United Methodist People Podcast

Rev. Craig Duke is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller's guest on Episode 059 of the United Methodist People Podcast. Craig tells the story of the unique opportunity that came his way to appear on the HBO Television show "We're Here" which features a traveling "Drag Queen" show that recruits and transforms local folk in smaller towns to participate in a "Drag Show." Following a calling, Craig felt, to become a bridge between the church and LGBTQ community and to support his daughter Craig agreed to participate in the show. The fallout following his appearance in the show led to his departure from his church. In this episode, Craig tells the good, the bad, and ugly of his experience and his newfound commitment to new ministry opportunities. For United Methodists following the debate in the church regarding how the church relates (or doesn't) to LGBTQ persons, this is a must listen to hear first-hand the personal heartache, drama, and rejoicing surrounding matters of human sexuality in our church. https://www.facebook.com/groups/344016443735710/?multi_permalinks=372276724243015%2C370706657733355%2C369271267876894%2C370389161098438¬if_id=1643926312590876¬if_t=group_activity&ref=notif (The Open Door Facebook Group) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918728 (Dreamcatcher Podcast)

In Episode 58 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Rev. Rob Fuquay of St. Luke's UMC-Indianapolis about his new book and Lenten resource "The Passion Play-Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" which is inspired by the Oberammergau Passionsspiele. Jesus' Passion Story is presented each Lent in countless churches each year. But one play presented by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, in Bavaria Germany, may be one of the longest-running performances of all. Staged every 10 years since 1634. To play makes an impact not only on the villagers who portray the characters and all who see it as well. And the passion play Rob Fuquay follows the biblical story of the passion and shows how this amazing play as we use both as a ritual of praise and later as a weapon through that's anti-semitic past. Brad and Rob talk about the book at length in this interview including its relevance in today's world of pandemics and anxiousness. The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a retired UMC Elder with a heart for "doing all the good I can; particularly in anxious times." The United Methodist People Podcast is all about sharing the story of the United Methodist people who have similar commitments to doing all the good they can through conversation and commentary. To Purchase "The Passion Play-Living the Story of Christ's Last Days" Go to: https://www.cokesbury.com/the-passion-play (https://www.cokesbury.com/the-passion-play) If you like The United Methodist People Podcast then you are invited to try one of the following podcasts Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is involved with. To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble (co-host) https://www.tobeencouraged.com/ (https://www.tobeencouraged.com/) Voice of God Daily Bible Study https://www.voiceofgoddaily.com/ (https://www.voiceofgoddaily.com/) Beyond Adversity: Helping People Navigate Adverse Life Events and Emerge Victoriously. www.DrBradMiller.com

On Episode 57 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller Bishop Julius C Trimble shares a “Letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr” to mark the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr holiday. It was also officially announced that the “To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble” Podcast will launch on Tuesday February 1, 2022. In this episode Bishop Trimble shared his thoughts on the impact and influence Dr. Martin Luther King has society and church today and how words and action should not be frozen in time but apple as earnestly as ever to today's problems of racism, voter suppression and justice. Bishop Trimble commented on how Dr. King might react to a present state of disparity, why the chasm between the rich and the poor continues? Dr. King brings challenging words to today that life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? That the measure of one's life is to live a life of service. Bishop Trimble also announced the launching of his own Podcast. As of Tuesday February 1, 2022. This podcast will put voice to Bishop Trimble mission “to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential” - in short, to be encouraged. The podcast will feature Bishop Trimble's insights and commentary on many issues facing society and the United Methodist Church such as: racism, pandemic, human sexuality, theology, bible study, voting rights, creation care and the future of the Untied Methodist Church. The podcast will publish each Tuesday and is co-hosted by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C Trimble is available at https://my.captivate.fm/www.ToBeEncouraged.com (www.ToBeEncouraged.com) Apple Podcasts: https://tobeencouraged.com/applepodcasts (https://tobeencouraged.com/applepodcasts) Facebook: https://tobeencouraged.com/facebook (https://tobeencouraged.com/facebook) Spotify: https://tobeencouraged.com/spotifypodcast (https://tobeencouraged.com/spotifypodcast)

In Episode 56 of The United Methodist People Podcast, with Reverend Dr. Brad Miller, the topic is building the new year of 2022 with Spiritual Infrastructure in the Be Encourage segment, Bishop Julius C. Trimble.  Bishop Trimble outlines entering into the new year of 2022 with a vision of partnership to build a beloved community with spiritual infrastructure.  Spiritual infrastructure is composed of such elements as prayer, accountability, and faith. Brad and Bishop discuss Jeremiah 29:11 regarding God's plans for the church moving into 2022. The discussion revolved around God delivering us for our new season and it's going to be a good season. It was announced that Bishop Trimble will be launching his own podcast in January 2022 “Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble” The trailer is available now at https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm (https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm) and the podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts and the other podcast directories. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller closed the last podcast episode of 2021 with a word of appreciation to the guests and listeners of the United Methodist People Podcast and a quote from John Wesley. “As for reputation, though it be a glorious instrument of advancing our Master's service, yet there is a better than that: a clean heart, a single eye, and a soul full of God. A fair exchange if, by the loss of reputation, we can purchase the lowest degree of purity of heart.” John Wesley Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is found at https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm (https://be-encouraged.captivate.fm)

