Means of Grace

Means of Grace, a podcast from the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, equips church leaders through expertise and examples. Twice a month, we feature local experts on a variety of topics from leadership to innovation and share examples of churches in our conference reaching their communities in news ways through mission engagement, Fresh Expressions and much more. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, defined Means of Grace as the outward signs, words or actions that are the ordinary channels conveying God's grace to the souls of people. So when we're talking about leadership or discipleship or an outreach initiative, it's about more than doing a program well, it's a means of God's grace to the world.

Means of Grace is a religion podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 185 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Means of Grace, a religion show with 185 episodes published.

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  Episode #170

  Wesley Pilgrimage Reflections with Rev. Hannah Howell and Rev. Blake Smarr

  Sep 24, 202644 min

  In this episode, Hannah Howell and Blake Smarr reflect on their pilgrimage through England, retracing Wesleyan history, and explore how the experience deepened their faith, understanding of history, and sense of community. They discuss the spiritual insights, surprising discoveries, and ongoing impact of walking in the footsteps of John Wesley. Read the Article here Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Wesleyan pilgrimage 01:38 Meet Hannah Howell and Blake Smarr 03:43 Hopes for the pilgrimage 05:17 Discovering new sides of John Wesley 07:22 Letting go of expectations and being present 08:44 Spiritual moments at Epworth and Aldersgate 12:30 Susanna Wesley's influence and daily discipline 15:33 Oxford, the Holy Club, and forming a personal faith 19:52 Communion and the connection across generations 23:00 Wesleyan history, slavery, and abolition 29:05 Whose stories are missing or overlooked? 33:08 Bringing the pilgrimage's lessons home 39:00 Finding grace in ordinary moments 42:43 Building community and lasting connections 45:57 "I left for England thinking…" 47:20 Closing reflections

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  Episode #169

  Healing from Religious & Spiritual Abuse

  Sep 10, 202658 min

  In this episode, Dr. Hannah Sutton-Adams, Rev. Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun & Rebecca Yates explore the concept of healing within the church, addressing religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and how churches can become safe spaces for healing and growth. Featuring experts from Matthews United Methodist Church, this conversation offers practical insights and spiritual reflections on transforming church communities. You are invited, on October 25, 2026, Matthews United Methodist Church will host a workshop titled Recognizing and Resisting Trauma - Faith Community

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  Episode #168

  Wonder Summit 2026 with Skyler Przygoda and Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven

  Aug 27, 202658 min

  This episode explores the upcoming WONDER SUMMIT and innovative approaches to involving children in worship, emphasizing the importance of listening to their voices and reimagining church practices. Skyler Przygoda and Latricia Scriven share insights from the upcoming Wonder Summit, a transformative event for all church leaders. Remember to use code "SCHOOL" for a discount on your registration to the Wonder Summit!

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  Episode #167

  Ep. 167 - Leading with Grace: A Metro District Superintendent's Journey with Rev. David Hockett

  Aug 13, 202652 min

  In this episode, Rev. David Hockett shares his journey into ministry, his return to the role of Metro District Superintendent, and insights on leadership, change, and faith in challenging times. 00:00 Introduction to David Hockett and the Metro District Superintendent role 01:36 David's call to ministry and early formation in the church 05:02 Returning to district superintendent a second time 09:06 Leaving Davidson and moving into a new season 13:21 What a district superintendent actually does 16:05 Making space for clergy and laity to try new things 18:37 When DS leadership should be mostly invisible 20:44 The spiritual responsibility of serving on the cabinet 25:37 The human side of appointment making 32:16 Learning from failure and moving too slowly 39:23 What David is listening for in this season of church change 48:38 The church's calling to embody Christ in the world 51:04 The same call for laity and clergy alike 52:02 Two ways to support the work: prayer and presence

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  Episode #166

  No Mission Without Margin

  Jul 30, 202643 min

  Meredith Martin, the new conference treasurer and director of administrative services, shares her journey, experience, and vision for her new role. She emphasizes the importance of stewardship, accountability, and mission in managing the financial and administrative aspects of the conference. Meredith's background as a deacon, social worker, and nonprofit leader has prepared her to bring a unique perspective to her new role, ensuring responsible and strategic financial management aligned with the mission of the church. The conversation covers topics related to financial stewardship, integrity, and responsibility, as well as the importance of financial sustainability, margin, and creative vision. It also delves into best practices for church financial health, non-traditional giving, and asset management. Additionally, the discussion touches on personal interests, hobbies, and the importance of well-being in the context of professional responsibilities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Meredith Martin 02:06 Meredith's Calling and Background 03:12 Meredith's Experience and Preparation 05:05 Meredith's Intersection of Background and Experience 09:12 Meredith's New Role and Early Experiences 13:33 Understanding the Role of Conference Treasurer 18:50 Meredith's Week and Responsibilities 23:31 Building Trust and Connecting with Local Churches 25:57 Stewardship as Ministry 27:40 Stewardship and Integrity 33:41 Financial Sustainability and Margin 36:14 Church Financial Health 39:35 Non-Traditional Giving and Asset Management 43:29 Personal Interests and Well-Being

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