100 episodes

A podcast featuring news, opportunities and witness of the ministries of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Listen for stories and updates of what's happening in the Louisiana Conference.

Louisiana Now Louisiana Conference

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 11 Ratings

A podcast featuring news, opportunities and witness of the ministries of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Listen for stories and updates of what's happening in the Louisiana Conference.

    A Conversation with Rev. Katrena Porter King, DEI Strategist for Louisiana

    A Conversation with Rev. Katrena Porter King, DEI Strategist for Louisiana

    In this episode, we catch up with Rev. Katrena Porter King has been appointed to the Louisiana Conference as the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist. This strategic addition to the extended cabinet underscores the Conference's commitment to fostering an environment that champions inclusivity and justice, as well as actively promoting diversity in the staff and leadership structure.

    Bishop Delores J. Williamston welcomes Rev. King, stating, "I look forward to the ministry that Rev. Katrena King will bring to the Louisiana Conference as we continue to make strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her gifting will assist the conference as we look at practices and policies around this critical work. Katrena’s experience holding space in community collaborations is an asset to us as we continue the work that began in 2021 around anti-racism or justice-orientated issues."

    Rev. King, recently commissioned as a Provisional Deacon at the 2023 Louisiana Annual Conference, brings a wealth of experience and a unique set of skills. Her approach to guiding conversations on complex topics allows for creating safe and open sharing spaces. She empowers individuals to recognize and refine their leadership abilities while fostering visionary and strategic thinking.

    As a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIV and a recipient of the 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award, Rev. King's contributions have been recognized as both significant and impactful. Additionally, her service on the General Commission and the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) further demonstrates her passion for advocating for equity and representation.

    The Louisiana Conference looks forward to the innovative contributions Rev. King will bring to the table. Her strategic vision and commitment to community engagement are vital as the Conference continues its journey toward creating a more equitable and just society.

    • 17 min
    Turning Ideas into Reality

    Turning Ideas into Reality

    We are thrilled to feature a conversation with Britney Winn Lee.

    She is leading the innovative A New Thing workshop, an initiative presented by the United Methodist Foundation. This workshop is dedicated to turning visionary ideas into tangible realities, offering a platform for creative thinking and strategic execution.
    Utilizing Kenda Creasy Dean’s Innovating for Love: Joining God’s Expedition Through Christian Social Innovation, the programs will offer several half-day workshops to explore the theology behind and current necessity for ministry innovation.

    In this episode, we discuss what it means to execute innovative ideas in the local church, and why the word 'innovative' might not even be the best word! 

    For more on the A New Thing Workshop, please head here. 
    Britney's books, including Rally!, can be found here. 
     
     

    • 23 min
    Reflecting on 2023 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston

    Reflecting on 2023 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston

    Welcome to the second of two interviews with Bishop Delores J. Williamston. In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down again with Bishop Williamston to reflect on her eventful and transformative first year in Louisiana.

    From her start in January, through the dynamic 'Boots on the Ground Tour' across the state, to the memorable installation service at Dillard University, the 2023 Annual Conference in June, and the insightful listening sessions, held in the fall - it's been a year of growth, connection, and HōPE. 
    Join us as we review these significant milestones and also look ahead to what 2024 holds. Bishop Williamston shares her experiences, insights, and visions for the future in this special year-end episode.

    • 25 min
    Advent and Christmas Reflections with Bishop Delores J. Williamston

    Advent and Christmas Reflections with Bishop Delores J. Williamston

    Welcome to Louisiana NOW, the podcast focused on the news, opportunities and witness of the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church. In the next two episodes, we sit down with Bishop Delores J. Williamston.
    In this episode, Bishop Williamston shares her insightful thoughts on advent and Christmas. We'll delve into her  childhood memories, reminisce about her impactful times serving as a pastor in Kansas, and hear her inspiring message to pastors across Louisiana as we prepare for the festive season.

    Stay tuned for a heartwarming journey through memories and messages of HōPE, faith, and joy with Bishop Williamston.

    • 21 min
    Getting Ready for Christmas!

    Getting Ready for Christmas!

    In this episode, we delve into one of the most significant seasons in the church calendar – Christmas. (Yes, we know it's technically Advent) 
    In this episode, we're thrilled to visit with Rev. Chad Brooks, the Church Vitality strategist for the Louisiana Conference, with insights on how churches can gear up for Christmas, a time known for its high visitor engagement.

    We’ll explore practical tips and innovative strategies to make this festive season both spiritually enriching and welcoming for all who walk through the church doors.
    And that's not all – host Todd Rossnagel will be sharing a few social media hacks to boost your church's online presence this Christmas. With these tips, we aim to help you create a buzz on social media that translates into greater engagement and brings more people to experience the joy and community of the season.
    Todd's full list can be found here. 
    Remember, we always love to hear from our listeners. Whether you have a question, a comment, or just want to share your Christmas preparations, reach out to us at podcast@la-umc.org. We’re eager to hear your stories and insights.
     

    • 28 min
    Focus on the Future

    Focus on the Future

    In this episode, we catch up with John Wimberly and Rev. Dr. Van Stinson. 
    Like all mainline denominations today, United Methodist conferences and jurisdictions are facing the need to make dramatic adaptations from past ways of operating. A convergence of factors—declining congregational membership, the evolution of communication channels, remote work environments, virtual gatherings, and ever-evolving mission opportunities—has ushered in a new era where the conventional ways of doing things no longer suffice in carrying out God's divine work.
     
    Amid so much ecclesial, cultural, and economic change, the Bishop and Extended Cabinet have identified the need for a planning and implementation process to create a flexible, agile operational system that can adapt quickly to the known and unknown ministry opportunities that lie ahead.   
    The Louisiana Conference has enlisted the expertise of John Wimberly, an experienced church consultant, to help us think about the future organizationally (conference structure, staff design, governance system, etc.). He has done similar work with Great Plains and Mountain Sky Conferences.  He recently finished a similar job with Central, North, and Northwest Texas Conferences. 

    His approach centers on the art of listening, engaging in interviews and focus groups to glean insights into people's perceptions of our current systems and their aspirations for the future. The ultimate goal is to articulate a clear and concise mission statement that will guide our pivotal decisions and strategies, aligning our organizational structure and operations with our mission. 
    To learn more, head here. 

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

Reaganstill ,

Great content

Well produced with great, informative content. Keep up the great work!

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