Louisiana Now
146 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsA podcast featuring news, opportunities and witness of the ministries of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Listen for stories and updates of what's happening in the Louisiana Conference.
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Episodes
A Conversation with Rev. Katrena Porter King, DEI Strategist for Louisiana
February 22, 2024 18:31 - 17 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this episode, we catch up with Rev. Katrena Porter King has been appointed to the Louisiana Conference as the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist. This strategic addition to the extended cabinet underscores the Conference's commitment to fostering an environment that champions inclusivity and justice, as well as actively promoting diversity in the staff and leadership structure. Bishop Delores J. Williamston welcomes Rev. King, stating, "I look forward to the ministry that ...
Turning Ideas into Reality
January 30, 2024 15:44 - 23 minutes - 19.2 MBWe are thrilled to feature a conversation with Britney Winn Lee. She is leading the innovative A New Thing workshop, an initiative presented by the United Methodist Foundation. This workshop is dedicated to turning visionary ideas into tangible realities, offering a platform for creative thinking and strategic execution. Utilizing Kenda Creasy Dean’s Innovating for Love: Joining God’s Expedition Through Christian Social Innovation, the programs will offer several half-day workshops to e...
Reflecting on 2023 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston
December 27, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBWelcome to the second of two interviews with Bishop Delores J. Williamston. In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down again with Bishop Williamston to reflect on her eventful and transformative first year in Louisiana. From her start in January, through the dynamic 'Boots on the Ground Tour' across the state, to the memorable installation service at Dillard University, the 2023 Annual Conference in June, and the insightful listening sessions, held in the fall - it's been a year of growt...
Advent and Christmas Reflections with Bishop Delores J. Williamston
December 11, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 17.2 MBWelcome to Louisiana NOW, the podcast focused on the news, opportunities and witness of the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church. In the next two episodes, we sit down with Bishop Delores J. Williamston. In this episode, Bishop Williamston shares her insightful thoughts on advent and Christmas. We'll delve into her childhood memories, reminisce about her impactful times serving as a pastor in Kansas, and hear her inspiring message to pastors across Louisiana as we prepare f...
Getting Ready for Christmas!
November 15, 2023 16:38 - 28 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this episode, we delve into one of the most significant seasons in the church calendar – Christmas. (Yes, we know it's technically Advent) In this episode, we're thrilled to visit with Rev. Chad Brooks, the Church Vitality strategist for the Louisiana Conference, with insights on how churches can gear up for Christmas, a time known for its high visitor engagement. We’ll explore practical tips and innovative strategies to make this festive season both spiritually enriching and welco...
Focus on the Future
October 06, 2023 20:49 - 40 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this episode, we catch up with John Wimberly and Rev. Dr. Van Stinson. Like all mainline denominations today, United Methodist conferences and jurisdictions are facing the need to make dramatic adaptations from past ways of operating. A convergence of factors—declining congregational membership, the evolution of communication channels, remote work environments, virtual gatherings, and ever-evolving mission opportunities—has ushered in a new era where the conventional ways of doing thin...
When Prophets Preach; A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine
September 26, 2023 14:26 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBJay Augustine is not new to the Louisiana NOW audience. Augustine has been a guest before on the podcast, as he was the guest speaker at the 2022 Annual Conference. We welcome him back for another interview as he has a new book, When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit. Jay serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, in Durham, NC, and as general chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is an accomplished author, respected academic leader, and nationally...
"Always, We Begin Again..." A Conversation with Rev. Frances Hooton
September 11, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this installment of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we connect with Rev. Frances Hooton, who serves as the District Superintendent of the Lake Charles Acadiana District within the Louisiana Conference. During this episode, we delve into Rev. Hooton's inspiring journey, her call to ministry, the unique allure of Louisiana as a place for ministry, the complexities of dealing with hurricane-related grief, and the ongoing challenges posed by the post-disaffiliation landscape within The United Meth...
717 Days of Faith
August 14, 2023 18:36 - 18 minutes - 14.5 MB717 days. That's how long it had been since the congregation of St. Charles United Methodist Church in Destrehan worshiped in its sanctuary. In the summer of 2021, Hurricane Ida devastated the community just west of Kenner, as the storm became the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana history. The roof of St. Charles' sanctuary was completely torn away by the 150mph winds, and rainwater flooded the building, and since the storm, the congregation has been...
Introducing: Black Church Matters
July 24, 2023 18:55 - 28 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we introduce the newest podcast in the Louisiana Conference - Black Church Matters. The Black Church Matters podcast is hosted by Rev. Karli Pidgeon, District Superintendent of the Baton Rouge and New Orleans districts of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Black Church Matters seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the triumphs and challenges facing black churches, shedding light on their profound cultural and social c...
Hope for the Future: Rev. Fred Wideman
July 05, 2023 14:54 - 24 minutes - 46.2 MBIn this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we visit with Rev. Fred Wideman. The 2023 Annual Conference of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church witnessed a significant development as efforts were announced to address the void left by churches that have chosen to disaffiliate from the conference. In recent months, a number of churches, including 95 this year and 68 last year, decided to leave the denomination due to resistance to LGBTQ inclusion. One area affected b...
Bending the Rules: A Conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan
May 31, 2023 13:06 - 30 minutes - 57.2 MBIn this episode, Louisiana NOW host Todd Rossnagel interviews Dr. Ashley Boggan, the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History. Dr. Boggan will be our special guest at the 2023 Annual Conference, and in this interview, she shares more about what she will be discussing and where she sees hope in the United Methodist Church.
Previewing AC23 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston
May 04, 2023 18:14 - 19 minutes - 15.8 MBWe are getting set for the 2023 Annual Conference, set to take place June 13-16 in Baton Rouge, LA. In this episode, we sit down with Bishop Delores J. Williamston who previews our time together. For more information on AC23, please head to this website.
Church Finances with Dianne Wilkinson
April 26, 2023 14:56 - 17 minutes - 13.6 MBDianne Wilkinson understands the unique challenges that come with managing and reporting the church’s finances. She has 35 years of experience serving in different capacities on church staff, including business administrator. In an upcoming seminar, sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, Dianne will discuss a variety of best practices and review daily routines and processes used in the church business office to prevent fraud, protect your integrity and do it right! For ...
Bishop Williamston Reflects on Lenten Series and Points to Easter
April 06, 2023 15:30 - 11 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this final episode of our Lenten series, Bishop Delores J. Williamston reflects on each of the Lenten devotionals and points us to Easter. If you would like to listen to the Easter story narrated by Todd Rossnagel, search our podcast library for the episode prior to this one.
Encore: The Easter Story
April 04, 2023 15:16 - 34 minutes - 63.1 MBThis is a special edition of the Louisiana Now podcast, a reading of the Easter Story by host Todd Rossnagel. This reading comes from all four gospels and various translations. To find a United Methodist church in the Louisiana Conference, please visit our directory: https://www.la-umc.org/churches To find a listing of online church services in the Louisiana Conference, please visit here. To find a United Methodist church near you, please visit: https://www.umc.org/en/find-a...
Lenten Devotional, Week 6
March 30, 2023 15:03 - 14 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this week's Lenten devotional, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, who unpacks Palm Sunday. While we all love a good parade, there is much more happening in the Palm Sunday text. Stinson says it's an opportunity to remind us what it truly means to "follow" Jesus. Thank you for listening to the Louisiana NOW podcast. If you would like to reach the show, please contact us at [email protected] and share the show with someone you love.
Lenten Devotional, Week 5
March 24, 2023 16:38 - 13 minutes - 25.3 MBFor this week's Lenten devotional, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Tom Dolph, District Superintendent of the Monroe and Shreveport districts. Tom takes us to John, the 11th chapter - verses 1-45, and he explores how our Lenten examinations and preparations invite us to consider the “Iffyness” of our faith.
Lenten Devotional, Week 4
March 16, 2023 15:45 - 10 minutes - 20.4 MBAs you know, we are in the season of Lent, and we are providing you with Lenten devotionals throughout the Lenten season. We are now in the fourth week of Lent, and for this week’s devotion, we will be joined by District Superintendent Rev. Karli Pidgeon as she reflects on the Gospel of John, Chapter 9, verses 1-41, the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. Her message reminds us that though there is darkness in the world, we must keep our hearts and minds open to the possibility ...
