United Methodist People Podcast

The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 stunned United Methodist people everywhere including the members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Many members called for a response from the church and Senior Pastor Fuquay and Associate Pastor Nicole Caldwell-Gross responded by developing a message series and other resources on understanding biblical justice as a starting point to respond to institutional racism. These resources included a website www.antiracistindy.com which contains blog posts and resources targeted toward eliminating racism. Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble joins Rev. Dr. Brad Miller in a conversation with these two pastors about what led to the creation of the sermons series and resources and the greater vision they have to serve church leaders to respond to institutional racism in their churches and communities. The emphasis of the messages and resources are particularly targeted toward seeking greater understanding scriptural references on justice and the meaningfulness

  The unique ministry of Rev. Dr. Sid Hall pastor of Trinity Church Austin Texas is the focus of Episode 038 of The United Methodist People Podcast with Rev. Dr Brad Miller.   The ministry journey of Sid Hall is unique in several ways unpacked in this in depth interview with Brad including:   His 33 year ministry at one pastoral appointment, Trinity Church, Austin Texas. The journey of transforming Trinity from struggling for survival to a thriving eclectic congregation serving a community that is multicultural, multiracial, diverse sexual orientations and gender identities not far from University of Texas campus.  Sid lead Trinity to became one of the first churches in Texas and indeed in the United States to become a reconciling ministry congregation (in 1992) outwardly affirming and welcoming of LGBT persons. Sid is unique because when it became apparent that there was an uncertain future for LGBTQIA+ persons in the UMC  Sid and Trinity found a provision in the book of discipline which allows a lo

Rev. Mike Mather is Rev. Dr. Brad Millers guest on Episode 037 of The United Methodist People Podcast.      Mike is the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado after serving 17 years in the inner city of Indianapolis at Broadway United Methodist Church.   He is the author of ““Having Nothing,  Possessing Everything: Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places” which chronicles much about his ministry at Broadway.   In this deep conversation Mike reveals many of the transformative aspects of urban ministry which he describes as ministry on the edge of a knife.   The focus of the conversation was around recognizing the dignity of the ministry of all persons in and around the local church and not depending on corporate programs to do ministry.      Mike and Brad share many stories of ministry and the people which you will find engaging on Episode 037 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   https://fumcboulder.org/ mikedmather@gmail.com https://www.cokesbury.com/Hav

On Episode 036 of The United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius Trimble talk with Dr. Paul Chilcote retired United Methodist Theologian about his book “Active Faith: Resisting Four Dangerous Ideologies with the Wesleyan Way”   PAUL CHILCOTE is a devoted follower of Jesus, a United Methodist minister, missionary and artist. A frequent speaker and workshop leader in applied Wesleyan studies, particularly in the areas of spirituality, worship, discipleship, and evangelism, he is the author of twenty books.   He has been involved in theological education on three Continents, serving as a missionary in Kenya, and as a founding faculty member of Africa University in Zimbabwe.   His primary interests revolve around Wesleyan theology and spirituality. He has always had a concern to bring Charles Wesley out from under the shadow of his older brother, John. He has published a number of devotional works and has helped rediscover the legacy of many women in Christian history, particularly Meth

On episode 035 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Rev. Michelle Cobb, Executive Director of e4potentialliving.org/ and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble.   Bishop Trimble and Rev. Cobb engaged in a deep dive conversation about the courageous conversations needed to respond to racism.    Rev. Cobb described her early faith and the impact of her childhood experience of facing racial hatred when she as a black student was bussed to a predominately white school in her hometown of Gary Indiana.   Rev Cobb went on to share her reactions to the killing of George Floyd and how this raised the awareness racial injustice among people beyond people of color.   She is the Executive Directory of  e4potentialliving.org/ which provides resources and services on racial justice training, intercultural competency training designed to engage, equip and empower their clients to engage across racial lines to maximize community transformation.   A key part of the conversation centered

Dr. Phil Amerson president emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary joins Dr. Brad Miller and Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 34 of The United Methodist People Podcast. Dr. Amerson has spent his career writing, teaching and speaking about racism, institutional leadership, urban community development and the role of congregations in addressing poverty and discrimination. Dr. Amerson speaks about his early faith development as a “cradle” United Methodist attending many revivals growing up.  He talks about the definition transformative experience he had in ministering in Harlem and Panama had on his views on justice and poverty. He tells a fascinating story getting to know members of the Ku Klux Klan personally and helping lead them bring a most unique offering into a worship experience. Dr Amerson and Bishop Trimble engaged in an in depth discussion about Black Lives Matter and social justice issues in our country and in the United Methodist Church.  A major focus of the conversation wa

On Episode 033 of The United Methodist Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Bishop Julius Trimble and Dr. Carolyn Johnson for a discussion about racial justice and relationships in the United States the world and in the United Methodist Church.   Bishop Julius Trimble is has served as the resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church since 2016.   Dr. Carolyn Johnson is the Associate Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at Purdue University and is active nationally in Black Methodist for Church Renewal is a past national president of United Methodist Women and a member of St Andrew’s UMC in West Lafayette Indiana.   Bishop Trimble and Dr. Johnson share their views of the state of the world regarding racial relations since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.    In particular Dr. Johnson spoke about how Mr Floyd has gained respect in death which was not afforded to in life.  She went on to describe about the how the movement sparked by the death of Mr. Floyd h

