Pastors in Pews Podcast

Scott sits down with Rev. Jon Kuncel who has been ministering with youth & young adults in the NM Conference for decades.  He shares some thoughts about what's changed in the last couple of tumultuous years and what remains the same.

Rev. Dr. Heike Miller chats about traditions she experienced in her homeland of southwestern Germany.  They could be scary.  They could be hope-filled.  There's a lot about a different expression of Epiphany that informs the season in which we find ourselves today.

Scott sits down with Clovis DS, Rev. Ernie Vineyard to talk about something near and dear to Ernie's heart - the rural/small church.  We also get an inside look at DSing small churches.

Scott sits down with Rev. Nema LeCuyer to talk about Salvation Mountain, a remarkable art installation built by one man in the California desert.  It's devoted to the simple message that God loves you.  

Scott sits down with Pastors Bill Case & Ross Whiteaker to share stories about they came to be who they are, their faith journeys and perspectives.

Scott sits down with Pastor of Asbury UMC-Odessa, Raul Garcia to talk about his unique journey to Odessa, how being flexible during the pandemic was a blessing, and beard envy.  

Scott sits down with Rev. Dr. Michael Beck, pastor of 2 churches in the FL Conference, Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, author of many "church nerd" books.  We discussed his new more autobiographical book, Painting with Ashes.  We also discuss his view of Fresh Expressions and the great need for it in communities.  Michael will be joining us on March 12th for a Fresh Expressions Vision Day in El Paso.  

Host, Scott Sharp sits down with Rev. Kim Kinsey, Senior Pastor of Western Hills UMC in El Paso to talk about Advent.  They touch upon Narnia, C.S. Lewis and even the Goo Goo Dolls.  As always, Kim approaches the topic from a deeply insightful perspective.

Scott sits down with Rev. Blair Thompson-White, Director of Leadership Ministry for TMF to discuss how to apply the 5 Adaptive Muscles to this strange time for the church.  

For more, please find Blair's podcast, Igniting Imagination at: Igniting Imagination Podcast

Scott sits down with Rev. George Miller to discuss his unique ministry in welcoming and serving immigrant populations at the US border and also in Europe.  He shares how his background and every ministry experience has prepared him for what came (will come) next.  

Scott sits down with Reverends D.G. & Tiffany Hollums to discuss their transition from serving at the margins to returning to the Local Church.  Tiffany explains why she should never be trusted with fire.  D.G. talks about his idea for a new ministry - The Order of the Trinity.  This is a thought-provoking and entertaining podcast.

The NM Conference will share Bishop Schnase starting in January.  Scott and Bishop Schnase discuss a variety of topics including crossing borders, the Rio Grande, approaching the many changes impacting the UMC, spiritual disciplines and more.

NM Conference Provost, Rev. Dr. Randall Partin joins Scott to discuss ideas of what the church might be called to be post-pandemic, how history can inform what hasn't always been this way and can change, why getting back to "normal" may not be a good thing, a prayer for NMAC and cats and birds.

Scott Sharp chats with Blossom Matthews about what Sabbath looks like to different people and how to incorporate Sabbath into pastor's and leader's daily lives.  She also discusses the topic of her DMin, which is about equipping people to be Fresh Expressions of church in the world.  

Join Rev. Scott Sharp, Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks and Pastor Cazandra Campos-MacDonald as they discuss the challenges impacting clergy (and their families) during this time and provide some helpful suggestions.  They also discuss their nonprofit organization - Chrysalis Consulting Center.  

Join Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe & Rev. Scott Sharp as they discuss Advent - making room for Emmanuel to be with us.  

Rev. Kelly McCuaig joins host, Rev. Scott Sharp to discuss Kelly's  missionary view of pastoring in a COVD-19 world.  They discuss the emerging "online campus" in each church, the value of a coach, quarantine styling and more.

Rev. Dan Boyd, Pastor of FUMC-Carlsbad joins Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp to discuss how pastors need to hold together a multitude of tensions, especially with the complexities presented by a pandemic.

Dan also wears the hat of the Chair of the Conference Finance & Administration Committee, which has its own set of tensions to juggle.  As Scott joked, "It's a good thing that his previous career was in circus work."

Rev. Scott Sharp interviews the dynamic and thought-provoking DS of the Amarillo District, Felicia Hopkins.  She openly discusses her experiences of racism and how through hard work and navigating the system, she became a leader in the UMC.  She also gives suggestions on how White people can be allies to their Black and Brown brothers and sisters.  

Pastors in Pews Podcast will allow us to hear the stories of the pastors in the NM Conference.  In this odd time of "social distancing", we'll also delve into how pastors are approaching things differently.  

This week we interview Rev. Amy Wilson-Feltz.  She recently came to the NM Conference from NWTX Conference and now serves St. Paul's UMC-El Paso.  She has a background in Communications, which has served her well.  Please enjoy this episode!