Lenten Devotional, Week 3
March 09, 2023 16:45 - 12 minutes - 23.3 MBOur third week of Lenten devotionals features Rev. Scott Bullock as he delves into Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites' crisis of faith in the wilderness. Rev. Bullock shares a lesson about the danger of allowing difficult circumstances to undermine our faith and the importance of trusting God to provide for our needs.
Lenten Devotional, Week 2
March 02, 2023 17:01 - 10 minutes - 19.4 MBIn this week's Lenten devotional, Rev. Jan Holloway Curwick shares a reflection on the story of Nicodemus, found in the 3rd chapter of John. She challenges all of us to hear how the Spirit might be calling us to re-think and re-shape our world.
Lenten Devotional, Week 1
February 23, 2023 16:30 - 12 minutes - 23.5 MBBishop Delores Williamston begins our Lenten devotional series. She reflects on Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1-11 and what it means to "give something up" at Lent, and how to overcome distraction. You can see a new Lenten devotional every Thursday at Noon on our Facebook and YouTube channels.
Called to Reconciliation: Rev. Donnie Wilkinson
January 23, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 64.6 MBRev. Donnie Wilkinson is our guest on this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast. Donnie is a member of the Louisiana Conference Anti-Racism Taskforce. In this episode, we discuss an important book study that we are all invited to participate in. The online book study will discuss Jonathan Augustine's book, Called to Reconciliation, and the class will meet every Wednesday in February, over Zoom. The class will be held at either 12Noon or 7:00pm. The Noon class will be taught by Rev...
A Conversation with Bishop Delores Williamston, Part 2
December 26, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 53.3 MBJoin us for a conversation with Bishop Delores Williamston, who is set to become the new bishop of the Louisiana Conference on January 1. This is the second of two episodes. In this episode, Todd Rossnagel asks Bishop Williamston about what brings her joy and what sabbath looks like for her. We also get a glimpse of her call story, and we also get to meet her pet dog, a Shih Tzu, who has several names! ______ Bishop Delores J. “Dee” Williamston, a Kansas Army National Guard veteran, a...
A Conversation with Bishop Delores Williamston, Part 1
December 19, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 48.1 MBJoin us for a conversation with Bishop Delores Williamston, who is set to become the new bishop of the Louisiana Conference on January 1. This episode is the first of two. In this episode, Todd Rossnagel asks Bishop Williamston about her family, her background, which includes work inside the church as well as military service. They also discuss the historic nature of her election. To watch the consecration service from the 2022 South Central Jurisdiction, please head here. _____...
A Busy Few Weeks, Catching up with Rev. Van Stinson
November 17, 2022 17:08 - 40 minutes - 76.2 MBIt's been a busy few weeks in the Louisiana Conference. From news of a new bishop to news of a departing bishop and then churches voting to disaffiliate. We have been through a series of emotions! In this episode, Todd Rossnagel and Van Stinson sit down to unpack all of it. They discuss the historic election of Bishop Delores J. Williamston and her assignment to Louisiana, they reflect on the leadership of Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey as she prepares for her new assignment in the Texas Con...
Our Final Episode of Staying
October 20, 2022 22:45 - 38 minutes - 71.6 MBBishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey joins us for the final episode of Staying. Hear from Bishop Harvey, Van Stinson, and Todd Rossnagel as they reflect on the wisdom and insight of our 12 guests. If you would like to see the entire series, please head to our YouTube page. We thank all of our guests for their willingness to share and we thank you for watching and sharing. While the Staying series has come to an end, we encourage everyone to continue these important conversations. If you need reso...
Staying: Rev. John Winn
October 18, 2022 23:00 - 33 minutes - 62.6 MBOur Staying podcast series continues. In this episode, we are joined by Rev. John Winn. Listen as he shares why he is staying with the UMC. Hear insight and wisdom from over 70 years of pastoral experience.
Staying: Rev. Quinn O'Bannon
October 13, 2022 22:45 - 27 minutes - 51.5 MBOur Staying series continues as we visit with Rev. Quinn O'Bannon, who joined us remotely from Virginia. Quinn has a unique perspective as he serves as a Navy chaplain. "God looks past our differences because God uses each of us." Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC.