In Episode 032 of The United Methodist People Podcast Bishop Julius Trimble speaks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller about his reaction and reflections on racism in the light of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis MN on May 25 by police officers and the subsequent nationwide marches and protests for civil rights, racial equality and police accountability.      Bishop Trimble speaks about his own experiences as a black man in experiencing racism and describes how the matter of racism is systematic and is prevalent matter in the minds of all people of color.   He talks about his reaction to seeing the video of the killing of George Floyd and how it impacted himself and how he thought that event set into motion the protest for reform around the country.  He related how the killing has raised the consciousness of racism to the surface for while people.   Bishop Trimble went on to describe the biblical foundations for speaking to peace and justice and racism and  how our churches and clergy can step up their in

On Episode 031 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr Brad Miller and Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble welcome Ian Hall the indiana Conference Director of Administration and Finances.   Ian shared with Brad and the Bishop his faith journey including the important role of church camp in is faith development and call into service in administrative roles in the church.   In his role as director of finances Ian spoke about  the challenges facing local churches and and the annual conference ministries in the wake of the extraordinary circumstances of the corona virus pandemic.  Ian shared the resources and leadership that his office can offer to local churches in particular assisting them in making connection to such tools as online giving and government assistance.   The conversation included an assessment the fiscal health of the UMC including health insurance and pension matters.   A highlight of the conversation with Ian was his hopeful assessment that many local churches are not only maintai

In Episode 030 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller continue to partner with Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble to encourage United Methodist People in the age of a pandemic.   In this episode Bishop Trimble welcomes two younger clergy to the podcast to respond to how younger clergy are responding to the distinctive circumstances of doing ministry during a quarantine and navigating the present presses and crisis caused by the dissection i the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ross Stackhouse is the pastor of a new church plant Heaven Earth Church located in Whiteland, Indiana and Rev. Julia Gonzales is the Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s UMC in Carmel, Indiana. The two pastors speak to Bishop and Dr. Brad about the unique challenges that they face in their family life, marriage and ministry especially in light of the quarantine. In particular Bishop Trimble posed to both young clergy the Wesleyan question: “How Is It With Your Soul?”   The reply of both the pastors is something that the listen

Bishop Julius Trimble brings an encouraging word to the United Methodist People Podcast as he speaks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller about living an Aldersgate experience of a “heart strangely warmed” in an age of a pandemic.   Bishop Trimble speaks of his own spiritual conversion at church camp as a youth and the to challenges of the church providing the environment of spiritual experience in church camps and on our college campuses in the era of a pandemic.   Bishop also outlines some of the processes involved in getting churches prepared to come back together in personal worship through a plan of logistics, learnings and leadership.   Bishop Trimble closed his conversation with Dr. Brad with a devotional message about developing a prayer movement in the church and there is no greater time to develop a choral movement of people committed to consistent prayer at all times and always. He encouraged all to respond in prayer to the question “What does it mean for us to be perfected in Christs Love?”   The Unite

UMPP.028: Creating Space for Fear, Making a Path for Faith.  Being Encouraged with Bishop Julius Trimble.   Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble talks to Rev. Dr. Brad Miller on matters of fear and faith on Episode 028 of the United Methodist People Podcast.  Their conversation updated plans in the church related to dealing with the quarantine caused by the cover-19 pandemic.   A decision has been made to ask churches to continue to not meet in person into June.      Bishop and Brad then had a lengthy conversation about how the stress caused by the pandemic has lead to a culture of fear among some that the church needs to speak to.   Bishop believes that respect and room needs to be made for people to experience the reality of the fear prevalent in the pandemic.   He goes on to talk about the need to ask God to strengthen our faith as a repose to facing our fears.   Bishop talks about now is the time to lean into our United Methodist connections and use this opportunity to be the family of God and to be s

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble on Being Encouraged by the Bishop on Episode 27 of the United Methodist People Podcast. Bishop Trimble brings a word of scripture from Psalm 33:20 about trust that God is our help and shield in every time of trouble.  Bishop confirmed that due to the quarantine and pandemic that the earliest churches would be back into public worship would be May 17. 2020. Brad and Bishop go on to have a conversation about what a new normal might look like for the UMC moving forward beyond the pandemic.  In particular there was deep conversation about the impact and role younger clergy and younger people feeling the call to ministry are shaping the nature of the ministry of the church moving forward.  There was an emphasis on adaptive leadership among our young clergy highlighted by the need to not wast time on internal conflict and seek impactful ways to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in the new normal world. Bishop Trimble concluded his conver

