Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast

Nov 01 2024 174 ep. 29 mins 229

Get Your Spirit in Shape - United Methodist Podcast artwork

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.

Religion & Spirituality Health & Fitness

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Training wild mustangs: A guide to harmonious living

Nov 01 2024 36 mins

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 the second in a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of indigenous people and how we can bette

Sacred Journeys: Weaving Navajo spirituality with Wesleyan faith

Oct 18 2024 26 mins

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 understanding both can lead to a more welcoming church. Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part one of a two-part conversation with

Diversity in The UMC: Telling our stories leads to unity

Oct 04 2024 30 mins

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 tapestry of Hispanic and Latine heritage in the U.S. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a qu

Embracing Diversity in a World Where Racism is the “Air We Breathe”

Sep 20 2024 37 mins

“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 how the church an lead the way to be transformed by our collective diversity. More information and a full transcript of thi

Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother’s story

Sep 06 2024 43 mins

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 critically important it is to create safe and loving spaces for all of God’s children. More information and a full transcript of this convers

Blessed are the peacemakers

Aug 16 2024 43 mins

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 to be ambassadors of peace, and how, as John Wesley taught, to be of one heart though we are not of one opinion. More information and a full t

Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world

Aug 02 2024 40 mins

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 joy, we can unlock a playful spirit. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn more about and/or purcha

Safeguarding safe spaces: A UM firefighter’s ministry

Jul 25 2024 32 mins

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 of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected] Connect with The United Methodist Church by visi

Conservative pastor focuses on common mission amid differences

Jun 21 2024 23 mins

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 The UMC’s “big tent” distinction. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or c

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 available to all of us. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at