Staying: Rev. Katie Black
October 06, 2022 22:45 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode of Staying, we visit with Rev. Katie Black. Both of the churches she serves are discerning their future. Meanwhile, Rev. Black has decided to stay with the UMC and the Louisiana Conference. Hear how she is navigating this unique time.
Staying: Rev. Robert Johnson
October 04, 2022 22:45 - 27 minutes - 23.1 MBWe continue with Staying, our video series on the value of staying with the United Methodist Church. In this episode, we catch up with Rev. Robert Johnson, a local pastor in the Louisiana Conference. If you have a question or an idea for the show, please email us: [email protected] For more on the Staying series, please head to our web site: www.la-umc.org/staying
Staying: Truman Stagg
September 27, 2022 22:45 - 23 minutes - 42.5 MBIf you hold traditional views, you will always have a "seat at the table" in the United Methodist Church. Hear from Rev. Truman Stagg as to why he is #Staying in the UMC. Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC.
Staying: Katrena King
September 22, 2022 22:45 - 23 minutes - 44.5 MBIn this episode of Staying, we visit with Katrena King. King brings a unique perspective as she is currently enrolled in seminary, pursuing the deacon track, and serves as a ministry intern. Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC.
Staying: Kenny Beauvais
September 20, 2022 22:45 - 24 minutes - 44.8 MBOur next episode of Staying features an interview with Kenny Beauvais. Kenny is a lifelong Methodist and, over the years, has come to embrace diversity. As he says, "it's Methodism 101." Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC.
Staying: Rev. Brady Whitton
September 16, 2022 22:50 - 31 minutes - 57.7 MBWondering about seminaries and the pastoral path? In this episode of Staying, we are joined by Rev. Brady Whitton, who chairs the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Louisiana Conference. Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC.
Staying: Jessica Trahan
September 14, 2022 22:45 - 30 minutes - 57.1 MB"Deepening empathy can never be a bad thing." In this episode of Staying, we sit down with Jessica Trahan as she discusses the value of seeing life from another perspective. Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC.
Staying: Rev. Karli Pidgeon
September 12, 2022 22:50 - 27 minutes - 50.9 MBWhat is the role of a district superintendent in the discernment process? It's listed as one of the first steps, and it's one of the reasons we thought it was important to catch up with one of our four district superintendents in Louisiana, the Rev. Karli Pidgeon. Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means ...
Staying: Rev. Jay Hogewood
September 08, 2022 23:00 - 38 minutes - 71.1 MBWhat does it mean to give the Bible authority? In our conversation with Rev. Jay Hogewood, we lift up the centrality of scriptural authority to our common life and witness. Staying is a special series of conversations on the value of staying with the United Methodist Church. This video series is available on our Facebook page, our YouTube page and as a podcast, on our Louisiana NOW podcast platform. Quite simply – there are some churches discussing whether they feel called to potential...
Staying: Rev. Weldon Bares
September 06, 2022 23:00 - 26 minutes - 49.2 MBWe continue our special series, Staying. During a time when some are discussing leaving the United Methodist Church, now is the time to talk about staying. Think you have to leave the UMC if you hold conservative viewpoints or consider yourself a traditionalist? Think again. We visit with Rev. Weldon Bares, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles. Rev. Bares says there is tremendous value to having a church with diverse theological opinions.
Staying: Previewing the Series with Rev. Van Stinson
September 02, 2022 18:59 - 25 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode of Staying, Todd Rossnagel catches up with his co-host of the series, Rev. Dr. Van Stinson. They preview some of the episodes that will be featured in the next few weeks. Staying is a video/podcast series that focuses on the value and importance of staying in the United Methodist Church. During this season of discernment, when some churches are talking about leaving, this is the time to talk about what it means to STAY in the UMC. If you would like to share your opinion, ...
Special Series: Staying, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
August 31, 2022 23:00 - 34 minutes - 64.5 MBIn this debut episode of Staying, a special series of conversations on the value of staying with the United Methodist Church, we catch up with Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. There is a lot of discussion about churches potentially leaving the United Methodist Church. We think now is the time to discuss, share and reflect on the value of STAYING. To be clear – the United Methodist Church is NOT splitting. There is, instead, a group of churches and congregations, some in Louisiana, who – t...
Clergy Excellence
August 04, 2022 09:00 - 41 minutes - 76.6 MBIn this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we catch up with Rev. Ali Young and Rev. Van Stinson, both with the Louisiana Conference Office of Clergy Excellence. What does it mean to have an office focused on ‘clergy excellence’. We unpack that and much more as we discuss what it means to pastor in today’s divisive and ever-changing environment. Young and Stinson focus on how the Conference invites those in discernment into the process, how to equip young clergy and new clergy for fruit...
Jesus Revealed: A Conversation with Rev. Matt Rawle
July 21, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 68 MBIn this episode of Louisiana NOW, we are joined by Rev. Matt Rawle. The Louisiana pastor has written yet another book: Jesus Revealed, The I Am Statements in the Gospel of John. In his latest book, Rawle explores the seven “I am” statements as works of art that resonate throughout John and all of Scripture. He shows how these words point beyond themselves to the deep mystery of Jesus Christ. For more on Matt’s latest book, head here or here.
"Our Church is Not Dead”, A Conversation with Dez Dunn
June 30, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 63.7 MBOn the final day of Annual Conference, the Louisiana Conference delegates overwhelmingly approved a resolution to urge the Louisiana Legislature to create a second majority-black Congressional district. But, the vote was not unanimous, and the scattered handful of “no” votes inspired Dez Dunn to address the conference. In this episode of Louisiana NOW, we catch up with Dez. We will re-visit his speech, learn more about his reasoning for speaking, more about the support shown for Dez and even...
Our Church is Not Dead”, A Conversation with Dez Dunn
June 30, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 63.7 MBOn the final day of Annual Conference, the Louisiana Conference delegates overwhelmingly approved a resolution to urge the Louisiana Legislature to create a second majority-black Congressional district. But, the vote was not unanimous, and the scattered handful of “no” votes inspired Dez Dunn to address the conference. In this episode of Louisiana NOW, we catch up with Dez. We will re-visit his speech, learn more about his reasoning for speaking, more about the support shown for Dez and even...
Called to Reconciliation: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine
June 07, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 58.4 MBIn this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we visit with Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine. Jay Augustine will be one of several guest speakers at the 2022 Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, June 14-17. He is a nationally acclaimed social justice advocate and serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church in Durham, North Carolina, a law professor at North Carolina Central University, and strategist with the Duke University Center for Reconciliation. He is also a fo...
A Conversation with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone
June 03, 2022 18:48 - 24 minutes - 46 MBBishop Tracy Smith Malone will be a special guest at the 2022 Annual Conference. Bishop Malone will preach our opening worship and will also address the laity at the Laity Session. Our conversation focuses on her address to the Louisiana Conference and much more. Bishop Malone was assigned to the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church effective September 1, 2016. As resident bishop, she provides spiritual oversight; shares in equipping, teaching and encouraging mission, o...
Focusing on the Road Ahead
May 05, 2022 20:22 - 53 minutes - 99.8 MBIn this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we feature speeches from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and Bishop Thomas Bickerton. Both bishops recently addressed the Council of Bishops and the church during the most recent Council of Bishops meeting. The bishops of The United Methodist Church completed their Spring meeting in a spirit of collegiality and love for one another and the worldwide denomination. In a moving time of worship, the bishops celebrated the leadership of the Council ...
Church Communications, A Conversation with Brady Shearer
April 21, 2022 14:04 - 39 minutes - 74.1 MBIn the latest Louisiana NOW episode, Todd Rossnagel is joined by Brady Shearer, YouTube influencer and CEO of Pro Church Tools. Brady’s YouTube channel focuses on church communication and everything from how to video church services to designing church web sites. Rossnagel and Shearer discuss the 167 hours beyond church’s Sunday services and navigating their ministries through the single biggest communication shift we've seen in the last 500 years. Shearer is an influential YouTuber and hi...
The Easter Story
April 12, 2022 17:49 - 34 minutes - 63.1 MBIn this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we share the Easter Story. The reading by Todd Rossnagel comes from a variety of translations of each of the four gospels. Happy Easter everyone.