Best Central UMC Podcasts (2025)

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“Every Child, Every Day: Churches Supporting Schools” with Robert Grinsfelder and Tabitha Branum 42:50

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8d ago42:50

42:50

How can churches and schools work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of kids? In this week’s episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Tabitha Branum, District Superintendent of Richardson ISD, and Robert Grinsfelder, co-leader of the Children First ministry at First UMC Richardson. Together, they share how…

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“Faith at Work in Film: Light of the World” with Greg Lyons 36:15

25d ago36:15

36:15

What does it mean to live out your faith in one of the most competitive industries in the world? In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, we sit down with Greg Lyons, a film producer and member of First UMC Richardson, to talk about vocation, creativity, and how following Jesus shapes a career in Hollywood. Greg also shares the story behind Light o…

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“We Are One Community: Immigration, Grace, and Belonging” with Rev. Amy Spaur & Rev. Faiana Prescott Funaki 40:01

1M ago40:01

40:01

Immigration isn’t just about policy — it’s about people, families, and faith. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Amy Spaur and Rev. Faiana Prescott Funaki to share stories that highlight the lived realities of immigration within the church. Together they reflect on how communities of faith live with cou…

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“Not-So-New Appointments: One Year In” with Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez and Rev. Johnny Brower 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

A year ago, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez of City Point UMC joined Rev. Daniel Hawkins to share what they were excited about and how they were stepping into leadership in their first weeks at new churches. Now they’re back — 13 months later — to reflect on the wins, the struggles, the surprises, and what they’ve le…

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"New Appointments and Family Rhythms" with Rev. David Lessner and Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

When a pastor is appointed to a new church, the whole family feels the shift. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan and Rev. David Lessner as they share how they’ve stepped into new ministry contexts while keeping their families rooted in familiar communities. They reflect on what it means to…

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“Connections that Multiply” with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Kissa Vaughn 40:47

2M ago40:47

40:47

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Kissa Vaughn of St. Barnabas UMC in Arlington for a conversation about what it means to be deeply intentional with the community around them. From midweek worship and preschool partnerships to third-grade reading mentors and Thursday lunches for 4…

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“Hospitality that Multiplies” with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Dr. Keith Somerville 30:00

3M ago30:00

30:00

This week on POD Strangely Warmed, we continue our series alongside the Multiplication Masterclasses with Hospitality that Multiplies. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev.  Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Dr. Keith Somerville, Senior Pastor at The Village in DeSoto, to explore how intentional language, self-kindness, and authentic community create s…

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“Relationships That Multiply” with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Armando Alvarado 41:35

3M ago41:35

41:35

This episode kicks off a new series tied to the Horizon Texas Conference’s Multiplication Masterclass, From Visit to Belonging. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Armando Alvarado from the conference’s Multiplication Team for a conversation about what really helps guests become part of a church community. With real …

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“Rooted and Resilient” with Dr. Tod Bolsinger 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

Recorded live at the inaugural Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this episode features a powerful conversation with keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Known for his work on adaptive leadership and church resilience, Tod goes beyond his keynote address to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s church leaders. F…

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Clothed in Christ, Not Uniformity

3M ago

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This week’s title is “Clothed in Christ, Not Uniformity” – based on Galatians 3:23-29. In a current socio-political climate that spreads the false narrative that diversity is divisive, the gift of this passage from Paul is (surprisingly) that oneness in Christ breaks down binaries to offer a mosaic rather than a melting pot – retaining diversity an…

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“Resilient Leadership” with Bishop Delores Williamston and Bishop Ruben Saenz 37:34

3M ago37:34

37:34

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and Bishop Delores Williamston, Bishop of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recorded during the first Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this conversation explores what it means to lead with resilien…

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"The First Horizon Texas Annual Conference 2025" 34:06

4M ago34:06

34:06

This week marked our very first Annual Conference. In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins brings you conversations from across the connection: youth delegates, newly ordained clergy, and conference leaders—including Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.—all reflect on the spirit and significance of this historic moment. From stories …

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The Faces and Places of Annual Conference 2025 21:36

4M ago21:36

21:36

Welcome back to POD Strangely Warmed! In this special episode, we’re helping you get ready for the first-ever Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, hosted at McFarlin Memorial Auditorium on the campus of SMU. We’re taking you behind the scenes to meet some of the pastors and churches helping host this year’s gathering. Rev. Camille May…

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Christian Science: A Deeper Look with the Peoria Society 29:49

4M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text What would it be like to walk into a church you've never heard much about, where healing happens with prayer and illness and suffering are seen as illusion? In this episode of Branches of Faith, Kate and Ben visit the Christian Science Society in Peoria and share their honest reflections and discoveries. With warmth and curiosity, th…

