Table Talk: Innovate & Relate

Episode 12: Rethinking the Church Building

The church is not the building! And yet, many communities of faith find themselves navigating the burdens and celebrating the gifts of caring for sacred spaces. In this episode, we’re in conversation with church leaders who are learning to use their church buildings in new ways as an asset in their ministry. We’ll also learn about new resources available to churches within our conference so that they too can explore how to leverage their building for ministry. 

Episode 11: Welcoming Bishop David Graves!

We are starting season two with a one-on-one conversation with the new episcopal leader of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, Bishop David Graves. Bishop Graves’ passion is sharing Jesus, seeing the overlooked, joining God in transforming lives, and changing the world one person at a time. His study of leadership permeates all his work as a pastor, district superintendent, and bishop. Join us as we get to know Bishop David Graves!

Episode 10: Navigating the Future - A Conversation Between Greg Jones and Bishop McAlilly

Hear from Belmont University President Greg Jones in conversation with Bishop Bill McAlilly as they explore how to cultivate traditioned innovation for more faithful and fruitful living along with the cultivation of more vibrant, life-giving institutions.

Episode 9: Collaboration Between Urban and Rural - What we can Learn from Each Other

The landscape of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference varies from big cities to rural areas. While our ministry context is certainly unique, there is so much we can learn with and from one another. The Urban Cohort is giving space for just that. In this episode, we’re in conversation with Zach Moffatt, who pastors First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, Tennessee and Stephen Handy, pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church and Associate District Superintendent of the Urban Cohort. 

Episode 8: From our Wounds to our Strength - Finding Power in the Connection After Loss

In the late evening of December 10, 2021, a violent tornado moved across Western Kentucky. 22 people were killed in and around the town of Mayfield, with hundreds more injured. The damage was catastrophic. Mayfield First UMC’s building was close to destroyed. A few miles down the road from them, Christ UMC’s building was untouched. In the aftermath, the two congregations began sharing space. Together, they found healing and worked to rebuild their community. In this episode, we talk about the power of our connection, and how it can help us move from grief to hope. Joining us are several clergy: Mark Stephens, who serves as the pastor of Christ UMC; Adam Rush, who serves as the pastor of Mayfield First UMC; Nancy Johnston Varden, their District Superintendent; and Joey Reed, who served as the pastor of Mayfield First UMC up until this last July.

Episode 7: Faith, Family, Fiesta, Forgiveness

In this episode, Table Talk co-host Rev. Sam McGlothlin speaks with Dean of Duke Divinity School, the Rev. Dr. Edgardo Colon-Emeric, about Wesleyan Discipleship and, in Dr. Colon-Emeric's framework, its four healing gifts: faith, family, fiesta, and forgiveness.

Episode 6: Listening to the Holy Spirit in a Noisy World - Contemplative Practice & Collective Discernment

In this episode, Table Talk host Jim Hughes talks with Melinda Britt and Lilly Lewin about the importance of contemplative practice within the life of Christian discipleship.

Episode 5: Caring for Clergy and Ministry Leaders

In this episode, Table Talk co-host Jim Hughes talks with Stephanie Dunn and Joe Hansen about clergy and ministry leader well being--what it is and why it is so vital. 

Episode 4: Mental Health and Ministry

In episode four of Table Talk, host Lynn Patterson speaks with mental health leaders Renee Dillard, Neelley Hicks, and Jaha Martin about mental health and ministry. 

Episode 3: Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches - A Conversation with Matt Miofsky

In this episode of Table Talk, Rev. Sam McGlothlin interviews pastor and author Matt Miofsky about his co-authored book, Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches.