Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

United Methodist Communications
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Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

Faith and spirituality sometimes leave us with more questions than answers. The Compass podcast shares stories about deconstructing faith, finding meaning, seeking justice, and deepening spiritual connection through contemplative practices and worship. Join fellow spiritual seekers Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn as they seek orientation to the Divine presence in the day-to-day through a Christian perspective. A production of United Methodist Communications.

  1. [155] Are the End Times at hand?

    2D AGO

    [155] Are the End Times at hand?

    Let’s explore the fascinating and often complex world of Christian eschatology, unraveling the various interpretations of end times theology. In this episode, Ryan leads us through the evolution of eschatological beliefs—from historical premillennialism to amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennial dispensationalism.

  2. [154] Fantastical beasts and where to find them (in the Bible)

    APR 2

    [154] Fantastical beasts and where to find them (in the Bible)

    It’s a Biblical exploration of the strange, fantastical and mysterious. From Leviathan to unicorns to UAPs, we’re inspiring curiosity and awe as we see what these strange occurrences and observations in the Bible tell us about the Divine. In this episode: [00:00] Introducing a little levity [02:01] God-human hybrids [05:18] Sea monster [07:11] The talking donkey [09:25] Horned beasts [10:13] Giants [11:39] Insanely old people [14:08] Horned Moses [15:59] Four-legged fowl [17:14] Moses’ body [18:41] The walking dead (where did they go?) [22:15] Cursed with hemorrhoids [23:29] Close encounter of the third kind [25:57] Expressing something of the Divine Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications and is hosted and produced by Ryan Dunn. More at www.umc.org/compass

    29 min
  3. [153] Lent: Hungry and wanting more

    MAR 19

    [153] Lent: Hungry and wanting more

    Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you. Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.

    7 min
  4. [152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms

    MAR 5

    [152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms

    In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing human complexity and the practice of truth-telling in spirituality. From Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar, see how a cultural mixtape can guide one’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss insights on how spiritual seekers can curate a personalized connection to the divine through grounded traditions and ethical practices. Our guest is Tamice Spencer-Helms, a theologian, public speaker, curriculum developer, and consultant With over two decades of experience in young adult leadership, spiritual innovation, and social change. Tamice brings a deep well of wisdom to their work. In this episode: (00:00) Spiritual Mix Taping with Tamice (03:31) Mixtapes as connectors of faith (07:36) The mixtape as Black Cultural Expression (10:07) Rethinking perfection and ethical relativity (17:48) Find spiritual awe in the modern world (20:25) Overcoming fear through music (27:20) Faith and identity in Black America (31:33) Hush harbors in the modern day (34:08) Closing Join us to uncover how the R.E.S.T. mixtape can lead to a richer, more holistic spiritual life: https://umc.org/compass Keywords: spirituality, faith exploration, hush harbors, mixtape metaphor, spiritual innovation, radical ethics, tethered practices, personal identity and faith, Tamice Spencer-Helms.

    35 min
  5. [151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature

    FEB 19

    [151] How Church in the Wild connects faith and nature

    Reverend Corey Turnpenny invites us on an awe-inspiring exploration of spirituality harmonized with the beauty of the natural world. Learn about the innovative faith community, Church in the Wild, where worship occurs beneath open skies, embracing the rhythms of nature and fostering a sense of belonging for those who feel spiritually homeless. Corey Turnpenny is the founding pastor of Church in the Wild, a unique nature-focused congregation in Upstate New York. Her journey from the UMC Next conference in 2019 led her to create a spiritual haven where individuals reconnect with their spirituality amidst the splendor of creation. Through outdoor worship and a vibrant community, Corey is pioneering a movement that calls people back to nature. In this episode, explore the fascinating intersection of faith and nature, understand why community gatherings in the wild hold profound significance, and learn how natural settings can enhance spiritual practices. If you’re on a quest for a deeper spiritual connection and appreciate engaging conversations about faith, this episode is for you! In this episode: (00:00) Church in the Wild: Nature’s Worship (08:06) Catching a vision for a new church (11:45) Doing church in the wild (13:57) First followers and outdoor community networking (19:36) A weekly escape to a natural bubble (21:30) Spiritual practices in nature (29:15) Spirituality through environmental care (30:31) Finding peace in nature’s church (38:10) Learn more Find episode notes and more episodes of Compass: www.umc.org/Compass Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications.