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Clergy Mental Health with Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow and Anna Lee 48:51

5M ago48:51

48:51

Welcome to Episode 101—truly a masterclass in clergy mental health. In this conversation, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow and Anna Lee for a deeply insightful and practical discussion about the mental health challenges facing pastors and church leaders today. Drawing from their work with the Clergy Health Initiative …

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Church Closures Leaving a Legacy with Rev. Dr. Owen K Ross & Rev. Derek Jacobs 40:44

6M ago40:44

40:44

It’s our 100th episode! We’re celebrating this milestone with gratitude for the journey and excitement for what’s ahead. As we continue our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s “5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025”, we turn our attention to how the Horizon Texas Conference is embracing change with courage, creativity, and faith. While som…

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Union Coffee: The Non-Derivative Church with Rev. Katie Newsome and Andrew Bennett 41:56

6M ago41:56

41:56

In this third episode of our series on Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we explore The Rise of the Non-Derivative Church, a movement toward fresh, innovative expressions of faith that break away from traditional models. One powerful example of this shift is Union Coffee, a Dallas-based café that blends faith, social …

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"Gen Z in Revival and Retreat" with Loni Fancher & Rev. Chelsea Peddecord 42:17

6M ago42:17

42:17

In the second episode of our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we dive into the dynamic and often paradoxical relationship Gen Z has with faith and the church. Are they in revival or retreat? And how can the United Methodist Church respond? Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Chelsea Peddec…

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"Evangelism on Life Support?" with Rev. Joshua Manning and Rev. Billy Echols-Richter 34:59

7M ago34:59

34:59

Is evangelism really on life support, or is it evolving into something new? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we kick off a new series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025. Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by church planters Rev. Joshua Manning and Rev. Billy Echols-Richter to dive deep into the challenges…

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"Getting to Be the Church" with Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen 26:43

7M ago26:43

26:43

In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen, Senior Pastor at Saint Paul UMC in downtown Dallas and the newly appointed District Superintendent of the Metro East District (starting in July). Dr. Facen shares powerful stories of Saint Paul's "Body and Soul" ministry to the unhoused, the tr…

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Sacred Drumbeats: Exploring Worship at Dayspring Native American UMC 40:34

7M ago40:34

40:34

Send us a text What happens when Native American traditions and Christian faith come together in worship? How does a sacred drum become the heartbeat of a congregation? And what can we learn from a church built with deep reverence for the land it stands on? In this episode of Branches of Faith, we take you inside Dayspring Native American United Me…

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“Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage within The Horizon Texas Conference” 15:11

7M ago15:11

15:11

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Danielle Kim, Rev. John Han, Rev. Levy Laguardia and Rev. Faiana Funaki to reflect on the third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration worship service. Hosted at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, this vibrant gathering uplifted the dive…

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"Rev. Daniel Hawkins visits Winter Camp 2 at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center" 28:01

7M ago28:01

28:01

This weekend, Rev. Daniel Hawkins was the guest speaker at Glen Lake Camp’s Winter Camp 2. So, we decided to go around and ask some campers and staff what they liked most about being at Glen Lake. From frozen fountains to warm hearts, this episode captures the joy, faith and community that make camp a transformative place. You’ll hear from students…

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“Five Priorities, One Purpose” with Rev. Benji Van Fleet and Rev. Todd Salzwedel 32:18

7M ago32:18

32:18

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, we take a deep dive into the ways United Methodist communities in the Horizon Texas Conference are embracing connectional ministry. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Benji Van Fleet and Rev. Todd Salzwedel to discuss the power of storytelling, fostering discipleship and the intersection of the five stra…

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“Overflow Conversations” 23:13

8M ago23:13

23:13

In this special edition episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we bring you a compilation of behind-the-scenes conversations that happened after the podcast was over, but the cameras kept rolling. Listen in as our guests discusses their experiences, thoughts on ministry, reflections on personal growth and the use of AI in sermon preparation. We hope thes…

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Calming Boundaries: "Finding Peace in a Chaotic World" with Rev. Kristin Warthen and Rev. Betsy Godbold 40:32

8M ago40:32

40:32

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Kristin Warthen and Rev. Betsy Godbold to a conversation about cultivating peace amid life's chaos. Following last week's discussion on “Finding Sacred Calm,” this episode explores the spiritual practices and intentional boundaries that help us stay centered in a world …

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“Finding Sacred Calm” with Hesha Abrams, Esq. 32:45

8M ago32:45

32:45

Recorded at the Horizon Texas Conference’s first-ever Clergy Covenant Day, Rev. Daniel Hawkins visits with Hesha Abrams, Esq., an internationally acclaimed mediator, negotiator and author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. Hesha brings decades of experience working with diverse groups including faith communi…

