New People // New Ways

Ep. 45 with Matt Willis-Goode

Matt Willis-Goode is a punk rock, neurodivergent pastor with 20 years of ministry experience and a passion for breathing new life into small churches. After co-founding The Vine in Haverhill, MA, he spent the next decade serving Peoples UMC and Merrimacport UMC in the Merrimack Valley. Through the Fresh Expressions pathway, Matt discovered language for what he’d been living all along—the Loving First Journey.
By starting with love and deep listening, his congregations have reimagined what church can be. Their building now hums with life through weekly Jazz & Coffee open jam sessions and community gatherings, all rooted in relationship. In this conversation, Matt talks about transformation, creativity, and how punk rock theology meets Methodist mission in the most unexpected places.
 
About New People // New Ways
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Isaiah Park, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

Ep. 44 with Kelli Merritt

Born and raised at Friendship UMC, Kelli Rae Merritt has lived a life as colorful as her tattoos—from studying agriculture and working as a professional piercer to serving as a certified lay minister and chair of her church’s Board of Stewards. She leads the PEZ (Public Education Zoo) ministry, serves with the local food pantry her father helped build, and brings church to places many wouldn’t expect—like tattoo shops and community spaces.
In this conversation, Kelli talks about finding purpose beyond the walls, carrying on her family’s legacy of service, and why she believes everyone—no matter how they look or where they gather—has a place in God’s story.
 
About New People // New Ways
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Isaiah Park, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

Ep. 43 with Marlon Mack

In this episode we welcome Fresh Expressions practitioner Pastor Marlon Mack. New ways, same Gospel. Pastor Marlon Mack joins us to talk about faith, leadership, and the power of building the Kingdom together.
Born in Dallas and raised in Gary, Indiana, Pastor Marlon Mack has spent his life helping others discover purpose through faith and formation. From serving as a youth minister and educator to founding The Ecclesia, Inc. and Kingdom Connections, his ministry bridges generations and communities with hope.In this conversation, we explore how Pastor Mack approaches leadership, what he’s learning about cultivating transformation in traditional spaces, and how the Spirit continues to call the church toward new ways of being together.
About New People // New Ways
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Isaiah Park, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

Ep. 42 with Bishop David Wilson

In this episode of New People, New Ways we welcome Bishop David Wilson, the first Native American bishop in the history of The United Methodist Church. We discuss his incredible journey, the wisdom of Native American ministry, and how the Spirit is stirring fresh expressions of church in our time. It is a hope-filled conversation about mission beyond the walls, empowering everyday disciples, and the church’s call to justice and reconciliation.
 
More about Bishop Wilson: https://www.greatplainsumc.org/bishop-david-wilson
 
About New People // New Ways
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Isaiah Park, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

Ep 41. with Dr. Monika Ardelt

In this episode of New People, New Ways, we welcome Dr. Monika Ardelt—renowned sociologist, wisdom researcher, and pioneer in the study of spiritual aging. Dr. Ardelt is Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida and the creator of the widely used Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS). Her work explores what it means to live and die well, offering deep insights into the roles of wisdom, spirituality, and meaning throughout the human life span.
Dr. Ardelt brings decades of research and personal reflection into a rich conversation that connects seamlessly with the Fresh Expressions movement. Together, we explore questions of aging in community, spiritual development across the life course, and how a Wesleyan imagination might embrace wisdom as a communal practice—not just an individual virtue.
She is also co-editor of Faith and Well-Being in Late Life, a landmark interdisciplinary volume that links spiritual traditions to evidence-based practices for human flourishing.
Learn more about her work and the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale hereExplore her co-edited book: Faith and Well-Being in Late Life 
About New People // New Ways
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

Ep. 40 with Rob Hutchinson

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Rob Hutchinson. 
Rob has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 27 years, serving in diverse settings that range from bustling church plants to intimate congregational gatherings. Currently, he is the Director of Church Development, where he pioneers new strategies to adapt and grow church communities in meaningful ways.
Rob's journey in faith is as unique as his approach to ministry. His personal story of family, shaped profoundly by the power of adoption, mirrors his professional mission to stitch together diverse communities into a unified body of Christ. As one of my doctoral students at United Theological Seminary, Rob focuses on 'Futuring Church' and integrating the work of the Holy Spirit in team discernment processes. His insights in his church development work have also led to the development of the '8 Vital Signs of church vitality,' a ever expanding toolkit helping churches thrive in a rapidly changing world.
 
About New People // New Ways:
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Ep. 39 with Christopher Wells

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Christopher Wells. 
Christopher Wells is a seasoned technologist and strategy consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in AI and machine learning, specializing in generative AI, NLP, and data-driven transformation across industries like finance and aviation. He established Chatham Financial's data science division and later advanced Indico Data Solutions' NLP research, driving market competitiveness with strategic innovations and intellectual property. Currently, he consults on AI projects, delivering impactful solutions for diverse business challenges.  He holds a Ph. D. in high energy theoretical physics from The Johns Hopkins University.
As author of A Community At Worship, Chris also offers church consulting services, guiding congregations to discover God's will for them as worshippers and revitalize corporate and personal worship. Since 2013, he has served as a worship leader at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, a passion that began at age 13 as an organist at First United Methodist Church of Corry, PA. Chris is a loving (and somewhat incompetent) husband to Rachel Dorman-Wells and a proud (and somewhat incompetent) father to three children, Iris, Soren, and Etta.
 
Grab a copy of Chris' book here.
Find Chris online: 
worshipelder@ksqfbc.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-wells-49511950/
FBC of KSQ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukZK95VFLVknj-5C6lRFPQ
A Place in the Conversation: https://aplaceintheconversation.org/
 
About New People // New Ways:
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Ep. 38 with Bishop Tom Berlin

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Bishop Tom Berlin. 
Tom Berlin serves as Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. Tom is a graduate of Virginia Tech and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of numerous books, including Reckless Love, Courage, Restored, Defying Gravity, The Generous Church, and the coauthor (with Lovett Weems) of Bearing Fruit, Overflow, and High Yield.
Find Bishop Berlin's books here
Hear more from Bishop Berlin https://www.flumc.org/bishop-berlin
 
About New People // New Ways:
What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Ep. 37 with Leslie Newton

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Leslie Newton. Born and raised in Lancaster, in the north of England,  Leslie studied Accountancy & Law at University before training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His local Methodist Church nurtured his faith through the years and encouraged him to grow and develop through welcoming and encouraging his contributions through music, youth work and later in preaching.
Leslie was accepted for the Methodist Ministry in 1995 and met his wife, Gill, at Wesley College, Bristol where they both trained. They were married in 1996 and became parents to Laura in 2000. Prior to becoming Chair of the Yorkshire North and East District in 2017, Leslie has served in circuit ministry in Barnsley, Stockport and York.  The Chair’s role offers oversight and leadership in mission to the Methodist Church in a region.
Leslie is currently co-Chair of the Methodist Church in Britain's New Places for New People Guiding Team, and serves as a Trustee of Fresh Expressions.
You can find Leslie's book here and a study guide companion here. 
 
About New People // New Ways:What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

Ep. 36 with Graham Horsley

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer in church planting and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Graham Horsley. Graham began his ministry journey in 1980, and by 1992, he had taken on the role of British National Church Planting Officer while simultaneously leading a church that successfully planted two new congregations.
In 2000, he fully embraced his calling as a full-time church planting advocate, playing a crucial role in integrating the Methodist Church into the Fresh Expressions Movement. His visionary leadership also led to the creation of the Methodist Venture Fx organization, which has had a lasting impact on innovative ministry within the Methodist tradition in the UK.
Although he retired four years ago, his passion for ministry continues. He is currently working on a fresh expression specifically designed for the Baby Boomer generation, navigating the unique challenge of helping the local church understand and embrace this new approach.
 
About New People // New Ways:What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.
Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!
Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4
Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL