Best Mathew Palmer Podcasts (2025)

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Agency and Equity in Recovery with Greg Richards 42:03

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3h ago42:03

42:03

In this moving episode of Igniting Imagination, we explore the deep connections between faith, vocation, and community resilience in the wake of disaster. Our guest, Greg Richards, Managing Partner of Gregory A. Richards, P.C., demonstrates the transformative power of aligning personal gifts with a higher purpose as he helps his community recover f…

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The Power of Neighboring in Crisis and Recovery with Sarah Ridout Woolsey and Howell Ridout 1:02:40

7d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

In this episode, we explore the devastating effects of recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and its profound impact on local communities. We sit down with Howell Ridout, Architect Emeritus, and Sarah Ridout Woolsey, Founder and Executive Director of The Impact Guild. They share personal stories and insights about the destruction and the ongoing r…

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Leading Through the Storm with Rev. David Payne and Beth Palmer from Kerrville First UMC 1:05:16

14d ago1:05:16

1:05:16

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, we reflect on the devastating floods that struck Kerrville, Texas earlier this summer. The disaster claimed lives, destroyed homes, and left the community reeling. Yet in the midst of loss, powerful stories of resilience, faith, and compassion shine through. Host Rev. Lisa Greenwood speaks with g…

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A Better Way for Food Distribution with Tiffany Terrell 48:24

2M ago48:24

48:24

In the season finale of the Igniting Imagination podcast, co-hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler look back on a season devoted to reimagining ministry as a force for healing and transformation in the world. They reflect on the diverse voices and bold approaches shared throughout the season. One story that stands out is that of Tiffany…

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Born Out Of Necessity with Rev. Candice Wynn 45:05

3M ago45:05

45:05

In this moving episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Candice Wynn, founder and executive director of BOON (Born Out of Necessity), a national network reshaping discipleship for Black children and youth. Candice shares the deeply personal and spiritual journey that led to BO…

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Speak Out and Speak Up with Leslee Matthews, Esq. 40:03

3M ago40:03

40:03

Faith and law can work together to heal communities. In this episode of the Igniting Imagination® podcast, we explore the intersection of faith and law with Leslee Matthews, Founder and Managing Attorney of Speak Out & Up Law, LLLC. Leslee shares how her work at the intersection of legal advocacy and faith is transforming lives—especially in commun…

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The Greatest Deployment Center of All Time with Pastor Beverly Jenkins 46:16

3M ago46:16

46:16

Asset generation is more than a logistical task, it’s a sacred act of intention and imagination. It invites us to prayerfully consider: How can we steward our time, resources, and energy in alignment with what God has entrusted to us? Our guest, Pastor Beverly Jenkins, President and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R), shares the power of vision, t…

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Leveraging Weddings for Extraordinary Impact with Samantha Mathews 50:19

3M ago50:19

50:19

What if a wedding could be more than a celebration of love between two people—what if it could also be a catalyst for healing, dignity, and new beginnings? In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Mathews, the visionary CEO and Founder of The Andrée Collective, who is reimagining the wedding industry as a space for social transformation. Rooted i…

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Digital Tools Help the Church Do God's Work in the Neighborhood with Rev. Joshua Hayashi 48:28

4M ago48:28

48:28

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Joshua Hayashi, CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Management Company, for a powerful conversation on what he calls Holy Disruption. Together, they explore how churches can reimagine their physical spaces—not as burdens, but as oppor…

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Where There is Good, There is God with Rev. Dr. Amy Butler and Rev. Katie Kenyon 40:26

4M ago40:26

40:26

We’re kicking off Season 14 of The Igniting Imagination podcast with a powerful conversation at the intersection of faith and community transformation. Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Katie Kenyon, the heart behind Village Green RVA, to talk about what it looks like when churches step beyond their traditional walls an…

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Church Property: Key Takeaways From This Season 47:42

7M ago47:42

47:42

This week on the Igniting Imagination podcast, Shannon Hopkins, Rev. Mark Elsdon, Rev. Lisa Greenwood, and Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson reflect on a powerful season filled with wisdom and transformation. They revisit the profound insights shared by their esteemed guests who challenged them to see church properties not merely as real estate to be managed…

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How Does Legacy Shape Church Property Decisions? with Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. 51:52

7M ago51:52

51:52

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast, diving into the transformative power of church property as a catalyst for community renewal. They’re joined by Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr., who shares the inspiring story of Emory Fellowship in Washington, D.C., and its groundbreaking Beacon …

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Are Taxes Distracting Us from Bigger Church Property Issues? with Rev. Dr. Patrick G. Duggan 46:11

8M ago46:11

46:11

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guest Rev. Dr. Patrick G. Duggan. Shannon, Mark, and Patrick delve into the transformative potential inherent in church property, emphasizing a missional approach to its use. Patrick articulates the necessity of aligning financial strate…

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How Can Church Property Bring Repair? with Rev. Chris Dela Cruz and Rev. Melissa O’Keefe Reed 50:26

8M ago50:26

50:26

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guests Rev. Chris Dela Cruz and Rev. Melissa O’Keefe Reed. They discuss the transformative project, Barbie's Village, where a Presbyterian church in Portland, Oregon, took a groundbreaking step by giving land back to indigenous leaders a…

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How Can Church Property Serve the Neighborhood? with Joe Bowling 1:04:56

8M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guest Joe Bowling, Executive Director of Englewood Community Development Corporation in Indianapolis. Joe shares insights about the historical context of Englewood Christian Church, which has evolved significantly from its roots as a pro…

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What Can Partnerships Unlock for Church Property? with Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler and Brenda Halverson 49:28

8M ago49:28

49:28

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guests Brenda Halverson and Rev. Staci Maurice-Wheeler. Brenda and Staci share their journey of selling their former church property to launch a new development project, featuring affordable housing and a community center. They highlight…

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How Can Rural Churches Innovate with Their Building and Land? with Pastor Kevin Riley 49:53

8M ago49:53

49:53

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast, exploring how a small congregation has transformed its property into a vital hub for recovery services, emergency shelter, and essential community resources with Pastor Kevin Riley, Co-Pastor at Mount Baker Presbyterian Church. As churches d…

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Besides Housing, What Are Other Ideas for Re-Imagining Church Property? with Rev. Chrisy Ennen 46:23

9M ago46:23

46:23

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast, exploring the transformative potential of reimagining church properties to serve the community in new and meaningful ways. Rev. Chrisy Ennen, Minister of Word and Sacrament at First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, in Gulf Shores, Alabama…

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How Do We Handle Resistance to Church Property Changes? with Rev. Sharon Core 50:57

9M ago50:57

50:57

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast to speak with Rev. Sharon Core, General Presbyter for the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. Exploring the intricate relationship between church property and community mission, Sharon shares how congregations can pivot from traditional proper…

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What’s the Path to Church Property Changes? with Pastor Jessica Lowry 43:08

10M ago43:08

43:08

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast to speak with Pastor Jessica Lowry, Executive Director and Pastoral Leader at Sunset Ridge Collective. Exploring the transformative journey of Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, Jess shares insights into how her congregation navigated a pivotal m…

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How Does Theology Shape Church Property Decisions? with Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings 55:51

10M ago55:51

55:51

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their take over of the Igniting Imagination podcast to speak with Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings, Professor of Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University Divinity School. Shannon, Mark, and Rev. Dr. Jennings dive into a powerful conversation about faith, land, and community, exploring h…

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Why Are We Talking About Church Property? with Bob Smietana 55:08

10M ago55:08

55:08

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon are taking over the Igniting Imagination podcast! They’re joined by Bob Smietana, National Reporter for Religion News Service and author, to dive into this season’s theme: “Properties with New Purpose.” As we've been partnering with churches across the country, many questions have come up. This week’s…

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Church Property: Imagining Good Futures with Shannon Hopkins 32:56

11M ago32:56

32:56

Welcome to season 13 of the Igniting Imagination podcast! This season, we invite you into a story of hope and possibility, where church properties are reimagined as vibrant hubs for community flourishing. Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Shannon Hopkins, co-founder of Rooted Good, explore the evolving role of churches as valuable community assets. With chur…

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What’s a Critical Theme for the Future Church That We Missed? 44:50

12M ago44:50

44:50

Welcome to the season 12 finale of the Igniting Imagination podcast! This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane speak with Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson. Lisa, Kathi, and Blair reflect on conversations with various esteemed guests throughout the season, revealing how joy, hope, and building community hold new significance in conte…

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Opting into Joy with Rev. Tyler Sit and Rev. Rich Havard 50:54

12M ago50:54

50:54

Joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, sustaining force that connects us through authenticity and community. This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane are joined by Rev. Tyler Sit, a pastor, community organizer, and social entrepreneur, and Rev. Rich Havard, Senior Program Officer for Wayfarer Foundation, to explore…

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Small Boats are the Big Wave for the Church with Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck 55:15

12M ago55:15

55:15

This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane speak with Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck to explore the concept of "small boats," or small experiments that are giving us vision and hope for the church as we look to the future. Traditional leadership models are transitioning to leadership that empowers other…

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Place Matters with Rev. Bill Lamar IV and Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount 50:19

1y ago50:19

50:19

This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane continue exploring themes that will be essential to the future church – and they are happening right now. Rev. Bill Lamar IV, Pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture at Garrett…

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The Power of Togetherness with Vipin Thekk and Rabbi Elan Babchuck 54:24

1y ago54:24

54:24

What is the role of power in the new spiritual landscape emerging today? This season, we are exploring the themes we believe are glimpses of what will be critical guideposts for the future church. This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane speak with Vipin Thekk and Rabbi Elan Babchuck. Vipin Thekk, Founder of the Changemake…

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Hospitality When It’s Uncomfortable with Rev. Alicia Forde and Tamice Spencer-Helms 54:41

1y ago54:41

54:41

What are we seeing right around the corner from where the church is today? Around the corner is closer than we think. The Spirit is up to something and the invitation is to get close to what is happening right now, to pay attention, to notice, and to wonder. This week hosts Lisa Greenwood and Kathi McShane speak with Rev. Alicia Forde, a pastor, po…

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Imago Dei Drives Innovation with Carlos Huerta 53:20

1+ y ago53:20

53:20

Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean reminds us in her new book, Innovating for Love, that we don’t create new things for the sake of change, for innovation’s sake, but rather so that we can love better. We are always finding new ways to love our neighbors in the ways Jesus calls us to love. Carlos Huerta, the Executive Director of the Center for Community T…

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The Love of God and Love of Humanity is One Love with Jonathan Brooks 48:55

1+ y ago48:55

48:55

Pastah J, as his friends and parishioners affectionately call him, is a remarkable testament to the notion that innovating is what happens when you love the people you are with. We often make innovation out to be the next, big, creative, tech, cool thing when really it's about figuring out how to love our neighbors better and how to more deeply and…

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A Platform that Empowers People with Moy Mendez 43:18

1+ y ago43:18

43:18

Our Locke Innovative Leaders offer a powerful picture of what is possible for the church. They don’t just see a need, they see great potential that exists in that need, and they respond with the next faithful step, always gathering others to help create and build. It’s remarkably consistent. Moy Mendez, a pastor in Chicago and the Executive Directo…

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Network Building for Outsized Impact with Rev. Dr. Heber Brown, III 52:54

1+ y ago52:54

52:54

We are so excited about this season of the Igniting Imagination Podcast as Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Rev. Lisa Greenwood have conversations with four exceptional, innovative faith leaders who are profoundly influencing the way we think about the church’s mission and witness. It’s stunning and inspiring! Our guest this week is Rev. Dr. Heber Br…

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Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership in the Church Today 39:49

1+ y ago39:49

39:49

Have you enjoyed Season 10 of our Igniting Imagination Podcast as much as we have?! We started with Margaret Wheatley and we are ending the season with two remarkable innovative leaders, who also happen to be part of our leadership learning and innovation team, Rev. Kathi McShane and Derrick Scott, III. If you haven’t been listening, this conversat…

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Shaping our Biblical Imaginations with Dr. Eric Barreto 47:10

1+ y ago47:10

47:10

In this week’s episode of the Igniting Imagination Podcast, we talk with professor Eric Barreto who invites us into a biblical imagination for our work together. We love how he reminds us to keep coming back to the good news of Jesus. Yes! That is what inspires us, forms us, equips and animates us! We hope this conversation gives you a new imaginat…

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Cultivating an Indigenous Worldview with Dr. Randy Woodley 57:15

1+ y ago57:15

57:15

Dr. Randy Woodley, professor, scholar, farmer, and indigenous American, speaks of indigenous ways of leading that seem, on the surface, to be counter-intuitive, and yet as we sit with them, we see how resonate with Jesus’ teachings they are. We are so curious what you think as you listen. What do we have to learn from indigenous cultures about lead…

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Living ‘Love Your Neighbor’ in the State House of Representatives with Rep. James Talarico 58:43

1+ y ago58:43

58:43

This week’s episode of Igniting Imagination is a bit of a departure for us – for the first time, our guest is a politician! Yep, State Representative James Talarico. We decided that if we are going to do a season on Facing Reality and Claiming Leadership, we ought to directly address the polarization in our country – and where better than Texas pol…

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Nurturing the Possible Through Catalytic Leadership with Rev. Dr. Dave Odom 52:06

1+ y ago52:06

52:06

Rev. Dr. Dave Odom, who leads Leadership Education at Duke Divinity, works with hundreds of congregations and leaders from multiple faith traditions across the country. As such, he has a unique vantage point to view the realities of the church and what is needed for leaders today. In this week’s podcast episode, Dave shares that a new kind of suppo…

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Discovering a Way Back to Each Other with Rev. Dr. Amy Butler 44:37

1+ y ago44:37

44:37

The Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is a master at facing reality and claiming leadership. In her newly released memoir, Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other, she weaves together what is real and messy and hard with what is true and hopeful and redemptive, reminding us that the journey of faith is inextricably a…

