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What does it take for the church to embrace change, take meaningful risks, and imagine a different future? In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Matt Russell welcome Rev. Matt Rawle, pastor, author, speaker, and co-founder of the Hub for Innovation, for a conversation about faith, creativity, leadership, and the future of the United Methodist Church. Matt shares his journey from studying opera at LSU to pursuing ministry at Duke Divinity School, along with the experiences that shaped his approach to preaching and leadership. The conversation explores how churches can move beyond simply preserving what has worked in the past and begin experimenting with new approaches to ministry. They also discuss the role of technology and AI in ministry, the importance of creating space for failure, and why traditional measurements of church success may not always reflect meaningful discipleship and community. Matt introduces his upcoming book, "Isaiah for the People: Prophet of Protest," exploring the prophet's challenging message of inclusion, reconciliation, and justice, and why those ancient words remain relevant to the church today. From creative leadership to the practice of Sabbath, this conversation offers a thoughtful and often humorous look at what it means to follow God's call in a changing world. CONNECT WITH MATT RAWLEMatt Rawle's Website Matt Rawle's Books and Publications Matt Rawle's Books on Amazon BOOKS MENTIONEDIsaiah for the People: Prophet of Protest - Coming February 2027 Dream, Dare, Disrupt - Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups More Books by Matt Rawle - Abingdon Press MINISTRY AND CHURCH LINKSHub for Innovation Carrollton United Methodist Church - New Orleans St. Matthew's United Methodist Church - Metairie In the Sandbox Podcast ABOUT POD HAVE MERCYPod Have Mercy is hosted by Rev. John Stephens and Rev. Matt Russell of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Through conversations with theologians, pastors, authors, and other thought leaders, the podcast explores faith, culture, leadership, and life in the church. Learn more about Chapelwood

What happens when the Bible - a book meant to point us toward God - becomes a source of harm? And is there a better way to read Scripture after experiencing religious trauma, deconstruction, or exclusion? In Episode 244 of Pod Have Mercy, John and Matt sit down with pastor and author Zach W. Lambert for a wide-ranging conversation about Scripture, faith reconstruction, church community, and finding a way forward after evangelicalism. Zach is the lead pastor and co-founder of Restore Austin and the author of "Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing." Drawing from his own upbringing in the Southern Baptist Church, Zach shares how his understanding of Scripture began to change and how those experiences eventually shaped both his ministry and his book. The conversation explores four interpretive lenses Zach believes can lead to harm - Literalism, Apocalypse, Moralism, and Hierarchy - and four healthier lenses he proposes in their place: Jesus, Context, Flourishing, and Fruitfulness. Zach discusses what it means to read difficult biblical texts through the life and teachings of Jesus and why interpreting Scripture in healthy, diverse community matters. John and Matt also talk with Zach about the unusual journey of Restore Austin. After beginning as an evangelical church plant, becoming nondenominational, and eventually joining The United Methodist Church, Restore merged with a historic United Methodist congregation in Austin. Zach reflects on what drew his church toward Methodism, what has surprised him about denominational life, and what he has learned through the merger of two very different congregations. The conversation also touches on the Post-Evangelical Collective, rebuilding faith after harmful church experiences, the changing meaning of the word "evangelical," and what churches can learn from one another as they seek to create meaningful Christian community for a new generation. ABOUT ZACH W. LAMBERT Zach W. Lambert is the lead pastor and co-founder of Restore Austin, a United Methodist community in Austin, Texas. He is the author of "Better Ways to Read the Bible: Transforming a Weapon of Harm into a Tool of Healing" and co-founder of the Post-Evangelical Collective. He holds a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Duke Divinity School.Zach and his wife, Amy, also write and create together through "Public Theology," exploring faith, culture, deconstruction, reconstruction, and public life. LINKS & RESOURCES https://www.zachwlambert.org/ https://www.zachwlambert.org/book https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781791043360 https://www.restoreaustin.org/ https://www.postevangelicalcollective.org/ https://zachwlambert.substack.com/about

