The Bible has often been misused to wound and exclude, with distorted interpretations justifying harm. Drawing on his own experiences of being rejected by faith communities, Pastor Zach Lambert wrote “Better ways to read the Bible: Transforming a weapon of harm into a tool of healing” to share how to reframe Scripture as a source of restoration and hope and how to read the Bible through a lens of healing, inclusion, and love.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are never forgotten.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry. A dedicated runner and ultra-marathoner, he reflects on discerning his call within a covenant community and the vital role of connection in guiding the church forward on this special “Meet a Bishop” episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape.”
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in our lives and churches.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting young people long after summer ends and how you and your local church can be part of the story.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley’s practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow vibrant communities of faith.”
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a model for connection in today’s divided world.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Learn more and/or order a copy of Justice’s book, “Sunflowers in the Valley: Finding Hope and Healing through Faith: at Amazon and other online booksellers.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek.”
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Learn more and/or order a copy of “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek” at
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—words spoken by billions of Christians across centuries and continents. In his new book, “We Believe: How the Nicene Creed can deepen your faith,” the Rev. Michael Carpenter shares how these words written in the 4th century aren’t just ancient history, but also have the power to unite across denominational lines and why they still matter today
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Learn more and/or order a copy of “We Believe” at RevMichaelCarpenter.com.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Every call to serve invites both courage and questions. For Kim and Pat Lewis, that call is taking them from Montana to Mexico, where they’ve been commissioned as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries. After deep discernment, the Lewises are prepared for a new chapter, one rooted not in tasks but in relationships that transform.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Learn more about Give Them Ye to Eat at the link.
Learn more and/or support the Lewises at the following links:
https://umcmission.org/missionary-bio/lewis-kimberly-lynn/
https://umcmission.org/missionary-bio/lewis-patrick-g/
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us  as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our own body, soul and spirit.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene’s key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more closely not only teaches us the truth, but also shows that her story can serve as a guide for us on our Easter journey and beyond. Join host Crystal Caviness with guest the Rev. Tiffany McDonald for a special Good Friday episode.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understanding of wisdom and transform our conversations, relationships and lives.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advocate who engages with her community, city boards, commissions and church to tackle pressing issues such as housing, healthcare access, voting rights and criminal justice reform. And discover how, as Jesus commanded, when we love our neighbors, we can all contribute to a more just and equitable society.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Discover how love has unified a Los Angeles community through decades of civil unrest, gentrification and natural disasters when the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin shares the story of Holman United Methodist Church, an historic church embodying its Wesleyan heritage as a center for community organizing and worship.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Discover how to doodle your way to a divine connection during Lent or at any time when the Rev. Stephanie Dunn shares practical tips for integrating creativity into your spiritual journey from her new book, “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent.”
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Learn more and/or purchase “Draw Close: A creative companion to Lent” at the link. Use Promo Code DC20 for a discount on the book at the Upper Room store.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

In a study for Lent from the Rev. Matt Rawle, “The Final Days: A Lenten Journey through the Gospels” explores the themes of justice, poverty, freedom and love woven throughout the sacred stories of Jesus’ last days on earth.
More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.
Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org
Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.