“Best, Worst or Weirdest 2024 pt. 2” with Rev. Daniel Hawkins & Almost Everyone Else
Release Date: 01/07/2025
“Rooted and Resilient” with Dr. Tod Bolsinger
POD Strangely Warmed
Recorded live at the inaugural Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this episode features a powerful conversation with keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Known for his work on adaptive leadership and church resilience, Tod goes beyond his keynote address to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s church leaders. From the tension between nostalgia and mission to the power of storytelling and identity in guiding change, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for leaders navigating uncharted territory. Whether you’re in the pews or...
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“Resilient Leadership” with Bishop Delores Williamston and Bishop Ruben Saenz
POD Strangely Warmed
In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and Bishop Delores Williamston, Bishop of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recorded during the first Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this conversation explores what it means to lead with resilience through life’s challenges and the ongoing work of ministry. Bishop Williamston and Bishop Saenz, longtime friends and colleagues, share stories of grit, grace and vision, offering wisdom and encouragement for anyone seeking to lead with faith...
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"The First Horizon Texas Annual Conference 2025"
POD Strangely Warmed
This week marked our very first Annual Conference. In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins brings you conversations from across the connection: youth delegates, newly ordained clergy, and conference leaders—including Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.—all reflect on the spirit and significance of this historic moment. From stories of transformation at church camp to the deep joy of ordination, from new pastoral appointments to prayers of bold hope, this episode offers a front-row seat to a vibrant, growing conference—and a glimpse into the future of the church we're...
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The Faces and Places of Annual Conference 2025
POD Strangely Warmed
Welcome back to POD Strangely Warmed! In this special episode, we’re helping you get ready for the first-ever Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, hosted at McFarlin Memorial Auditorium on the campus of SMU. We’re taking you behind the scenes to meet some of the pastors and churches helping host this year’s gathering. Rev. Camille May, Director of Pastoral Care at Highland Park UMC, shares how their team is preparing to welcome attendees. Rev. Matt Gaston from First UMC Plano gives us a look at what to expect at their location—plus a few local food recs. And Dr. Clayton...
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Clergy Mental Health with Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow and Anna Lee
POD Strangely Warmed
Welcome to Episode 101—truly a masterclass in clergy mental health. In this conversation, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow and Anna Lee for a deeply insightful and practical discussion about the mental health challenges facing pastors and church leaders today. Drawing from their work with the Clergy Health Initiative and theological education at Perkins School of Theology, April and Anna offer both clarity and care around issues of burnout, stress and compassion fatigue, as well as systemic pressures in ministry. They don’t just name the problems—they offer...
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Church Closures Leaving a Legacy with Rev. Dr. Owen K Ross & Rev. Derek Jacobs
POD Strangely Warmed
It’s our 100th episode! We’re celebrating this milestone with gratitude for the journey and excitement for what’s ahead. As we continue our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s “5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025”, we turn our attention to how the Horizon Texas Conference is embracing change with courage, creativity, and faith. While some see disruption as decline, we see opportunity. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Dr. Owen K Ross and Rev. Derek Jacobs for a conversation full of real-life stories about rebirth, renewal and the power of leaving a legacy. From...
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Union Coffee: The Non-Derivative Church with Rev. Katie Newsome and Andrew Bennett
POD Strangely Warmed
In this third episode of our series on Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we explore The Rise of the Non-Derivative Church, a movement toward fresh, innovative expressions of faith that break away from traditional models. One powerful example of this shift is Union Coffee, a Dallas-based café that blends faith, social impact, and hospitality into a ministry beyond the walls of a conventional church. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Katie Newsome and head of Union Coffee’s board, Andrew Bennet. Together they share how Union Coffee creates a...
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"Gen Z in Revival and Retreat" with Loni Fancher & Rev. Chelsea Peddecord
POD Strangely Warmed
In the second episode of our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we dive into the dynamic and often paradoxical relationship Gen Z has with faith and the church. Are they in revival or retreat? And how can the United Methodist Church respond? Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Chelsea Peddecord and Loni Fancher to explore how Gen Z is reshaping spirituality, embracing holistic faith and pushing for authentic, justice-driven discipleship. They discuss the challenges churches face in engaging this passionate generation and how embracing...
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"Evangelism on Life Support?" with Rev. Joshua Manning and Rev. Billy Echols-Richter
POD Strangely Warmed
Is evangelism really on life support, or is it evolving into something new? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we kick off a new series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025. Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by church planters Rev. Joshua Manning and Rev. Billy Echols-Richter to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of evangelism in today’s world. