In this episode, Todd talks with Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford and Rev. Melissa Collier Gepford about changes to the Great Plains Conference’s internship program. An additional guest — Rev. Grace Woods from Topeka First United Methodist Church — shares her journey from summer intern to a pastor working with a Great Plains intern. IfContinue reading “Internships Possibilities”
Category Archives: Podcast Episodes
Immigration Issues
The issue of immigration continues to grow in prominence as we move closer to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. During the campaign, he promised mass deportations and the closing of our U.S. borders. What impact does that have on people seeking a better life for their families in this country? Andrea Paret, a DepartmentContinue reading “Immigration Issues”
Building Relationships at The Table
The Table is a different kind of evangelism tool used by Bonfire, a Korean-language and culture church start in Olathe, Kansas. The Table is a biweekly meal with invited guests who have the chance to build relationships through conversation while gathering around food. This episode features one gathering in December at The Table, with BishopContinue reading “Building Relationships at The Table”
Immigration Frustrations
The campaign promise by President-elect Donald Trump for mass deportations has created more than a little anxiety among people who are immigrants to the United States. While some Americans may think it worthwhile to deport people illegally in the country, many people who are on the pathway to permanent residency or even citizenship fear theContinue reading “Immigration Frustrations”
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate by talking with Bishop David Wilson, an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation and also with Cherokee lineage. We also share some remarks and interviews from a U.S. Indian Boarding School Remembrance the Great Plains Conference hosted Sept. 28, 2024, at St. Paul United Methodist Church inContinue reading “Native American Heritage Month”
Sights and Sounds from Leadership Institute
Each September, Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, in Leawood, Kansas, hosts Leadership Institute. This time, Todd took along a microphone and recorded short interviews in hallways, in the backs of workshop rooms, in the corner of the sanctuary and even behind the chancel in an effort to give a snapshot of what participants experienced atContinue reading “Sights and Sounds from Leadership Institute”
Public Service Series: Jeff Hart
We wrap up a three-part series on United Methodists serving in local elected offices with an interview with Jeff Hart, who has served on his village board in Lynch, Nebraska, for more than 20 years. He’s also a school teachers and working toward becoming a licensed pastor in the UMC.
Public Service Series: Robin Carlson
Todd continues his series on laity serving in public offices with a fun interview with Robin Carlson. She runs a nonprofit clinic in Courtland, Kansas, and she’s also the town mayor. It’s a great story of a hometown girl who left for the big city and returned to make her United Methodist Church and communityContinue reading “Public Service Series: Robin Carlson”
New Strategies for New Churches
New church starts can be difficult. The Great Plains Conference’s New Church Development board has implemented some new strategies and is, literally, traveling the world to see how it’s done elsewhere. Todd explores some of the new strategies being employed by the NCD board to help build new faith communities that will thrive. In thisContinue reading “New Strategies for New Churches”
Public Service Series: Tyler Curtis
Todd starts an intermittent series on laity serving in elected office. With so much of the discussion focused on the presidential race, it’s easy to forget that many more decisions that impact our lives are made at the local level. In this opening episode to the series, Todd discusses how faith and service intersect withContinue reading “Public Service Series: Tyler Curtis”
In Layman's Terms 