Stewards & Stories: Real Voices, Shared Wisdom, United in Mission

The United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity

Stewards & Stories is a storytelling and resource-driven podcast created to amplify the diverse voices of clergy and laity across the United Methodist connection. This podcast seeks to equip, inspire, and empower leaders by exploring themes of financial stewardship, spiritual resilience, innovative ministry, leadership development, and systemic change within the church. Through honest conversations and practical insights, the podcast will bridge the gap between the resources of the United Methodist Foundation and the lived experiences of those serving in our communities, lay and clergy alike.

Episodes

  1. Aug 10

    Part 2, Finding the Fatithful Path for Today's Church with Beth Crissman

    This conversation highlights a hopeful and practical vision for the future of the church. In Part 2 of this discussion, Beth Crissman, District Superintendent of the Smoky Mountain District, shares inspiring examples of congregations that are moving beyond survival and embracing collaborativeministry to meet community needs in transformative ways. Drawing from experiences in Western North Carolina following natural disasters and economic challenges, Beth explores how churches can accomplish far more together thanthey can alone. What happens when churches stop asking, “How do we survive?” and start asking, “How can we be faithful together?” In Part 2 of our conversation with Beth Crissman, District Superintendent of the Smoky Mountain District, we move from principles to practice. Beth shares powerful stories of congregations partnering across communities to create lasting impact, including the Pigeon River Cooperative and The Wider Circle, ministries serving hundreds of neighbors each week through food assistance, healthcare, and community support. Together, we explore: How collaboration helps churches accomplish what no single congregation can do aloneReal examples of cooperative ministry across Western North CarolinaThe importance of listening to God, one another, and our neighborsPractical first steps congregations can take toward greater partnership and missionHow The Faithful Path for...Now can help churches discern their next faithful stepBeth reminds us that faithfulness is not about preserving the past. It is about courageously following where God is leading next. Whether your congregation is thriving, struggling, or discerning its future, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a vision for collaborative ministry that builds the church for generations to come.

  2. Jul 29

    Finding the Faithful Path for Today's Church with Rev. Beth Crissman

    Finding the Faithful Path for Today's Church with Rev. Beth Crissman How can churches remain faithful in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of Stewards and Stories, host Rev. Annalee Allen sits down with Rev. Beth Crissman, District Superintendent and Director of Peace Building Ministries for the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, to discuss her new curriculum, The Faithful Path for ...Now. Drawing on decades of ministry experience, Beth explores how demographic shifts, the COVID-19 pandemic, political polarization, and denominational changes have transformed the landscape of local churches. Rather than focusing on survival, she challenges congregations to ask a deeper question: What does faithfulness look like in this moment? Listeners will learn how to recognize signs of congregational decline before they become crises, why fear often hinders faithful change, and how Jesus' teachings in Matthew 22, 25, and 28 can serve as a framework for evaluating ministry priorities. Beth also shares practical insights on letting go of nonessential programs, embracing discernment, and creating space for renewed mission and discipleship. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or engaged layperson, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for leading through seasons of change faithfully. The future of the church depends not on preserving familiar traditions, but on continually discerning God's call and adapting faithfully to the community's needs.

  3. Jun 20

    Breakfast & Bible, Faith Friends Camp at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, NC

    In this episode of Stewards and Stories, Rev. Annalee Allen is joined by Rachel Sease and Matthew Blackburn of First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, recipients of the 2025 Reynolds Legacy Award for Outstanding Disciple Making. Together, they share the story of a dynamic, youth-centered ministry that has grown into a vital, intergenerational movement of faith, belonging, and community impact. Rooted in a forward decision made decades ago to invest in youth leadership, this ministry has expanded to meet real needs across its community, from after-school programs and middle school Bible studies to Faith Friends Camp and outreach initiatives that serve thousands through food, care, and connection. At the heart of their work is a simple but powerful message: You are loved, you are forgiven, and you are needed. Rachel and Matthew reflect on how disciple-making doesn’t require perfection or expertise; it begins with presence, relationships, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones. By bringing generations together and empowering both young people and adults to lead, their ministry creates spaces where everyone can grow in faith and discover their purpose. Grounded in relationships, shaped by innovation, and sustained through faithful risk-taking, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical vision for churches seeking to make a lasting difference in their communities, one relationship at a time.

