Bishops: A Dialogue on Homosexuality and Church Unity.” Brad and Darren go deep on the topic of unity and division in the church and Darren’s study of a Wesleyan approach to understanding and dealing with matters of division and unity in the church. Darren is a delegate to jurisdictional conference and a past delegate to general conference and has strong views in regards to a dialogue on homosexuality in church unity even as it relates to the mission of the church. Darren and Brad talk about these matters which face the church at General Conference 2016 his unique approach to addressing the matters of the church through his fictional account in his book of the Council of Bishops debating matters of church unity. Darren also speaks about the ministry at North United Methodist Church including the choice of that congregation to become a part of the reconciling network of churches. Darren also talks about the election of bishops and expectations he has about that process. It's a fascinating conversation that Brad and Darren have on matters vital to the future the church moving forward here on the Hoosier United Methodist podcast.

In Episode #015 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast Dr. Brad Miller has an in depth conversation with Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, Senior Pastor of the North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Darren is the author of a new book “The Secret Transcript of the Council of Bishops: A Dialogue on Homosexuality and Church Unity.” Brad and Darren go deep on the topic of unity and division in the church and Darren’s study of a Wesleyan approach to understanding and dealing with matters of division and unity in the church. Darren is a delegate to jurisdictional conference and a past delegate to general conference and has strong views in regards to a dialogue on homosexuality in church unity even as it relates to the mission of the church. Darren and Brad talk about these matters which face the church at General Conference 2016 his unique approach to addressing the matters of the church through his fictional account in his book of the Council of Bishops debating matters of church unity. Darren also speaks about the ministry at North United Methodist Church including the choice of that congregation to become a part of the reconciling network of churches. Darren also talks about the election of bishops and expectations he has about that process. It's a fascinating conversation that Brad and Darren have on matters vital to the future the church moving forward here on the Hoosier United Methodist podcast.

In Episode #014 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Lisa Morris who serves the church as the Executive Director of Metro Ministries - the missional arm of the Central District serving agencies and projects in metropolitan Indianapolis.  Lisa speak about her journey to becoming the Executive Director of Metro ministries and describes the mission and the opportunities before Metro Ministries.  She tells us about the various community service centers that Metro resources and shares about lives transformed in the pre-schools, meal ministries and summer youth projects. She talks about a special project to “do one good thing” to serve the greater good of the community.  Lisa empahsizes a process of  “taking the next steps” in mission in your church and community.  Lisa has a passion for mission and she shares it all in this interview with Dr. Brad Miller on the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast.

In episode 013 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Rev. Glenn Howell the Senior Pastor at Zionsville United Methodist Church on all things leadership.  Glenn has served the Indiana Conference as a church planter and district superintendent and currently serves one of the larger congregations in the annual conference.  Glenn and Brad discuss leadership in the local church in terms of recruitment, training, and mentoring of leaders as well as developing workable succession plans to keep forward movement in the local church.  Glenn speaks about the importance of the “nuts and bolts” of management in the local church is the implementation piece which must follow great vision in order for the local church to be effective in achieving its mission.  Glenn also offers his views on the state of the church in Indiana and tells a great golf story about “stealing sand” from the Augusta National Golf course. 

HUMP#012: Charlie Rownd-"Protecting Your Church"  In this episode of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a fascinating conversation with Charlie Rownd Associate Superintendent of the Central District. In a former life Charlie was an FBI agent and now works as part of the security team for the National Football League Indianapolis Colts. In addition Charlie works diligently for the Central District and the Indiana conference in matters of church security both legally and financially. He has traveled throughout the state consulting with churches who have found themselves challenged by legal and financial matters which at times have been quite complex and daunting issues for local churches to deal with. Charlie has been a great resource to sort out the complexities that churches face as they seek to be protect themselves as they seek to do ministry in their communities. Charlie gives a lot of practical tips and strategies, in this conversation with Pastor Brad, that are extremely helpful to local church leaders and even assures us that there really is no Nigerian Prince sending emails promising millions of dollars to our church members. This is an important interview to listen to for every person who cares about the legal and financial security of their local church.