    39 min
  6. [150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation

    FEB 5

    [150] Spiritual Lessons from Recovery: Ben Gosden on Faith and Transformation

    Transforming Life and Faith: Ben Gosden on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Join us for an inspiring discussion with Ben Gosden as he shares his transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and the ever-present grace that guided him back to spiritual alignment. Explore Ben’s insights on how the tenets of recovery not only shape one’s faith journey but influence daily habits and mindfulness. Ben Gosden, a pastor and author of “Grace Rediscovered,” has over fifteen years of pastoral experience. His book chronicles his personal path to recovery and deeper spiritual understanding. For those seeking spiritual growth or grappling with their own challenges, Ben offers a candid look at the power of prayer, humility, and acceptance. Discover how aligning your daily life with your core values can lead to genuine spiritual richness and connection. Tune in and be open to the transformative grace and spirituality that beckon us in our everyday lives. Find notes and more episodes at www.umc.org/compass (00:00) Addiction, Recovery, and Grace (05:40) Alcohol Addiction: A Personal Journey (08:48) Overcoming Evening Temptations (11:34) Embracing Humility: God Isn’t You (13:58) From Requests to Surrender (16:11) Letting Go: Faith and Acceptance (21:53) Values: A Checkbook and Calendar Audit (23:30) Practicing Margin Time (27:02) Balancing Work and Personal Time (31:22) Compass Podcast Episode Recap Keywords: spirituality, faith journey, recovery, transformation, addiction, grace, spiritual alignment, prayer, humility, acceptance, Ben Gosden, “Grace Rediscovered”, pastoral experience.

    33 min
  7. [149] Humor, theology, and asking the deepest questions with Erin Hicks Moon

    JAN 22

    [149] Humor, theology, and asking the deepest questions with Erin Hicks Moon

    Discovering Faith Through Questions with Erin Moon on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Join host Ryan Dunn in a conversation with Erin Hicks Moon, a dynamic podcaster and author of the upcoming book “I’ve Got Questions.” Together, they investigate the powerful role of curiosity in deepening one’s faith and navigating skepticism. Explore themes like the value of humor when tackling serious faith topics, the importance of diverse theological voices, and Erin’s journey through evangelical culture. Whether you’re grappling with spiritual questions or seeking new perspectives, this episode is tailored for spiritual seekers and those curious about faith. Erin Moon is one of the producers and hosts of the Faith Adjacent podcast and serves as the resident Bible scholar, bringing thoughtful insights and a touch of levity to theological discussions. Her upcoming book, “I’ve Got Questions,” promises to further explore how asking questions can enrich our spiritual lives. Erin’s journey provides a safe space for anyone looking to explore complex questions about their beliefs. Important topics discussed: – The profound impact of asking questions within one’s faith journey – Navigating faith and skepticism – Exploring diverse voices in theology – Finding community in the midst of spiritual questions Don’t miss this enriching conversation that will leave you inspired to explore your own faith journey with curiosity and openness. (00:00) “Compass Podcast: Faith Exploration” (04:13) Questioning Beliefs Without Fear (08:22) Enduring Faith and Personal Doubts (12:04) Expanding Biblical Perspectives (15:31) Faith Contextualized by Culture (19:45) Embracing Uncertainty in Scripture (21:58) “Debating Revelation’s True Purpose” (25:47) Questioning Faith and Personal Belief (28:31) Exploring Spirituality: Podcast Guide

    30 min

  8. JAN 8

    [148] Spiritual voyeurs and engaging with the Divine

    Let’s get dirty and honest about our often voyeuristic relationship with the divine — and how prayer can profoundly disrupt and enrich our everyday lives. Explore the curious phenomena of spiritual fascination from a safe distance and the transformative power of genuine engagement with the divine through prayer. Rev. Ryan Dunn uses relatable analogies, like our fascination with Shark Week, to elucidate our modern spiritual postures. We look into the biblical narrative of Exodus 20 to showcase how prayer can align us with God’s love and calls us into action. This episode also addresses the common queries about the efficacy of prayer in times of crisis and the oft-repeated phrase “thoughts and prayers.”

    13 min
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4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Faith and spirituality sometimes leave us with more questions than answers. The Compass podcast shares stories about deconstructing faith, finding meaning, seeking justice, and deepening spiritual connection through contemplative practices and worship. Join fellow spiritual seekers Michelle Maldonado and Ryan Dunn as they seek orientation to the Divine presence in the day-to-day through a Christian perspective. A production of United Methodist Communications.

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