Holy Conversations: The WCA Podcast

A Clergy Whistleblower’s Journey with Beth Caulfield

Being a whistleblower is a difficult calling. It takes courage and a willingness to tell the truth when powerful systems would rather keep things under wraps. That's especially true in the church world, where whistleblowers and victims are often silenced. Rev. Beth Caulfield has written a new book outlining her experience in the United Methodist appointment system, exposing some of the problems in the system around appointments and the treatment of women in ministry. The book is titled People Throw Rocks at Things That Shine: A Clergy Whistleblower's Journey. Beth formerly served in the Greater New Jersey annual conference of the United Methodist Church, but is now an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church and President of the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the WCA.

 

Order Beth's book here.

 

To learn more about the Global Methodist Church, visit the website. 

 

Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.

Against Liberal Theology with Roger Olson

As the United Methodist Church begins to separate and churches are discerning whether to disaffiliate or remain with the UMC, one of the things that institutional United Methodist leaders are saying is that there is no reason for churches to leave the UMC because the United Methodist doctrinal standards won't change. They are codified in the Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith and can't be altered because of the Restrictive Rule. And it's true that some who remain in the United Methodist Church will maintain and orthodox theological position, at least to a degree.

 

But we also know that from the beginning the United Methodist Church began embracing liberal theology, particularly among most of the official seminaries along with many in the Council of Bishops and denominational agencies. Liberal theology may use some of the same words and concepts as outlined in our doctrinal standards but means something very different by them. In this episode, Bob interviews Dr. Roger Olson, who is emeritus professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. His latest book is Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity. Dr. Olson argues that liberal Christianity isn't really Christianity at all, but a different religion altogether. He makes the case that discerning and challenging liberal theology, along with critiquing more fundamental forms of Christianity, are keys to making Christianity Christian again.

 

Send us your questions and comments at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. To learn more about the Wesleyan Covenant Association visit our website. 

 

 

A Conversation with WCA President Jay Therrell

Host Bob Kaylor sat down with Rev. Jay Therrell, the new President of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, to chat about what's happening with church disaffiliation processes across the United Methodist connection, the latest news on Judicial Council rulings and the Council of Bishops,  updates on the Global Methodist Church, and much more. 

To learn about about the Wesleyan Covenant Association, visit our website.

To connect with the Global Methodist Church, visit their website.

Send your comments on the podcast to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! 

WCA Global Gathering 2022: Matt Hook

"Why is it so much easier to act like a Christian than to react like one?" Matt Hook, Pastor of Dexter UMC in Dexter, MI, closed the 2022 Global Gathering with a call to keep running the race of faith even when we're wounded, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Afterward, Bob and Stephanie spent a few moments with Matt backstage for a bonus interview. 

Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. 

WCA Global Gathering 2022: Suzanne Nicholson

Dr. Suzanne Nicholson, Professor of New Testament at Asbury University, addressed the 2022 Global Gathering with a look at the Church as an orchestra that needs to get "back on the same page." Using the Christ hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 (John Wesley's most-quoted Scripture passage), Dr. Nicholson discusses how the lordship and example of Christ must direct the steps of both the Church and the academy. Bob and Stephanie also interviewed Dr. Nicholson after her talk so keep listening for that bonus content. 

Send your comments and questions to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.

WCA Global Gathering 2022: Simon Mafunda

WCA Africa Coordinator Simon Mafunda addressed the 2022 Global Gathering with an update from Africa and a meditation on how to survive being planted "upside down." Stay tuned for Bob's interview with Simon after the keynote. 

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WCA Global Gathering 2022: Keith Boyette

Outgoing WCA President Keith Boyette addressed the 2022 Global Gathering as he transitions to become the new Transitional Connectional Coordinating Officer of the Global Methodist Church. Keith describes the new mission of the Wesleyan Covenant Association during this time of transition and offers encouragement for those who will continue to contend for the faith and faithfulness of the Church. 

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WCA Global Gathering 2022: Erik Grayson

Erik Grayson, Senior Pastor of Aldersgate UMC in North Charleston, SC, and leader of the WCA's task force on Ministry with Marginalized People, addressed the 2022 Global Gathering on the how to navigate the wilderness of exile and why the journey is worth it. 

Send your questions and comments to podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod.

WCA Global Gathering 2022: Stephanie Greenwald

Listen to Stephanie Greenwald's address at the 2022 Global Gathering and stay tuned afterward for Bob's interview with his Holy Conversations co-host and her admonition that "if you wanted normal, you should have stayed an unbeliever." 

Send us your comments and questions at podcast@wesleyancovenant.org and follow us on Twitter @WCAPod. 

WCA Global Gathering 2022: Angela Pleasants

Listen to Angela Pleasants as she addressed the WCA Global Gathering on May 7, 2022, and stay tuned as Bob Kaylor interviews her on what it means to "let the redeemed of the Lord say so." 

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