In Episode 243 of Pod Have Mercy, John and Matt sit down with Rev. Magrey deVega, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, for a conversation about pastoral ministry, writing, uncertainty, wisdom, preaching, and what it means to pursue holiness in the Wesleyan tradition. Magrey reflects on the unexpected years he spent serving a small church in Cherokee, Iowa, and how that experience helped reconnect him with the heart of pastoral ministry before returning to Hyde Park as Senior Pastor. He also shares how a formative week with Eugene Peterson reshaped the way he thinks about writing, including the important distinction between wanting to be an author and learning to love the craft of writing itself. The conversation explores themes from Magrey’s work, including "Embracing the Uncertain" and his forthcoming book "Time for Wisdom." Drawing from Ecclesiastes, Magrey talks about approaching uncertain times with curiosity, humility, and openness rather than certainty and fear. John, Matt, and Magrey also reflect on doubt, deconstruction and reconstruction, and how faith can make room for questions rather than eliminate them. They also discuss the challenge of preaching into a polarized culture, Magrey’s recent Faith 250 sermon series, and how pastors can begin difficult conversations from places of shared story and common ground. Later, Magrey introduces the upcoming Lenten study "The Way of Holiness: A Wesleyan Journey through Lent," a collaborative project exploring holiness through the Great Commandment and the Wesleyan understanding of both personal and social holiness. The conversation considers what holiness looks like when it is understood not simply as following rules, but as becoming more fully who God created us to be and growing in love of God, neighbor, and self. Along the way, the conversation touches on hurricane recovery in Tampa, the resilience of communities, poetry, favorite writers, the role of suffering, and a rapid-fire round that gets into everything from Iowa casseroles to biblical characters and the words Magrey hopes to hear when he meets God. Learn more about Rev. Magrey deVega: Biography + Books:https://hydeparkumc.org/magrey-biography-and-books/ Hyde Park United Methodist Church:https://hydeparkumc.org/ Magrey deVega at Abingdon Press:https://www.abingdonpress.com/authors/magrey_devega/ "The Way of Holiness: A Wesleyan Journey through Lent":https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781791044596

What does hope look like for the United Methodist Church after years of disruption, decline, and change?In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John and Matt sit down with Dr. Lovett H. Weems, one of the leading voices in church leadership and United Methodist life, for a wide-ranging conversation about where the church has been and where it might be headed next.Drawing from his newest book, "An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States," Dr. Weems discusses why hope is not dependent on favorable circumstances, what current trends and demographics reveal about the future of the church, and why congregations must begin by paying attention to "the people God has given us."The conversation explores the changing geography of Methodism, the importance of reaching beyond the walls of the church, what churches can learn from congregations that are successfully reaching new people, and why leadership is less about imposing a vision than helping God’s people discern their next faithful step.They also discuss the future of the United Methodist Church following disaffiliation, the denomination’s new regionalization model, church governance, and what it means for churches to serve not simply their members, but the common good of the communities around them.Dr. Lovett H. Weems is Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership Emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary and senior consultant at the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, which he founded in 2003. Previously, he served for 18 years as president of Saint Paul School of Theology and spent many years as a local church pastor in Mississippi.He is the author or co-author of numerous books on church leadership, including "An Aura of Hope," "The Right Questions for Church Leaders," "Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, and Integrity," "Sustaining While Disrupting," and, with Bishop Tom Berlin, "Bearing Fruit," "Overflow," and "High Yield."Resources mentioned in this episode:An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United StatesUnited Methodist Focus, Dr. Weems’s newsletter on the future of the United Methodist ChurchLewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary

What does it look like to have a faith that holds when life feels exhausting? In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John and Matt sit down with Bishop Tom Berlin and Rev. Rachel Billups for a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, discipleship, courage, innovation, and what gives them hope for the future of the church. Bishop Berlin and Rachel discuss their work around Christian resilience and why resilience is about more than simply pushing through difficult seasons. They explore the habits and communities that help us remain grounded in faith, hope, love, courage, and joy when life does not cooperate. The conversation also turns to Bishop Berlin's book, "Jesus Is Lord," and what that familiar Christian confession actually demands of us. What happens when politics, culture, ambition, or certainty begin competing with Jesus for the center of our lives? What would it mean for Christians to genuinely allow everything else to orbit around Christ? Rachel shares about the work of Hub4Innovation, the importance of curiosity and experimentation in ministry, and why leaders need the courage to dream, dare, disrupt, and sometimes fail as they imagine new ways of serving their communities. Bishop Berlin also reflects on more than two decades of ministry relationships in Sierra Leone, including the Child Reintegration Centre and Mercy Hospital, and the life-changing impact global partnerships can have on both the communities being served and those who choose to serve. John, Matt, Rachel, and Tom also talk candidly about clergy exhaustion, the state of The United Methodist Church, Christian nationalism, rebuilding trust, finding hope in ordinary people, and why tangible expressions of love may be one of the church's most important witnesses. Finally, Rachel and Tom become the first guests to take a seat in a new Pod Have Mercy segment: The Mercy Seat. LEARN MORE ABOUT BISHOP TOM BERLIN Bishop Tom Berlin:https://www.bishoptomberlin.com Council of Bishops Profile:https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/4174935 Shop Bishop Tom Berlin's books on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004M71V5U?ccs_id=09172b4a-93d5-4297-a356-67ecd2fb1cf8 LEARN MORE ABOUT RACHEL BILLUPS Rachel Billups:https://www.rachelbillups.com Shop Rachel Billups' books on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07MFVQYWW?ccs_id=ab7e652e-b6c5-4f20-a5ff-04b66cc0f925 Hub4Innovation:https://www.hub4innovation.org BOOKS DISCUSSED "Be Strong in the Lord: The Resilient Way of Christ" by Tom Berlin and Rachel Billups "Jesus Is Lord" by Tom Berlin "Dream, Dare, Disrupt: How Experiments, Risk, & Embracing Failure Can Build Life-Giving Ministry" by Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups Explore Tom and Rachel's Amazon author pages above to find these books and more.

