Wesleyan Option

Lane Davis, Joy Moore, Rob Haynes, Allie Shulman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY

The Wesleyan Option challenges the assumption that Methodism is just nostalgia. Hosts Lane Davis, Joy Moore, and Rob Haynes make the case that Wesleyan theology offers an intellectually rigorous, culturally prophetic vision for the church today. Through engaging conversations with scholars, pastors, and practitioners, we explore how John Wesley's emphasis on grace, holiness, community, and social transformation speaks powerfully to contemporary issues—critiquing both progressive and conservative cultural accommodation. Whether you're a younger Methodist wondering if your tradition is worth committing to, a church leader seeking theological depth, or a curious Christian exploring different perspectives, this podcast demonstrates why Wesleyan thought matters for navigating faith, culture, and the future of the church.

  1. 10H AGO

    13 How Jesus Unlocks the "Old" Testament: A Discussion of Luke 24

    Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com In this episode, Lane Davis, Joy J. Moore, and Rob Haynes dive into the Gospel lectionary passage of Luke 24:44-53. They explore how Jesus serves as the "key" that unlocks the Old Testament, the Wesleyan concept of the "inner veil" being removed, and how the Ascension serves as a pivot from a life of worship to a life of global mission. Key Questions Answered Why is the Gospel lectionary passage (Luke 24:44-53) often split into sections?Dr. Joy J. Moore explains that while modern Bibles use chapter and verse divisions as "zip codes" to help us navigate, these breaks can sometimes undermine our interpretation. The transition from Jesus’ teaching to His Ascension is a single, continuous drama of the Creator God’s promise being fulfilled through the life of Jesus. What is the "Wesleyan Option" for understanding difficult Scripture?Rob Haynes notes that Jesus explains Himself as the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. For Wesleyans, the "opened mind" isn't just about intellectual study; it’s about what John Wesley called the removal of the "inner veil." Through the Spirit, our hearts are illumined to grasp the scriptures we have heard but not yet fully understood. Does the Ascension mean the Church should stay in "continual worship"?While Luke 24 ends with the disciples praising God in the temple, the panel emphasizes that this is only "Volume One." By reading Luke and Acts as a continuous narrative, we see that the joy of worship is the fuel for the mission. The "continual prayer" of the disciples provided the foundation for the administrative and missional work that follows in the book of Acts. Keywords: Wesleyan Option, Luke 24, The Ascension, Methodist Theology, Lectionary Study, Inner Veil, Book of Acts, Church Mission.

    31 min

  2. APR 29

    12 Wonder and Power and Ascension! Oh My! (Greater Works in John 14)

    What does it mean for followers of Jesus to perform "greater works" than the Messiah himself? In this episode we dive into John 14 to explore the tension between reason and wonder, activism and faith. Defining "Greater": How the church continues Christ’s mission through social holiness.The Reason/Wonder Divide: How do we live in the tension between reason and wonder?The Greatest Work: Why Wesley believed that converting hearts and practicing holiness remains our highest calling.The Summer Reading ListRob’s Pick: Love Goes First by Andrew Forrest Joy’s Picks:Disability and Evangelism by Rochelle ScheuermannThe Divided Mind of the Black Church by Raphael WarnockTony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel by Peter MeinickLane’s Pick: Reformations by Carlos EireEmail: WesleyanOption@gmail.com

    40 min

  3. APR 23

    11 Wrestling and Welcoming in the Church - Faith and Justice w/ Brandon Murphy Ward

    Email us at wesleyanoption@gmail.com "I don't think seminary is about giving you ways to defend the Jesus you believe in... it's about breaking down your biases to build that faith back up even stronger." What does it mean to "grow in grace" when the institution of the church feels imperfect? In this episode, Lane sits down with Brandon Murphy-Ward, a second-year MDiv student at Duke Divinity School, to explore the beautiful, often messy intersection of theological education and pastoral calling. From a transformative childhood encounter on a Kansas highway to the academic "unraveling" of Old Testament scholarship, Brandon shares his journey of navigating the Wesleyan tradition. We dive deep into: The Calling: How a 13-year-old’s "Happy Birthday, Jesus" prayer evolved into a commitment to the elder track in the UMC.Head vs. Heart: Why the modern church has lost the art of "reasoning" and why questioning God isn't a sin—it's a tradition.Wesleyan Nerd-Out: A refreshing look at Christian Perfection and why the early Methodist movement’s focus on the marginalized is the key to modern justice work.The Seedbed of Seminary: A candid look at the "pruning" process of theological school and why wrestling with the church is a sign of a healthy vocation.