In Episode 55 of the United Methodist People Podcast Bishop Julius Trimble shares a Christmas message of How to be Real and Encouraged this Christmas. Bishop Trimble shares the meaningfulness of Christmas memories growing up in his own family and in raising his own children. He also emphasizes the importance of clergy caring for their own families at Christmas and how laypersons can be helpful in this area. He talks about the redeeming message of Christmas in the light of the Covid 19 crisis and other societal pressures. He relates that Christmas is a gift worth sharing - the gift of encouragement. Episode 55 also featured the special announcement that in January 2022 Bishop Trimble is launching his own persona podcast "Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble." This included the release of an audio trailer for the new podcast which will be available on iTunes and other podcast directories after January 1, 2022. Rev. Dr. Miller concluded the episode with gratitude to the listeners for their support in 2021 and the following quote from John Wesley. “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” ― John Wesley

In Episode 54 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Indiana Bishop Julus Trimble and Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns about simplifying the United Methodist Brand with Love, Grace, and Forgiveness. This is part 2 of a two-part conversation about simplifying the United Methodist Brand. Part 1 of this conversation is on Episode 53 of the United Methodist People Podcast. https://united-methodist-people.captivate.fm/episode/53

In Episode 53 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller talks with Indiana Conference Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Indiana Conference Lay Leader David Johns about simplifying the distracted branding of The United Methodist Church. Episode 53 is part 1 of this conversation wh9ich will continue on Episode 54. David Johns is a retired automotive industry executive who brings his expertise in branding and marketing cars to his love of the United Methodist Church and his passion for Jesus Christ. David and Bishop talk to Brad about the multifaceted nature of the United Methodist Brand the assets and liabilities of how the United Methodist Brand is viewed by the public. The conversation turns to the need to simplify the message of the United Methodist brand to focus on "keeping our eye on the ball" of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation which will be resumed on Episode 54 of the United Methodist People Podcast focusing on the sacred worth of all people. “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.” ― John Wesley

Episode 52 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, features a behind-the-scenes look at the November 2021 Council of Bishops meeting with Indiana area Bishop Julius Trimble. Brad and Bishop talk about the narrative set forth by the Council of Bishops to set the stage moving forward as the church faces probably division in 2022. Bishop and Brad talk about a vision of setting a table for a home where all can be welcome no matter their differences of opinion. Furthermore, Bishop and Brad talk about how music can be a universal language to bring people together. Music at family gatherings around a Thanksgiving table and the songs of Christmas and the holiday season can bridge divides among people.

Living with a grateful heart is the Thanksgiving message of encouragement from Bishop Julius C. Trimble on episode 51 of the United Methodist People Podcast. Bishop Trimble and Rev Dr. Brad Miller talk about scriptures that speak to our hearts at Thanksgiving time particularly Luke 12:48 which indicates to those for whom much have been given much is expected and how that should guide us and how we serve others during this Thanksgiving. Bishop Trimble and Dr. Brad also talked about how in many churches there will be a great emotional uplift that people are gathering for fall dinners and other social events for the first time since the pandemic. Bishop Trimble and Dr. Miller also talked about what people can do to live out their sense of gratefulness and gratitude through various mission opportunities at our churches particularly those which focus on the needs of children. Bishop Trimble and Pastor Miller also announced that in January of 2022 Bishop Trimble will launch his own podcast called "Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble".

Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble joins Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on the recurring Be Encouraged segment on the United Methodist People Podcast. In Episode 50 the conversation centers around Leadership in a time of ambiguity in the United Methodist Church. Bishop and Brad talk through the present state of affairs in the United Methodist Church in November of 2021 with the church still many months away from General Conference 2022 when some decisions may be made regarding addressing the conflict in the church over matters of human sexuality. Bishop shares his experiences in The Council of Bishops and how there is a concerted emphasis among the episcopacy to embrace this defining time in our church in a more loving way. A conversation was also had about how local church lay leaders and pastors can approach dramatic decisions around such matters as disaffiliation with a season of prayer and considering the impact such decisions would have on those in our local churches who would be excluded by the decisions made. Be encouraged with Bishop Trimble is a regular segment on The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. In January 2022 Bishop Julius Trimble will be launching his very own podcast "Be Encouraged" with Bishop Julius Trimble emphasizing his call to be a voice of encouragement to the church. The purpose 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 an Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference. https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/ (https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/)

On the Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble segment on Episode 049 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, the matter of Cration Care and Climate Justice are discussed in depth. Rev. Dr. Miller and Bishop Trimble go from describing the existential environmental crisis at hand to the theological and biblical foundations for creation care to the pragmatic actions that local churches and individual United Methodist can take to be good stewards of the earth and show care for creation. Special emphasis is given to the importance of listening to and acting with young people who are so invested in the preservation of the planet. One such group is "Climate Justice for All." Episode 049 is an important resource for the church which speaks to perhaps the greatest issue all people face, the threat to our very environment. Climate Justice for All https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/cj4a/ (https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/cj4a/)

In Episode 48 of The United Methodist People Podcast, Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble talks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on his ongoing series "Be Encouraged" about his recent article "We Don't Give A Damn About the Poor." Bishop Trimble offers his take on the apathy exhibited in government and much of society toward the plight of poor people borne out by the lack of action toward many measures legislatively and among communities toward services that seek to meet the needs of the poor. Bishop Trimble talks about how personal freedoms do not exclude Christians from the biblical mandate and responsibility to serve the needs of the poor. Moreover, Bishop Trimble gives an encouraging word of the good works that many churches have done in serving the needs of the poor which are tangible examples of what folk can do right now to actually "give a damn for the poor." Bishop Trimble will be a regular guest on The United Methodist People Podcast with his message to "Be Encouraged." 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/)