In Episode 026 of The United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller continues his conversation with Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble on Be Encouraged by Bishop Trimble.   In the conversation Bishop Trimble brings updates on plans to reopen churches, annual conference and General Conference.    Moreover, Bishop Trimble goes into matters of how how clergy and churches can best use their time during a time of quarantine.   In particular he speaks to Dr. Brad about his personal spiritual disciplines and the impact of considering the Wesleyan question: “How is it with your soul?”   Bishop Trimble concludes his conversation with a devotional thought from James 3:7 regarding wisdom, peace and mercy in a time of pandemic closing with a prayer of blessing for the listener.   Be blessed by Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 26 of the United Methodist People Podcast.   The United Methodist People Podcast is a production of Rev. Dr. Brad Miller with the mission of strengthening the connection in the Uni

Easter 2020 was very unusual to say the least according to Indiana Area Bishop Julius Trimble. Bishop Trimble was Rev. Dr. Brad Miller’s guest on Be Encouraged by the Bishop on the United Methodist People Podcast. Bishop Trimble shared how he spent his Easter attending four online worship experiences and recording an Easter sermon which was aired on television and online on Easter Sunday. Of course the coronavirus pandemic caused the closure of almost all United Methodist Church buildings for Easter leaving most churches to worship in some sort of lifestream form. Bishop Trimble shared some of the key points from his Easter message: -To not be afraid. -To come and see. -To go and tell. Bishop Trimble then pointed to the ways that the church need to respond to impact of the pandemic on the future of worship, missions and ministry in the UMC. He said in order to sustain ministry moving forward it will take strategic prayer and planning that will mean the church will need to be more effective and efficient in

UMPP.024: Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble (Holy Week Encouragement) Bishop Julius Trimble brings a message of encouragement for Holy Week on the United Methodist People Podcast Episode 024. Bishop Trimble encourages us to slow down this Holy Week and trust God. He speaks to Brad about creative ways that congregations are connecting to community thought digital worship and parking lot giveaways of palm branches. He talks about lessons learned in how to deal with corona virus quarantine through connections with the medical and pastoral staff at Indiana University Health System. Bishop Trimble offered a message to clergy and people for Easter to be compassionate with yourselves. Be generous with your grace, and be faithful in your calling. Future more he emphasized that many will feel like we're living in a Good Friday world but Easter is coming. And when Easter comes, we all will be able to say Jesus Christ is risen; Jesus Christ is risen indeed. The mission of the United Methodist People Podcast

In Episode 23 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev Dr Brad Miller has a second special episode of Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble. Bishop Julius Trimble is the resident bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church. In this conversation Bishop Trimble talks to Brad about pastoral care of people in our churches and assisted living facilities who are impacted and infected by the coronavirus pandemic. He also discussed the impact of the recently announced postponement of General Conference and its implications on annual conference. Another topic of conversation was the financial health of local churches and the General Church. In spite of the challenges of the pandemic Bishop Trimble shared that he is encouraged by signs of mission and kindness in the local churches and believes that post pandemic there will be a revival in the church. Bishop Trimble plans to share an encouraging word through this podcast to be published each Tuesday. Bishop Trimble will take questions via email to

Be Encouraged by Bishop Julius Trimble is a special edition episode (022) of The United Methodist People Podcast w/ Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. In the light of the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic upon all aspects of life and its particular impact upon the United Methodist Church in Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble is Dr. Brad’s guest on Episode 022 of the United Methodist People Podcast. In their conversation Bishop Trimble encourages you to remember your baptismal covenant that “The Church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time” as a reminder that this great ordeal will someday pass and that the church will remain. Indeed, Bishop Trimble believe that this crisis may lead to a revival in the church. He emphasizes that we need to support one another and bear one another burdens during this crisis. This includes self-care for clergy and their families. The conversation included various innovative ways to do church while respecting the social distancing required by health officials. He said so

In Episode 21 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller leads a round table conversation about the video resource “Faith and Inclusive-The Bible, Sexuality and The United Methodist Church” with author, presenter Rev. Rob Fuquay, producer Susan Wilke Fuquay and hall of fame UMC communicator Rev. Dr. Dan Gangler. Rev. Rob Fuquay is the Senior Pastor of St Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, one of the UMC’s largest churches, and is the author of a number of books and small group resources including “The God We Can Know,” and “Which Way, Lord.” Susan Wilke Fuquay is a United Methodist Christian Educator. For more than 25 years, Susan has been directly involved with Disciple Bible Study. She co-edited the youth version of Disciple. She was a Disciple trainer at National Training Events for many years and has personally facilitated more than 30 Disciple groups. Rev. Dr. Dan Gangler is a member of the The United Methodist Association of Communicators  Hall of Fame. He is no

In Episode 020 of the United Methodist People Podcast Rev. Dr. Brad Miller has a conversation with Jan Lawrence the Executive Director of the Reconciling Ministry Network.   The Reconciling Ministry Network is comprised of over 40,000 Reconciling United Methodists and over 1,000 Reconciling Churches and Communities. Dozens of statements, open letters, and bold refutations of GC2019’s shameful decisions have emerged from the people, communities, and churches of the Reconciling movement across the connection. Since GC2019, these people who call themselves Reconciling have borne witness for justice in media outlets, performed same-gender weddings, organized gatherings, and continued in faithful ministry as called by their Creator. We are not only working on what is to come, but we are already living it. Justice movements within our Church can no longer seek justice by compromise. To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God require us to rise and resist.    The United Methodist People Podcast with