Preach, Pray Or Die

Continuing in our brother-in-law series we are pleased to bring you our interview with Rev. Dustin Petz. Dustin serves as the pastor of the Norfolk UMC in Norfolk, NE. We talk about his early life in Bird City, KS, his path to ministry and love, his work as a board member of GCFA and so many other things!  You won't want to miss it!

Rev. John Collins is the pastor of Abilene First United Methodist Church in Abilene, Kansas (The hometown of our 34th President, Dwight Eisenhower). John shares with us the story of his life in ministry, the first time he met his wife and his passion for technology.  Thank you for listening!   A note on audio quality. The recording space we had been graciously provided proved to have some deep technical issues. As a result, you may notice more background sound than usual. 

Preach, Pray or Die is two years old! We celebrate entering our terrible twos by highlighting clips from the following episodes: #9 - Bill Selby #15 - Live Show at Annual Conference #22 - Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey #33 - Junius Dotson

Ben Wheeler is the Director of Youth and Discipleship Ministries at McPherson United Methodist Church in McPherson, Kansas.  Ben has a long and effective history with camping ministries in the state of Kansas and served as the chair of the camping ministry board for the Conference. He and our hosts go way back so we do a little reminiscing, a little discussion of the shape of youth ministry and a little more reminiscing.   Thank you so much for listening! 

Thanks for listening to this episode of Preach, Pray or Die! Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Twitter for announcements and give us a review on iTunes if you enjoy what we do!   The Rev. Dee Williamston is the Salina District Superintendent of the Great Plains Annual Conference. We discuss her fascinating path into the ministry and how each of her jobs has shaped her current work. We also talk about Dee's lifelong love of movies and her more recent love of cats. You'll also have to forgive Ben as he mixes up Rocky III and Rocky IV, he hopes in time you'll trust his knowledge of pop culture again.

Dr. Jeanne Hoeft is the Academic Dean of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. In addition, she is the Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care and Franklin and Louise Cole Chair in Town and Country Ministries. We talk about vocation, eating out of sterilized flower pots and the future of church leadership in the next few decades.

Thank you for listening to episode 38 of Preach, Pray or Die! Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City. We think it's fair to say he's well known as a preacher, teacher, and author. Across the episode, we touch on Resurrection's new sanctuary as it relates to the design of sacred space, high points and challenges in ministry, and the divisive subject of coffee in the sanctuary. If you enjoy our show be sure to rate us on iTunes or give us a like on Facebook! Let us know what you've learned from our wonderful guests!

We're excited to be back! After a summer break comes episode 37 with the incredible Leighann Prothro.  Leighann serves as the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at Asbury UMC in Prairie Village, KS (Part of the Kansas City metro area).   We discuss her path into ministry, love of music and the challenges of ministry in a busy world. Near the end, Ben spoils a 117-year-old book so consider yourself warned.

Bishop Scott Jones is the episcopal leader of the Great Plains Annual Conference. Previously he served as the Bishop for the Kansas episcopal area and has spent 12 years based out of Wichita, Kansas. We talk about his background as a Wesley scholar, the state of the church and the wonders of grandchildren!

Melissa Gepford is the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Tonganoxie UMC.  Melissa will also be commissioned as a Deacon in June!  We had a great conversation about her sordid past that got her kicked out of a youth group, her love of teaching, growing up in Texas and crossfit among other topics! 

The Rev. Bruce Emmert is the District Superintendent of the Kansas City District of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church.  We discuss Bruce's experience in church planting, the challenges of ministry and a relational church and some insights into the Appointive Process in the Great Plains.

Episode 33 features out interview with Pastor, trainer and coach Junius Dotson. Rev. Dotson currently serves as the Senior Pastor of St. Mark UMC in Wichita, KS. On April 3rd, 2016 it was announced that he will become the new General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries. Amy and Ben talk with Junius about his path into faith and the ministry, how social justice and faith walk hand-in-hand and his visions for the future of the denomination.

Mark Holland serves as both a Methodist Pastor and as the mayor of Kansas City, KS. 

Lisa is one of the amazing lay delegates from the Great Plains to the 2016 General Conference!  She is dedicated member of United Methodist Women, a great chef for desserts and works as a event planner for the University of Lincoln.  Enjoy this great episode!

Zach Anderson serves as the Pastor of Hansom UMC in Omaha, NE.  Zach is a delegate to General Conference, an avid lover of politics and has met Bono personally! 

Rev. Diana Chapel is a deacon (DEACON) who serves as the pastor of Ogden Friendship House UMC and the executive director of the Ogden Friendship House of Hope. One is a church, the other a social outreach and assistance organization - listen how these two great tastes taste great together!

Rev. Gary Beach serves as the Treasurer of the Great Plains Annual Conference.  Previously he did...everything!  Amy and Ben talk about the merging of the three conferences and the 24 hour process that brought Gary on board as the conference Treasurer!

Our first episode of 2016 is with Rev. Claudia Bakely! She currently serves as the District Superintendent for the Flint Hills district of the Great Plains Annual Conference.  Listen as Amy & Ben do their best to pry for inside information and laugh a whole lot!

Rev. Barry Dundas serves as the Senior Pastor at Trinity UMC in Salina, KS (located at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135). His ministry seem to be all about building, houses, lives, art and joy. We talk about history, life and baseball!

Dr. Nate Regier is a co-founder of Next Element Consulting, a conflict and communication consulting and mentoring firm in Newton, KS.  Nate works with our ordination residents in the Great Plains.  More information on Next Element can be found at www.next-element.com