In Episode 47 of “The United Methodist People Podcast,” Rev. Dr. Brad Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with three core leaders of The Room For All Coalition.  The Room For All Coalition was formed in the Indiana Annual Conference in 2019 as a response to decisions made at the 2019 General Conference which (RFA) considered destructive to the church by bringing harm to persons who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. Alberto Hidalgo îs a layperson from the Broadway UMC in Indianapolis who became heartbroken when he saw the UMC make a decision that when against his passion regarding inclusivity in the church. He got involved with The Room for All Coalition and is was elected as a Jurisdictional delegate from the Indiana Annual Conference. Rev. Mary Dicken is an ordained Deacon in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, currently serving at Meridian Street United Methodist Church in Indianapolis and previously serving churches throughout southern Indiana and in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is passionate about connecting the church with the hurts and hopes of the world, creating space for sacred questions, and making room for people who have not always felt comfortable or welcome in the church. Rev. Jerry Rairdon is the Lead Pastor of First UMC-Noblesville, Indiana. When the decisions at the 2019 General Conference troubled him to his soul he received a spiritual leading to do something about it. This leads him to become one of the founding members of The Room For All Coalition. All three of these leaders shared their faith stories and how that lead them to become a part of The Room For All Coalition. The conversation Brad had with RFA leaders dealt with an honest assessment of the state of the church including the uneasiness regarding the delay in the General Conference until 2022 and how the stress of not making a decision is problematic. The discussion leads to the listening and learning the RFA has been doing with local churches and church folk which is a part of sharing and interpreting the agenda of RFA to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ folk. The conversation concluded with a discussion by all parties on a vision and hope for the church moving forward. Episode 47 of The United Methodist People Podcast is an important listen for any person wanting to understand the position of groups like the Room For All Coalition. The United Methodist People Podcast has the mission of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. it is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller an Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference  Mary Dicken mary.dicken@inumc.org Jerry Rairdon jrairdon@noblesvillefirst.com Alberto Hidalgo ahidalgojr@aol.com https://www.roomforallin.org/ (https://www.roomforallin.org/) https://www.facebook.com/RoomForAllIN (https://www.facebook.com/RoomForAllIN)

Seminary Students Rachel Haines and Mackenzie Phillips are Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guests on Episode 46 of The United Methodist People Podcast. They spoke to Dr. Brad in-depth about college and seminary life and their perspectives on ministry in a time of the pandemic, social, political, and racial unrest and division in the United Methodist Church. Rachel Haines is a 2018 graduate of Emory and Henry College in Virginia and a student at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.   Mackenzie Phillips graduated from Hope College in Michigan in 2020 and is a student at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She serves as Associate Pastor of High Street United Methodist Church in Muncie, Indiana. Both women are from Ft Wayne Indiana and both are members of St Joseph’s UMC. They discussed the importance of their home church in their faith formation through youth groups and church camps. Going deeper - the conversation led to how the students were experiencing diverse situations and people in their college and seminary experiences and exploring scriptural studies and developing their own personal ministry philosophy and theological perspective. The students discussed women in ministry and the importance of understanding context and perspective in ministry settings and to really be good listeners. They talked about the challenges of entering ministry during a time of the covid pandemic and the social, political, racial unrest that has pervaded every aspect of life the last year. Moreover, they talked about entering the ministry in the United Methodist Church during a time of division in the church. They saw that this opened up opportunities to apply their gifts and graces to make an impact upon the world through their willingness to serve and face the challenges before them. Indeed, they are choosing to see a lot of hope in the world and in the UMC as serving the church in new ways is now more needed than ever and they are called to look for the good in people and the church and the word.   Episode 46 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rachel Haines and Mackenzie Phillips is an absolute encouraging word to the church from our emerging leaders who are teaching us to always “do all the good we can.” mackenzie.phillips@inumc.org hainesrachel.rh@gmail.com https://hainesrachel.weebly.com/ (https://hainesrachel.weebly.com/) 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 an Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference.  www.unitedmethodistpodcast.com

Episode 45 of The United Methodist People Podcast, with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, features a conversation with Rev. Dr. Roger about his book “Comeback: Returning to the Life You Were Made For” Roger is the Director of Church Excellence in the Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and former pastor and church planter in Illinois.  In this conversation, Brad and Ross talk about the factors which lead to the disaster of a fall be it personal or something out of our control like a worldwide pandemic or dissension in the church and respond to the fall in such a way as to find a way to come back better than ever. Brad and Ross discuss five elements crucial to having a comeback and in particular, he advocates five transforming practices which when applied to your life can give you a practical and doing pathway to find your way to come back after a fall. This conversation is a great foundation for using the book and the accompanying workbook to apply to your personal life and to teach in small group settings in the local church. The book “Comeback: Returning to the Life You Were Made For”  is available at Cokesbury, Amazon, and is published by Abingdon Press. https://www.cokesbury.com/Come-Back-2?refq=roger%20ross Roger Ross blogs a http://www.rogerross.online (www.rogerross.online) and is available for speaking, coaching, and consulting. The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in The United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.

President Javier Viera from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble are Rev. Dr. Brad Miller's guests on Episode 44 of The United Methodist People Podcast for an in-depth conversation about seminary education in challenging times. President Viera assumed leadership of the Evanston, Illinois campus on January 1, 2021, after serving on the faculty and administration of Drew University School of Theology. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Viera is the first person of color and the first Latino to hold the office of president in the seminary’s 167-year history. President Viero spoke about his personal faith in Jesus Christ and his pathway which lead him to the Presidency at G-ETS prior to diving into a conversation about the challenges and opportunities in theological education in the present context of society and matters impacting the United Methodist Church. President Viero quoted the Spanish poet Machado “making the road as we walk it” as descriptive of the situation facing seminaries. In particular, President Viera said “one of the things that that we are facing as a seminary is the fact that we're training people for a world that we do not yet fully understand, and that we aren't certain of what it will look like.” He talked about theological education is a gift to the church because often the seminary is the place for engaging in dialogue and critical analysis of, of the brokenness of the world and wanting to be a part of, of the healing and the restoration, and resourcing the place of the church to lead in that regard. The conversation led to a discussion of the purpose of graduate theological education itself. He concluded beyond academics in many ways seminary is a graduate school of leadership, and of public service, and of sending people out into the world to serve in those capacities. This is a must listen to any United Methodist leaders invested and interested in the importance and future of seminary education. Folks can learn more about President Javier Viera and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at www.https://www.garrett.edu/about-us/about-us (garrett.edu). 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 who is an active Elder in the Indiana Annual Conference of the UMC. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller March 2021 https://www.garrett.edu/about-us/about-us (Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary)

