Advertise on podcast: Louisiana Now

The Jubilee Initiative is a historic $15 million investment in the future of United Methodist ministry across Louisiana, and the first major deadline is approaching. In this episode of Louisiana NOW, we explain the two major components of Jubilee: $5 million in debt relief and the $10 million Missional Momentum Fund, which will provide grants to help congregations strengthen ministries, reach new people, and serve their communities. With Letters of Intent due Friday, October 23, we revisit an explainer featuring Jubilee Initiative Coordinator Britney Winn Lee and Rev. Drew Sutton, who walk through the application process and what churches need to know before submitting. Important reminder: This is only the first grant cycle. Additional opportunities will follow. Learn more, explore frequently asked questions, and access the Letter of Intent application at JubileeLouisiana.com.

The Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church has embarked on one of the most significant strategic initiatives in history that will invest up to $15 million in churches and ministries across Louisiana through debt reduction and new investments in mission and ministry. Rooted in the biblical understanding of jubilee — a season of restoration, freedom from burdens, and new beginnings — the initiative is designed to help churches move more fully into the ministry God is calling them to do. At its heart, Jubilee asks a simple question: What could churches do if some financial barriers to ministry were removed? To learn more about The Jubilee Initiative, please head here: https://jubileelouisiana.com/

As we head into the week of Annual Conference, we will be ordaining two deacons at the Celebration of Ministry Service. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Order of Deacons. In this episode of Louisiana NOW, Todd Rossnagel visits with both of this year's ordinands, Rev. Katrena King and Rev. Maddie Russo.  Together, they explore the role of a deacon and the calling that lives at the intersection of church and world. Both reflect on their journeys of discernment, the unique role of deacons in ministry, and the ways they connect congregations with the needs of their communities.

Seventy years ago, twelve words in The Methodist Church's Book of Discipline changed everything: "Women are included in all provisions of the discipline referring to the ministry." In our final episode of our special series, Rev. Ali Young sits down with Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, General Secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW), to reflect on the 70th anniversary of women's ordination in The United Methodist Church. Together, they explore the history behind those twelve words, the women who helped open doors for future generations, and the work that still remains.

We continue our special series on the 70th anniversary of the ordination of women in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ali Young is sharing stories of call, leadership, and faith from across the Louisiana Conference. In this episode, we hear from our provisional elders, all of whom are women. Rev. Neva Joseph, Rev. Amy Castro, and Rev. Tricia Wilkinson join the show.

The Louisiana NOW podcast continues its special series highlighting the 70th anniversary of women's ordination in The United Methodist Church. In this episode, host Rev. Ali Young is joined by Rev. Allison Sikes, Rev. Clair Carter, and Stacey Weber for a conversation rooted in one shared place, Grace Community United Methodist Church. Together, they reflect on how a local church can shape a calling. From serving as "worship angels" to stepping into leadership, their stories reveal what happens when a church invites people, at any age, to participate, lead, and discover their gifts. This is a conversation about mentorship, belonging, and the kind of community that doesn't make you wait your turn to serve.

In this special episode of Louisiana NOW, guest host Rev. Ali Young leads a meaningful conversation marking the 70th anniversary of the ordination of women in The United Methodist Church. This episode features a powerful roundtable with the Louisiana Conference's three District Superintendents; Rev. Karli Pidgeon, Rev. Dr. Frances Hooton, and Rev. Dr. Ramonalynn Bethley. Together, they reflect on their journeys in ministry, sharing stories of call, courage, perseverance, and joy. Their voices offer insight into both the progress made and the ongoing work of leadership, representation, and faithfulness in the Church. They highlight the lived experiences of women who are shaping the present and future of the Church and invite listeners to reflect on how God continues to call, equip, and send leaders into ministry today. _____ This episode is part of a special series honoring the 70th anniversary of women's ordination, featuring voices from across the Louisiana Conference who share their stories and experiences in ministry. For more, head here.

This is a special edition of the Louisiana Now podcast, a reading of the Easter Story by host Todd Rossnagel. This reading comes from all four gospels and various translations. To find a United Methodist church in the Louisiana Conference, please visit our directory: https://www.la-umc.org/churches To find a listing of online church services in the Louisiana Conference, please visit here.  To find a United Methodist church near you, please visit: https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church

What happens between the moment someone feels called to ministry and the day they stand before the Annual Conference for commissioning or ordination? In this episode of the Louisiana NOW Podcast, Todd Rossnagel sits down with Rev. Sonya Lars, Registrar for the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church. Rev. Lars shares how her role as registrar involves far more than paperwork and timelines. As the "caretaker of the files," she helps guide candidates through the complex process of discernment, education, and preparation for ministry. Along the way, she works with pastors, district superintendents, and the Board of Ordained Ministry to ensure candidates are supported as they discover where their gifts and graces can best serve the Church.

There are moments when the world feels so fractured, so loud, and so heavy that we find ourselves asking a simple but unsettling question: How do we speak faithfully now? In this episode of Louisiana NOW, we're joined by author and historian Dr. Ashley Boggan, along with Rev. Ali Young, Director of Equipping Ministries, for a conversation rooted in United Methodist history but aimed squarely at the present moment. Drawing from Ashley's book Wesleyan Vile-tality, we explore the moment John Wesley famously "submitted to be more vile," and what that act of courage can teach us about faith, risk, and witness today. This is not a conversation about being loud or reactive. It's about putting aside reputation for the sake of love, bending unjust rules so others can experience grace, and finding our voice when silence feels safer. In a time that often feels unspeakable, this conversation invites us to remember who we were, question who we are, and reclaim who we're called to be. For more on the FREE event in Woodworth, where all are encouraged to attend, click here.

Recently, leaders from our conference joined colleagues from across the South Central Jurisdiction in El Paso for the All Things in Common gathering. Bishops, conference staff, and leaders came together for worship, conversation, and honest storytelling about where the Church is and where God might be leading next. But El Paso wasn't just a meeting location. It was a place already deeply connected to the Louisiana Conference. While there, we spent time at Lydia Patterson Institute, a United Methodist school serving students in the El Paso–Juárez border region, a school that many in Louisiana know well, and care deeply about. Earlier this year, during our Annual Conference session, LPI President Dr. Carla Cardoza shared urgent news. A sudden pause on student visa interviews by the U.S. State Department impacted nearly half of LPI's student body. In response, the Louisiana Conference, along with the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, made a significant financial commitment to help the school continue educating students remotely. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cardoza in her office at Lydia Patterson Institute. She shares how that gift was used, how the school has navigated the visa shutdown, and what it means to lead a community of hope and resilience amid unprecedented government disruption. Support LPI - Click Here

This episode of the Louisiana NOW features an interview with Steve Barlow, the new Director of Finance and Conference Treasurer, and Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, the Executive Director of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Together, we explore Steve's transition into his role and his connection to the Gulf Coast. Reflecting on his past experiences, Steve shares how his time caring for his mother and a world cruise inspired his career path toward meaningful work in Louisiana. We also discuss the importance of financial stewardship within the Church, discussing the need for adaptive income strategies to further mission work. Steve draws on his extensive business background to highlight the parallels between managing finances in retail and the church.

Clergy will be invited to make a healthcare plan selection during open enrollment beginning October 29 and ending November 13th. Currently, there are six healthcare plans to choose from. Everyone is invited to utilize Wespath's online tool, ALEX. Participants can use ALEX to estimate costs and receive a personalized recommendation for their 2026 HealthFlex elections.  ALEX will remain available throughout the Annual Election period (October 29 - November 13) and participants can visit as often as they would like.   ALEX will give individuals the option to look up actual claims estimates using their Blue Cross Blue Shield Member ID and group number. This allows ALEX to make the best recomendations related to your plan selection. Your Member ID and Group number are easily found on your insurance card. Annual Election is your opportunity to choose or modify your HealthFlex coverage for the coming year. With options for medical, dental and vision coverage, health accounts to help you save for medical expenses and a host of award-winning well-being programs, there's a plan that's right for you. The best way to learn about your 2026 HealthFlex options and to make your selections is to log into Benefits Access. If you don't have access, you can find many of the same helpful resources below. Learn about your plan options, how to make the best choice for 2026, and where to go for additional information or support.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Bishop William W. Hutchinson and Rev. Don Cottrill reflect on the enormous responsibility of guiding the Louisiana Conference through Katrina and Rita. From promises to pastors to organizing large-scale relief, they reveal the leadership lessons forged in crisis. This closing episode captures the spirit of connection, courage, and hope beyond the storm.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.  Born from the merger of two historically separate congregations, First Grace UMC stands as a living example of unity and justice. Pastor Shawn Anglim and lay leader Margaret Washington share how Katrina's upheaval opened the door to a new kind of church. Their story is one of faith, inclusion, and enduring community witness.