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“Building Community Beyond the Church Walls” with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Matt Temple 30:43

8M ago30:43

30:43

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins explores how churches can expand their impact beyond traditional Sunday services with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun, Associate Director of Multiplication, and Rev. Matt Temple, Learning Coordinator for the Center of Multiplication. Together, they discuss the importance of embracing an abundance mi…

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"Faith, Politics, and Justice - HTC's Texas Impact Board Members" with Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe & Rev. Phil Dieke 35:29

9M ago35:29

35:29

In our first in-person episode of the new year, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe and Rev. Phil Dieke to explore the intersection of faith and public life. Together, they discuss how our spiritual beliefs inform political engagement and justice work beyond the walls of the church. The conversation dives into the work of Texas I…

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Renewed Life and Reciprocity: A Visit to Pastor Quentin’s Church 28:52

9M ago28:52

28:52

Send us a text Episode Description: In this heartfelt episode of Branches of Faith, we take you to Renewed Life Church in Peoria, Illinois, a small yet passionate congregation led by the energetic and inspiring Pastor Quentin Johnson—known as “Coach Q” to many. What happens when love, faith, and service meet in one of the most underserved areas of …

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“Best, Worst or Weirdest 2024 pt. 2” with Rev. Daniel Hawkins & Almost Everyone Else 1:08:29

9M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

In this second installment of 2024’s Best, Worst and Weirdest, we bring you even more heartwarming, hysterical and inspiring tales from across the Horizon Texas Conference. From hilarious pranks and touching stories to some of the weirdest experiences in ministry, this episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist communi…

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Exploring Faith and Culture: A Visit to the Hindu Temple of Central Illinois 41:45

9M ago41:45

41:45

Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Branches of Faith, we step into the vibrant and welcoming community of the Hindu Temple of Central Illinois. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Hindu spirituality, from the colorful deities on the altar to the profound connection between faith, cosmology, and nature. We'll share our reflections o…

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“Best, Worst or Weirdest 2024 pt. 1” with Rev. Daniel Hawkins & Almost Everyone Else 1:04:40

9M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

This year, we welcomed over 65 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studio. After recording each episode, we love to ask our guests to share a story about their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry. We heard so many fantastic stories from some truly wonderful people that we had to divide them into two parts. Without further ado, he…

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“Christmas Eve Essentials” with Santa Claus, Rev. Jenna Johnson and Trey West 39:01

9M ago39:01

39:01

It’s Christmas Eve, and POD Strangely Warmed is in full festive swing! Join Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Rev. Jenna Johnson and Trey West as they draft their ultimate Christmas Eve Essentials—from cherished traditions and tasty bites to that perfect holiday ambiance. But wait—Santa himself makes a guest appearance, bringing the magic of the season (and som…

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“Behind the Beard: Being Santa with Methodist Values” with Santa George Campbell and Dustin Kaps 39:58

10M ago39:58

39:58

As we get closer to Christmas, POD Strangely Warmed slides into the holiday spirit with special guests Santa George Campbell and Dustin Kaps. George tells the story of his unexpected encounter at Costco, leading to his becoming a professional Santa Claus. He shares with us the joys and challenges of embodying Santa, from managing numerous gigs to g…

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"Gifts and Grinches of AI" with Rev. Johnny Brower and Rev. Anna Bundy Hagler 37:30

10M ago37:30

37:30

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Anna Hagler of First UMC Dallas join host, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in the church. They explore the gifts and grinches of integrating AI into church communications, sermon prep and administrative tasks. They also delve into e…

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“Blame it on Jesus” with Rev. DeDe Jones 38:24

10M ago38:24

38:24

This week Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. DeDe Jones to discuss her new book and single by the same name, “Blame It On Jesus." As they dive into the chapters of the book, DeDe shares her personal story, insights on embracing outsiders and misfits and the transformational impact of Wesleyan theology in modern worship music. They also talk about th…

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"Navigating Grief and Loss During the Holiday Season” with Rev. Dr. April Bristow and Rev. Dawn Anderson 40:33

10M ago40:33

40:33

***Disclaimer*** Suicide is a topic of conversation in this episode, which can be distressing. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or a mental health crisis, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following resources: Suicide Hotline - call or text 988 Resources and other hotlines can be found on the National Alliance …

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"Empty Manger: Advent Support for Infertility and Child Loss” with Rev. Madison Boboltz 34:06

11M ago34:06

34:06

As the season of Advent approaches, it’s important to remember that for some, this time of year brings to the surface broken relationships, mental wellness struggles and painful experiences of grief and loss. This week, Rev. Daniel Hawkins speaks with Rev. Madison Boboltz from First United Methodist Church of Arlington about how her church has been…

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"Midwinter at Bridgeport: The Power of Camp" with CJ Rice, Hailey and Leo 34:07

11M ago34:07

34:07

Join us on this episode of POD Strangely Warm, where we talk about the rich traditions and impactful experiences at Bridgeport’s Midwinter Camp. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by CJ Rice, Hailey and Leo, who share personal stories of how their faith has grown at Bridgeport Camp. From the transformative worship at the hilltop cross to the fun an…

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“Beyond the Ballot: Voting for Kindness” with Rev. Joe Stobaugh and Rev. Marilyn Jones 36:00

11M ago36:00

36:00

Today is Election Day, and whether you’re on your way to vote or waiting on the results, tune in to hear Rev. Daniel Hawkins sit down with Rev. Joe Stobaugh from University Park United Methodist Church and Rev. Marilyn Jones from First United Methodist in Stephenville. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining respectful discourse …

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First Church of the Brethren of Peoria 36:40

11M ago36:40

36:40

Send us a text The First Church of the Brethren in Peoria is part of the Church of the Brethren denomination, which emphasizes peace, simplicity, and community. The Church of the Brethren has roots in the Anabaptist movement, originating in Germany in the early 18th century. The congregation in Peoria shares these core values, focusing on service, …

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"Champion Children and Youth" with Christine Peirce and Rev. Emma Williams 37:34

11M ago37:34

37:34

This week, we wrap up our series of getting to know the leadership of the new Horizon Texas Conference. Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Christine Peirce, the Director of Children and Youth Empowerment, and Rev. Emma Williams from University Park UMC to discuss how the Horizon Texas Conference aims to Champion Children and Youth. Christine is put…

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"Faithful & Efficient: The HTC Stewardship Department" with Rev. Jeff Pehl and Scot Yarbrough 31:43

11M ago31:43

31:43

Continuing our series of getting to know the leadership in the newly unified Horizon Texas Conference, today we’re talking finances with the only members of the Stewardship department that had spare time to be on the podcast. Rev. Daniel Hawkins learns a little bit about Rev. Jeffrey Pehl’s woodworking skills and gets golfing tips from Scot Yarbrou…

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“Uniting Threads: The HTC’s Operations Team” with Dr. Kevin Walters and Kofi Williams 31:33

12M ago31:33

31:33

This week we are back in the studio after the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference to introduce you to another important team from our HTC staff. The thread that keeps us all working together: The Operations Team. Now, the studio isn’t big enough for all seven members of Operations, so Rev. Daniel Hawkins invited Dr. Kevin Walters and the newest membe…

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“Horizon Texas Essentials Draft” with Rev. Danielle Kim, Rev. Todd Salzwedel and Rev. Ruben Saenz III 37:54

12M ago37:54

37:54

While at the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference in Abilene, Rev. Daniel Hawkins invited Rev. Todd Salzwedel, Rev. Danielle Kim and Rev. Ruben Saenz III to a friendly essentials draft pick of what they want to see in the new Horizon Texas Conference. Tune in as they pick where they want the next annual Conference to be, their favorite strategic prior…

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“The Horizon Texas Unifying Conference” with Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Friends 29:59

12M ago29:59

29:59

This week POD Strangely Warmed journeyed all the way to Abilene for the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference! It's finally here, and Rev. Daniel Hawkins tracks down Jordan Cramer and learns what he's looking forward to in the new unified conference, Lisa Peterson tells about her experiences from the Northwest Texas Conference and the work she will be …

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“Always Moving Towards The Horizon” with Bishop Rubén Sáenz Jr. & Rev. Andy Lewis 31:51

1y ago31:51

31:51

Just a few days away from the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference, Rev. Daniel Hawkins reminisces with Bishop Rubén Sáenz Jr. and Rev. Andy Lewis about the journey our legacy conferences have been on leading up to now. The Bishop gives us a peek into what's to come next as we're always moving toward the Horizon.…

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"Multiplying Jesus Followers” with Rev. Dr. Owen Ross, Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Derek Jacobs 39:43

1y ago39:43

39:43

No, we're not in math class; however, on this episode, we meet three-sevenths (or .42857143) of the team whose main priority is to Multiply Jesus Followers. Rev. Dr. Owen Ross, Director of Multiplication, in addition to Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Derek Jacobs tell Rev. Daniel Hawkins about their positive church plants and how God's been preparin…

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Imago Dei 40:01

1y ago40:01

40:01

Send us a text We learned about the Sabbath, Jesus bringing a man to water to heal him, Ben was wearing a strange face, and Kate wants to invite you over for dinner. In the first week of the NFL season, Kate and Ben went to Imago Dei Church in Peoria and took notes on a plethora of "boots on the ground" kinds of activities that they're doing for th…