Two Bishops join Rev Dr. Brad Miller on Episode 043 of The United Methodist People Podcast.   Bishop Julius Trimble of The Indiana Episcopal Area along with Bishop Bishop LaTrelle Easterling of the Baltimore-Washington Episcopal Area engages in an in-depth conversation on matters of peace and justice, racism, the Capitol insurrection of January 6, and the state of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Easterling spoke of her personal experiences in dealing with the impact of the January 6 events in her community.  She talked about how she was taken aback but not surprised by the violence of that day. She talks about how the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference was prepared to respond to the violence as they had already experienced vandalism and violence at African American UMC’s in Washington DC during the Black Lives Matter gatherings of the summer.   Bishop Easterling spoke a prophetic word about the power and meaningfulness of the word “truth” in such a time as this referring to the story of Moses and Aaron from Exodus 32. Bishop Trimble spoke about the legacy of racism faced by baseball great Hank Aaron as well as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and the importance of taking the gospel seriously in a time when racism and other social ills have arisen. Both Bishop’s spoke about the state of the United Methodist Church and how they maintain hope that the church will carry thought withy the biblical teaching to love God whole and seek to be whole. This is an important episode worthy of the listener's time and attention. The United Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the Unit4ed Methodist Church through conversation commentary.  Rev. Dr. Brad Miller unitedmethodistpodcast.com February 2021 Bishop LaTrelle Easterling Baltimore-Washington Episcopal Area https://www.bwcumc.org/about/bishops-office/ (https://www.bwcumc.org/about/bishops-office/) Bishop Julius Trimble Indiana Episcopal Area https://www.inumc.org/bishop/ (https://www.inumc.org/bishop/)

Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble and Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, General Secretary of The United Methodist Board of Church and Society are Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guests on Episode 042 of The United Methodist People Podcast. This episode centers around a United Methodist Response to the attempted coup and violent insurrection at the United States Capitol building January 6, 2021. Bishop Trimble wrote an article entitled “A Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr” on the occasion of the MLK Holiday which spoke to the unrest in our country and the response of the United Methodist Church to the violence. Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe wrote a statement on January 13, 2021 calling on the US Senate to impeach, convict and bar former president Trump from holding public office again. In the discussion attention is given to a Christian and biblical understanding of peace, justice and righteousness. In particular lifting up MLK vision of “a beloved community” and rejecting “distorted Christianity” and “faith misappropriated.”   Episode of 042 of the United Methodist People Podcast is helpful tool for any United Methodist Christian Clergy or Member looking to formulate your own response the disturbing events in the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. January 2021 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller The United Methodist People Podcast United Methodist Podcast https://www.umcjustice.org/news-and-stories/general-secretary-calls-to-bar-president-trump-from-public-office-1248 (General Secretary Calls to Bar President Trump from Public Office) https://www.inumc.org/home-page/a-letter-to-rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/ (Bishop Trimble's Letter to Martin Luther King, Jr)

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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

The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 stunned United Methodist people everywhere including the members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Many members called for a response from the church and Senior Pastor Fuquay and Associate Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross responded by developing a message series and other resources on understanding biblical justice as a starting point to respond to institutional racism. These resources included a website www.antiracistindy.com which contains blog posts and resources targeted toward eliminating racism. Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble joins Rev. Dr. Brad Miller in a conversation with these two pastors about what led to the creation of the sermons series and resources and the greater vision they have to serve church leaders to respond to institutional racism in their churches and communities. The emphasis of the messages and resources are particularly targeted toward seeking greater understanding scriptural references on justice and the meaningfulness of biblical justice as a starting point in responding to institutional racism in comparison to cultural or societal starting points to justice. Episode 39 of The United Methodist People Podcast can be a great resource to pastors and church leaders looking to respond to racism and matters of injustice in their communities and congregations with a starting point of the Bible as a starting point. The mission of United Methodist People Podcast with Reverend Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary in order to fulfill our churches mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. September 2020 Reverend Dr. Brad Miller 1. https://www.stlukesumc.com/sermon/understanding-biblical-justice 2. www.antiracistindy.com

  The unique ministry of Rev. Dr. Sid Hall pastor of Trinity Church Austin Texas is the focus of Episode 038 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr Brad Miller.   The ministry journey of Sid Hall is unique in several ways unpacked in this in depth interview with Brad including:   His 33 year ministry at one pastoral appointment, Trinity Church, Austin Texas. The journey of transforming Trinity from struggling for survival to a thriving eclectic congregation serving a community that is multicultural, multiracial, diverse sexual orientations and gender identities not far from University of Texas campus.  Sid lead Trinity to became one of the first churches in Texas and indeed in the United States to become a reconciling ministry congregation (in 1992) outwardly affirming and welcoming of LGBT persons. Sid is unique because when it became apparent that there was an uncertain future for LGBTQIA+ persons in the UMC  Sid and Trinity found a provision in the book of discipline which allows a local a local church to reorganize as a co-affiliated church with another denomination.  This is exactly what Trinity UMC did under Sid’s leadership in 2015 becoming a church that was reorganized as Trinity Church of Austin co-affiliated as both a United Mehtodist Church and United Church of Christ congregation.   Sid also speaks to Brad about his take on the present state of the United Methodist Church and his hopes for the future of the UMC.  There are unique lessons to learn from Rev. Dr. Sid Hall here in Episode 038 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.   The Mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary to serve the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller September 2020   https://www.trinitychurchofaustin.org/

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

On episode 035 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Rev. Michelle Cobb, Executive Director of e4potentialliving.org/ and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble.   Bishop Trimble and Rev. Cobb engaged in a deep dive conversation about the courageous conversations needed to respond to racism.    Rev. Cobb described her early faith and the impact of her childhood experience of facing racial hatred when she as a black student was bussed to a predominately white school in her hometown of Gary Indiana.   Rev Cobb went on to share her reactions to the killing of George Floyd and how this raised the awareness racial injustice among people beyond people of color.   She is the Executive Directory of  e4potentialliving.org/ which provides resources and services on racial justice training, intercultural competency training designed to engage, equip and empower their clients to engage across racial lines to maximize community transformation.   A key part of the conversation centered around engaging in courageous conversations on all matters racial justice in the community and in the church.  Moreover, the point was made that beyond courageous conversation that the time is at hand for action to be taken to effect policy and practice on matters of racial injustice.   The point was made that in the United Methodist Church we have the all the right words in all the right places in the Bible , The Book of Discipline and The Social Principles to speak to racism, what is needed is the implemention of the words.   The mission of the United Methodist People Podcast is the strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.      The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller July 15, 2020   e4potentialliving.org/

Dr. Phil Amerson president emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary joins Dr. Brad Miller and Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 34 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    

On Episode 031 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr Brad Miller and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble welcome Ian Hall the indiana Conference Director of Administration and Finances.   Ian shared with Brad and the Bishop his faith journey including the important role of church camp in is faith development and call into service in administrative roles in the church.   In his role as director of finances Ian spoke about  the challenges facing local churches and and the annual conference ministries in the wake of the extraordinary circumstances of the corona virus pandemic.  Ian shared the resources and leadership that his office can offer to local churches in particular assisting them in making connection to such tools as online giving and government assistance.   The conversation included an assessment the fiscal health of the UMC including health insurance and pension matters.   A highlight of the conversation with Ian was his hopeful assessment that many local churches are not only maintaining but exceeding their previous levels of giving toward mission and ministry.   Bishop Trimble conclude the conversation with a devotional thought about hope in the middle of the covid-19 crisis and a prayer for the financial health of the United Methodist Church.   The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller May 27, 2020 Ian Hall  

In Episode 030 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller continue to partner with Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble to encourage United Methodist People in the age of a pandemic.   In this episode Bishop Trimble welcomes two younger clergy to the podcast to respond to how younger clergy are responding to the distinctive circumstances of doing ministry during a quarantine and navigating the present presses and crisis caused by the dissection i the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ross Stackhouse is the pastor of a new church plant Heaven Earth Church located in Whiteland, Indiana and Rev. Julia Gonzales is the Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s UMC in Carmel, Indiana. The two pastors speak to Bishop and Dr. Brad about the unique challenges that they face in their family life, marriage and ministry especially in light of the quarantine. In particular Bishop Trimble posed to both young clergy the Wesleyan question: “How Is It With Your Soul?”   The reply of both the pastors is something that the listener will want to hear centering around coming to terms that everything is “Not OK” in the world right now and how we need to respond with trust, grace and self-care. Bishop Trimble concluded the conversation with a prayer of encouragement and protection for Pastor’s Julia and Ross their families and for all folks in need of a word of grace from the Lord. There are important insights for all United Methodist People in this roundtable conversation with Rev. Julia Gonzales and Rev. Ross Stackhouse being encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble in Episode 026 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. The Untied Methodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with  the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller May 19, 2020 https://www.stmarkscarmel.org/about/julia-pritchett/ https://heavenearthchurch.org/ https://www.inumc.org/ unitedmethodistpodcast.com

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

UMPP.028: Creating Space for Fear, Making a Path for Faith.  Being Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble.   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 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

UMPP.024: Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble (Holy Week Encouragement) 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

In Episode 23 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev Dr Brad Miller has a second special episode of Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble. Bishop Julius Trimble is the resident bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church. In this conversation Bishop Trimble talks to Brad about pastoral care of people in our churches and assisted living facilities who are impacted and infected by the coronavirus pandemic. He also discussed the impact of the recently announced postponement of General Conference and its implications on annual conference. Another topic of conversation was the financial health of local churches and the General Church. In spite of the challenges of the pandemic Bishop Trimble shared that he is encouraged by signs of mission and kindness in the local churches and believes that post pandemic there will be a revival in the church. Bishop Trimble plans to share an encouraging word through this podcast to be published each Tuesday. Bishop Trimble will take questions via email to Communications Director Serena Acker [serena.acker@inumc.org] The United Mehtodist People Podcast is published by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller for the purpose of strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary. March 30, 2020 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller brad.miller@inumc.org INUMC.org Communications Director: Serena Acker serena.acker@inumc.org facebook.com/unitedmethodistpodcast

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  

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: Institute for Discipleship Cokesbury.com Author-Susan Wilke Fuquay Author-Rob Fuquay Dan Gangler on Facebook United Methodist People Podcast on Facebook 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

In Episode 020 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Jan Lawrence the Executive Director of the Reconciling Ministry Network.   The Reconciling Ministry Network is comprised of over 40,000 Reconciling United Methodists and over 1,000 Reconciling Churches and Communities. Dozens of statements, open letters, and bold refutations of GC2019’s shameful decisions have emerged from the people, communities, and churches of the Reconciling movement across the connection. Since GC2019, these people who call themselves Reconciling have borne witness for justice in media outlets, performed same-gender weddings, organized gatherings, and continued in faithful ministry as called by their Creator. We are not only working on what is to come, but we are already living it. Justice movements within our Church can no longer seek justice by compromise. To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God require us to rise and resist.    The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller exists to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.   June 2019.   https://rmnetwork.org/

The founder of The Methodist Reclamation Project Rev. Chris Tiedeman is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Episode 019 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   The Methodist Reclamation Project is a facebook group presence founded to respond to the decision of the 2019 General Conference to advocate a progressive/centrist viewpoint on the matters facing the UMC.   Chris is the pastor or Christ UMC-Wabash, Indiana.    In this in-depth interview, Chris tells Brad about coming to the church when he was dating the daughter of a UMC pastor while they both were in a high school drama production of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”  He described how the openness of the UMC spoke to him and nurtured his faith eventually leading him into pastoral ministry.  He is known among other things as the “Ukulele Pastor” for playing and singing with his “Uke” in the community.   He and some colleagues created the Methodist Reclamation Project to speak to effect change to save what can be of the United Methodist Movement.  He looks to affect the best future of the UMC moving forward.   He spoke to Brad about his role as a “Grandpa Millennial” and his concerns about how the UMC has struggled to meet the needs of millennial and how passionate he is about this.  This includes his willingness to work through with others what Methodism will become in the aftermath of the 2019 General Conference decision to implement the Traditional Plan.   Chris spoke from the heart to Brad about the “gutted” feeling he had about the pain many people associated with the LGBTQ community are experiencing now and how his compelled to take action in response to that.  This action included stepping up as a candidate for the General and Jurisdictional Conference.  (Note: Chris was elected as a delegate to the North Central Jurisdictional Conference by the Indiana Annual Conference)   Chris describes his present attitude about the church as “fraught but hopeful” which he describes as being encouraged by the movement of centrist/progressive UMC people in an anxious time and a defining moment in the church.   His desire, he tells Brad, is to focus on Jesus and move beyond any distraction to this focus.  He describes himself as a “Jesus Person” teaching others in the UMC that the need to be Jesus to others an outpost of the Gospel.   You will want to listen and learn from Chris Tiedeman the founder of The Methodist Reclamation Project on Episode 019 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.   The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the UMC through conversation and commentary.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller June 2019   https://www.facebook.com/groups/386132275301092/

Shannon Priddy is the national president of the United Methodist Women and candidate for election to become a delegate to the 2020 General Conference from the Indiana Conference. In Episode 018 of the United Methodist People Podcast, she is interviewed in depth by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. Shannon shares with Brad her faith in Jesus Christ in growing up and her local church involvement with United Methodist Women inspired by UMW’s emphasis on missions, social justice, and inclusion.  She got involved with leadership in UMW in her local church (North UMC-Indianapolis) and her leadership ability was affirmed by her rise to become the president of the national UMW.   Shannon’s skills are arising furthermore as she has got involved with the UMCNext movement in response to the 2019 General Conference.  She talked with Brad about her experience at the May 2019 UMCNext conference in Kansas City, KS which called together progressive and centrist groups in the church to pray and process a strategy and response to the harmful nature of the traditional plan as approved by the 2019 General Conference.   She was moved by the deep conversations and convictions of the people she encountered at the UMCNext event and is committed to implementing reforms in the church. Shannon has stepped forward to become a candidate for election to represent the Indiana Annual Conference as a delegate to the 2020 General Conference.   She shared with Brad her motivations and expectations in becoming a candidate. Shannon is a passionate advocate of deep conversation, especially with people you are in disagreement with, expecting the Holy Spirit to work mightily in the church and living under the protection of the Grace of God.  She believes when the church does these things that community will be restored and will be a proper response to this time of distress in the church. Shannon Priddy brings much value to the listener of Episode 018 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. June 2019

In Episode 017 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Rev. Duane Carlise from Indianapolis Broadway UMC and Rev. Jill Howard from Indianapolis-Rosedale Hills UMC who are instrumental creating the Room for All Coalition.    The Room for All Coalition brings together several like-minded progressive advocacy groups in the UMC in Indiana to plan and strategize about next steps for the UMC. They speak with Brad about their experience at the UMC Next Conference recently held at UMC Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City KS. Both Duane and Jill are offering themselves as candidates for election to 2020 General Conference from Indiana and speak to Brad about their willingness and calling to serve the church in this manner. The is an important conversation that addresses difficult matters facing the UMC in a defining moment in church history. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller June 2019    

Bishop Julius Trimble returns to the United Methodist People Podcast in an in-depth interview with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller.    Bishop Trimble shares with Brad his spiritual disciplines including his devotional practices and working out regularly as well as his practice of praying with his wife in the care before any trip.   The Way Forward was the focus of much of the conversation with Bishop Trimble emphasizing a few points: His belief that differing views on human sexuality should not be a church-dividing issue. Concern that focusing so much on matters of humans sexuality in the church distracts from the primary purpose of the United Methodist Church to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” Hope that the UMC will handle our disagreements in such a way that love Jesus is not obscured and be a model to a world in disarray.   Brad concluded the interview by asking Bishop Trimble about his future hopes for the UMC which included admiring the vitality and ingenuity of younger clergy and new ministries developed to serve people impacted by opioids and Fresh Expressions of ministry and worship in non-traditional settings.   The purpose The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary to accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.   December 2018 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller Bishop Julius Trimble