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Actively Waiting in the Accelerating Age with Dr. Andy Root 1:00:13

1+ y ago1:00:13

1:00:13

If you are having conversations about innovation in the church, chances are that Andy Root’s name has come up. Writing books like, When the Church Stops Working and The Church After Innovation and The Pastor in a Secular Age, Dr. Andrew Root is leading the way in helping leaders to name and face current reality and lean into new ways of leading. Wh…

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Reimagining an Established Institution with Dr. Aaron Kuecker 48:21

1+ y ago48:21

48:21

Our guest is Dr. Aaron Kuecker, President of Trinity Christian College in Chicago. We can’t wait for you to hear what they are doing at Trinity Christian to tend to the wellbeing of their students. It is intentional and generous and nothing short of life-changing – from their approach to the funding model to how they are protecting the mid-week “We…

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Stewarding Ambiguous Loss with Dr. Pauline Boss 55:24

1+ y ago55:24

55:24

This conversation with Dr. Pauline Boss, author of Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief, is hope-filled, encouraging, validating, and motivating. Her insights manage to be both practical and weighty. She reminds us that we live in a mastery culture – that is, we want to be in control, have the answers, and win – which is, of cours…

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Analyzing Nieuwhof’s Church Trends That Will Disrupt 2024 46:16

1+ y ago46:16

46:16

Jump into 2024 with a special Bonus Episode of Igniting Imagination! We have invited two of our most frequent (and beloved) guests, Rev. Rachel Billups and Rev. Matt Rawle, to engage with Carey Nieuwhof’s list of 7 Church Trends That Will Disrupt 2024. Matt and Rachel reflect that this year’s list seems particularly spot on. From the endangered sta…

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Hope in Doubt? Are we addicted to hope? 56:17

2y ago56:17

56:17

Read Rev. Dr. Paul Escamilla’s response to the Wheatley episode on our website here. In this episode, you’ll hear us: Discuss of Wheatley’s unsettling insistence that we are ‘addicted to hope’ (9:19) Consider what the notion of “islands of sanity” means for local congregations (13:55) Analyze becoming vs. gaining (22:34) Interpret Wheatley’s Two Lo…

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Restoring Sanity with Dr. Margaret Wheatley 1:06:14

2y ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Dr. Margaret Wheatley has greatly influenced our leadership ministry work over the past several decades. We have given her book Who Do We Choose to Be? Facing Reality, Restoring Sanity, Claiming Leadership to many leaders. Meg’s foundational idea that “conversation is the currency of change” is at the heart of everything we do. The Two-Loop Theory …

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Holy Friends Pursue Higher Truth with Rev. Kathleen McShane and Rabbi Elan Babchuck 46:05

2y ago46:05

46:05

Rev. Kathi McShane, a retired United Methodist pastor, and Rabbi Elan Babchuck, a millennial, experienced an immediate connection when they met, a Spirit connection that made them fast friends from the beginning. In this episode, they share how their friendship naturally manifested in Picking Up the Pieces: Leadership After Empire. They discuss the…

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Holy Friends Bridge Deep Divides with Dr. Cleve V. Tinsley IV and Rev. Dr. Matt Russell 1:00:29

2y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

The guests in this episode became friends through a common commitment to activism and social justice. Dr. Cleve V. Tinsley IV and Rev. Dr. Matt Russell became best friends both by cultivating their common ground and exploring the very real differences between their perspectives and experiences. They share how their friendship has profoundly shaped …

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Holy Friends Bear Witness over Time with Bishop Laura Merrill and Bishop Janice Huie 45:42

2y ago45:42

45:42

The guests in this episode are ‘all in’ with the church; they are dear friends of our host, Rev. Lisa Greenwood, who also happen to be Bishops in the United Methodist Church, Bishop Laura Merrill, and Bishop Janice Huie. In their conversation the three of them explore what has been meaningful about their friendship and how their friendship has impa…

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Holy Friends Become Healthier Leaders with Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle 46:00

2y ago46:00

46:00

This episode features two “besties” talking honestly and openly about their friendship of many years and how it has deeply nourished them, even though they’ve never even lived in the same state. They discuss being fully present in real friendship, giving each other accountability, compassion, love, and care. They engage with the challenges that all…

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Holy Friendships with Rev. Dr. Victoria White Victoria White 38:46

2y ago38:46

38:46

One of God’s greatest gifts to us is friendships, especially what our guest Rev. Dr. Victoria White calls “holy friendships.” These are the friendships that not only make life more enjoyable and more creative, but they are also core to who we are and who we become. They are “mutual and sacred relationships formed in God’s love,” and they help us be…