The Weight

Oxford University United Methodist Church
  • 4.9 (78)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Bimonthly

Let’s be honest. There are some topics that are too heavy for a 20 minute sermon. There are issues that need conversation, not just explanation. That’s why we have created The Weight Podcast. Launching on March 5th, this is a podcast that creates a space for honestly discussing some of the heavy topics we face in our culture today. We believe that the church is called to engage in a way that honors the weightiness and importance that these topics have for how we live faithfully today. We’ll cover everything from art to mental health, social injustice, and the future of the church. If it’s something the culture talks about, we need to be talking about it, too.

  1. Cultivating A Meaningful Ministry with Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu

    22h ago

    Cultivating A Meaningful Ministry with Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu

    Show Notes: Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu, senior pastor of Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, has a wealth of experience in nurturing a vibrant community of faith. In this episode, he shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the vital principles that have shaped his ministry.  Rev. Akinbinu emphasizes that a vibrant ministry is rooted in community. He notes that the African American church tradition values relational aspects, where connections among members foster growth. He believes that building strong relationships within the church helps create a supportive environment where individuals can share their stories and grow in faith together. He believes that people grow better in circles rather than rows, highlighting the need for small groups and community involvement. Akinbinu outlines three key pillars that guide his ministry: 1. **Living in Faith**: This pillar emphasizes the importance of anchoring church activities in the Word of God, ensuring members know and obey biblical truths. 2. **Living in Fellowship**: Akinbinu stresses the significance of loving all people as image bearers and creating a strong community among church members. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to support one another. 3. **Living to Serve**: Discovering and using one's gifts for God's mission is crucial. Akinbinu encourages church members to participate actively in the mission of God, utilizing their talents to serve the community.

    46 min
  2. "Growth & Reconciliation" with Dr. Kevin Murriel

    May 28

    "Growth & Reconciliation" with Dr. Kevin Murriel

    Show Notes: In this episode, Reverend Dr. Kevin Muriel shares his journey from Mississippi to Atlanta, his insights on racial reconciliation, leadership in the church, and the future of the United Methodist Church. A rich conversation on history, culture, and innovative leadership in faith communities. Resources: Cascade United Methodist Church - https://cascadeumc.org/ Candler School of Theology - https://candler.emory.edu/ Duke Divinity School - https://divinity.duke.edu/ Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church - https://www.umcmission.org/ James Lawson and the Nashville Civil Rights Movement - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lawson Twitter - https://twitter.com/KevinMuriel Cascade UMC - https://cascadeumc.org/

    43 min
  3. "AI And The Church" with Jason Moore

    Apr 16

    "AI And The Church" with Jason Moore

    Did you know that The Weight now features a video format? You can watch every new episode on YouTube! Show Notes: In this conversation, Jason Moore discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and the church, exploring the historical context of technology in ministry, the ethical considerations of AI, and its practical applications. He emphasizes the importance of embracing technology while exercising restraint and maintaining human agency in the creative process. The discussion also highlights the potential benefits and challenges of AI in ministry, encouraging a thoughtful approach to its integration. Resources: Web - https://www.aiandthechurch.ai/ Instagram - @midnightoilprod

    52 min

  4. Season 7 Trailer

    Season 7 - Teaser

    Season 7 of The Weight will be coming soon!  We have been hard at work preparing a studio for a new video format of the podcast. While we won't have weekly episodes with this new format, we will still be bringing you the highest quality guests and conversations. Make sure you like and subscribe on YouTube so that you're notified when a new episode drops! The Weight YouTube

    1 min
  5. Season 6 Wrap Up with Chris, Eddie, & Cody

    11/27/2025

    Season 6 Wrap Up with Chris, Eddie, & Cody

    Show Notes: Cody Hickman joins Chris McAlilly and Eddie Rester as they wrap up the season with a thoughtful discussion on their favorite moments of past episodes. They reflect on Christ-centered leadership, the significance of mental health, and generational differences in the workplace. Join along for a lighthearted episode that concludes the season.  Resources: To learn more about Lover’s Lane UMC and Eddie Rester, click here. To learn more about Oxford University UMC, Cody Hickman, and Chris McAlilly, click here.

    43 min
  6. "Awake" with Jen Hatmaker

    11/20/2025

    "Awake" with Jen Hatmaker

    Show Notes: “It’s so interesting how grief shows itself in sometimes surprising ways that you just can't expect.” A New York Times best selling author and speaker Jen Hatmaker joins the Weight to discuss her new book, “Awake: A Memoir”. She shares her journey of unexpected divorce after twenty six years. Hatmaker discusses rebuilding her life, and the steps along the way. Resources: Get Jen Hatmaker’s new memoir here. Visit Jen Hatmaker’s website here.

    49 min
  7. "The Cure For Sickness" with JD Walt

    11/13/2025

    "The Cure For Sickness" with JD Walt

    Show Notes: J.D. Walt, former dean of the chapel at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and founder of Seedbed, joins Chris and Eddie with a strong conversation about the gospel being a transformative force, rather than a self-improvement program. Walt dives into how sin is like cancer, and later discusses his newly released book on Romans. Resources: Learn more at Seedbed’s official website. Listen to J.D. Walt’s podcast here. Read J.D. Walt’s articles here. Purchase “Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed (Daily Seeds)”.

    51 min
  8. "Our Primal 5" with Matt Campbell

    11/06/2025

    "Our Primal 5" with Matt Campbell

    Show Notes: Not only is Matt Campbell a licensed psychologist, he’s also a friend of Eddie and Chris (and a member of Chris’s church—which also used to be Eddie’s church—in Oxford, MS). Matt has worked in private practice since 2003, and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Mississippi Psychological Association, and the National register of Health Service Psychologists. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Clemson University and his PhD in clinical psychology from The University of Mississippi. Resources: Learn more about Matt’s practice here Follow Matt on Facebook  Buy his book, Our Primal Five: The Simple 5-Week Guide To Self-Care

    54 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
78 Ratings

About

Let’s be honest. There are some topics that are too heavy for a 20 minute sermon. There are issues that need conversation, not just explanation. That’s why we have created The Weight Podcast. Launching on March 5th, this is a podcast that creates a space for honestly discussing some of the heavy topics we face in our culture today. We believe that the church is called to engage in a way that honors the weightiness and importance that these topics have for how we live faithfully today. We’ll cover everything from art to mental health, social injustice, and the future of the church. If it’s something the culture talks about, we need to be talking about it, too.

Information

  • Creator
    Oxford University United Methodist Church
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    264
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Weight
  • Show Website
    The Weight

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