The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection int eh United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary to fulfill the mission of the United Methodist Church of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In Episode 015 Brad has a deep conversation with Rev. Lisa Schubert Nowling the Senior Pastor or College Avenue United Methodist Church in Muncie Indiana and an Indiana Conference delegate to the 2019 General Conference. Lisa tells Brad about her early faith formation in being nurtured and encouraged in her local church to sept into leadership and eventually answering the call to ministry complimented by here training an skills and education in journalism and French. Lisa has special affinity for serving people in the margins of life on matter of social justice and enhancing the influence to the local church to achieve life transformation Lisa expressed to Brad her concerned about the state of the church and how the UMC is struggling to relate to many generations of people driven in many ways by the failure of the UMC to understand and respond to the context of the 21st century world. She goes on to go deeper int eh matter of context in regards to the understanding and preparing for the 2019 General Conference regarding g the way forward. She lays out in some detail the nature of the traditional, one church and connectional conference plans. She talks about the merits and challenges of each and shares with Brad why is leaning toward supporting the one church plan as the best approach to saving the unity of the church and the UMC’s ability to continue to impact the world for the Good News of Jesus Christ. She unpacks with Brad her concerns in two area’s prior to going to General Conference those be differing views of interpreting Scripture and the need too approach the sensitive matters of human sexuality at the General Conference with a heart of peace. Perhaps the most impact statement that Lisa made to Brad on Episode 015 the UMPP was that her hope for the UMC is not in General Conferee but in Jesus Christ. This is an important issue the United Methodist People Podcast in understanding and relating to the matter facing the UMVC on the way forward. Please listen, share with other and subscribe, rate and review on iTunes. Doing All the Good We Can, October 2018 Rev. Dr. Brad Miller

The purpose of the United Methodist people podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ of the transformation of the world. In Episode 014 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller conversation and commentary were at hand as Brad hosted a lively discussion with three other elders on the topic of The Way Forward, particularly The One Church Plan which will be presented to the 2019 General Conference.   Brad was joined by Rev. Jerry Rairdon, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Noblesville Indiana and founder of Uniting Methodist Indiana, Rev. Jill Moffat Howard, Pastor of Rosedale Hills United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana who is an alternate delegate to the 2019 General Conference from the Indiana Annual Conference and Rev. Dr. Mark Holland Executive Director of MainstreamUMC.com from Kansas City, Kansas. The focus of the roundtable conversation was the impasse in the United Methodist Church over matters of human sexuality which led to the creation of The Commission on the Way Forward who will bring three proposals to the floor of the February 2019  General Conference.   Mark and Jerry lead groups which are strong advocates of The One Church Plan over the other two proposals which are the Traditional Plan and the Conference Plan.   The conversation began by lifting up what is joyful and good about United Methodist Church which included comments about missions, creative outreach and innovative worship and a renewed openness to try new approaches to ministry.  The conversation then shifted to what breaks the heart of the panelist which included grave concerns about a breakup in the church, animosity even hatred among folks on different sides of the issues at hand and missed opportunities for mission and ministry in a church bogged down by dissent.   An overriding question for the panel was "what kind of church do we want to be moving forward?" That is if this splits church what’s next for the UMC? There was a conversation on the how part of the conflict in the UMC centers on how some see the UMC as a descriptive church and others see the UMC as a prescriptive church. It was generally agreed that a strength of the UMC is our diversity and that a schism in the church would be exclusionary of many and is not the best way for the UNC to be a witness to the world. The panel was generally in agreement that The One Church Plan provides the best opportunity for the UMC to move forward as one church not divided by schism. Great concern was expressed about the complexities of the “Conference Plan" and the harsh restrictive nature of many aspects of the “Traditional Plan.” The One Church Plan presented the church as a Big Tent which has room under its roof for many different expressions of faith based on grace, tolerance, and love of one another within the body of the UMC.   The panel was in agreement that the mission of the church is at stake and that The One Church Plan gives the UMC the best opportunity to reach present and younger generations of people far from God and far from the church. The One Church Plan is best suited for the UMC to live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The conversation concluded with the statement the gospel is bigger than the church on these matters and it is felt that there is momentum for The One Church Plan as the time of General Conference approaches. This was an important conversation between those deeply engaged in the process of understanding The Way Forward and coming to terms with the implications that the decisions made at General Conference will have on the very nature of the United Methodist Church.   Those who are likewise invested will find great value in the roundtable conversation in Episode 014 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a long time Elder in the Indiana Conference UMC with experience in radio broadcasting and podcasting who believes deeply in the power of conversation and commentary to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller October 2018  

The director of MainstreamUMC.com, Rev. Dr. Mark Holland is Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Episode 013 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   Mainstream UMC is an advocacy group which supports the adoption of The One Church Plan prepared by the Commission no the Way Forward and affirmed by the Bishops of the UMC.   Mark talks to Brad about his faith journey as a third generation United Methodist Pastor serving in Kansas City, Kansas for the majority of his pastoral ministry.  Mark also had the rather unique experience of serving as the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas concurrent to his pastorate at Trinity UMC in Kansas City.   Mark is taking a sabbatical year to concentrate on efforts to influence on delegates to the 2019 General Conference supporting The One Church Plan.   Mark describes the difference between the One Church plan and the Traditional Plan and argues that the One Church Plan is preferable.   He speaks to Brad about the following:   Comparing the UMC to a dinner plate which can be chipped and still be useful or shattered and destroyed. Affirming the courage of UMC bishops to address the impasse over humans sexuality by creating the commission on the way forward. Noting that if family’s and local churches can model unity-why can’t the denomination. That under the one church plan churches and clergy can be conservative or be progressive but can be the best they can be and still work diligently to make disciple of Jesus Christ Creating a church by choice. His contention that this is a “gut check time” for the UMC to determine if we as a church are willing to live as one family for whom we disagree with members of our family.   Episode 013 of the United Methodist People Podcast is a must listen to those wanting to understand the nature of the Way Forward process and the benefits of the One Church Plan.   The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is to stenghenthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means to achieve our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a long-time elder in the Indiana Annual Conference and has been podcasting since 2012.   Rev. Dr. Brad Miller September 2018   https://mainstreamumc.com/advisory-board/mark-holland/   facebook.com/unitedmethodistpodcast  

