The Methodical Methodist Podcast

He has been described as one of the saintliest men in the itinerancy of Methodism. Richard Whatcoat was a Band and Class Leader in the Early Methodist Movement. He traveled as a circuit riding preacher. He served as a missionary to America. And he ultimately served as the third Bishop of the American Methodist Episcopal Church. From his humble beginnings in England to his pioneering work in spreading Methodism across the American colonies, Whatcoat’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his calling. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: www.anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

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What is Ash Wednesday? Why do we burn palm branches from Palm Sunday to make ashes? And then why do we put those ashes on our foreheads in the sign of the cross? On today’s episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast, we are going to explore the history and tradition of Ash Wednesday – the day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Forgiveness is quite possibly one of the hardest things that we do as human beings. The need for forgiveness is a universal topic that affects everyone. Everyone has dealt with this theme of forgiveness in their lives – often on a daily basis. It is a big topic, and it is even a central theme in Scripture. On today's episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast we are going to be exploring the importance of forgiveness! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Vicar of Madeley –The Reluctant Saint of Methodism, John William Fletcher has often been referred to as the “First Theologian of Methodism.” He was perhaps most known for defending John Wesley’s position of Arminianism against the Calvinistic influences that were present in the early Methodist Movement. He was the man that John Wesley had hand-picked to be his successor after his death. Wesley believed that Fletcher was the only one who was qualified to act as his replacement – unfortunately, Fletcher (who was significantly younger) died 6 years before Wesley. He is an interesting character that has been largely forgotten...  but his influence in Methodism should not be ignored. So, join us on this Historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we will explore the life and ministry of John William Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Church door of the Wittenberg Castle in Germany. These 95 Statements challenged the status quo and made way for the Protestant Reformation. So, I hope you enjoy this historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the life and ministry of Martin Luther! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Maybe you have been at church and noticed the different banners change colors week to week? You might see the color of the stole on the pastor change colors too. One week it might be white, and the next week it might be green. So, what do those colors mean? Well, we are going to talk about all that and more today – as we explore the Liturgical Colors for the Christian Year! So, join us for this colorful episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

On this special episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast, Andrew is joined by two of his dear friends to talk about their love for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

For a period of three months, starting in December 1715, the Wesley family heard a number of strange sounds and witnessed numerous accounts of what they believed was a ghost name Old Jeffrey. Today we are going to explore these strange accounts reported by the Wesleys and the people who lived and worked in their home… The haunting of the Old Rectory at Epworth is considered one of the most famous poltergeist cases in British history. It has been called The Epworth Phenomena. So, join us on this spooky episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Legend of Old Jeffrey. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

George Whitefield was an Anglican priest and one of the founders of the Methodist Movement – from all the way back to the early days at Oxford where he was an original member of the Holy Club. Whitefield was a leader in the Great Awakening and preached a series of revivals throughout England and in the American Colonies. He is credited with bringing thousands of people into the Christian faith. Although he was considered to be a Methodist, George Whitefield did break away from John and Charles Wesley over issues like Calvinism – where the Wesleys subscribed to Arminianism. Also, George Whitefield was a proponent of slavery, unlike the Wesley Brothers. Overall, we will see that Whitefield was a fairly unconventional, controversial, and popular figure in early Methodism. So, join me on this historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the life and ministry of George Whitefield! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Harry Denman – the man with only one suit – was a Methodist lay leader and evangelist whose life exemplified Jesus’ teachings from his Sermon on the Mount. He usually only had one pair of shoes, and he had no watch – because he liked to ask people for the time as a way of starting a conversation with folks. When people would gift Harry clothes, he would often turn around and give them to the needy. He served as the secretary for the Department of Evangelism in the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was the General Secretary of the Commission on Evangelism. He was responsibile for the publication of the devotional resource The Upper Room. He played a part in incorporating The Foundation for Evangelism. He was also instrumental in establishing the International Prayer Fellowship which is an organization that was headquartered at Lake Junaluska. In addition, he served as a member of several Jurisdictional Conferences. Billy Graham once called Denman, “one of the great mentors for evangelism.” So, join us on this Historical episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we will explore the life and ministry of Harry Denman. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

October 31st is a day we know as Halloween. Christians have been celebrating Halloween for centuries. However, much like Christmas, Halloween is a festival that has been embraced by the wider culture. And because of that, it is a holiday that has really changed over time. It is a time when children dress up and trick or treat. This holiday has also spawned a number of horror films and scary movies. It certainly been influenced by the consumerist culture. Some people avoid celebrating this holiday altogether because it seems too dark. All that being said, it is really interesting to see what this holiday was originally created for. The original purpose of Halloween is much different than what you might think. So, Join me on this Episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Tenth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Ninth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Eighth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Seventh Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Sixth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Fifth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Fourth Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Ten Commandments offer a guide for how we live our lives and how we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These ten rules, that helped the ancient Israelites orient their lives, are still relevant for us today as we strive to orient our lives as well. I would argue that these rules do not hinder us from living full lives; instead, these rules provide some important guidelines as we seek to live the lives that God has called us to live. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the Third Commandment. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

On the morning of November 29, 1864, the Cheyenne and Arapaho people who lived along Sand Creek in Colorado Territory, were maliciously attacked by a military force of the United States Colorado Volunteers. Several of the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho people – mostly women, children, and the elderly were brutally murdered. Over 230 Native Americans lost their lives which led to this tragic event officially being declared a “massacre.” Unfortunately, this horrific event was mainly caused by two powerful leaders in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first was the governor of the Colorado Territory, John Evans. The second was a Methodist minister, Colonel John Chivington. So, join us on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore this tragic event and talk about how these figures in Methodism were involved. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The West Wing is a television show created by Aaron Sorkin, that originally aired in 1999. It explores several themes of faith, redemption, and grace. Join me on the podcast as I talk with Rev. David Graybeal about how this show speaks into our lives today. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Richard Allen has been called Freedom’s Prophet, the Apostle of Freedom, and A Black Founding Father. He was born as a slave in a colonial American world. And Allen would grow up to do some incredible things – He was the founder and pastor of Mother Bethel Church in South Philadelphia. He was the organizer of the Free African Society which was the first black reform society in America. He is probably most known for being the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Furthermore, he was the first black Bishop in the United States, and perhaps even the world. He was a preacher, an author, an abolitionist, and a conductor on the underground railroad and he lived an incredible life. Honestly, I think we could spend hours just listing all his accomplishments. He did more in one lifetime than most people do in ten lifetimes. So, join me on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the life and ministry of Bishop Richard Allen.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Have you ever wondered what it is life to go to seminary? Listen to this special podcast episode as I interview my good friend, Austin Byerly who is currently enrolled in seminary at Duke Divinity School. Join us as we talk about religion, theology, and life in ministry! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church defines grace as "the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit." Grace is present in all of our lives, whether we realize it or not. It cannot be earned, but it is given to us through God’s presence as God creates, forgives, heals, transforms, and works in our lives. Grace is at the center of what it means to be made in the image of God. So, join us today on the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we explore the topic of Grace!  Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

On this special episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast, Andrew is joined by two of his dear friends to talk about their love for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Ever wonder what it is like to get married during a pandemic? Well, listen to this podcast to find out! Join us today on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as Ally and Andrew talk about their recent wedding!. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral or the Methodist Quadrilateral as it is sometimes called, contains: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. And this theological doctrine is at the core of United Methodism. Although the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral” is not a term that was ever used by Wesley himself, it is clear that his theological method falls into this framework. The framework asserts that Scripture should always be seen as the primary and supreme source that is held above tradition, experience, and reason. These four sources help to enhance the theological understanding and doctrine of the United Methodist Church. So, join us Today on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we will explore the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Thomas Coke has been called – “The Apostle of Methodism” and “The Father of Methodist Missions.” John Wesley called him “The Flea” because he traveled around so much! Thomas Coke, was one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States – along with Francis Asbury. During his lifetime, he set up the General Conference, the Book of Discipline, and the Trust Clause which states that property is not held by the local congregations, but by the denomination. He traveled to America nine times, and his love for missions is what helped make the church global. So, join us Today on this episode of the Methodical Methodist Podcast as we will explore the life and ministry of Thomas Coke. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Church musician and organist, Joshua Bracken joins me on the podcast today as we talk about John Wesley's Directions For Singing! These seven rules were first included in a hymnbook for early Methodists in 1761, entitled Select Hymns. These rules were designed to instruct the people that are called Methodists in how they sing hymns during worship. So, join us today on the podcast as we explore John Wesley’s Directions for Singing. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

In 1739, about ten people in London, England went to John Wesley. They wanted John to counsel them. They needed guidance and help figuring out how to find redemption from their sin. John began to meet with this group every week on Thursday evening. The numbers grew every single week as more and more people began to seek counsel from one another. This group eventually led to the United Society. He provided rules that people should follow that were called the General Rules or what it is also known as, his “Three Simple Rules.” Do No Harm. Do Good. And Stay in Love With God. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: www.anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

The Love feast is sometimes referred to as an Agape Meal. “Agape” is the Greek Word for Love. And this special Feast or Meal is described in the United Methodist Book of Worship as a fellowship meal that reminds us of the meals that Jesus shared with his disciples during his life and ministry. In this episode we will explode the history and ritual of the Love Feast. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: www.anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Francis Asbury was one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. Although he was not actually born in America, Asbury was the leading figure of American Methodism in the 18th century, and his contribution to the Methodist Movement is undeniable. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: www.anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

We jump back to the 1700's for today's episode as we explore the life of Charles Wesley. Charles was one of the most prolific hymn writers to ever walk the earth. He wrote between 6 to 9,000 hymns. He was a poet, preacher, and co-founder of the Methodist movement. Enjoy this special episode of Methodist history. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: www.anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Captain Aaron Bolen joins me on the podcast today as we talk about his faith, the military, and how the two connect in his life! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Listen to me here: https://anchor.fm/methodical-methodist

Hello and welcome to the Methodical Methodist Podcast where we explore themes connected to religion, politics, pop culture, faith, and, yes, even the church. Reverend Andrew Lay talks about why the church is still relevant today as we learn what it means to live into the mission of the church by making disciples. Be sure to subscribe for future content!