First Houston United Methodist Church

As Ann tells the story of Rahab, she's reminded of a similar story of a woman who once had to force herself to cross the threshold of the church - but once she did, she led a life that led other people to change their lives. The story reminds us that the responsibility to grow the church is on us. We are the ones who God uses to make the change. As Ann says, "the Church absolutely never stops moving." fmhouston.com

Ken and Anthony return! We get a question about the Holy Spirit – when it shows up, does everybody get it, and what everybody’s experience with it is. It turns out, what the United Methodist church thinks about it might just surprise you. Ask us a question! We can be reached at any time at FMHouston.com/AMA. [link to: fmhouston.com/ama]

After taking a vote with the congregation, Andy decides to start his sermon seriously, and end it with some fun. He starts with what he learned about racism in his time in St. Louis, and the important words two pastors there said to him that have stuck with him. Later, we learn why the book of Esther almost did not make it into the Bible, and have some fun with moving seats in church. fmhouston.com

This is what Brandi admits is a hard word: facing up to the fact that church is becoming less and less relevant in the world, and that it is our responsibility to change it. And that changing the world is going to take all of us. Plus, what Spider-Man can teach us about how changing the world involves other people. fmhouston.com

Brandi shares her original "Plan A," and how she gradually learned that her carefully-laid plan wasn't the right plan at all. She compares it to Ruth, and how Ruth had her Plan A thrown out as well - but when she found hope, she found something wonderful. Plus, all the reasons why Brandi wasn't sure if David should be her husband. fmhouston.com

Ann and Brant team up on a sermon to talk about Ruth's faithfulness, and her willingness to adapt to change. Along the way, we get an update on Brant's brand-new baby, the story of Henry Ford destroying one of his automobiles in fury, and discovering whether we are a "Big Godder" or a "Little Godder." fmhouston.com

The gang is back together and answering questions again! On this episode, the group talks about the pluses and minuses of the greet-your-neighbor part of church, and how being an introvert changes one’s perspective on the matter. Then, responding to someone’s concern, they talk about what happens to our souls when we die, and how we handle parts of scripture written in metaphor. You can respond or ask us questions anytime at fmhouston.com/ama (link:http://fmhouston.com/ama)

When Andy was handed Moby Dick in high school, as he stared at this startlingly thick book, his teacher told the class to dive in - they'd never get anywhere if they didn't dive right in. As Andy considers the eleven disciples, hearing the Great Commission for the first time, wondering how on earth they could ever complete something truly impossible - yet the church exists today because of their willingness to simply dive in. Matthew 28: 18-20 fmhouston.com

Brant takes the pulpit to close out our missions series, emphasizing the difficulty - the impossiblity - of what God asks of us by telling stories of the Immaculate Reception, and Mao's effect in China. But his emphasis is on the promise Jesus makes in the Great Commission - his promise to be with us always. Matthew 28: 18-20 fmhouston.com

Kathrin comes by the podcast to talk about how a German woman ended up leading a Hispanic ministry in Port Houston, how a ministry like that has to operate, and how the people in that community are dealing with a difficult political time. You can reach us any time to ask questions at fmhouston.com/ama.

On a Sunday where we celebrated the opening of our Harvey House for someone who had lost everything during the hurricane, Andy talks about the ways that Satan can throw up a million different obstacles. And as he continues to struggle with the Peloton, Andy talks about how he needs to force himself through to get to the other side - and how Paul was trying to teach the Philippians a similar message. Philippians 3:12-21 fmhouston.com

After she catches her daughter imitating her, Brandi considers the example that she gives. She compares it to Paul's example from these verses, as he invites the Philippians to imitate him - in the hope that they would follow and learn to imitate Jesus. Brandi points out that Paul's message is a focus on what it means to have your citizenship in heaven. Plus, a shoutout to the original 12th man. Philippians 3:15-21 fmhouston.com

This week, Bill Allen and Alexis McCarty swing by to talk about Lifeline, the homeless ministry of our church, and tell stories about the people they've met and relationships they've made. Ask us a question anytime: FMHouston.com/AMA

Visiting missionary Peter Swann tells us stories of how God had nudged him to share the Gospel, both in villages in South Sudan - and with people he bumped into in a Houston mall. fmhouston.com

This week, Loren Trujillo, our Refugee Ministry Coordinator, joins us to talk about the refugee community in Houston, the huge opportunity we have with our West Campus, and the way our church has been able to make connections with the nearby refugee communites. Ask us a question anytime: FMHouston.com/AMA

Andy is reminded of a near-miraculous fishing excursion he once went on, and the wrong lesson he learned from it. While considering missions, he points out the long view that we need to be taking in our lives. "To say 'yes' to Christ," he says, " we have to let something go." FMHouston.com

As Ann remembers her third grade teacher, Mrs. McKinney, she recalls the excitement of discovering something new - and having that new thing be the path that you take. So, what was Jesus' classroom like? FMHouston.com

Anthony asked us to talk about the new Colin Kaepernick Nike ad, so we talk about it from every angle, from the Biblical understanding of being a prophet, to American consumerism, to turning a blind eye to things we don't want to see, and everything else that jumps out at us. Then, someone writes in to figure out if they're a heretic or not, and we try and figure that out. Ask us a question, or respond back at: FMHouston.com/AMA

Andy talks about the Great Commission, and all the various ways that our church is reaching out into the world to spread the gospel. Plus, his new plan to reach out with the gospel in Houston that might put him in the emergency room. Matthew 28: 16-20 All month, we will be fundraising to support our missions outreach across the world. Visit the site to learn more: FMHouston.com/commissioned

Ann talks about how our "Mission Impossible" can become a mission possible - because to believe the Great Commission mean that anything is possible. Matthew 28: 18-20 All month, we will be fundraising to support our missions outreach across the world. Visit the site to learn more: FMHouston.com/commissioned

After a listener responded in frustration and disappointment to our answer about the United Methodist Church's struggle to find a solution to gay marriage within the church, Andy, Brandi, and Kaitlyn go back to reconsider their answers. Plus, book recommendations! Here's a list of the books mentioned: Andy: "The Sacred Enneagram" by Christopher L. Heuertz "The Righteous Mind" by Jonathan Haidt Kaitlyn: "The Sacred Enneagram" by Christopher L. Heuertz "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman "Stages of Faith" by James W. Fowler Brandi: "Saint Benedict on the Freeway" - Corrine Ware "I Know How She Does It" - Laura Vanderkam "Just Mercy" - Bryan Stevenson Ben: "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis Ask us a question! FMHouston.com/AMA

Brandi talks about her struggles with with a Pizza Hut (and works in a pun so flawlessly Andy should be embarrassed), and the value of authenticity, both within the church and in our every day lives. Then, why a set of pictures from the Chronicle this week moved her so much. James 2: 14-17 fmhouston.com

Ann Spears joins the podcast as three pastors who have battled with talking about our relationship to the Pharisees from the stage gather to talk about what makes this subject tough to talk about, and why hypocrisy is so easy. Plus, we're joined - noisily at first, but gradually much more calmly - by Brandi's one-year-old daughter, and we talk about the Enneagram WITHOUT KAITLYN EVEN BEING THERE, which will probably lead to some repercussions for all of us. fmhouston.com/ama

Andy looks closely at the way the Pharisees lived their lives, and pushed others to live their lives. Then he compares Biblical hypocrisy to modern hypocrisy, and points out the ways that our actions echo those mentioned by Jesus in the Bible. Plus, why his daughter has banned him from tweeting about Peloton. Matthew 15: 1-11 fmhouston.com

Ann starts off with the story of her new Roomba, and its penchant for attacking things throughout the house (and the terrific name that Max gave it). She then digs into the dirt of hypocrisy in the church - this church, in fact. Telling stories of how she's seen hypocrisy rear its head throughout the church in her years here, she lays bare the problems at the heart of our faith. Matthew 15: 1-11 fmhouston.com

Three different questions lead to three different conversations, as Andy, Brandi, and Ben work through current debates about homosexuality in the United Methodist Church, compare the Pharisees to the modern day church, and discuss 1 Corinthians 14:34, which tells us that a woman shouldn't speak while in church. fmhouston.com/ama

Andy has a sermon planned out, but an encounter with a woman during the first service derails him and sends him in a new direction. He talks about the planks in our eyes, but he also talks about reaching out, the ways we need to be open to things that are uncomfortable, and the voice of the Holy Spirit we may be ignoring. FMHouston.com

Brant details his frustrations and hypocrisy when it comes to judging other people, and the constant struggle that judgment has been in his life. When it comes to this issue, he knows he has a plank in his own eye (he even brought in the plank!). But a chance encounter with someone he judged at first sight leads him in an entirely new direction. FMHouston.com

While everyone else is away, Andy answers a few AMA questions solo. He tackles questions about the innerrancy of scripture, the Bible as a living, breathing document, and how our interpretations matter. Don't forget to send in your questions or links to any topic you'd like to hear everyone talk about! FMHouston.com/AMA

The new series kicks off with part of an interactive survey conducted in real-time to find out whether Christians follow more in line with attitudes and actions Jesus or the Pharisees. Brandi then talks about how the results can point out a hypocrisy within the Christian faith today, and relates it to the term "Fake News" today, and even to one of her favorite podcasts about magic! Matthew 24:1-4 fmhouston.com

The new series kicks off with part of an interactive survey conducted in real-time to find out whether Christians follow more in line with attitudes and actions Jesus or the Pharisees. Brandi then talks about how the results can point out a hypocrisy within the Christian faith today, and relates it to the term "Fake News" today, and even to one of her favorite podcasts about magic! Matthew 24:1-4 fmhouston.com

Andy, Brandi, and Kaitlyn respond to two articles written about the importance of having prominent female religious leaders. The group talks through their different experiences within the church, and ask the question 'What are you doing to elevate people around you, who don't look like you?' Click here to read the articles the group is responding to. Article 1 and Article 2 Don't forget to send in your questions or links to any topic you'd like to hear everyone talk about! FMHouston.com/AMA

