IN LAYMAN'S TERMS

Getting to Good: A book and discussion with Rev. David Livingston

We still struggle with some of the same problems as Jesus' first followers — and some problems they didn't have to face. In this episode, Rev. David Livingston, lead pastor at Old Mission United Methodist Church in Fairway, Kansas, talks with Todd about his new book, "Getting to Good." David's first published book explores seven common struggles of contemporary life. Through scripture, contemporary examples, and personal stories, David shares the causes of these issues and some concrete steps to get to a good place of their own. "Getting to Good" doesn't attempt to wish away the problems we face. Instead, it confronts them head-on. Life is not and will not be perfect and free from difficulty. But we can get to a good place even with our inevitable challenges.

Catching Up With Bishop Wilson

We kick off recording in our new sound studio with a discussion with Bishop David Wilson. The bishop shares reflections on General Conference, the Great Plains Annual Conference session and the challenges facing delegates at the upcoming South Central Jurisdictional Conference.

General Conference Preview — Rev. Adam Hamilton

In the conclusion of a five-part series previewing the upcoming United Methodist Church's General Conference, Rev. Adam Hamilton, lead pastor of the denomination's largest congregation based in Leawood, Kansas, provides a summary of key issues delegates will address and talks about how his church has thrived amid these uncertain times.

General Conference Preview — Rev. Amy Lippoldt

In the fourth of a five-part series, Rev. Amy Lippoldt provides some education and great insights into the global nature of The United Methodist Church. As a member of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, Amy has been exposed to many parts of the worldwide aspects of the church that aren't easily seen from our pews in Kansas and Nebraska.

Some apologies before you start listening: A bad cable was discovered — but not until the editing process. The process used to eliminate the high-pitched hum that was throughout the interview recording resulted in poor audio quality from Amy's microphone. However, listeners can still hear her analysis of the issues coming before the General Conference.

General Conference Preview — Rev. David Livingston

In the third of a five-episode series previewing General Conference of The United Methodist Church, Rev. David Livingston shares his thoughts on three widely known priorities for progressives and centrists, as well as some details from his travels to the African continent to meet with delegates there.

General Conference Preview — Lisa Maupin

Our five-episode series previewing General Conference of The United Methodist Church continues with Lisa Maupin, the lay leader of the Great Plains Annual Conference.

In this discussion, Lisa shares her reflections on what have become known as the "3 R's" and shares other insights on topics surrounding the General Conference, scheduled for April 23 to May 4, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

General Conference Preview — Rev. Mark Holland

The first in a five-episode series on the upcoming General Conference of The United Methodist Church features Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, the co-founder of Mainstream UMC. He kicks off the series by explaining three priorities his organization has set for the conference, which starts April 23, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

The priorities are regionalization, removal of restrictive language involving LGBTQ+ persons from the Book of Discipline, and stopping further disaffiliations from the denomination.

Nebraska United Methodist Foundation grants

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation has a series of grants to help local ministries get started, expand and augment their reach to their communities.

This episode tells the stories of three ministries assisted by these grants in Nebraska — an entrepreneurial idea at Connection Point in Lincoln, children’s and youth curriculum for The Vine United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, and a different way to help Brady UMC in the North Platte area worship without a pastor.

Learn more about the Nebraska foundation.

Civil Rights Immersion — Episode 3

Members of the Great Plains and Louisiana conferences of The United Methodist Church took part in a four-day civil rights immersion trip to the areas around Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, in July 2023.

It was the idea of former Great Plains Clergy Excellence Director Rev. Dr. Dee Williamston, now bishop of the Louisiana Conference. She and Bishop David Wilson of the Great Plains — the first Native American bishop in the denomination — teamed up to lead the group on an educational experience that expanded minds, filled hearts with love — and most importantly challenged the emotions of all who took part.

This is the third of a three-episode series on the trip.

Civil Rights Immersion - Episode 2

It’s Black History Month, and so this In Layman’s Terms podcast is providing a three-part series on a trip made by members of the Great Plains and Louisiana conferences to the areas around Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama — both places that played significant roles in the civil rights movement.

The trip was a civil rights immersion trip to help educate, inspire and stir to action followers of Christ. One of the goals was to give people the tools they need to combat racism and to push for equity in our society.

In this second of three episodes, I think it’s important that we explore the emotions that people felt on the trip — and what has continued to resonate with them since coming home.