Matthew Ian Fleming on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Matthew dives deep into the enigmatic Book of Revelation, shedding light on its broader message of hope, justice, and new creation, far from its often misinterpreted doom and gloom reputation. Learn about his unique approach to understanding Revelation, anchored by Psalm 139, and its relevance in contemporary society.

Matthew Ian Fleming, author of “The End is the Beginning: Revelation, Hope, and the Love that Lit the Stars,” and leader of Church Anew, discusses his perspective on Revelation as a misunderstood text. Addressing complex themes like the impact of historical contexts, the metaphorical images of a new heaven, city, and garden, and the role of Christians in opposing injustice, Matthew invites us to see Revelation as a source of hope and spiritual introspection.

Discover how worship influenced by Revelation can transform individuals and communities, and revisit the concept of the rapture, challenging its historical roots. This conversation is an invitation to engage deeply with Revelation, seeing it as relevant today, amid modern crises like polarization, climate change, and violence.

Matthew has dedicated his work to helping people find spiritual reflection and justice through understanding Revelation. Join us as we explore these profound themes aimed at rekindling faith and hope.

In this episode:
(00:00) Revelation: new creation, hope, justice, not doom.
(04:01) U2 and a hope and longing for God.
(06:52) The Bible: Witness to God’s diverse, living voice.
(09:42) Christianity’s evolving relevance amid modern societal crises.
(15:07) Let’s talk about the Rapture.
(19:01) Equip people to understand Revelation, prevent misinformation.
(21:19) Psalm 46, Romans 8, and Psalm 139 anchored.
(24:28) Contextualize violence, empire, and Christian subversion.
(30:27) Worship inspires community transformation and unity.
(32:48) Revelation encourages hope, community, and active faith.
(36:21) Podcast resumes January 8, 2025.

Keywords: Revelation, spirituality, Christian faith, Matthew Ian Fleming, theology, hope, justice, new creation, rapture, worship, church, Book of Revelation, contemporary society, Psalm 139, Church Anew, biblical interpretation, eternal hope.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. find more episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

Join us on this special episode of Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday as we celebrate Rethink Church’s impactful journey by revisiting some of their most beloved stories from 2024. Dive into the heart of community, mindfulness, and spiritual practices, all while exploring how innovative faith expressions can redefine modern spirituality.

In this episode, you will hear:

Key topics include mindfulness, community building through games, welcoming church practices, and innovative ministry models. Perfect for spiritual seekers and those curious about faith, this episode honors the legacy of Rethink Church with audio adaptations of their most impactful articles.

Episode chapters:
(00:00) Opening
(03:11) Making prayer a way of life
(07:41) Embrace silence, hear God
(12:27) What tabletop games teach the church
(18:38) Three things to look for in a welcoming church
(23:17) Sanctuary Comics and Games: An innovative approach to ministry
(30:26) Embracing tomorrow and redefining church
(35:53) More Compass episodes on the way!

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Episode notes and more are available at www.umc.org/compass

Edith and Randy Woodley invite us to rediscover our connection with nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of community-based ecological practices. Uncover their approach to land stewardship, communal living, and the rejection of individualism for a more holistic and balanced way of living.

Edith and Randy Woodley are passionate environmentalists and spiritual seekers managing the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice. They’ve dedicated their lives to promoting sustainable small-scale farming, earth justice, and community well-being. Their new book, “Journey to Eloheh” sheds light on achieving wholeness over mere happiness, rooted in the Cherokee concept of “Eloheh.”

In this episode:
(00:00) Spirituality, environment, community: Edith and Randy Woodley.
(03:56) Difference between happiness and well-being discussed.
(09:34) Restore harmony and serve the community’s needs.
(11:44) Influenced by environmentalism, nature, and Ojibwe teachings.
(16:19) Scrub forest, walkway, and roaming wildlife area.
(20:51) Integrating urban people in land-related ceremonies.
(25:24) Caring for wildlife, not just appearances.
(27:36) Inviting participation over appearance, embracing community chaos.
(29:39) Teach farming hands-on, storytelling, reflection, land connection.
(34:37) Embrace nature and creation, regardless of location.
(40:08) Compass Podcast by United Methodist Communications.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on spirituality and everyday faith.

More episodes and episode notes: www.umc.org/compass

We’re working through our fear and fostering a bit of empathy in this conversation with Rev. Dr. Paul Burns on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us as Paul Burns dives deep into the core of human spirituality and relationships, addressing the instinctual divisions between people and how finding common ground can create bridges of empathy. Discover the intricacies of “soul metrics” and how spiritual intelligence can transform your life without compromising your beliefs.

Paul Burns, founder of Soul Metrics, provides tools to measure spiritual intelligence through psychological assessments, focusing on secure attachment with God, self-differentiation, and empathy. The episode discusses the vital role of these assessments in discussions about spirituality, aiming to reduce shame and offer snapshots of one’s spiritual state influenced by personal factors.

Paul explains the connection between the fear center of the brain, spiritual intelligence, and how insecure attachments or trauma impact our relationships and spirituality. He emphasizes compassionate listening as a healing tool and shares practices from his book, “Becoming Spiritually Intelligent,” to develop trust and empathy in one’s spiritual journey.

In this episode:
(00:00) Exploring spiritual intelligence with Reverend Dr. Burns.
(03:34) Faith linked to early attachment with caregivers.
(09:57) Fear can disrupt brain functions and relationships.
(13:54) Outlining 9 paths for spiritual growth.
(16:56) Realization of faith and divine guidance.
(18:42) Opening empathy for others, mindful of boundaries.
(23:51) Measures secure attachment, self-differentiation, empathy levels.
(25:26) Spiritual issues are often difficult to discuss.

Learn more about Paul Burns and Soul Metrics: https://soul-metrics.com/ Get “Becoming Spiritually Intelligent” by Paul Burns: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506497211/Becoming-Spiritually-Intelligent

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Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. See more episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

It’s an exploration of the mysterious, spooky, awe-inspiring realm of Halloween.

This episode looks at Halloween questions through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—the Wesleyan quadrilateral—to uncover multifaceted answers. We’ll ponder biblical stories, explore John Wesley’s haunted childhood home, and consider contemporary beliefs about life after death. Moreover, we’ll reflect on the role of fear and how it fits into a spiritual life, examining not just the supernatural but the everyday fears that haunt us.

In this episode:
(00:00) Christian faith, ghosts, hermeneutics, theological interpretation discussed.
(01:46) Do Christians believe in ghosts? And the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
(05:09) The haunting of the Wesley home
(08:52) Fear and the spiritual life
(10:24) What happens when we die?
(11:46) Are there angels and demons?
(14:19) Should Christians celebrate Halloween?
(15:18) Haunted by our pasts

For more episodes and show notes, visit umc.org/compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is hosted and produced by Rev. Ryan Dunn.

We’re unleashing the power of “Rage Prayers” with Reverend Elizabeth Riley. Dive into the transformative practice of honest, heartfelt prayers that express our deepest emotions and frustrations. Explore how embracing our anger and lament can lead to spiritual healing and personal transformation.

Rev. Elizabeth is an Episcopal priest currently serving in the Diocese of Olympia, which covers the Western portion of Washington state. You can find her on TikTok at @TheRevRiley. And her book, Rage Prayers, comes out on October 8, 2024.

In this episode:

(00:00) Rage prayer: Expressing authentic emotions in prayer.
(03:36) Religious upbringing emphasized sin, shame, emotional manipulation.
(08:21) Rage prayers provided deep, transformative personal sustenance.
(10:05) Grieving and lamenting are integral to faith.
(14:01) Rage prayer deepens spirituality and authenticity profoundly.
(17:57) TikTok offers healing space for disillusioned faithful.
(19:37) Unconventional faith practices resonate beyond traditional Christianity.
(23:08) Explore personal, authentic prayer without restrictions.
(27:43) Passionate about digital evangelism for spiritual communities.
(30:03) More info and closing

Compass is a bi-weekly production of United Methodist Communications. More episodes and show notes are at www.umc.org/compass

We’re exploring the innovative ways churches in Northern Virginia are blending spirituality and community outreach–from improv church to affordable housing.

In this episode of Compass, we’re visiting four unique and innovative expressions of church in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

See how Central United Methodist Church in the Ballston neighborhood renovated their old church building in order to meet the changing needs of their neighborhood and give life to new ministries. Visit a pop-up cafe with Provision Church, helping provide a community of care and support for those who are often overlooked. Spend a night at Improv Church, laughing a path to community connection. And dig into good work and a hearty bowl of soup with Coop’s Soups.

Find more on these unique ministries:

Central UMC: cumcballston.org
Provision Church: provisionchurchnova.org
Improv Church: thevineva.org
Coop’s Soups: coopssoups.com

In this episode:
(00:00) Church: community expressions beyond traditional worship settings.
(05:21) Central UMC modernized facilities for community benefit.
(08:38) Pastor Alyssa leads Provision Church, aiding homeless.
(12:31) Free meals foster community and mutual support.
(15:19) What happens at Improv Church
(16:51) Sermon-inspired skits with impactful dual-role pastor.
(21:28) Improv church attracts reluctant family and friends.
(26:02) Ministry practiced through connections at farmer’s market.
(28:25) Coop Soups and Improv Church embrace innovation.
(30:17) Learn more about ministries at umc.org.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications with new episodes every other Wednesday. Learn more at umc.org/compass

We’re borrowing an important interview from the MyCom Podcast. Host Ryan Dunn talked with Rev. J.J. Warren about what defines a church and how J.J. is putting the definition into practice through the Church of the Young Prophets. Drawing from his theological background and experiences with the Young Prophets Collective, J.J. discusses the evolution of virtual worship spaces, the significance of platforms like Discord and Instagram, and the challenges of maintaining boundaries in digital ministry.

In this episode:
(00:00) Interview on digital church from Mycom podcast.
(06:15) Reexamining the church’s role in the pandemic.
(07:46) Online connections require time, energy, emotions. Church inheritance.
(13:13) Questioning if online platforms foster authentic relationships.
(16:51) Global young people shaping the church’s future.
(18:33) Church practices adapting online during pandemic in Philippines.
(22:50) Find agency and safety at Church of the Young Prophets.
(26:17) Gather Town provides intimacy and private spaces.
(29:13) Virtual office hours across multiple time zones.
(33:06) Access the Gather campus through website link.
(34:44) Proximity and intimacy.
(39:00) Online church community fosters intentional connections.
(42:33) Setting boundaries between online church and personal life.

For episode notes and more visit umc.org/compass

Neelley Hicks shares her experience that landed her picture in papers across the globe, stemming from a recent Unity Rally in Nashville, Tennessee. It was attended by a diverse and vibrant community and disrupted by the alarming presence of Neo-Nazis.

This episode looks into the complex emotions and motivations behind such extremist actions and explores how we can rise above hate with love and unity.

In this episode:
(00:00) Nashville unity rally against Neo-Nazi hate.
(06:22) Discussion about immigration, nationalism, and religion beliefs.
(09:33) Questioning funding for hate groups traveling to Nashville.
(13:22) Regarding deeper conversations
(14:51) Meeting Nazis
(18:38) Confrontation with masked man reveals underlying insecurity.
(22:45) Obligation to care for global human family.
(26:37) Supporting others and self-care in trauma.
(28:05) A practice of self-soothing and self-care
(31:23) Neelley shared her story about Women Rise.

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. More at umc.org/compass

We’re tackling the topic of living out our faith in a complex and often polarized world. Recently, the outrage sparked by the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly a controversial scene perceived to mock Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” has ignited debates and outraged responses.

We’ll explore how to express our faith authentically without adding to the division, drawing on examples from the teachings of Jesus, the early Christian community, and even a unique punk rock venue in Berkeley, California. Join us as we discuss how to adopt Christ-centered humility, build bridges, and embody the fruits of the Spirit in our public lives.

In this episode:
(00:00) Outrage over extravagant ceremonies, Jesus’s message.
(04:19) Podcast on expressing faith in a polarized world.
(11:06) Public displays of faith and its impact.
(13:56) God’s love is an irresistible invitation.
(17:34) Seminaries need to prepare for public engagement.
(21:08) Call for grace-filled, justice-minded viewpoint.
(22:50) What’s next on Compass

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Episode notes and more resources are at www.umc.org/compass

Summarizing Faith and Theology with Bruce Reyes-Chow on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Bruce shares the importance of distilling and articulating beliefs in simple, digestible formats. Discover his innovative concept of a “faith montage” and how it serves as a primer on progressive Christianity to guide individuals through faith deconstruction and reconstruction.

Bruce Reyes-Chow is an influential author, speaker, parent, consultant, coach, podcaster, and pastor. His latest book, “Everything Good About God is True,” encapsulates beliefs about God through the lens of lived experiences. In this episode, he discusses his approach to writing, crowd-sourcing feedback, and addressing both practical and theological questions. Bruce’s work aspires to be a conversation starter in churches, giving depth and clarity to longtime churchgoers and spiritual seekers alike.

Join Ryan Dunn and Bruce Reyes-Chow as they reflect on the future of the church, diversity, inclusivity, and Christianity’s portrayal in media. This episode offers rich insights into condensing complex theological ideas and crafting a narrative that resonates with both believers and those curious about faith.

Keywords: progressive Christianity, faith deconstruction, spiritual reconstruction, faith montage, Bruce Reyes-Chow, articulate beliefs, theology, Christianity in media, diversity in the church, inclusive faith.

Check out episode 133 with John Pavlovitz and episode 126 with Heather Jallad for more compelling discussions on spirituality and faith.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review to help us bring more meaningful content to our audience and connect with future guests! Sponsored by United Methodist Communications.

In this episode:
(00:00) Exploring the evolving future of the church.
(05:04) Challenge the dominant Christian cultural narrative responsibly.
(08:29) Distilling beliefs into simple, understandable messages is essential.
(09:29) God loves you, no need for more.
(13:24) Reflecting on writing project, seeking input for relevance.
(16:37) A cautious approach to the definitive article.
(18:58) Connecting to God through Jesus, death & resurrection.
(24:26) Treat everyone as complex child of God.
(27:32) Our shared human value.
930:26) Committed to Jesus, bodily resurrection, healing world.
(33:06) Changed denominational stance on LGBTQI inclusion, progress.
(36:22) Transitioning from pastor to full-time writer and speaker.

Subscribe and stay tuned for our next episode in 2 weeks. Peace until then!

For more episodes of Compass and episode notes: https://www.umc.org/compass