  4. Jun 20

    Hillsdale en Español at Hillsdale United Methodist Church in Advance, NC.

    In this inspiring episode of Stewards and Stories, Rev. Annalee Allen sits down with Reverend Jerry Webb and Reverend Loana Ferrer De Diaz of Hillsdale United Methodist Church, recipients of the 2025 Reynolds Legacy Award for Outstanding Disciple Making. Together, they share the powerful story of how a simple gathering for prayer grew into a thriving Spanish-speaking worshiping community. What began organically, through relationship, hospitality, and a deep response to God’s calling, has become a vibrant ministry marked by transformation, belonging, and bold leadership. Loana reflects on how creating authentic community and emphasizing a personal relationship with God has helped individuals move from cultural faith to lived discipleship. This conversation explores what disciple-making really looks like in everyday life: building relationships, meeting people where they are, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the journey. Jerry and Loana offer practical and encouraging insights for anyone who feels called but unsure where to begin, reminding us that meaningful ministry often starts with something as simple as sharing a meal or opening your home. Rooted in the values of innovation, integrity, and relationships, this episode challenges us to rethink how the church engages in its communities, not by waiting for people to come, but by boldly going out to meet them.

  5. Jun 20

    Deep Time at Trinity United Methodist Church in Asheville, NC

    In this episode of Stewards and Stories, Annalee Allen sits down with Reverend Dustin Mailman of Deep Time Coffee, a bold and innovative ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church in Asheville, North Carolina, and a 2025 recipient of the Reynolds Legacy Award for Outstanding Disciple Making. Born out of deep relationships, loss, and a commitment to meet people where they are, Deep Time Coffee is reimagining what church can look like. Dustin shares how the ministry emerged from walking alongside neighbors on the margins, particularly those impacted by incarceration, housing instability, and substance use, and grew into a community rooted in belonging, healing, and real-life transformation. Rather than starting with traditional worship, Deep Time began with presence: roasting coffee, building trust, and creating space for authentic connection. Through this “church built backwards” approach, discipleship happens in everyday moments, over shared work, honest conversations, and radical hospitality. The result is a fresh expression of church where individuals rediscover their identity as beloved children of God. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink evangelism and disciple-making, not as programs, but as relationships. Dustin offers a compelling invitation to move beyond transactional ministry and instead engage others with openness, dignity, and courage. Grounded in the Foundation’s values of innovation, integrity, and relationships, this episode is a powerful reminder that when the Church shows up authentically, lives and entire communities can be transformed.

  6. May 21

    Interview with Magrey deVega

    Rev. Annalee Allen has an in-depth conversation with Rev. Magrey deVega, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, Fla., and author of the forthcoming book A Time for Wisdom: Finding Hope in Ecclesiastes (Abingdon Press, 2027). Rev. deVega offers a fresh perspective on mortality, doubt, and what happens after we die. "Even if the lives we mourn," Rev. Devega tells Annalee, "There is still something of their essence that lives on within us....and in eternity in the heart of God."

  7. Apr 8

    The 7 Principles of Stewardship: For Church Leaders

    In this episode of Stewards and Stories, we conclude our four-part series on The Seven Principles of Christian Stewardship with a timely, practical conversation on leadership, generosity, and culture. Annalee Allen is joined by returning guest Rev. AJ Thomas to explore how church leaders, clergy, and laity alike play a vital role in shaping how generosity is taught, practiced, and experienced within a congregation. AJ emphasizes that stewardship begins with leadership by example, calling leaders to model joyful, faithful generosity in their own discipleship and decision-making. Together, the conversation highlights the importance of focusing on abundance rather than scarcity, connecting giving to real ministry impact, and regularly telling the stories of lives changed through the church’s mission. From offering testimonies to weekly “mini stewardship moments,” listeners will hear practical, accessible ways leaders can create meaningful connections between generosity and transformation. The episode also introduces In God’s Hands, a stewardship worship resource designed to help churches bring theological depth and clarity to offering moments, while reinforcing generosity as an act of faith rather than obligation. This closing episode invites listeners to reflect on their leadership, recommit to practices that nurture generosity, and remember the privilege of investing in God’s work through the church. Key themes include: Leadership through example in stewardshipMoving congregations from scarcity to abundanceConnecting giving with mission and real-life impactPractical tools and resources for stewardship leaders

