New People // New Ways

Ep. 10 with Micah Blanks

Check out Episode 10 of New People // New Ways! Our guest today is Micah Blanks. Micah is the Director of Adult Ministries at Trinity UMC in Gainesville, Florida.
Micah has a BA in Humanities/Pre-Law from Bluefield State College and a M.Div from United Theological Seminary. Prior to Trinity he served as a Licensed Local Pastor in The West Virginia Annual Conference of the UMC, where he was awarded the 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. "Sharing of Self Award," by the Governor and Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs.
From Appalachia to Alachua, Micah seeks to live into his life-verse Micah 6:8 and this quote from coach, Phil Jackson: "Love is the force that ignites the spirit and binds teams together."
In the episode, we discuss the value of listening, withness over witness, and the importance of cultural intelligence.
 
Find Trinity UMC: https://trinitygnv.org/
Watch Micah’s weekly devotionals here: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityGNV/live_videos
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 9 with Justin Cason

In this episode of New People // New Ways, we are joined by Justin Cason, Online Campus Pastor of Monticello UMC in Monticello, Indiana. He believes that the church's future lies in “phygital” ministry, where we are bringing people into a deepening relationship with Jesus leveraging technology and community.
The conversation explores creating sacred spaces online, technology’s influence on culture and new generations, and future possibilities for the church.
 
Find Monticello UMC online:
Website: https://www.monticelloumchurch.org/
Online Campus: https://monticelloumc.online.church/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonticelloUMChurch
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MonticelloUMC
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 8 with Kris Sledge

In episode 8 of New People // New Ways, we are joined by Kris Sledge, lead and founding pastor of The Journey Church in urban Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Journey celebrates both its ability to connect with young adults and its diversity. They believe that through the empowerment and love of the Holy Spirit and make a space where all are welcome.
Outside of ministry, Kris is a proud husband to Hannah, father to Lydia, and friend. He loves to travel and enjoys laughing with friends, reading at local coffee shops, and enjoying craft beer.
During the episode, we discuss building diverse Christ-centered communities, discipleship through relationship, and the transformative power of learning that you are a child of God.
Find The Journey Church online: http://thejourneyharrisburg.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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 7 with Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath

In this episode, Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath join us to discuss their new book, Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers, which will be released April 11, 2023.
 
Charles is a pastor and theologian with Storyline Christian Community in Dallas, Texas. Kiser has a D.Min. in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary and serves as a faculty member of Neighborhood Seminary. He is passionate about creative expressions of Christian community, contemplative spirituality, and healing spiritual trauma. 
 
Elaine is an author, speaker, retreat leader, consultant, and abbess. After growing up in poverty, Elaine earned a PhD in theology, was ordained in the United Methodist Church, served as a professor for eleven years at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and as dean and professor of missional and pastoral theology at Duke Divinity School, Duke University. She retired from Duke to lead Neighborhood Seminary, which she co-founded with several friends.
 
She now lives with her spouse at Spring Forest, a new monastic community in rural North Carolina, where, along with friends, they tend a forest and small farm. Spring Forest supports refugee resettlement through sponsorships and an ESL program. They also donate fresh produce to area food banks, host a range of spiritual formation ministries, children's programs, and much more.
 
During the episode, we discuss religious trauma, being an empathetic witness, and learning to be a guest rather than a host.
 
Pre-order Trauma-Informed Evangelism here: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Informed-Evangelism-Cultivating-Communities-Wounded/dp/0802882358
 
Find Elaine online:
https://www.elaineaheath.org/
https://www.springforest.org/
https://www.neighborhoodseminary.org/
 
Find Charles online:
https://www.charleskiser.com/
https://www.storylinecommunity.com/

Ep . 6 with Lexi Hernandez

For this episode of New People // New Ways, Piper and Michael interview Lexi Hernandez. Hernandez is a local pastor in the United Methodist Church. She planted and leads Growth Co., an intentional spiritual formation community for people in their 20s and 30s that operates both online and in person.
In the interview, we discuss what young adults look for in spiritual community and how honesty and authenticity create space for spiritual growth and exploration.
Check out Growth Co.:
Website - https://thegrowthco.org/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthcolife/
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 5 with Michael Moynagh