Acts 16:13-15 fmhouston.com

Acts 16:13-15 fmhouston.com

As Simply Ordinary continues, Ken examines what it means for God to use things by looking at how God uses people to do his work. It leads to the topic of grace, and how we are called to treat each other not with equality, but with equity, giving to those that have needs, not everyone getting the same. Plus, like Oprah, there is a suprising giveaway partway through! thesourcehouston.org

Andy returns from Ithaca to discuss baptism and "remembering your baptism" on the week of First Methodist's "Simply Ordinary" baptism ceremony. Along the way, we talk about how the church does confirmation wrong, a Martin Luther quote worth remembering, and Brandi accidentally calls Ben a demon. fmhouston.com/ama

As Andy returns from his trip, he focuses on what it's like when God calls us back to home - and how he pulls us out of the wilderness. Plus, his experiences in Ithaca, and how "Won't You Be My Neighbor," the new Mr. Rogers documentary, pulled him up sharply. Numbers 20: 1-13 fmhouston.com

Ann tells the story of how Moses called water from the rock with his staff, and reminds us that God will take anything to reveal himself to us, and then we reveal God to other people. Then, the story of the rainbow God used to call Ann into ministry. Numbers 20: 1-13 fmhouston.com

Kaitlyn and Ben talk about the surprising examples of faith and consistency they found while watching the new Mr. Rogers documentary, "Won't You Be My Neighbor." Also, we find out how "Three's Company" kept Ben from having a TV growing up, and why Brandi isn't allowed to leave ever again. fmhouston.com/ama

Where do you go to find God? What does a holy place look like? Brandi explores how we find God, and the places we go to find him. To show what she means, she talks about the holiest place that she knows: a Catholic church on the border of Texas and Mexico, and what she found there. Exodus 3:1-10 fmhouston.com

Brandi, Kaitlyn, and Ben dive into an article about journalism and politics that turns out to be much more about how we oversimplify narratives and how we consistently fail to deal with conflict correctly. How are we as the church, and as its people, getting this wrong over and over again? The article is called "Complicating the Narratives," and can be read here: https://thewholestory.solutionsjournalism.org/complicating-the-narratives-b91ea06ddf63 Send in your questions and your comments! FMHouston.com/AMA

Often we don't feel up to the task, but Ann reminds us that the Holy Spirit isn't bothered one bit by where we are. She goes through the Bible to show us the stories of all those people who were called by God to great things despite incredible deficiencies, and reminds us that he is calling us to do the same. Acts 4: 13-14 fmhouston.com

Andy talks about three ways he saw the Holy Spirit at work in our church this week, one of which involved the miraculous appearance of a literal busload of Lutherans. Then he talks about Acts 4, and how Holy Spirit empowered the deeply ordinary men that Jesus had selected as his disciples. When God moves the same way in us, "we don't just see lives being changed - we see kingdoms being built." Acts 4: 13-14 fmhouston.com

This week is ostensibly about unjust laws and how we deal with them as Christians, but that turns out to not at all be where the conversation ends up. Instead, Brandi, Juan, and Ben focus on what Jesus told us about how "the poor are always with you," the parable of the sheep and the goats, and the ways we try to make something complicated into something simple to make ourselves feel better. Plus, a brief and unplanned interruption by live salsa music. Send us in your questions and responses! FMHouston.com/AMA

Back from his trip with the youth group to Peru, Andy talks about what it means to be changed - and how being changed, and pledging to follow Christ, requires absolutely everything. Then, as we begin communion, he holds up the bread and the cup and talks about the sacrifice that came before us that also gave absolutely everything. Matthew 6:11 fmhouston.com

In response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' use of Romans 13 during a speech about immigration, the group fields a question about what the Bible really says about the issue, and struggles to deal with commenting on policy in difficult political times. Plus, Ben finds out he's not an Evangelical! fmhouston.com/ama

To tell the story of how Jesus gives us a light burden as we follow him, Ann tells the story of Mike and Julie, who lost their way in figuring out what a well-lived life looks like. Matthew 11:28-30 fmhouston.com

Listening to the radio while bringing his son to college, Andy ends up reflecting on the nature of the refugee, and the wanderers from whom Christianity begins: the Israelites. Then he looks forward to what being a welcoming church is, and in the middle of the New Mexico desert, he's hit hard by a reminder from God as he recognizes what that looks like in his own life. fmhouston.com

After a post-Easter crash leaves Ann exhausted, she confronts the constant busyness of her life. Eventually, she finds her way back to the story of Jeremiah, who faced down the Israelites who refused to recognize the commands of the Bible. Then, to tackle things from another angle, Bill comes down the aisle to talk about the medical necessities of rest, and the way we constantly act in a way totally separate from how a healthy life should be lived. fmhouston.com

Andy, Brandi, Kaitlyn, and Ben respond to a New York Times Opinion Piece that gives faint praise to religion as a generic positive in people's lives. The group breaks down the writer's perspective, considers the actual benefits of a faith in Christ, and considers what their lives would look like without religion in them. This article was sent in by a listener - send in your questions or links to any topic you'd like to hear everyone talk about! FMHouston.com/AMA