Means of Grace

Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Means of Grace, a podcast from the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, equips church leaders through expertise and examples. Twice a month, we feature local experts on a variety of topics from leadership to innovation and share examples of churches in our conference reaching their communities in news ways through mission engagement, Fresh Expressions and much more. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, defined Means of Grace as the outward signs, words or actions that are the ordinary channels conveying God's grace to the souls of people. So when we're talking about leadership or discipleship or an outreach initiative, it's about more than doing a program well, it's a means of God's grace to the world.

  1. 3d ago

    Living Into Our Vision with John Crane & Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand

    In this episode, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand and John Crane explore how churches can live beyond their walls, connect evangelism with missional outreach, and collaborate effectively to make a faithful impact. The challenge is to find new ways to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. The three-part webinar series will equip laity and clergy with practical strategies and resources to help their churches more effectively connect with their community, build missional partnerships, and transform their communities by reaching others with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Format: Online, via Zoom Dates:   October 26, November 2, November 9 Time:    7pm - 8pm Registration Link: https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/LivingIntoOurVision Registration Deadline:  Sunday, October 25, 2026 Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the series and guest introductions 00:23 Overview of the conference's focus on love, service, and leadership  00:45 The role of laity in church leadership and outreach 01:05 The biblical foundation of the church's mission 02:14 The importance of loving boldly and serving joyfully 05:04 What it means to lead courageously in today's context 07:25 Love for enemies and courageous service 08:52 The Holy Spirit's empowerment for evangelism 12:30 Addressing fears and resource challenges in church outreach 16:27 The movement of Christendom and evangelism in history 20:23 Transformative power of evangelism and personal stories 27:22 Upcoming learning series details and expectations 33:29 Final thoughts and encouragement to participate

  2. Sep 24

    Wesley Pilgrimage Reflections with Rev. Hannah Howell and Rev. Blake Smarr

    In this episode, Hannah Howell and Blake Smarr reflect on their pilgrimage through England, retracing Wesleyan history, and explore how the experience deepened their faith, understanding of history, and sense of community. They discuss the spiritual insights, surprising discoveries, and ongoing impact of walking in the footsteps of John Wesley. Read the Article here  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Wesleyan pilgrimage 01:38 Meet Hannah Howell and Blake Smarr 03:43 Hopes for the pilgrimage 05:17 Discovering new sides of John Wesley 07:22 Letting go of expectations and being present 08:44 Spiritual moments at Epworth and Aldersgate 12:30 Susanna Wesley's influence and daily discipline 15:33 Oxford, the Holy Club, and forming a personal faith 19:52 Communion and the connection across generations 23:00 Wesleyan history, slavery, and abolition 29:05 Whose stories are missing or overlooked? 33:08 Bringing the pilgrimage's lessons home 39:00 Finding grace in ordinary moments 42:43 Building community and lasting connections 45:57 "I left for England thinking…" 47:20 Closing reflections

  3. Sep 10

    Healing from Religious & Spiritual Abuse

    In this episode, Dr. Hannah Sutton-Adams, Rev. Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun & Rebecca Yates explore the concept of healing within the church, addressing religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and how churches can become safe spaces for healing and growth. Featuring experts from Matthews United Methodist Church, this conversation offers practical insights and spiritual reflections on transforming church communities. You are invited, on October 25, 2026, Matthews United Methodist Church will host a workshop titled Recognizing and Resisting Trauma - Faith Community

  4. Aug 27

    Wonder Summit 2026 with Skyler Przygoda and Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven

    This episode explores the upcoming WONDER SUMMIT and innovative approaches to involving children in worship, emphasizing the importance of listening to their voices and reimagining church practices. Skyler Przygoda and Latricia Scriven share insights from the upcoming Wonder Summit, a transformative event for all church leaders. Remember to use code "SCHOOL" for a discount on your registration to the Wonder Summit!

  5. Aug 13

    Ep. 167 - Leading with Grace: A Metro District Superintendent's Journey with Rev. David Hockett

    In this episode, Rev. David Hockett shares his journey into ministry, his return to the role of Metro District Superintendent, and insights on leadership, change, and faith in challenging times. 00:00 Introduction to David Hockett and the Metro District Superintendent role 01:36 David's call to ministry and early formation in the church 05:02 Returning to district superintendent a second time 09:06 Leaving Davidson and moving into a new season 13:21 What a district superintendent actually does 16:05 Making space for clergy and laity to try new things 18:37 When DS leadership should be mostly invisible 20:44 The spiritual responsibility of serving on the cabinet 25:37 The human side of appointment making 32:16 Learning from failure and moving too slowly 39:23 What David is listening for in this season of church change 48:38 The church's calling to embody Christ in the world 51:04 The same call for laity and clergy alike 52:02 Two ways to support the work: prayer and presence

  6. Jul 30

    No Mission Without Margin

    Meredith Martin, the new conference treasurer and director of administrative services, shares her journey, experience, and vision for her new role. She emphasizes the importance of stewardship, accountability, and mission in managing the financial and administrative aspects of the conference. Meredith's background as a deacon, social worker, and nonprofit leader has prepared her to bring a unique perspective to her new role, ensuring responsible and strategic financial management aligned with the mission of the church. The conversation covers topics related to financial stewardship, integrity, and responsibility, as well as the importance of financial sustainability, margin, and creative vision. It also delves into best practices for church financial health, non-traditional giving, and asset management. Additionally, the discussion touches on personal interests, hobbies, and the importance of well-being in the context of professional responsibilities.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Meredith Martin 02:06 Meredith's Calling and Background 03:12 Meredith's Experience and Preparation 05:05 Meredith's Intersection of Background and Experience 09:12 Meredith's New Role and Early Experiences 13:33 Understanding the Role of Conference Treasurer 18:50 Meredith's Week and Responsibilities 23:31 Building Trust and Connecting with Local Churches 25:57 Stewardship as Ministry 27:40 Stewardship and Integrity 33:41 Financial Sustainability and Margin 36:14 Church Financial Health 39:35 Non-Traditional Giving and Asset Management 43:29 Personal Interests and Well-Being

  7. Jul 16

    Pentecost Already Happened with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand

    In this episode, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand shares insights on the Holy Spirit's movement in church life, the importance of authentic evangelism, and reimagining church beyond traditional walls. Join us for a deep dive into spiritual renewal and practical steps for engaging the world with courage and compassion.  Resources Western North Carolina Conference Susanna Wesley - Mother of Methodism Guest Links: Facebook Linked In Substack   Chapters 00:00 Debriefing the Annual Conference 03:05 The Role of the Holy Spirit 05:36 Living Beyond the Walls of the Church 08:39 The Balance of Holy and Human 11:31 The Power of Holy Conferencing 14:26 Embracing Change and New Directions 17:22 Personal Stories of Faith and Growth 26:37 The Call to Courageous Action 28:34 Reimagining the Church's Future 32:02 Building Without a Blueprint 36:55 Assignments in Everyday Life 41:14 Discipleship and Personal Holiness 45:15 The Church as a Community Center 48:04 Embracing Technology in Evangelism 49:31 Rebuilding Church Evangelism 52:28 The Power of Connection in Ministry

  8. Jul 2

    Highlights from the 2026 WNC Conference with Bishop Carter & Rev. Kim Ingram

    This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 Western North Carolina Annual Conference, highlighting key initiatives, recognitions, and spiritual reflections that shape the future of the church in the region. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview 02:37 Church Restoration Fund and Racial Justice Initiatives 04:08 Partnership with Ukraine-Moldova Conference 05:56 Reinstatement of Lauren Scruggs' Ordination Credentials 07:53 Recognition of Ministry Leaders and New Ordinations 09:57 Conference Budget and Financial Stewardship 12:36 Small Group Conversations and Community Engagement 14:20 Honoring Retiring and Deceased Clergy 14:48 Governance and Mission of the Conference 17:54 Pre-Conference Workshops and Engagement Opportunities 19:27 Commissioning of Presiding Elders and Leadership Development 21:17 Celebrations and Milestones in the Conference 22:29 Joy and Reflection on Inclusion and Progress 24:45 Worship as the Heart of the Conference 26:42 Closing Reflections and Call to Action 29:42 MOG-Like and Subscribe.mp4

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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Means of Grace, a podcast from the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, equips church leaders through expertise and examples. Twice a month, we feature local experts on a variety of topics from leadership to innovation and share examples of churches in our conference reaching their communities in news ways through mission engagement, Fresh Expressions and much more. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, defined Means of Grace as the outward signs, words or actions that are the ordinary channels conveying God's grace to the souls of people. So when we're talking about leadership or discipleship or an outreach initiative, it's about more than doing a program well, it's a means of God's grace to the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Material Copyright 2019 Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church
  • Show Website
    Means of Grace

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