156 episodes

Tune in every week for a lively conversation with Chapelwood's Senior Pastor, John Stephens and Executive Pastor, Matt Russell as they "go deep" on how today's church has changed and what the church will look like in the future!

Pod Have Mercy John Stephens/Matt Russell

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.7 • 39 Ratings

Tune in every week for a lively conversation with Chapelwood's Senior Pastor, John Stephens and Executive Pastor, Matt Russell as they "go deep" on how today's church has changed and what the church will look like in the future!

    Episode 155: PALM SUNDAY AND THE RODEO

    Episode 155: PALM SUNDAY AND THE RODEO

    This week we talk about the Rodeo and Holy Week. We talk about an article written by Ruth Haley Barton at transformingcenter.org. We also discuss how we can use the image of the crucifix as a visual cue for reflection.

    Holy Week—is all of us going through the rhythm of death, burial, and resurrection. It is not a rhythm that any of us would willingly choose or even know how to choose; it is usually thrust upon us. Even Jesus admitted to having mixed feelings about the inevitability of it all. Now my soul is troubled.  And what should I say— “Father, save me from this hour?”  No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. (John 12:27)

    • 23 min
    Episode 154: WHAT IS TRUTH?!

    Episode 154: WHAT IS TRUTH?!

    This week we talk about truth! We examine how our perception of truth plays a pivotal role in shaping the narratives that influence our perspectives on issues ranging from politics to morality.

    We also delve into the dynamic relationship between post-truth, Overton's Window, and the church. How does the evolving landscape of information impact religious institutions, and how do they, in turn, influence the broader cultural conversation?

    • 27 min
    Episode 153: WHAT IS GRACE?

    Episode 153: WHAT IS GRACE?

    Today we talk about grace! We talk about where we see grace in our every day lives and where we experience the kind of grace that cannot be earned.

    • 24 min
    Episode 152: ARSHIA KOMEILI

    Episode 152: ARSHIA KOMEILI

    Welcome to a powerful and inspiring episode of Pod Have Mercy, where we sit down with a remarkable individual who defied all odds to find freedom and self-expression. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Arshia Komeili, an Iranian rapper whose journey from persecution to redemption is nothing short of extraordinary.

    Arshia's story begins in Iran, where he faced immense challenges due to his passion for activism and social justice. Fleeing from government persecution, Arshia made the courageous journey to the United States, seeking a life where he could freely express his beliefs and pursue his artistic endeavors.

    Join us as Arshia shares the profound moments of his conversion and the challenges he encountered along the way. His incredible resilience and determination led him to Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, where he found not only a community but also a place where he could be baptized, symbolizing a new beginning in his life.

    Throughout the conversation, Arshia reflects on the power of music, faith, and the importance of embracing one's true self. As an Iranian rapper who found refuge in the United States, his story sheds light on the universal struggle for freedom, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

    • 52 min
    Episode 151: BISHOP MANDE MUYOMBO RETURNS!

    Episode 151: BISHOP MANDE MUYOMBO RETURNS!

    This week we are joined again by Bishop Mande Muyombo! Bishop Mande Muyombo was elected to the episcopacy in 2017. He is the Resident Bishop of the North Katanga Area, which includes North Katanga, Tanganyika and Tanzania conferences in the Congo Central Conference of The United Methodist Church.

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Episode 150: SUPER BOWL, TAYLOR SWIFT AND LENT

    Episode 150: SUPER BOWL, TAYLOR SWIFT AND LENT

    In this episode, join our lively discussions as we navigate the highs and lows of the 2024 Super Bowl, dissecting epic plays and unforgettable moments.

    But that's not all – we'll also embark on a soulful journey into the Lenten season and Ash Wednesday, exploring the meaning behind the rituals and traditions that shape our spiritual landscapes.

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
39 Ratings

39 Ratings

JonS1984 ,

New Find

I have just discovered Pod Have Mercy while attending Mercy Street (which I also love). I find Matt and John to be very real and down to earth, love their humor and humanness….kept it up.

Kipsand ,

Excellence.

This is a podcast that thoroughly engages the heart and the mind. Its hosts are not squeamish about tackling tough subjects going on in the Church and its point of intersection with the world in which we live.
It is true excellence. Everytime.
Thank you Rev Dr Matt Russell and Rev Dr John Stephens for you wit, humour, and serious focus in what is truly important.

LEdenfield ,

Important information as UMC struggles with division

I have found this podcast extremely helpful as I try and learn all I can about the current struggles in the UMW. I have found their guest to be most informative. Thank you for clearing up so many issues of misinformation.

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