When the new year rolls around, most of us aspire to sharpen our skills, hone our competencies and set goals that help us be faithful. The problem is, many of these New Years’ resolutions are just wishful thinking because they’re not driven by grounded, measurable, small, incremental practices that help us listen, learn and practice.
With that in mind, we want to share a few podcasts from our Wesleyan higher education institutions that can help you learn practices, habits and insights that can shape the person you become in 2023.
This learning is part of a central theme in Wesleyan higher education — resourcing the local church and helping develop clergy and laity for the work of ministry in every profession. Much of that resourcing work takes place in the classroom or in mentoring relationships; but each of our schools also house podcasts that let us “listen in” on the formative experiences happening on their campuses — and hopefully be formed in the process too.
Southern Wesleyan University (SWU)’s Dr. Paul Shotsberger and Rev. Scott Williams have released the “Moments that Matter” podcast, which helps listeners pay attention to consequential moments in our lives and how those moments — especially those having to do with choosing our vocation — have consequences that ripple out into our lives. From now on, this podcast will be released under a new title, “Apprenticing with Jesus,” and will be co-hosted by Shotsberger, Williams and a new co-host, Rev. Natasha Dongell.
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) plays host to the “Fresh Text Podcast,” in which host pastor-scholars share a conversation around a specific scripture passage and swap sermon starter ideas. “Fresh Text has been a delightful place to talk with friends old and new about the meaning of Scripture for our times,” reflected Dr. John Drury, host of the Fresh Text podcast. “It’s a treat to chat with scholars and pastors about one small selection of scripture each week and pitch sermon ideas.”
Kingswood University (KU)’s Professor Mike MacNeil has created the “Open Mike Ministry Podcast,” which opens up conversations with various ministry leaders about their life and work. “I love hearing about the call God has placed on people’s lives and the sometimes surprising path he uses to get them to where they are,” said Mike.
“Outpost Theology,” created by Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU)’s Dr. Josh McNall, sits at the intersection of theology, culture and the church. “To do that, we interview Christian authors on a variety of subjects that include biblical studies, theology, cultural issues, history and literature,” said Dr. McNall. “The goal is to host interesting conversations on faith and Christian thought.”
Hosted by Dr. Aaron Perry, the Wesley Seminary Podcast offers conversations about important topics pastors and lay-ministers alike are facing in the church. “The Wesley Seminary Podcast wants to help pastors think deeply and be informed about a variety of ministry issues,” said Dr. Perry. “Beyond that, the podcast wants people to get an appetite for learning and applying their knowledge to ongoing ministry issues.”
For more practical resources for ministry and Christian life, visit wesleyan.org/resources.
Rev. Ethan Linder is the pastor of discipleship at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, and contributing editor at The Wesleyan Church’s Education and Clergy Development Division.