Why has wine held such a powerful place in religion for thousands of years?In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John shares a conversation originally hosted by the Wine Scholar Guild with Justin Martindale exploring the fascinating intersection of wine, culture, history, and faith.From the ancient world to the modern table, John and Justin discuss why wine became a symbol of blessing and abundance, its central role in Jewish and Christian traditions, and the complicated relationship between Christianity and alcohol throughout history. They also explore how monasteries helped preserve viticulture after the fall of the Roman Empire and how generations of monks helped lay the groundwork for many of the vineyard traditions and regional distinctions we recognize today.The conversation also turns to the spiritual lessons found in the vineyard itself—from dormancy and pruning to new growth, harvest, stress, and old vines. John reflects on how the life cycle of the vine offers a powerful picture of growth, resilience, generosity, and the ways our lives can bear fruit for people we may never even meet.Justin Martindale MW is a wine educator, consultant, judge, and the Membership & Community Manager for the Wine Scholar Guild. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Justin’s path to wine began after studying music at Leeds University and briefly working as a classical musician. He entered the wine trade with Majestic in 2008 before establishing the Lothian Wine School in Edinburgh in 2013.Justin earned the prestigious Master of Wine (MW) title in 2022. In the process, he received the Madame Bollinger Award for the best tasting performance and the Quinta do Noval Award for the best research paper. His work spans wine education, broadcasting, consulting, writing, judging, food and wine pairing, and exploring the broader cultural significance of wine.Links & Resources[https://www.mastersofwine.org/justin-...][https://www.winescholarguild.com/blog...][https://www.mastersofwine.org/]

What does it mean to live faithfully in an unfinished universe - one in which creation is still evolving and Christ is still drawing all things toward communion? In today's episode, Matt sits down with Dr. Ilia Delio, Franciscan sister, theologian, Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University, founder of the Center for Christogenesis, and author of more than twenty books, including "The Christian Mutation". Drawing from the work of Bonaventure, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Carl Jung, and modern physics, Dr. Delio explores what Christianity might look like if we took evolution, science, and the deeply relational nature of the universe seriously.Together, Matt and Dr. Delio discuss moving from original sin toward original love, why relationship may be at the very foundation of reality, and what it means to understand sin as a resistance to relationship. They also explore the decline of institutional religion, the questions younger generations are asking, artificial intelligence, the problem of evil, and whether Christianity itself must continue to evolve. At the center of the conversation is a provocative possibility: What if love isn't simply something we feel or something Christianity teaches, but something woven into the very fabric of existence? And if the universe is still becoming, what would it mean for the church to become with it?\ In this episode: - Teilhard de Chardin and the relationship between science and faith - Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, and two ways of understanding Christianity - Original sin versus original love - Physics, interconnectedness, and the relational nature of reality - Sin as a resistance to relationship - Why younger generations are leaving institutional religion - Whether Christianity is answering questions people are no longer asking - Artificial intelligence and the future of humanity - Love, evil, and human transformation - What the church might become if it took evolution seriously - Whether love can endure even if the universe itself eventually dies Learn more about Dr. Ilia Delio: https://wisrinstitute.org/about/ilia-delio/

What can the history of Methodism teach us about the future of the church? In Episode 238 of Pod Have Mercy, Matt and John sit down with Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History, to talk about what she calls the “ministry of memory” and why remembering our history is very different from simply being nostalgic. The conversation centers on a pivotal moment in John Wesley’s life when he “submitted to be more vile” and began preaching outside the walls of the church to people who were often excluded from traditional religious life. Ashley explains why she sees that moment as foundational to the Methodist movement and explores how Methodism’s early willingness to challenge social and institutional boundaries gradually gave way to a pursuit of respectability, influence, and growth. Show Notes & Resources Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity — Ashley Boggan’s book exploring Wesley’s call to “submit to be more vile” and what it means for Methodist identity today.A Not So Calm Address to American Methodists — Ashley Boggan and Andy Oliver revisit John Wesley’s A Calm Address to Our American Colonies in light of America’s 250th anniversary.General Commission on Archives and History / UM History Hub — Resources exploring Methodist history and the church’s “ministry of memory.”From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic — A General Commission on Archives and History series exploring Methodism alongside the birth and development of the United States.

What happens when the Church weighs in on artificial intelligence? In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV's recent reflections on AI, technology, and human dignity. Drawing parallels between today's AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution, they explore how technology shapes our lives, influences our relationships, and challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. The conversation touches on social media algorithms, political polarization, Christian formation, human identity, and why the most important question may not be whether technology is good or bad, but who we are becoming while we build it. Plus, the hosts discuss the dangers of reducing people to labels, the importance of seeing others as image-bearers of God, and whether AI might someday replace the voices on the other end of customer service calls.

Fresh off a pilgrimage to Italy, John Stephens and Josef Klam reflect on the spiritual, historical, and personal impact of traveling through some of Christianity’s most significant sites. From Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, and Venice, they explore why pilgrimages continue to shape faith today. The conversation dives into sacred spaces, Christian history, the power of community, and how stepping away from everyday routines can open us to transformation. Along the way, they share memorable moments from the trip, discuss the importance of experiencing biblical history firsthand, and even recount a few encounters with Roman pickpockets and unforgettable Italian meals. Whether you've been on a pilgrimage before or have always wondered what makes these journeys meaningful, this episode offers a glimpse into how travel, faith, and shared experiences can deepen our understanding of God and one another.

Laura Husband joins the podcast for a deeply honest conversation about grief, faith, healing, and the stories that shape us. Laura shares her experience growing up as the daughter of astronaut Rick Husband, commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and reflects on the tragedy that changed her life at just 12 years old. Together, Matt and Laura explore what it means to navigate public grief, wrestle with abandonment and loss, and discover the presence of God in suffering. They discuss counseling, healing, storytelling, forgiveness, and the ways our deepest wounds can become places of connection and hope for others. Laura also shares about her new podcast, Stories That Serve, where she invites guests into meaningful conversations about how pain, healing, and faith can shape lives that serve others. This episode is honest, vulnerable, hopeful, and full of wisdom for anyone walking through grief, loss, or the process of healing. Links & Resources Follow Laura Husband:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurahusband Stories That Serve Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesthatservepodcastYouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@StoriesThatServeAll Platforms & Links:https://linktr.ee/storiesthatserve

What does it actually take to send humans back to the moon? This week on Pod Have Mercy, John sits down with NASA engineer Jimmy Warner to talk about the future of space exploration, moon bases, Mars missions, and the real science behind the Artemis program. Jimmy shares stories from his 18 years at NASA working on projects including Orion, the Space Shuttle, Gateway, and future lunar habitat systems. The conversation explores everything from lunar dust and ion propulsion to space station living, flat earth conspiracies, sci-fi movies, and the spiritual awe that comes from seeing Earth from space. Jimmy also shares how NASA is preparing for permanent human presence on the moon and why the moon is only the first step toward Mars. It’s a fascinating conversation about science, engineering, wonder, and what humanity’s future in space could look like.

This week on Pod Have Mercy, Jerry Webber joins John Stephens for a thoughtful conversation on contemplative spirituality, the interior life, and the wisdom hidden within the rhythms of a vineyard. Drawing from years of ministry, spiritual direction, and soul work, Jerry reflects on why silence, dormancy, weakness, and even loss can become sacred teachers in our spiritual lives. Together, they explore the imagery of vineyards, old vines, mystics, and spiritual practices that help us slow down long enough to notice where God is already at work within us. From Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr to the “dark night of the soul,” this episode is an invitation to move beyond performance-driven faith and toward deeper awareness, attentiveness, and connection. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, searching for spiritual grounding, or simply curious about contemplative spirituality, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hopeful perspective.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Matt sits down with Shariq Abdul Ghani — Executive Director of Bridges and a Muslim leader passionate about peace-building. We explore what it really means to be neighbors in a divided world. From growing up Pakistani-American in Texas to reclaiming his faith after 9/11, Shariq shares how his journey led him to build bridges across faiths and cultures. Together, they unpack misconceptions about Islam, the meaning of Sharia, and the role of culture vs. religion.But more than anything, this episode is about connection—how simple conversations, curiosity, and proximity can dismantle fear and reshape the future of our communities. If we don’t talk to our neighbors… what are we really building?

In this special crossover episode, Ericka Graham joins Dr. Matt Russell for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, belonging, trauma, addiction recovery, justice, vulnerability, and the future of the church. Together, they explore why people are often longing for connection more than certainty, how curiosity can become a path toward healing, and why authenticity matters more than polished answers in an AI-driven world. Ericka shares her background in theological studies, including graduate work at Rice University focused on sexuality in the Bible and seminary research on soul-body integration and embodiment. Through her podcast, Curiously with Ericka Graham, she creates space for conversations at the intersections of faith, religion, science, mental health, and more. Website: ⁠https://curiouslywitherickagraham.simplecast.com⁠ This episode is honest, hopeful, intellectually rich, and full of moments that will stay with you long after it ends.