  8. Apr 8

    The 7 Principles of Christian Stewardship: Principles 6 & 7

    In this episode of Stewards and Stories, we continue our exploration of the Seven Principles of Stewardship by unpacking Principles 6 and 7 with guest AJ Thomas. Annalee Allen leads a thoughtful conversation about why the local church is the primary and most meaningful place for Christians to practice generosity, and how giving is far more than a financial transaction. AJ reminds us that generosity is an act of discipleship rooted in love, trust, and relationship with God, not obligation or guilt. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to reconsider what it truly means to “give first” and develop a faithful rhythm of generosity in both abundant and challenging seasons. With grace and compassion, AJ addresses common struggles around tithing while encouraging incremental growth and spiritual formation over time. The episode concludes by focusing on Principle 7: My church is transforming lives every day, highlighting the powerful truth that behind every ministry, budget line, and mission statistic is a real person whose life is being shaped by God’s love. When the mission is clear, generosity follows, and lives are changed. Whether you are a clergy leader, lay leader, or committed church member, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope as you consider how your generosity participates in God’s ongoing work through the local church. Key themes include: Why giving through the local church mattersGenerosity as spiritual discipline and discipleshipGrace-filled approaches to tithing and growthThe connection between mission, generosity, and transformed lives

  9. Apr 2

    The 7 Principles of Christian Stewardship: Principles 3,4, & 5

    What does it really mean to live generously, and how does our relationship with money shape our relationship with God? In this episode of Stewards & Stories, hosts Caroline Wood and Emily Allen continue their series on the Seven Principles of Christian Stewardship, diving into principles three, four, and five with guest Rev. AJ Thomas. Together, they explore the transformative power of generosity, the deeply spiritual nature of money, and the profound connection between our hearts and our financial choices. From the redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge to the quiet faithfulness of the widow’s offering, this conversation challenges the false divide between finances and faith. You’ll hear why generosity is more than an action, it’s a spiritual posture, and how giving, saving, and loving God are all intricately connected. Whether you're a church leader, a stewardship team member, or simply seeking to align your financial life with your faith, this episode offers practical wisdom and theological insight to inspire your journey. Key Themes: Generosity as the antidote to selfishnessWhy money is a deeply spiritual issueJohn Wesley’s wisdom: earn, save, and giveHow giving draws us closer to GodListen in and rediscover how every financial decision can become an act of faith.

  10. Mar 31

    The Seven Principles of Christian Stewardship: Principles One and Two

    In this episode of the Stewards and Stories series on the Seven Principles of Stewardship, host Rev. Annalee Allen welcomes Rev. AJ Thomas to explore the foundation of Christian stewardship. Together, they begin with a simple but profound truth: everything we have is a gift from God. The conversation traces how our instinct to claim what is “mine” shapes the way we live—and how stewardship invites us into a different posture: living with open hands instead of closed fists. Rev. Thomas shares how recognizing God as the source of all we have can transform our outlook on possessions, generosity, and trust. You’ll also hear the first two principles of stewardship unpacked in practical ways: Everything I have is a gift from God. God is generous, and we are created in God’s image to reflect that generosity. Through scripture, real-life stories, and simple practices, this episode invites us to shift from ownership to stewardship and rediscover generosity as part of our spiritual identity. If you’re seeking a deeper understanding of faith, resources, and purpose, this episode sets the stage for the journey ahead in the Seven Principles of Stewardship series.

  11. 12/04/2025

    Grounded in Gratitude

    Rev Annalee Allen and Rev Dr. John McGill discuss how to be Grounded in Gratitude.

  12. 11/04/2025

    God Possibilities

    In the introductory episode, Foundation President David Snipes sits down with Annalee Allen to share the vision behind the Stewards & Stories podcast.

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Stewards & Stories is a storytelling and resource-driven podcast created to amplify the diverse voices of clergy and laity across the United Methodist connection. This podcast seeks to equip, inspire, and empower leaders by exploring themes of financial stewardship, spiritual resilience, innovative ministry, leadership development, and systemic change within the church. Through honest conversations and practical insights, the podcast will bridge the gap between the resources of the United Methodist Foundation and the lived experiences of those serving in our communities, lay and clergy alike.

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