In this episode, Piper and Michael interview Rev. Dr. Mike Moynagh. Moynagh has been on the forefront of missional innovation throughout his career as a minister and scholar within the Church of England. His expertise in practical theology and contextual ministry played a vital part in shaping the Fresh Expressions movement as we know it. Michael is an associate tutor at Wycliffe Hall, a Church of England training college at Oxford University, and is the author of nearly 20 books.
We discuss the theology of Fresh Expressions and explore simple ways of growing spiritual community outside the doors of the church.
Read Michael and Mike book here: https://freshexpressions.com/product/21st-century-christian-following-jesus-where-life-happens
You can learn more about Fresh Expressions UK here: https://freshexpressions.org.uk/
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 4 with Leonard Sweet

We are joined by Rev. Dr. Leonard Sweet for Episode 4. Sweet is a world-renowned preacher, teacher, historical theologian, and theo-semiotician. He is a prolific author and professor to doctoral students at four different institutions including Drew University and George Fox University. He is an expert in preaching, evangelism, and ecclesiology, best known for his interests in church history, semiotics, and the future mission of the church.
In this episode, we discuss his spiritual journey from pastor’s kid to atheist to follower of Jesus, “doing church” vs “being church,” and the power of understanding one’s cultural context in ministry.
 
Find Len here:
Website - https://leonardsweet.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/lensweet
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lensweet
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnMTwBtYo-saUcc4rXeF9GQ
 
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 3 with Graham Cray

In this episode, we are joined by Bishop Graham Cray. He is a retired bishop in the Church of England and was the Archbishops' Missioner and Team Leader of Fresh Expressions from 2009 to 2014. Through his leadership, Fresh Expressions grew from an initiative within the Church of England and the British Methodist Church into a movement that is found all over the world. He is the author of over twenty books and publications.
During the interview, we discuss the history of the Fresh Expressions movement and its origins in the Church of England and dive into the importance of the call to proclaim the Gospel “afresh in each generation.”
You can learn more about Fresh Expressions UK here: https://freshexpressions.org.uk/
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSFl6FhtWIA&t=1489s
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 2 with Rai Jackson

Our guest this week is Raimon “Rai” Jackson. Rai chats with us about the importance of art and music for spiritual exploration and expressions and how he builds spaces of spirit growth and creativity for those who desire authenticity, connection, and genuine community.
Rai is a Spiritual Entrepreneur with a passion for Jesus and people. His daily work includes pastor, innovator, spiritual life coach, motivator, public speaker, social justice facilitator, and a creative artist. He is a pioneer in crossing traditional barriers including work in multi-ethnic, multi-economical, multi-generational and cross denominational arenas.
 
Find Rai here:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iamraijackson/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamraijackson/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/iamraijackson
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iamraijackson
https://www.encounterthewell.org
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6URZQWbwJk
 
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 Piper Ramsey-Sumner, 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. 1 with Bishop Ken Carter

In this episode, we are joined by Bishop Ken Carter who has been a pivotal voice of support, encouragement, and empowerment for the Fresh Expressions movement in Florida and beyond. We discuss his vision of the future of the Church and how fresh expressions of church play a part.
About our guest:
Kenneth H. Carter is the Resident Bishop of the Florida and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church. This is his tenth and final year serving as resident bishop in Florida. At the beginning of 2023, he will begin full-time as bishop in Western North Carolina, where he has served since 2021.
Bishop Carter gives pastoral and administrative leadership to nearly 2,000 congregations, fresh expressions of church, campus ministries and outreach initiatives. He has played a vital role in many councils, boards, and commissions within the denomination and has published over 18 books, including two books about Fresh Expressions, co-authored with Rev. Audrey Warren.
He earned degrees from Columbus College, Duke Divinity School, the University of Virginia, and Princeton Theological Seminary.
Bishop Carter and his wife Pam have been married for more than 40 years. Pam has served as an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, most recently in disaster recovery. Together they have two daughters and two granddaughters.
 
Episode available on all podcast platforms and YouTube.