In the third of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on John 19:26-27, “Woman, here is your son,” and “Here is your mother.” The bishop explains how Jesus gives us a glimpse into how Christians…Read more »

In the second of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Through this statement to a criminal on the cross, Jesus…Read more »

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church, is the featured guest for a special series of episodes that explores the seven final sayings of Jesus from the cross. In this first episode, Bishop Saenz explains why Lent is special to him, and he provides some reflection…Read more »

Where does the 46 days (40 when we subtract the Sundays) of Lent come from? We trace it back to the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus spent in the Judean wilderness following his baptism in the Jordan River. Jesus spent time preparing for the critical ministry ahead. During that time, Jesus was tempted by…Read more »

Jesus tells his believers to make disciples. That’s not a command just for clergy. Laity actually play the biggest part, but that important role requires leadership. The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church will host its first Laity Summit on March 21 in Kearney, Nebraska. In this episode, Todd talks with Shane Warta,…Read more »

In the second of two episodes exploring the concept of a culture of call, Todd talks with the Rev. Ashlee Alley Crawford, coordinator of clergy recruitment and development for the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church. In their discussion, Ashlee shares resources available to local churches, young adults and others to help them…Read more »

Even smaller churches can make a big impact in the world for Christ. And there is an example tucked away in Madison, Kansas, about 22 miles south of Emporia, that serves as proof. In his book “The Madison Effect,” Gary Robbins writes about how a church in a town of 700 people has helped 16…Read more »

Some people feel lost. They don’t think they deserve love or respect or any consideration from God. They know sin has taken over their lives, but they don’t know what to do. Jesus tells us through the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin that while we may be lost, He never stops…Read more »

Todd continues our exploration of what Jesus taught by using parables. In this episode, we look at the widely known parable of the Good Samaritan. Even if you don’t know the story, you probably know the term. But what does it really mean? What was Jesus trying to teach us? And who, exactly, is our…Read more »

  We start a series of Bible-teaching episodes on some of Jesus’ parables with a look at the Prodigal Son. This story teaches us many things and makes us ponder even more. But Todd shares in this reflection how the story of the younger son teaches that nobody is too far gone, too lost to…Read more »