Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

We’re talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine. … Continue reading "[128] Lent, fasting and spiritual nourishment with Christine Valters Paintner"

Faith, science and life calling! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation. Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade holds a PhD in Christian theology and ethics … Continue reading "[127] Engaging faith and reason: Kara Slade’s spiritual journey"

We’re talking with Rev. Heather Jallad about the creative, fun and innovative ways that church is coming together and meeting the world. It’s an invitation to Rethink Church. This episode of Compass dives into new expressions of church like Dinner Church and Messy Church. It’s all inspiring… and it gets us thinking about how we, … Continue reading "[126] Church Rethought: Embracing Unconventional Spaces for Community and Spirituality"

In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Browka, the curator of the Everyday Sanctuary app, and we get into the importance of real-life experiences and faith journeys. Pastor Abigail shares profound insights into tapping into creative spirituality, from the necessity of supporting one another in our spiritual paths to the role of brief, accessible … Continue reading "[125] Cultivating everyday spirituality in 2024 with Abigail Browka"

Ryan Dunn addresses the struggle to find peace during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Offering contemplative practices for a more peaceful Christmas, Ryan explores ways to connect with God’s loving and peaceful spirit during this special time of year. From leveraging inconveniences as moments of reflection to turning preparations into prayers, listeners … Continue reading "[124] Contemplative practices for a peaceful Christmas"

Niceness in church communities can sometimes conceal deeper issues of injustice. It’s important to disrupt the status quo and engage in conversations about patriarchy, inequality, and systems of oppression. In this episode, you probably want to listen for the ways in niceness, though well-meaning, can be a hindrance to equality and justice. Also listen for … Continue reading "[123] Nice church, not nice patriarchy: A conversation with Liz Cooledge Jenkins"

We’ll explore questions like: Does God need our worship? Are some sins worse than others? How does spirituality affect mental health? Can science and religion coexist? Where do we see evidence of God? And why would a good God allow for evil? We’ll provide perspectives and insights on these questions, emphasizing that our answers are … Continue reading "Quick takes on tough questions of the Christian faith"

The Compass Podcast looks into a topic that has been making headlines and stirring heated debates: the Israel and Gaza conflict. Specifically, we will address a perplexing phenomenon: the religiously driven blind support of Israeli militarism by some Christians. What theological perspectives drive such a fascination with this conflict and where did those ideas come … Continue reading "[121] Israel, conflict, end times and interventions of peace"

Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and personal experiences with Rev. Mark Feldmeir. Mark’s faith journey led him to question the nature of God’s power, especially in the face of suffering and evil. He emphasized that God’s power is not coercive or unilateral, but rather persuasive. Mark also reflected on the … Continue reading "[120] Discovering evidence of the Divine in everyday moments with Mark Feldmeir"

Hosts Ryan Dunn and Michelle Maldonado, alongside guest Ashley Boggan, take us on a journey to uncover the distinctiveness of the Methodist faith. Initially produced as part of the United Methodist Podcast-a-thon, this episode offers insightful perspectives from Dr. Ashley Boggan, the general secretary of the United Methodist Church’s General Commission on Archives and History. … Continue reading "[119] What makes United Methodists different?"

Are you ready to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence and spirituality? Join us on the latest episode of Compass as we dive into the impact of AI on the Christian spiritual journey. We navigate the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into our everyday spirituality, play around with AI Jesus entities, and hear … Continue reading "[118] Artificial intelligence and your spiritual journey"

Rev. Josh Scott, author of “Bible Stories for Grown Ups” explores with us the paradoxical possibilities of the Bible’s ancient narratives. We dive deep into the serious question of faith: “What do we make of the seeming contradictions and inconsistencies in the Bible?” Josh helps us see how asking these tough, discomforting questions can become … Continue reading "[117] Does the Bible contradict itself? With Josh Scott"

It’s time for cosmic theology as we examine the spiritual depths of Star Wars and Star Trek. Covering everything from Jedi to Klingons, Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn are going boldly forth seeking the spiritual in space. Join us as we explore the theological reflections found in these iconic franchises. For episodes and notes, visit … Continue reading "116: The Force and the Final Frontier"

Reverend Jerry Herships shares his unique perspective on creating a nontraditional community that connects with something bigger and provides a sense of belonging. Jerry has worked as stand-up comedian. He wrote for Jay Leno. He’s authored a couple books, including Last Call: from serving drinks to serving Jesus and Rogue Saints: Spirituality for Good Hearted … Continue reading "Re-listen: Rediscovering church with Jerry Herships"

Rev. Canaday shared with us his story of recovery in alcoholism and finding deep connection with a higher power. This connection led Ryan to explore the power of support groups and specifically the role of spirituality in recovery. All this ultimately led to Ryan founding a church based on recovery. We’re five years on from … Continue reading "114: [Re-listen] Wagon of grace with Ryan Canaday"

Art and prayer share much in common–so much so that art can lead us into prayer and connection with the Divine. In this episode of Compass, Michelle and Ryan try out two art-based spiritual practices… and they provide directions on how you can utilize these practices as well. To see “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa … Continue reading "113: Art and your spiritual journey"

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the busyness of life? In the latest episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, Ryan Dunn invites listeners to disrupt their busyness through loving-kindness meditation. The episode features a discussion on the benefits of loving-kindness meditation on mental well-being and relationships. Here are three key takeaways from the … Continue reading "112: Disrupt Your Busy Life and Cultivate a Heart of Loving Kindness with this Meditation"

On this episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday, host Ryan Dunn, a former youth minister, explores the factors that contribute to people leaving the church. Ryan starts by sharing how a student’s experience made him question the effectiveness of ministry for young people. The episode covers seven reasons for people leaving the church, … Continue reading "111: Why People Are Leaving Church: 7 Reasons Explored"

Through May, our articles focused on the work of the Holy Spirit… which we’ll see can show up in some surprising places. In this edition of the audiomagazine, we’ll hear: (00:00) Introduction to the Rethink Church audiomagazine (00:43) “The amazing ways God is working right now” (06:02) “How to live a Spirit-filled life” (11:06) “Why … Continue reading "Spirit-filled: May 2023 Rethink Church audiomagazine"

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III reflects on his upbringing with parents involved in the civil rights movement and his journey towards identifying with the black prophetic and spiritual tradition within the black church. He also dives into everyday disruptions by stressing the importance of intentional, slow connections with God through activities like walks and bike … Continue reading "110: Linking love and justice with Otis Moss III"

We delve into the topic of iconoclasm and the conflict it causes in communities as they grapple with troubling figures from their spiritual history. From Confederate statues in Richmond to famous theologians who have committed atrocities, we explore how we evaluate historical figures through multiple lenses and the importance of deep discernment in Christian leadership. … Continue reading "109: From heroes to villains: The role of iconoclasm with Diana Butler Bass"

We’re talking diversity, inclusion, integration, hope, the church and divine intervention with John Blake. John has some interesting stories to tell about family and relationships… including his relationship with the church. John Blake is an award-winning journalist for CNN.com. His 2020 essay, “There’s One Epidemic We May Never Find a Cure For: Fear of Black … Continue reading "108: John Blake explores the world-changing power of relationships"

Special release. On the morning of March 27, 2023, a gunman entered Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, and shot 6 people to death. This event was a catalyst in Nashville, leading to protests, political intrigue and division, and the organization of a wide base of religious leaders. In this episode of Compass, Michelle Maldonado and … Continue reading "Faith in Action: Examining the Moral Monday Protest in Nashville"

The April 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout April 2023, our content focused on faithfulness. We’ll hear: “The growing pains of faithfulness” by Madison Myers https://www.umc.org/en/content/the-growing-pains-of-faithfulness “What happens when we make … Continue reading "Faithfulness: April 2023 Rethink Church audiomagazine"

Restlessness is not comfortable. We’d rather not spend too much time dwelling on thoughts of missing out… or of doubt… or spend too much time dwelling on mundanity of life. That’s not a comfortable place to be. So when someone like Casey Tygrett comes along suggesting that restlessness is a gift because it opens us … Continue reading "107: When restlessness is a gift"

Rev. Richenda Fairhurst shares about the relationship between our faith, spirituality and concern for our environment. This concern compels us to respond to climate change. Rev. Richenda shares several action steps for combating climate change–both personal actions and community action. Richenda Fairhust was trained by the Climate Reality Project and Center for Earth Ethics Ministers’ … Continue reading "106: Climate change and taking spiritual action in response"

