Ask Me Anything

As we continue to settle into the new normal, a questioner wonders how it’ll shape the Church. The table discuss stripping our church norms and embracing simplicity. As well as the new ways online church is changing how we practice discipleship. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group explore how they’ve handled difficult but necessary conversations. Donyale reminds us that sometimes the road to peace means disrupting the “peace”. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Tension remains on high consequently fueling the growth of keyboard warriors. A questioner who’s noticed christian friends on opposite sides of the spectrum asks what it looks like to be followers of Jesus online. Donyale shares some words to defuse online courage. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Anthony joins the table as Ben hosts this weeks episode. A questioner reaches out to get clarity on what separates hope and prayer. The table discusses their practiceses talking with God and explore the limits of hope. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group look at the different ways we service and give but also what it means to be humbled by receiving. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In death are we healed of our illnesses or does it come with us? The table shares their insight and hope for those struggling with mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health contact your mental health professional or other qualified health provider. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Ben waits to surprises the group with today’s question - was it racist of God to single out the Israelites? The table discusses what Scripture tells us about why He chose the Hebrew people. Andy uses a food metaphor that has everybody questioning what kind of food they are. fmhouston.com/ama

On today’s episode, the group takes an opportunity to have a conversation about the events happening in Houston. Donyale and Andy share their experience at George Floyd’s funeral. They reflect on the impact of these events and what it means for us as a nation. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group take a moment to reflect on their experiences at the downtown march for George Floyd. Bloomed from our Ahmaud Arbery episode, today’s question searches for specific guidance on what the church can do to combat evil and what we as individuals can do. Below is more information on the book recommendations mentioned in this podcast. -Divided By Faith, by Michael Emerson -Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson -The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander -Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman -How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi -The Post-Racial Negro Green Book by Jan Miles -So you want to talk about race by Ijeoma Oluo Books for Kids: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor White Flour by David LaMotte Monster by Walter Dean Myers   The UMC is already helping us talk to our kids.  These are books that lift up the sacred worth of every human, no matter their gender, race, ability level, or sexual orientation. https://www.umcjustice.org/sacred-wor

A non-member asks whether the Methodist church disciplines members, and if people are required to confess their sins to a pastor or another authority. It leads to a discussion of what rules the Methodist church actually has, the importance of accountability, and how pastors work to try to be someone who stands in your corner rather than punishing you. FMHouston.com/AMA

Questions of racial justice, privilege and discipleship surface as the group breaks down the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. They reflect on the heavy price payed for racial harmony, the work that still awaits and the steps the church can take to be the champions of love. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

We’re talking about social holiness and what John Wesley meant by it. What that it looks like today and how it differs from how we interpret God defines it. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

All hands are on deck as the group dives deep into examining the consequences the precautionary actions we take to stay safe during the pandemic may have on others around the world. They find themselves wrapped in the same chaos our questioner finds themselves in. fmhouston.com/ama

We welcome our first guest to the Ask Me Anything table, Bishop Scott Jones! The group pick each others brains’ on how they’re managing daily life, spouses, parenting and the “new trend” growth during this pandemic. They lean into the changes they’ve seen in how we’re worshiping due to the pandemic and the possible impact on the future of the church This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group tackles two similar questions regarding the book of revelations. Ben’s pastoral side really shines when discussing the misconceptions of how we read this part of the bible. Everyone shares their experiences learning about the rapture growing up and the Left Behind series. fmhouston.com/ama

Today’s question puts the formula of our worship services under a microscope. The group examines what elements of a service really matters and the roles that lay and clergy people play. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Andy, Brandi, and Ben dissect the cons of staying busy for the sake of being busy. Moreover, the struggle to slow down our lifestyle. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group discuss the different ways they’re each adapting to daily life during the Covid-19 quarantine and the struggle of battling loneliness as a result of social distancing. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group begins today’s discussion picking up our conversation from last week’s episode and touching on the priesthood of all believers. However, they decide to hijack the question and talk through how they think the current pandemic will effect how we practice being the church. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

The group tackle what the rules are in taking communion during extreme times and what make separates communion from a love feast. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm