In this episode of the Pulpit Perspectives podcast, Reverend Doctor Kent Lundy chats with Pastor Bill Jones of Whiting United Methodist Church and Griffith First United Methodist Church. Join us as we delve into Bill's insights, experiences, and the journey that brought him to serve his congregations in the northwest corner of Indiana.

**Episode Highlights:**

1. **The Importance of Community Connection**

- **New Roof, New Beginnings:** Bill Jones shares his excitement about the newly installed roof at Whiting United Methodist Church, a crucial project that allows the congregation to better serve and connect with their community. This practical improvement highlights Bill’s commitment to ensuring the church is a welcoming and functioning space for all.

- **Celebrating Achievements:** Despite facing numerous challenges, Bill emphasizes how celebrating small victories, like completing building projects, can significantly uplift the community and foster a deeper connection among church members.

2. **Authenticity in Ministry**

- **Inspired by Mentors:** Bill honors the foundational influence of his mother and Reverend Tim Powers on his faith journey. Their unwavering faith and guidance have deeply inspired Bill's approach to his ministry.

- **Preaching Amongst the People:** Bill prefers to conduct his sermons from the floor rather than the pulpit, ensuring he is on the same level as his congregation. This approach underscores his belief in humility and authenticity, modeling Jesus’ way of preaching and fostering a sense of unity and equality within the church.

3. **Vision for Future Ministry**

- **United and Missional:** Bill dreams of a church united in purpose and mission. He stresses the importance of moving beyond Sunday services to actively engaging with the community and making disciples through various outreach efforts.

- **Growth Beyond Membership:** Bill’s vision of growth isn't just about increasing membership numbers but nurturing a congregation that lives out their faith in everyday acts of kindness and community involvement. He values having an impact on individuals and promoting a spirit of mission over mere numbers.

**Conclusion:**

Throughout this insightful episode, Bill Jones shares his journey, values, and visions, offering encouragement to fellow clergy and highlighting the power of authentic, humble, and mission-oriented ministry. Whether discussing his favorite church seasons or the challenges he faces, Bill's dedication to his faith and community shine through.

**Connect with Us:**

To stay updated with more inspiring stories and insights from our clergy, check out the North District of the Indiana Annual Conference on Facebook or visit their website at [www.inumc.org](http://www.inumc.org).

**Tune in Next Time!**

Thank you for joining us on Pulpit Perspectives. We hope Bill Jones’s story has inspired and uplifted you. Be sure to subscribe and tune in for our next episode for more encouraging conversations and shared faith journeys.

Bill Jones, Whiting and Griffith UMCs

https://www.facebook.com/whitingunitedmethodist

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553565916929

https://griffith-first-united-methodist-church.mailchimpsites.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1s5Gcwb86csehYXmqgvWswsAhhKERrS_7EwJdg3S51bdf7CD1xtBInPbE_aem_AbNb30uN6Zn3PJEaz6gtQXezKQ6fQwVDjK6FFvNPCWiBsLajlK7ddao2dtv7qINsFveCjbSkNbFXdQ98fZxvTac2

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this heartwarming episode of "Pulpit Perspectives," Reverend Doctor Kent Lundy chats with Certified Lay Minister Annie Headen from Gary Centennial United Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana. Annie shares her incredible journey of faith, the people who have inspired her along the way, and the hopes she holds for her congregation. From her humble beginnings and Monday motivations to her favorite biblical passages, Annie’s story is a testament to the power of faith and community. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and the unwavering spirit that defines true ministry.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **The Power of Encouragement and Mentorship:**

Annie Headen’s journey in ministry began with the encouragement of influential figures in her life. She credits Mary McQuarrie for pushing her to attend Lay Academy and motivating her to step out of her comfort zone. Annie's story underscores the importance of mentorship and community support in growing one's faith and leadership capabilities. Such encouragement can be the catalyst that turns potential into action, inspiring others to pursue their callings with confidence.

2. **Balancing Service and Self-Care:**

In her conversation with Kent Lundy, Annie reveals her deep-rooted inclination to serve others, often putting their needs before her own. This reflects her natural alignment with the biblical characters of Mary and Martha, embodying both service and devotion. However, Annie also acknowledges the importance of taking time for oneself, highlighting a lesson many in ministry can relate to. Balancing service to others with self-care ensures longevity in ministry and personal well-being.

3. **Grounded in Faith and Humility:**

Annie’s reflections on humility and staying grounded in faith offer valuable insights into the qualities that sustain long-term spiritual leadership. She emphasizes the equalizing power of God’s love, reminding us that we are neither better nor less than one another. This deep sense of humility and her profound connection to key biblical passages, like the 23rd Psalm, provide a sturdy foundation for her role as a spiritual leader. Her aim to “increase hope and focus” within her congregation encapsulates her vision for a faith community that thrives on encouragement and steadfastness.

**Tune in to hear more from Annie Headen, including her favorite hobbies, her take on the importance of Christmas, and her thoughts on who she'd take axe-throwing from the Bible! This episode is sure to uplift and inspire anyone involved in ministry or seeking to deepen their faith.**

**Resources Mentioned:**

- North District Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/NorthDistrictINUMC

- Indiana Annual Conference Website: www.inumc.org

Thank you for listening to “Pulpit Perspectives.” Stay inspired and keep the faith alive.

Annie Headen, Gary Centennial UMC

https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church/church/?id=54670

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful and inspiring episode of "Pulpit Perspectives," we welcome Chris Matthews, pastor at Gary Christ United Methodist Church and 5th Avenue United Methodist Church, to delve into the dynamic landscape of faith, community, and leadership. Here are the three key takeaways from our conversation with Chris Matthews:

**1. The Balance Between Doing and Being in Faith:**

Chris Matthews emphasizes the importance of balancing action and rest in the Christian faith. He discusses how "doing" and "being" are inextricably linked, with each playing a crucial role in one's spiritual journey. Reflecting on his own practices, Chris shares how he integrates rest and reflection into his ministry to avoid burnout and stay spiritually connected. This balance is crucial not only for personal spiritual health but also for effective leadership in faith communities.

**2. The Emerging Church Movement and Its Influence:**

Chris delves into the influence of the emerging church movement on mainline denominations, particularly within United Methodist congregations. Inspired by authors Leonard Sweet, Brian McLaren, and Michael Beck, he discusses the need for a theology without baggage and the future of creating Christian community beyond traditional church walls. Chris uses the metaphor of the United Methodist Church being more like an "Ace Hardware" store to emphasize the need for practicality and accessibility in modern Christian practices. This perspective offers fresh insights into how churches can remain relevant and impactful in today’s world.

**3. Strengthening Church Communities Through Connection and Collaboration:**

Looking ahead, Chris outlines his vision for church leadership centered on three core values: connection, collaboration, and revival. He stresses the vital role of working together within churches and across congregations to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. Highlighting his involvement in programs like Strengthening the Black Church and the Maximum Impact Cohort, Chris talks about the significance of building strong support systems and accountability networks within the church. His teachings underscore the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of all efforts, predicting that true revival will emerge through collaborative efforts inspired by Christ-centered fellowship.

Join us in this episode to be encouraged and uplifted by Pastor Chris Matthews' journey, insights, and heartfelt aspirations for the future of the church. Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more episodes of “Pulpit Perspectives.”

Chris Matthews, Gary 5th Ave. and Gary Christ UMCs

https://www.facebook.com/garycumc

https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church/church/?id=56258

North District: https://www.facebook.com/NorthDistrictINUMC

Conference website: www.inumc.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.