In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout March 2023, our content focused on Lent and the resilience it inspires. We’ll hear: “What is Palm Sunday?” by Ryan Dunn https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-palm-sunday “Lent, fasting and revelation” by Joseph Yoo https://www.umc.org/en/content/lent-fasting-hunger-and-revelation “Resilient women in the Bible” by Madison … Continue reading "Resilience: Rethink Church March 2023 audiomagazine"

Christian Collins Winn joins the Compass Podcast to share how disruptive the teachings of Jesus really are–especially in regards to our social and political systems. Christian makes the claim that, though we don’t often talk about “Jubilee” and “apocalypse”, faith is all about what those terms represent and disrupting broken systems through actions like the … Continue reading "105: Jubilee, apocalypse and the politics of Jesus"

Joseph Yoo uses the power of stories — both ancient and contemporary — to remind us how we are often unexpectedly intertwined with one another and with God. Rev. Joseph Yoo. Joseph is the planter of Mosaic Episcopal Church located in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. And he has just released a book called “When … Continue reading "104: Who is a saint and why do they matter? With Joseph Yoo"

This is the February 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories and one classic read from the Rethink Church website. Throughout February 2023, our content focused on being deeply rooted. We’ll hear: (00:00) Introduction (00:50) “The Last of Us: Hive Mind vs … Continue reading "Deeply Rooted: February 2023 Rethink Church Audiomagazine"

What is the season of Lent, where did it come from and why is it important? Do you know the most popular things to give up during Lent? You might be surprised by how some people practice this special season. Compass co-hosts Ryan and Michelle share their Lenten experiences and some ideas about how we … Continue reading "103: Let’s get into Lent"

Jessica Richie shares the story and practices behind “The Lives We Actually Have”, written with Kate Bowler. “The Lives We Actually Have” (Releasing February 14, 2023) is a collection of blessings for the struggles of our shared humanity, from the New York Times bestselling authors of “Good Enough”. A blessing for a painful day? A … Continue reading "102: Blessing our messy everyday lives with Jessica Richie"

This is the January 2023 edition of the Rethink Church audiomagazine presented on the Compass podcast. In this edition, we present the latest stories from the Rethink Church website. Throughout January 2023, our content focused on Jesus and also questions about the United Methodist Church. We’ll hear: (00:00) Introduction (00:44) “Anxiety and one of Jesus’ … Continue reading "Jesus and questions about the UMC: Rethink Church audiomagazine January 2023"

Caroline Oakes shares how contemplative prayer and meditation rewire our thinking and open us up for Divine connection. In this episode, you’ll hear how Jesus practiced “the pause”–or took time away for centering and contemplation. You’ll also hear some of the ways that our own contemplative practices can change our thought processes and awaken a … Continue reading "101: Rewire your brain for powerful spiritual connections with Caroline Oakes"

What are the best streaming shows right now for connecting faith and life through theological reflection? Compass shares their recommendations. It’s a big episode! It’s episode 100 for the Compass podcast! And we’re introducing a new member to the Compass team. In order to get to know our team, we’re recommending several shows and movies … Continue reading "100: 10 recommended shows to stream right now for theological reflection"

Happy Advent! Let’s prepare for the UPCOMING Christmas season by looking at the history and practices of the holiday. Why is the date of Jesus’ birth celebrated on December 25? Why do we sometimes call Santa Claus “Saint Nicholas”? Was the Grinch based on a real person? We’re doing a short but deep dive into … Continue reading "99: Disrupting 10 Christmas myths"

Divine disruptions are happening on TikTok every day. Kelley Finch, Joseph Yoo and Sarah Tevis-Townes tell their stories of coming to TikTok and finding some beautiful relationships and community. Find Pastor Kelley at @pastorkelley Find Rev. Joseph at @joseph.yoo And Pastor Sarah at @disorganized.religion  

Throughout November of 2022, our content focused on diversity and the season of Advent. We’ll hear: “The broken family of Black Panther” by Nathan Webb https://www.umc.org/en/content/the-broken-family-of-black-panther-wakanda-forever “Why diversity in the church matters” by Madison Myers https://www.umc.org/en/content/why-diversity-in-the-church-matters “Have we embraced diversity or tokenism?” by Joseph Yoo https://www.umc.org/en/content/have-we-embraced-diversity-or-tokenism and “What is Advent about?” by Ryan Dunn https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-advent-about

Gratitude is good. But Thanksgiving is an issue. We could consider a space for lament and healing. Mark Charles, co-author of Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, shares a history of the Thanksgiving holiday and how we can instead make room for lament that offers healing.

