This week on POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Melissa McDuffee Beal, Senior Pastor of FUMC Cleburne, hosts guest speaker Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross, Senior Pastor of Noblesville First UMC in Indiana, and Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson of Munger Place Church in Dallas. Together, they reflect on what bold faith looks like in practice, how women in Scripture model courage and conviction, and why discernment, wisdom and community matter as much as speaking up.

This episode was recorded at the Horizon Texas Conference's Women's Retreat, Altogether Bold, and offers a glimpse into the conversations, themes and questions that shaped the weekend. With courage, honesty and deep faith, the discussion explores what it means to live boldly as women of Christ in today's world.

Listeners are invited into a deeper understanding of boldness not as volume or certainty but as faith rooted in love, justice and a willingness to listen for God's call. Whether you attended the retreat or are simply longing for encouragement to live your faith more fully, this episode creates space to pause, reflect and be renewed.

Some of Rev. Nicole's podcasts:

https://godblessthisholymess.podbean.com/

https://stlukesumc.com/thewell

If you want to be involved with the next Altogether retreat reach out to Joy@htcumc.org

Website - htcumc.org
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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

Faithful experimentation is becoming essential to the life of the church today. Drawing from lived ministry experience, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Rev. Al Martin explore how new expressions of church take shape through trust, patience and a willingness to learn.

Through stories and reflection, this episode examines how churches navigate change, test new ways of being in relationship with their communities and remain attentive to where the Spirit is already at work.

For more from Michael Beck visit his website: https://michaeladambeck.com/

Explore fresh expressions at Perkins School of Theology https://www.smu.edu/perkins

Website - htcumc.org
Facebook - @HTCUMC
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YouTube - @htcumc
Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

What might the church look like when it takes faithful shape beyond the sanctuary?

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Rev. Al Martin for a conversation introducing New Expressions, new ways of forming Christian community that are rooted in Methodist heritage and shaped for the realities of today.

Often emerging in everyday places and centered on listening, relationship, and belonging, New Expressions invite the church to rediscover practices that have been part of Methodism from the very beginning. Rather than offering quick answers, this conversation raises thoughtful questions about how faith is formed, how community takes shape, and where the Holy Spirit may already be at work.

This episode is the first of a two-part conversation with Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and accompanies the Spring Multiplication Masterclasses, offering a starting point for leaders and communities curious about what it means to be church in new places.

Website - htcumc.org
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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

What does faithful leadership look like when you are still becoming who God is calling you to be? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we are joined by Laureen Kuizon and Rachel Risko, seminary students at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and members of the Young Adult Council of the Horizon Texas Conference, for a hopeful and honest conversation about shaping the church from the inside out.

Laureen and Rachel share their journeys into ministry, the questions that continue to shape their faith, and the ways young adults are already contributing to the life of the church as faithful leaders right now. Together, they reflect on unity without uniformity, the importance of listening across generations, and how hope takes shape when the church creates space for honest conversation and shared leadership.

This conversation invites listeners to consider how faith is formed in real time through listening, relationship, and showing up for one another. Whether you are connected to young adult ministry or simply curious about how the church is being shaped today, this episode offers wisdom, honesty, and hope worth sitting with.

https://rekindlesummit.com/

Website - htcumc.org
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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

After welcoming more than 54 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studios in 2025, we couldn't let their stories live in just one episode. Each week, we ask our guests to share their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry, and once again, the stories were too good to leave on the cutting room floor.

This second installment continues the celebration of the heart, humor and very human moments of ministry across our United Methodist connection. Stick around and hear if Rev. Daniel Hawkins finally cracked the code on what "6–7" actually means.

So settle in for part two of last year's Best, Worst or Weirdest Moments in Ministry.

Website - htcumc.org
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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

This year, we welcomed over 54 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studio. After recording each episode, we love to ask our guests to share a story about their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry. We heard so many fantastic stories from some truly wonderful people that we had to divide them into two parts. This episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist community, so without further ado, here's part one of this year's Best, Worst or Weirdest Moments in Ministry.

Website - htcumc.org
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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

This episode touches on some behind the scenes aspects of being Mrs. Claus that may not be suitable for younger ears. If you have little ones around we recommend listening later or with headphones. Thanks for understanding, Merry Christmas!

Creativity, imagination, and joy are essential parts of forming faith, especially in the lives of children.

In this Christmas-week episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Betsy Modrzejewski, Director of Children's Ministry at Fellowship UMC in Trophy Club, for a conversation about what it means to create space where children are welcomed, trusted, and invited to experience church as their church. Betsy reflects on how wonder is cultivated through presence, patience, and the freedom to explore faith in ways that feel authentic and life-giving.

Later on in the episode, we get a special visit from Mrs. Claus, who has a message for all our listeners just in time for Christmas.

https://www.wanderingdramacompany.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thespiritedmrsclaus

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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

Advent does not always arrive gently, but even in its weight, it carries the promise of light, hope, and renewed joy. For many, this season holds exhaustion, grief, and unanswered questions, yet it also invites us to slow down and notice where God is already at work.

On this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Sarah Garza and Rev. Lee Trigg for a thoughtful conversation inspired by the Advent study guide A Weary World Rejoices. Written by Daniel Hawkins, Johnny Brower, Katie Newkirk, Fai'ana Prescott-Funaki, Lee Trigg, and Sarah Garza, the study invites readers and communities to engage Advent with honesty, courage, and hope.

Drawing from pastoral experience and shared reflection, this conversation explores the power of naming what we carry, showing up in community, and trusting that God meets us in the midst of real life. This episode offers space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover how joy can still take root even in a weary world.

Buy their book on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/f9FTL8h

Website - htcumc.org
Facebook - @HTCUMC
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Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference