First Houston United Methodist Church

So much of our Christmas traditions involve waiting - traditions that echo the long waiting that came before the first Christmas, the waiting for the coming of the Messiah. FMHouston.com

This episode’s question comes from Ben’s mom, who wants to know what to do when you pray for a very long time for something that’s in God’s will, such as a family member coming to faith – and yet it never happens. Ask your own question – reach us at any time at FMHouston.com/AMA. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In Philippians, Paul tells us that we are not to be anxious about anything - but our anxiety as Americans keeps increasing. 39% of people say they are more anxious today than they were a year ago. And, as Brandi tells us, that means that the church has a problem. Philippians 4:4-9 FMHouston.com

As Christmas season kicks off, Andy talks about all of the things that could be worrying him, if he let them. As he takes a look at the gentleness that Paul pushes us towards in Philippians, he shows how gentleness pushes worry away. Plus, his kids are back in town, so that means stories. Philippians 4:4-9 FMHouston.com

Last week’s letter-writer, James, follows up with further queries, and after boiling them down to a few simple questions – “does the Church have a moral imperative in regards to homosexuality? Is it really a choice between following the law and loving people?” and “are we being deliberately wishy-washy so as not to offend certain groups?” Then, the crew tries to take them on. Plus, in honor of Thanksgiving, a dive into why gratitude is so important! Ask us a question! You can reach us anytime at fmhouston.com/ama.

Kaitlyn "nerds out" by walking us through James Fowler's Stages of Faith, and talks about the place that a lot of Christians get stuck at. But because Kaitlyn is nothing if not practical, she walks us through the journey step-by-step, and gives us some heavy questions to consider as we go on our way. FMHouston.com

On Veteran's Day Weekend, Andy looks back on his grandfather's military service, and considers what a life of service looks like. A conversation with a Blue Angel gives him the message that "courage and faith go hand-in-hand." As he looks at his marriage, he sees the opportunities Jesus gives us to live a life of humility - and explains why living humbly is actually the easier path. FMHouston.com Philippians 2:12-13

The crew responds to a question with a ton of layers to it, covering Old Testament law, divorce, homosexuality, and about half a dozen more things. It’s a conversation about how to talk about religious beliefs when you’re not in lock step, and what Christian debate should look like. Ask us a question! You can reach us anytime at fmhouston.com/ama.

Andy sits down with Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo to talk to him about his faith, the role of community in the city of Houston, and the realities of police work. What happens next is a forthright and honest conversation about our city, and what policing it really requires. FMHouston.com

Ann considers the church at Philippi, and how Paul wrote them a letter from a tiny cell - but it was a letter of great joy! Then Ann considers the things that stunt our Christian joy, and how so many have it despite living lives of pain and struggle. FMHouston.com

The group is back together! Andy, Brandi, Kaitlyn, and Ben break down a couple different questions from listeners - first, they deal with the context of what "he who does not work shall not eat" means, and Brandi throws out some Greek translation off the top of her head. Then, someone who can't make it to church on Sundays because of work asks what to do about their predicament - where should their loyalties lie? Ask us a question, or respond back to the podcast! Reach us at fmhouston.com/ama

Brant immediately announces his intention to get controversial, and requests that if you have any problem with it... that you should email Andy. Then, he gets deeply personal, telling the story of the struggle he and his wife had to get pregnant, how he stayed in prayer over it for years and years. He had to learn how to find hope. His father is battling cancer, and has been for years... and he had to learn how to find hope. Brant reminds us that without stepping out into a difficult world, we cannot hope to enact change. We have no chance of finding the abundant life Christ offers us. FMHouston.com

On a special episode, Dr. Terry Morris takes us through Brahms' Requiem, exploring its roots, the deep emotion behind its creation, and various motifs and styles that float in and out throughout the composition. Plus, stories from his turn as a villanous preacher in Susanne, and the time he shocked an audience full of Baptists so much they had to change the lyrics to one of the songs the next night. FMHouston.com

This week, Kaitlyn and Ben are joined by First Methodist Houston's own [Dr. Ashley Sanford], to sit down to discuss the often-ignored importance of mental health in our lives, and to discuss the stigmas behind mental health and our faith. Ask us a question! We can be reached at any time at FMHouston.com/AMA [link to: fmhouston.com/ama]

Andy took a trip to the symphony to see legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, and the encounter got him thinking about the story of Rahab (it makes sense, we promise). The story of Rahab is "a fantastically messy story" - but when we look at our lives, they're messy, too. But God wants all of us to make it. No matter how dark it's been, God has a plan for us. But we need to hear what Christ is calling us to do today. fmhouston.com

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