    35 min

  4. APR 10

    10 Church Cancel Culture and Some Easter Hope

    Email us at: WesleyanOption@gmail.com In an era of "pastors not on their best behavior" and high-profile church scandals, how should Christians navigate the messy tension between righteous judgment and transformative grace? In this episode of Wesleyan Option, hosts Lane Davis, Dr. Joy J. Moore, and Dr. Rob Haynes tackle the heavy reality of leadership failures and the "shame game" of social media. Moving beyond the clickbait, the panel explores a deeply Wesleyan approach to accountability, restoration, and the "soteriological way of thinking" that defines our tradition. Key topics discussed in this episode: The Shame vs. Accountability Tension: How the Wesleyan tradition balances a strong notion of grace with a historical commitment to strict accountability.Honor and Shame Culture: A look at how biblical contexts differ from modern Western "guilt/innocence" frameworks and the impact of social media on restoration.Personal Transformation: Rob shares a powerful personal story of radical change and the role of the Holy Spirit in breaking long-held habits.The Three H’s of Community: Joy breaks down the essential relationship between Hope, Honesty, and Hospitality in the life of a disciple.The Evolution of Evangelism: Why many modern conversions are happening in the "dark of the night" rather than at the altar rail, and what that means for the local church.The Wesleyan Distinctive: Why salvation must exist within the bounds of accountability—from the early "bands and classes" to modern-day sanctification. Whether you are a leader navigating church conflict or a layperson seeking a deeper understanding of holiness and sanctification, this episode offers a grounded, theological roadmap for moving from brokenness to wholeness. Keywords:Wesleyan Theology, Grace and Accountability, Church Scandals, Sanctification, Restoration, John Wesley, Discipleship, Christian Leadership, Spiritual Transformation, Methodist History.

    53 min

  5. MAR 24

    9 Is Modern Worship Wesleyan? Wesley, Augustine, and the Theology of Flow w/ Dr. Debbie Wong

    How does a 4th-century North African bishop shape the way we sing in modern sanctuaries? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Debbie Wong (Duke Divinity School) to explore the intersection of ancient liturgical wisdom and contemporary worship practices. Dr. Wong shares insights from her research on St. Augustine, discussing how his theology of "singing as an act of love" provides a necessary framework for the "flow" of modern worship sets. We dive into the current state of contemporary worship, the importance of liturgical formation, and how to bridge the gap between the "heart and the mind" in our Sunday gatherings. In this episode, we discuss: The Theology of Flow: Understanding the transition from "presentation" to "encounter" in modern worship.Augustine as a Resource: Why ancient voices are vital for contemporary liturgical health.The Wesleyan Perspective: Applying a holiness lens to musical and spiritual formation.Worship Planning: Moving beyond song selection to intentional spiritual edification. Resources Mentioned: The UMC Top 100 Project: Exploring the most-sung songs in the church and their theological impact. Access the Project HereContemporary Worship Studies: For further reading on the history and development of worship movements, see the works of Lester Ruth and Lim Swee Hong, including A History of Contemporary Praise & Worship.Trinitarian Theology: For a deeper look at how the Trinity shapes the life of the church, we recommend Trinitarian Matters, edited by Laceye Warner and Cameron Merrill.Dr. Debbie Wong’s Work: Visit her website to follow her latest research and leadership resources. Connect with the Show: We want to hear your thoughts on the "state of worship" in your local context. Send your questions, feedback, or episode guest suggestions to: wesleyanoption@gmail.com

    53 min

  6. MAR 17

    8 Theological Education w/ Brian Fu

    On today's episode we discuss theological education and what Wesleyans get right, and wrong. Also...AI! Plus, Lane interview Brian Fu, a Methodist seminary student and pastor in Washington about his journey into Christian faith and ministry. Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com

    1h 6m

  7. FEB 27

    7 Group Spiritual Direction and Discipleship w/ Dr. Melanie Dobson

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Melanie Dobson about the practice of Group Spiritual Direction and its role in communal discernment. She shares her journey to spiritual direction, the need for belonging in today's culture, and the challenges of implementing communal discernment in churches. Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com

    52 min

  8. FEB 20

    6 Live at the John Wesley Fellows Christmas Conference

    We recorded a live episode! Participants in the 2025 John Wesley Fellows Christmas Conference at Duke University joined us for a conversation that explores the relevance of Wesleyan theology in the 21st century and the importance of engaging with public theology. We delve into the concept of revival and the need for theological engagement, and Joy talks about the importance of art and music in how we worship. Email us at: WesleyanOption@gmail.com

    26 min
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About

The Wesleyan Option challenges the assumption that Methodism is just nostalgia. Hosts Lane Davis, Joy Moore, and Rob Haynes make the case that Wesleyan theology offers an intellectually rigorous, culturally prophetic vision for the church today. Through engaging conversations with scholars, pastors, and practitioners, we explore how John Wesley's emphasis on grace, holiness, community, and social transformation speaks powerfully to contemporary issues—critiquing both progressive and conservative cultural accommodation. Whether you're a younger Methodist wondering if your tradition is worth committing to, a church leader seeking theological depth, or a curious Christian exploring different perspectives, this podcast demonstrates why Wesleyan thought matters for navigating faith, culture, and the future of the church.

Information

  • Creator
    Lane Davis, Joy Moore, Rob Haynes, Allie Shulman
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lane Davis, Joy Moore, Rob Haynes, Allie Shulman
  • Show Website
    Wesleyan Option

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