In Episode 011 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a fascinating discussion with, an advocate for people in the margins of society, Rev. Brent Wright, pastor of the Broad Ripple United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.  Brent has made his voice known as advocate for people in the LGBT community.  This has taken the form of writing articles in blogs and publications supporting the rights of same gender couples to marry and taking a stand in opposition to the efforts of some Indiana legislators and the Governor to pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) which he contended would have given license for discrimination against LGBT folks.  Wright talks with Brad about modeling his actions after how Jesus related to people in the margins of society.  In particular Brent speaks to the power of developing personal relationships in relating to the local church and the community on this issue and how to approach sensitive issues in the local church.  Indeed, one of the highlights of the conversation is a story about one man named Roger for whom the church touched deeply through a personal approach.  Brent also speaks about life and ministry in an eclectic community like Broad Ripple and his unique spiritual discipline of flying.  Go to the show notes at www.hoosierunitedmethodist.com for more details and links to Brent Wright’s writing.

In Episode 010 of the United Methodist Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller speaks with Rev. Charles Harrison, Sr. Pastor of The Barnes United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Rev. Harrison has been pastor of Barnes UMC for 22 years which is located in an urban neighborhood with one of the highest violent crime rates in the country.  Under Rev. Harrison’s leadership Barnes UMC has responded to the violence by organizing with other neighborhood churches into an organization called the “10 Point Coalition” whose primary focus is saving neighborhood young people from violence.  Rev. Harrison speaks about the faith teams sent by the 10 Point Coalition into the streets of the neighborhoods to build positive relationships with people, police and community leaders based on prayer and building trusting relationships.  Rev. Harrison tells a poignant story of the faith teams responding to a scene of a violent death where through the power of prayer and peaceful presence the church “stood in the gap” of a combustible situation between angry crowds and the police leading to a spiritual experience for all involved.  Brad also asks Rev. Harrison about the discerning process he went through when considering a run for the office of Mayor of Indianapolis.  Rev. Harrison goes on to offer helpful encouragement to local church pastors and leaders looking to get involved with responding to the needs of their community.

Episode #009 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast features a conversation between Dr. Brad Miller and Skyler Nimmons the Director of Communications for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Brad and Skyler discuss the role of story telling in communications as well as tools and educational opportunities available to assist local churches with communication.

In episode 008 of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast Dr. Brad Miller speaks with Rev. Andy Kinsey of the Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin Indiana. Brad and Andy discuss developing strategic partnerships between the local church and the community to achieve outreach. The specific ways that Grace Church does this through a unique Christmas dinner and regular meals served in the community. They discuss what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, matters regarding the 2016 General Conference and doing good theology from our knees. They even discuss what it means for a Christian to “smell like sheep.”   Andy is also featured in the Methodist moment segment where he speaks about personal spiritual piety.

In this edition of the United Methodist podcast Brad Miller has a conversation with Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright the Director of Leadership Development for the Indiana Annual Conference.  The interview ranged from Dr. Fulbright's personal call to ministry to her strategy of discerning, developing and deploying leadership in the church. She shared her passion to raise up a new generation of leaders among the laity and clergy alike. She also spoke of her thoughts in the state of leadership in the Indiana Conference as well as the influence in her life of a great figure from history. 

In this episode of The Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Brad Miller speaks with Rev. Frank Beard, Senior Pastor of Castleton UMC-Indianapolis about his passion for the church, his leadership as a delegate to the 2016 General Conference and fishing.

In this episode of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with a "young preacher."  Conner Guerzini is a student at the University of Evansville and an intern at Newburgh UMC.  Conner participated in the festival of young preachers at the 2014 annual conference.  In this podcast Conner talks about his personal call and his role in an intetional process of life transformation underway in his church. 

In this episode of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller chats with Dr. Phil Amerson, recently retired president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.  Dr. Amerson, who served churches in Indiana for many years, engages in a discussion about the "state of the church" from his perspective.  The conversation ranges from the hope of young leaders in the church, the changing nature of seminary education to the power of 20,000 diapers.  In addition Dr. Miller reviews the resource "Revival" by Dr. Adam Hamilton.