Pod Have Mercy

In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting landscape of religion in America, exploring the growing divide between those who identify as religious versus spiritual. Drawing on recent PEW research, we discuss the numbers behind this trend, examining the rise of spiritual but not religious individuals and what it means for the future of faith in the U.S. How is the church respond

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Colin Bagby, the lead pastor of Branches Church in Houston, Texas. Colin shares the heart behind Branches Church, a place where everyone belongs—no matter who you are or where you're from. With a mission to build a welcoming home and community, Colin discusses the vision of creating a church that reaches beyond just a building an

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we are honored to welcome Dr. Stan Copeland, Senior Pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas since 1998. Dr. Copeland has dedicated his ministry to "loving all people into relationship with Jesus Christ," fostering a vibrant and diverse congregation through various outreach ministries. Under his leadership, Lovers Lane UMC

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Pastor Joseph Rios, leader of Generaciones, a thriving Spanish-speaking worship community of Chapelwood! (iglesiageneraciones.org). Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation about the challenges and opportunities of ministry in Houston’s Spanish-speaking communities. We discuss the growing need for faith-based support, how churches ca

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we dive deep into the recurring themes in Disney movies—why do the parents always die? Is there a hidden formula behind it, or is it simply a storytelling device? We also discuss the latest updates from the church and reflect on how they might be shaping the modern faith landscape. Finally, we explore the parable of the sower and what lessons we

We’re honored to welcome Richard Beck to Pod Have Mercy this week! Richard is a psychologist, author, and professor who has spent decades exploring the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and justice. His work is groundbreaking, particularly in the areas of prison ministry and the way our spiritual lives intersect with our emotional well-being. In this episode, Richard s

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re getting into the holiday spirit with a twist! Tune in as we read the Christmas story… but not in any ordinary way. Instead, we’re diving into the ChatGPT Bible written in full-on Gen Z lingo. It’s a fresh, hilarious take on the birth of Jesus, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. Plus, we’re keeping it real with some practical tips

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Abraham Guajardo and Jared Darby, the co-pastors of Eden Church, a new church plant in Houston, Texas. In this episode, we dive into their unique journey of starting Eden Church and how they’ve embraced a co-pastoring model—a refreshing alternative to traditional leadership structures. Abraham and Jared share their personal storie

This Thanksgiving, join us for a special episode where we dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude. Based on the insightful article "Attitude of Gratitude" from Calm, we explore how cultivating a grateful mindset can change the way we see the world, improve our mental health, and enrich our relationships.In this episode, we’ll discuss practical ways to build gratitude

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we dive deep into the powerful intersection of contemplative worship and music with special guests Michael Sciretti and Peter Johns. Michael and Peter are part of The Center for Contemplative Spirituality. In this episode, we explore how contemplative worship can lead us into deeper communion with the Divine, and how music plays a vital role in creating