Learn how to utilize the contemplative practice of imaginative prayer. This episode of Compass is an abbreviated one, as we’re working on what’s turning into a kind of double episode for next week. But in the meantime, we share another practice that leads into a deep sense of connection and helps broaden personal perspective beyond … Continue reading "96: Using your imagination in prayer"

Throughout October of 2022, our content focused on changing the world around us. This edition of the audiomagazine features articles describing how we become personal agents of change, making small actions that provide big impacts. We’ll hear: “How you will change the world” by Joseph Yoo https://www.umc.org/en/content/how-you-will-change-the-world “Creating a world-changing legacy” by Madison Myers https://www.umc.org/en/content/creating-a-world-changing-legacy … Continue reading "World-changing: Rethink Church audiomagazine October 2022"

According to Pew research, 62% of American Christians believe in hell. It’s actually hard to find topics that Christians agree upon more universally. But our beliefs about hell differ by a great degree: from it being a place of eternal torment to it being an ideal of separation. Where did our ideas about hell come … Continue reading "95: An ongoing history of hell"

Role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons have gotten a rap that they open doors to dark, sinister forces. It’s surprising (and refreshing) then to hear of them being used to inspire a sense of holy imagination and to advance the causes of justice. In this episode, Rev. Derek White (aka The Geekpreacher) talks about the … Continue reading "94: Satanic panic and holy imagination with Derek White"

Victoria Loorz shares how we can cultivate moments of divine connection in nature and how these moments led her and a whole lot of people into a church-based movement to enjoy, appreciate and connect with the Divine through reflecting and experiencing the natural world. It’s the wild side of church on this episode of Compass. … Continue reading "93: Experiencing God in nature with Victoria Loorz"

Throughout September of 2022, our content focused on being on discipleship. Discipleship is a descriptor for the practices, processes and actions through which we express our relationship with God through Jesus. It is how we walk in faith. This edition of the audiomagazine features articles describing discipleship, how discipleship shapes our perspectives, and practices through … Continue reading "Discipleship: Rethink Church audiomagazine September 2022"

Kevin Nye is our guest disrupter on this episode of Compass and he is going to share how advocating for the unhoused provides a window of opportunity for seeing a bit more clearly the movement of God-inspired justice in the world. We’re going to learn a bit about how advocating for those experiencing homelessness draws … Continue reading "92: Homelessness, justice and divine disruptions with Kevin Nye"

“Do I stay Christian?” That’s the title and focus of Brian McLaren’s most recent book. It provides reasons both to depart and to stay. We’re processing through some of the lingering doubts inspired through Christian history and questions of faith with Brian on this episode of Compass. Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and … Continue reading "91: When we question if we really want to Christian, with Brian McLaren"

Throughout August of 2022, our content focused on being on mission. What does that mean? Well, we have some great posts about how the church moves into the world to meet people… and also how God takes the initiative to speak to us. We’re offering a double dose of articles in this edition, so we’ll … Continue reading "Missional: Rethink Church audiomagazine August 2022"

Damon Garcia, author of “The God Who Riots”, is our fellow sojourner and seeker for this conversation on Compass. He invites us to think about Jesus’ view of holy action and belief. It’s a bit of a disruption if you grew up with the notion of Jesus being a calm and passive presence seeking to … Continue reading "A fresh look at radical Jesus with Damon Garcia: Compass 89"

Rev. Joseph Kim shares insights on our political calling in faith and raising up a prophetic witness for justice. In America, church and state are meant to be distinct and separate. And yet, we have to admit that church often bleeds over into matters of state and vice versa, despite the intention of separation. So … Continue reading "The church, the state and a prophetic voice: Compass 88"