Episode 012 of The United Methodist People Podcast features Rev. Dr. Brad Miller conducting an in-depth interview with Rev. Jerry Rairdon, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, Indiana. Jerry is an organizer of Indiana Uniting Methodist a group which advocates for the "One Church" Plan for "The Way Forward" which will be presented at the called February 2019 General Conference. Indiana Uniting Methodist is planning a special event featuring a message from Rev. Dr. Mark Holland from Kansas City KS, Director of  Mainstream UMC another group advocating the One Church Plan.  The event is Monday, October 8, 7:00 PM ET at St. Lukes UMC in Indianapolis. Jerry spoke to Brad about the following matters important to him: His call to Christ and Ministry. First UMC -Noblesville (IN) Organic Farm The generation of his children and grandchildren don’t understand closed-mindedness toward LGBTQ people. His call to create a church where his children and grandchildren would want to attend. The context that the Bible is not clear on matters of human sexuality. The choice between the traditional plan and the one church plan How our church approaches the General Conference matters almost as much as the vote. People today come to faith often through opportunities for service. The call to create a groundswell of unity in the UMC. There is much to consider for the thoughtful UMC leader in Episode 012 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. The purpose The United Methodist People Podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.  The United Methodist People Podcast is published regularly by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a longtime Elder in the Indiana Conference.  Rev. Dr. Brad Miller September 2018    

The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.  In Episode 011 Brad interviews Rev. Rob Fuquay author of “A New Reformation” and Senior Pastor of St. Luke’s UMC, a large membership church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rob talks to Brad about his faith journey growing up in North Carolina and the importance of youth fellowship programs in his faith formation.  He speaks of spending time in ministry in England where he became aware of his calling within the calling to be an ambassador of keeping the local church fresh.  He gave an example of the church staying fresh through the small group ministry at his church which had been helpful to transforming the life of a self-destructive young man. Brad and Rob talked about the challenges of the church accomplishing the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and the encouragement of seeing pockets of transformation in opposition to the trend of decline. Rob shared with Brad his views on “The Way Forward” emphasizing that the one church plan endorsed by the majority of UMC Bishops allows for the “big tent” of the UMC to be expanded to meet the needs of people from a differing perspective on the matters of human sexuality facing the church.  In particular, he noted that many lay people would likely prefer to avoid divorce court and hold the church together. Rob sees signs of hope in the church when the church is willing to die for the cause of Christ.  That is when the church remains fresh. Brad’s interview with Rob Fuquay is a good leaning listen on Episode 011 of The United Methodist People Podcast where he also reviews the book “Canoeing the Mountains” by Tod Bolsinger. Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is a long-time elder in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church with a background in radio and podcasting. The United Methodist People Podcast is all about strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church and believes in John Wesley’s admonition: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Rev. Dr. Brad Miller August 2018 Rob Fuquay St Luke's UMC-Indianapolis fb.com/unitedmethodistpodcast   "Canoeing the Mountains" - Tod Bolsinger

UMPP.010: The Bishops Speak Series “The Pallbearers Can Stand Down” A Conversation with Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer, West Ohio Area UMC. The purpose of the United Methodist People Podcast is strenghtening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary as a means to accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The UMPP is published weekly by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller a long-time elder in the Indiana Conference UMC. In Episode 010 of the UMPP Brad offer a summary of the 93 page report from the Commission on A Way forward outlining the key points of the One Church Plan the Connectional Conference Plan and the Traditionalist Plan. Brad then has a in depth interview with West Ohio Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer. Bishop Palmer shares with Brad his call to ministry under the influence of his parents and Sunday school teachers in the churches he grew up in. His father is a retired United Methodist Pastor. He talked about the role of the Bishop and Annual Conference in supporting the local church focusing on three areas: Leadership Formation Accountability to the mission of the church Facilitating how the the church can be and do some things better together than individually. In response the question about how well is the church accomplishing our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world Bishop Palmer admitted that “we are not kicking the ball out the park” but that there are many encouraging signs as well. Bishop Palmer spoke about how the church is working well in West Ohio in innovative ministries in developing new faith communities and ministry to incarcerated persons. The key according to Palmer is to not get stuck in nostalgia which tend to lead to churches becoming so institutionalized that they see ministry is for the benefit of themselves. Palmer, promotes the missional church which exists not for self but to serve others. He shared that the best resource for many churches that struggle it to look to successful innovative churches. Bishop Palmer served on the commission for a way forward spoke about the compassion, diversity and intensity of the experience and how faithful the team was to taking on the task of helping our church find a way forward through our impasse on matters of human sexuality. He spoke about how the impasse is draining energy away from the primary mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ. His hope is that the 2019 General Conference might bend us back more so toward the mission and find a way to maximize the mission of the UMC in more places rather than than fewer places. Bishop Palmer does not believe that matters of human sexuality does not have to lead to church division. He has hope and yearning and reason to believe that the UMC will find a path which will create more space for more people to say I am UMC instead of a place where you can’t be a UMC because of many personal matters. His hope is drawn from his experience in working with young leaders in the church who are still singing on to serve and are passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Bishop Palmer concluded his comments by declaring “the pallbearers need to stand down” as the church is far from dead. Enjoy and be edified by Episode 010 of the United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. August 2018