Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
We know that exercise and good nutrition help keep us physically healthy. Unfortunately, we don’t always follow through. Our spiritual lives are similar. We know what we need to grow as Christians, but sometimes we struggle. Get Your Spirit in Shape is a free, 30-minute, monthly podcast from United Methodist Communications featuring conversations with leaders, authors, and others who offer spiritual nutrition and exercises for our everyday lives. Join us as we get—and keep—our spirits in shape.
Episodes
- Experiencing the fullness of God
This episode features Joe in conversation with Jennifer Rodia about connectionalism and living it out. They discuss how global relationships, mutual community, and listening across differences shape faith and our understanding of God, draw…
- Living the Vision: An Introduction
This episode introduces The United Methodist Church's Vision Statement, with hosts Crystal and Joe discussing its role in fostering bold love, joyful service, and courageous leadership.
- More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 2
Rev. Hillary Taylor joins "Get Your Spirit in Shape" for the second part of an episode on death row ministry. She shares her experiences as a spiritual advisor to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in March 2025, and reflects on themes of grief…
- More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 1
Part 1 of this episode features Rev. Hillary Taylor discussing her ministry on death row and her role as a spiritual advisor to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in March 2025. The conversation touches on grief, hope, and the concept that indi…
- When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope
Retired United Methodist pastor Cindy Serio talks about why Christmas can be a difficult time for some people and leads a guided meditation focused on finding hope.
- A funny thing happened on the way to the sanctuary
From playing at Willie Nelson’s Picnic to viral videos, Jaron Bell shares how his love for music and comedy turned into a calling the country-singer-turned-pastor never expected. More information and a full transcript of this conversation…
- Celebrating 200 episodes: Reflecting on four years in The UMC
It’s our 200 th episode! Thank you for joining us as the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Matt Rawle take a look at the profound change The United Methodist Church has experienced during the past four years and share honest re…
- From harm to healing: ‘Better ways to read the Bible’
The Bible has often been misused to wound and exclude, with distorted interpretations justifying harm. Drawing on his own experiences of being rejected by faith communities, Pastor Zach Lambert wrote “Better ways to read the Bible: Transfo…
- Answering the call to preserve Black Methodist stories
Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are…
- Meet Bishop Carlo Rapanut
The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership a…
- ‘Transformed by Grace’: Wesleyan wisdom for today’s UMC
In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageo…
- Sacred summers: How camps shape faith that lasts
Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting y…
- ‘Calling on Fire’: Reclaiming Wesley’s method to renew the church
John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co…
- ‘Sacred Tension’: The Bible’s embrace of diverse voices
Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a mode…
- When hope meets hardship: Faith as a healing force
Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medici…
- ‘On Love’: 20 lessons for a gentler world
Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the Wo…
- Ancient Words, Living Faith: The 4th century Nicene Creed in 2025
This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed—words spoken by billions of Christians across centuries and continents. In his new book, “We Believe: How the Nicene Creed can deepen your faith,” the Rev. Michael Carpenter shares…
- The courage to go: Lewises embrace mission rooted in connection
Every call to serve invites both courage and questions. For Kim and Pat Lewis, that call is taking them from Montana to Mexico, where they’ve been commissioned as missionaries through the General Board of Global Ministries. After deep disc…
- Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action
Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us as United Methodists to support and care for those…
- Covering a worldwide church: Journalism with integrity and heart
To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vita…
- Mary Magdalene: The Resurrection’s first witness
All four gospels affirm Mary Magdalene’s key role in the Holy Week story as the first to witness the resurrected Jesus. Layers of misconceptions, however, surround one of Jesus’ most loyal followers. Studying Mary Magdalene’s life more clo…
- Turning the world upside down with ‘Wesleyan Vile-tality’
It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and liv…
- Sophia Wisdom: Little known gift for big transformation
Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understandin…
- Taking faith into the legislature: A politician’s story
Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advo…
- Serving a community with unity, resilience and love
Discover how love has unified a Los Angeles community through decades of civil unrest, gentrification and natural disasters when the Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin shares the story of Holman United Methodist Church, an historic church embodyin…
- Doodle your way to a deeper faith
Discover how to doodle your way to a divine connection during Lent or at any time when the Rev. Stephanie Dunn shares practical tips for integrating creativity into your spiritual journey from her new book, “Draw Close: A creative companio…
- Holy Week: A tapestry of sacred stories in ‘The Final Days’
In a study for Lent from the Rev. Matt Rawle, “The Final Days: A Lenten Journey through the Gospels” explores the themes of justice, poverty, freedom and love woven throughout the sacred stories of Jesus’ last days on earth. More informati…
- Meet Bishop Kristin Stoneking
As a part of the “Meet a bishop” series, discover how Bishop Kristin Stoneking, the newly-elected bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference, lives into her call by striving to be an humble learner as she communicates the church’s message in a…
- When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope
‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you’re feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving. Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season fo…
- Transform your faith: From believing in Jesus to believing like Jesus
What if, instead of having faith in Jesus, you had the faith of Jesus? Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, who has integrated the Jewish faith of her birth with her chosen identity as a United Methodist, urges all of us to embrace our inner divinity…
- ‘A Full-Hearted Life’: Walking in wisdom and love
Always being joyful and finding meaning in life can be challenging for many of us. In his new book, “A Full-Hearted Life: Following Jesus in This Secular Age,” Bishop Jake Owensby offers a guide for navigating our culture’s complexities by…
- Training wild mustangs: A guide to harmonious living
Clarity, consistency, communication and compassion. Learn how the 4 Cs that Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill used to train wild mustangs guides us in building authentic relationships across cultures. Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is th…
- Sacred Journeys: Weaving Navajo spirituality with Wesleyan faith
When the Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a seminary student, the Navajo holy man knew he had found his denominational home. Discover how Wesleyan discipleship aligns with indigenous spirituality and how und…
- Diversity in The UMC: Telling our stories leads to unity
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz reminds us of the importance of listening to one another’s stories and respecting one another’s journeys as we live into a diverse and inclusive church that encompasses a rich t…
- Embracing Diversity in a World Where Racism is the “Air We Breathe”
“Racism is the air we breathe, the water we swim in,” says the Rev. Dr. Donnell FitzJeffries. In this conversation about the complexities of racism, and the challenges of honest conversations, we are encouraged to be “holy surprised” at ho…
- Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother’s story
In a poignant and powerful conversation about faith and loss, Julie Hilliard Wood, a lifelong United Methodist, shares her family’s story of how homophobia and rejection within the church had devastating consequences and reminds us of how…
- Blessed are the peacemakers
Even as we believe our differences are our downfall, scripture tells us that diversity is the source of our beauty. The Rev. Beth Crissman discusses the Purple Church Initiative, a guide to harmony that challenges us to take up Jesus’ call…
- Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world
We live in a delight-deficient world, one where we, as adults, are driven to be productive and where play is seldom prioritized. The Rev. Tyler Strange reminds us that soul care means living from the inside out and that by rediscovering jo…
- Safeguarding safe spaces: A UM firefighter’s ministry
Protecting sacred spaces is a passion for Selena Ruth Smith. A firefighter and deaconess, the cradle United Methodist shares tips for how all of us can promote fire safety in our local congregations. More information and a full transcript…
- Conservative pastor focuses on common mission amid differences
A lifelong United Methodist and career minister who describes himself as “conservative” discusses how, rather than focus on differences within the denomination, he concentrates on the common mission to make disciples, a space that supports…
- Following a ‘holy nudge’ from self-doubt to self-discovery
Discover how a “holy nudge” led Jordan Cramer on a journey from self-doubt to self-discovery while earning his Master of Divinity degree. The cradle United Methodist’s story of commitment and faith reveals God’s transformative power availa…
- Nurturing mental wellness: Embracing inclusivity for all
Mental wellness is a spectrum where each of us resides. Creating inclusive and diverse spaces so all of us can feel safe regardless of where we fall on the spectrum is a primary focus at First United Methodist Church in Holland, Michigan.…
- ‘Life after Doom’: A Guide to a Better Church, a Better World
“Never waste a good crisis,” Winston Churchill was quoted as saying. In Brian McLaren’s new book, “Life After Doom,” the pastor, author and American theologian urges us to confront the multifaceted crisis facing the world, especially clima…
- The path to General Conference: One delegate’s story
Jessica Vittorio is a lawyer by trade, someone who spends her workdays amid conflict and difficult settings. As a lay delegate at the upcoming General Conference, the lifelong United Methodist knows the business of the church also can be c…
- God’s gift, our responsibility
In late 2023, the Rev. Emily Carroll from Shady Grove United Methodist Church in rural Louisiana, traveled to the United Arab Emirates to meet up with 100,000 attendees of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Rev. Emily shares abo…
- Retirement + power tools + RV = NOMADS
A nomadic life may conjure images of aimlessly traveling with no sense of destination. For lifelong United Methodists Tammy and Rodney Ripley, who have been NOMADS for several years, their lives are far from aimless and destinations are de…
- Discovering thin places: How to encounter God in everyday life
The phrase, “thin places,” dates back to the ancient Celts who used it to describe those times when we feel closest to the God, as if the veil between the natural world and spiritual world becomes very thin. The Rev. Jane Ellen Nickell dis…
- Love yourself: A fresh perspective on 1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians Chapter 13 often is referred to as the “love chapter.” Following the verses as a checklist of what love is, we might find that we’re better at loving others than we are at loving ourselves. But to practice the commandment tha…
- Meet Bishop Tom Berlin
This “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part of our “Meet a bishop” series. Bishop Tom Berlin, a lifelong United Methodist who grew up near Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, credits his local church with creating a strong sense of community…
- Wellness in 2024: Divine inspiration meets Wesleyan wisdom
The topic of health and wellness isn’t new to the 21 st century. Numerous Scriptures encourage us to take care of ourselves, reminding us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote a book on…