Pod Have Mercy

Today we are joined by a very special guest, Michele Russel! Michele Russell received her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1995. During her 22 years working in the field of mental health, she served as a staff counselor at Texas Children’s Hospital Learning Support Center and established the Eating Disorder Program at The Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery at Texas Tech University, where she also served as Program Director. In 2014, Michele was the Program Director for the Theology and Community program at Duke Divinity School. From 2015-2017, she served as Social and Emotional Program Specialist at Small Steps Nurturing Center in Houston. Currently, she works at Kagey Family Counseling. Across these unique environments, Michele has found the opportunity to support social and emotional growth and resilience in individuals, families and communities to be deeply challenging and rewarding.

In this special episode, John Stephens and Josef Klam check in with us from their pilgrimage in the footsteps of the apostle Paul.

Join us this week as we dive deep into the realms of empathy, understanding, and grace with our special guest, Tod Bolsinger.

In this enlightening episode, Tod Bolsinger, renowned author, speaker, and leadership expert, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of leadership with empathy and humility. From leading with a compassionate heart to fostering inclusive communities, Tod offers invaluable wisdom for individuals striving to make a positive impact in their spheres of influence.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or someone seeking to cultivate a more compassionate approach to life, this episode of Pod Have Mercy promises to inspire and empower you on your journey towards greater understanding and empathy.

Tune in and join the conversation as we explore the transformative power of mercy in today's world. Don't miss out – hit play now and let compassion lead the way!

This week we talk about the three temptations of Jesus according to Richard Rohr. In Matthew’s Gospel, the temptations are not just isolated events but profound lessons for us all.

In the first temptation, Jesus confronts the challenge to misuse personal power. In a world where the allure of greatness and recognition can be overwhelming, Jesus teaches us the importance of humility and using power for the common good.

The second temptation takes us to the pinnacle of religious misuse. Here, Jesus resists the temptation to engage in transactional religion, emphasizing the true essence of transformation and spiritual growth over mere ritual.

Lastly, the third temptation exposes the allure of political power. While not inherently evil, Jesus shows us the dangers of wielding power without a deep grounding in moral values and service to the common good.

Join us as we navigate these timeless lessons, challenging ourselves to embrace our divine identity and wield power responsibly for the betterment of all.

This week we talk about the Rodeo and Holy Week. We talk about an article written by Ruth Haley Barton at transformingcenter.org. We also discuss how we can use the image of the crucifix as a visual cue for reflection.

Holy Week—is all of us going through the rhythm of death, burial, and resurrection. It is not a rhythm that any of us would willingly choose or even know how to choose; it is usually thrust upon us. Even Jesus admitted to having mixed feelings about the inevitability of it all. Now my soul is troubled.  And what should I say— “Father, save me from this hour?”  No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. (John 12:27)

This week we talk about truth! We examine how our perception of truth plays a pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence our perspectives on issues ranging from politics to morality.

We also delve into the dynamic relationship between post-truth, Overton's Window, and the church. How does the evolving landscape of information impact religious institutions, and how do they, in turn, influence the broader cultural conversation?

Today we talk about grace! We talk about where we see grace in our every day lives and where we experience the kind of grace that cannot be earned.

Welcome to a powerful and inspiring episode of Pod Have Mercy, where we sit down with a remarkable individual who defied all odds to find freedom and self-expression. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Arshia Komeili, an Iranian rapper whose journey from persecution to redemption is nothing short of extraordinary.

Arshia's story begins in Iran, where he faced immense challenges due to his passion for activism and social justice. Fleeing from government persecution, Arshia made the courageous journey to the United States, seeking a life where he could freely express his beliefs and pursue his artistic endeavors.

Join us as Arshia shares the profound moments of his conversion and the challenges he encountered along the way. His incredible resilience and determination led him to Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, where he found not only a community but also a place where he could be baptized, symbolizing a new beginning in his life.

Throughout the conversation, Arshia reflects on the power of music, faith, and the importance of embracing one's true self. As an Iranian rapper who found refuge in the United States, his story sheds light on the universal struggle for freedom, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

This week we are joined again by Bishop Mande Muyombo! Bishop Mande Muyombo was elected to the episcopacy in 2017. He is the Resident Bishop of the North Katanga Area, which includes North Katanga, Tanganyika and Tanzania conferences in the Congo Central Conference of The United Methodist Church.

In this episode, join our lively discussions as we navigate the highs and lows of the 2024 Super Bowl, dissecting epic plays and unforgettable moments.

But that's not all – we'll also embark on a soulful journey into the Lenten season and Ash Wednesday, exploring the meaning behind the rituals and traditions that shape our spiritual landscapes.

Today we catch up on everything that happened over the break and talk about some exciting things that are coming in 2024!

This week is a special Christmas episode! We are joined by John's brother and mother today in studio! We talk about John and Matt's favorite Christmas memories, what they are excited for this year and much more!

Today we are joined by Suzanne Harter and Donna Watkins to talk about the ways that Chapelwood is partnering with the community during the holiday season.

Christmas Manna is a long-standing, much-loved Chapelwood tradition of matching families lacking the resources to buy Christmas toys, new clothes, and "extras" for their children with those willing to share some Christmas blessings. The program blesses the excited children, generous givers, and grateful parents who can breathe a little easier and smile a little brighter watching their children unwrap the tangible and intangible gifts of Christmas. The families are selected by the Communities on Schools managers at the SBISD schools.  These counselors work regularly with the families and know who is in need of an extra blessing during Christmas.

For more information on ways to get involved visit: Chapelwood.org/ChristmasManna

Today we are joined by Rev. Michael Jarboe! "Jarboe" is the Lead Pastor of The Journey Contemporary Worship Community at Memorial Drive Methodist Church. Today we talk about what is happening locally in the life of the church, how we can meet people where they are in the current technological age and the wonderful partnership that Chapelwood and Memorial Drive have found over the years.

This week we are joined by Dr. Paul Chilcote to discuss his new book, Multiplying Love.

We delve into Paul's extensive work, which spans across decades and continents, focusing on his pioneering contributions to Wesleyan theology and Methodist studies.

Listeners will have the opportunity to hear about Paul's deep commitment to social justice and how he integrates faith into real-world issues. With a compassionate approach, Paul's wisdom offers a unique perspective on how spirituality can be a force for positive change in our communities.

Join us as we embark on a journey of faith, transformation, and the enduring impact of Paul Chilcote's work.

This week we have a quick conversation about ways that we can respond to the turmoil in Israel and Gaza. We talk about the background of the dispute and how we can pray for those who are affected by the violence.

Today we talk about the Book of Joel, an ancient prophetic text, and discover its astonishing parallels with the contemporary Christian Church. We explore the timeless wisdom and insights embedded within this often overlooked book, revealing its striking relevance to our present-day faith and community. We'll navigate through themes of repentance, restoration, and revival, drawing connections between the historical context of Joel's time and the spiritual landscape of today.

This week on the podcast we discuss Russell Moore's book, Losing Our Religion. We also reflect on an article that Moore wrote about exile. We catch up on what John and Matt have been up to lately and we cover many more topics!

Matt and John are back in studio after an extended summer break. Today we discuss what they've been up to the past few months and what is coming for the future of the podcast! We also reflect on an article written by David French called, "How Did America Get Mean?".

Today we are joined by Rev. DeAndre Johnson, Rev. Lindsay Kirkpatrick and Rev. David Horton. We talk about their experiences as young clergy, why they remain in The United Methodist Church and their hopes for the future!

Today we are joined by Bishop Thomas Bickerton!

As a respected bishop, Bishop Bickerton carries immense responsibilities, serving on the General Board of Global Ministries, the Standing Committee on Central Conference affairs, and the Commission on the General Conference. With an impressive tenure that spans several decades, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a true global perspective to our conversations.

From his early days as a student pastor in West Virginia to his transformational leadership in Western Pennsylvania and beyond, Bishop Bickerton's impact on countless lives is immeasurable. His dedication to the growth and vitality of local churches has resulted in remarkable milestones, including significant increases in baptisms, professions of faith, and church membership.

Beyond the walls of the church, Bishop Bickerton has engaged in ministry across the globe, working with Volunteer-in-Mission teams in diverse locations such as Africa, Argentina, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Cuba, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. These experiences have provided him with a profound understanding of the importance of ministering to all of God's children.

With a passion for equipping others, Bishop Bickerton has authored the book "What Are We Fighting For: Coming Together Around What Matters Most," accompanied by enriching study resources. His influential voice is also featured as a contributing author in the book "The Future of the United Methodist Church."

Join us as we explore the depths of Bishop Bickerton's faith, his vision for the church, and his unwavering commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted by the remarkable journey of Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton.

Today we are joined by Bishop Michael McKee! Bishop McKee is the dean of SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. He has served as episcopal leader of the North Texas Annual Conference since his election by the South Central Jurisdiction in 2012, and he retired from that position on January 1, 2023.

We catch up with Bishop McKee and his involvement at the Texas Annual Conference and about his hopes for the future of The United Methodist Church.

This week we are recording at the Texas Annual Conference and we are joined by 3 pastors who are planting new churches! Rev. David Briggs, Rev. Shuler Sitsch and Rev. Jennifer Hodson talk about the process of planting new churches, what God is doing in their communities and their hopes for the future of the United Methodist Church and their congregations.

The Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery is the dean of Duke University Chapel and associate professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School. A national leader in the theological study of the art of preaching, Powery regularly delivers sermons at Duke Chapel as well as at churches throughout the United States and abroad. He is often a keynote speaker and lecturer at educational institutions, conferences, symposia, and retreats.

His teaching and research interests are located at the intersection of preaching, worship, pneumatology, and culture, particularly expressions of the African diaspora. He is the author of Spirit Speech: Lament and Celebration in Preaching; Dem Dry Bones: Preaching, Death, and Hope; Rise Up, Shepherd! Advent Reflections on the Spirituals; and Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals. He has co-authored an introductory textbook on preaching, Ways of the Word: Learning to Preach for Your Time and Place. He is also a general editor of the nine-volume lectionary commentary series for preaching and worship titled Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship.

This week we talk about how the parallels between spiritual formation and Live Oak trees and how faith communities can act as a root system to hold each other together through times of crisis.

Today we catch up with John and Matt. Matt has been out for the last few weeks of the podcast so we talk about his recent trip to Cambridge where he spent time teaching and preaching. We discuss some recent news about The Southern Baptist convention and women in ministry. We talk about how The Church of England is exploring gender neutral terms to refer to God in prayers and much more!

Bishop Mande Muyombo was elected to the episcopacy in 2017. He is the Resident Bishop of the North Katanga Area, which includes North Katanga, Tanganyika and Tanzania conferences in the Congo Central Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Bishop Muyombo joins us in studio this week to talk UMC issues and how we need to revive, renew and reclaim who we have always been as United Methodists. 

This week we are joined by Joy Johnston and Andrew Wolfe. Joy and Andrew are two new pastor's here at Chapelwood. We get to know a little bit about their background and we also talk about mental health, trauma and what they are experiencing both here at Chapelwood and in other communities around Houston. 

Today we are joined by Chris Kolkhorst. Chris started a podcast called The Gritmen Show. The Gritmen Show is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of grit, something we believe may be on the verge of extinction. The show features entertaining interviews and discussions of grit in popular culture, news, sports and history. Most of all, this show highlights stories of grit and how we can pass this endangered trait along to our next generation.

In this episode we talk about Chris's career as a baseball player start with The Rice Owls and later getting drafted by The San Diego Padres and playing Double-A Baseball. We talk grit, faith and much more. 

This week we are joined by Paul Meiller and Joseph Rios. Paul is the newly appointed pastor of Chapelwood's Fair Haven Campus. Joseph is the pastor of Generations, the Spanish ministry at Chapelwood. Today we discuss how Paul made his way to Chapelwood, his process of joining forces with Joseph Rios to build community in Spring Branch and much more! 

Today we are doing a special Christmas pop-up episode! Before we break for the holiday's, Matt and John are in studio to talk about the 8 strangest Christmas traditions on earth. We talk about their holiday plans, some exciting things coming up at Chapelwood over the holidays and much more! 

This episode is part two of a conversation with Dr. Russell Levenson. In this episode John and Russell talk about officiating weddings and some of the mishaps that have occurred over the years. They discuss how the Episcopal Church dealt with some of the issues that the United Methodist Church are dealing with now and how Russell leads his congregation and prioritizes unity.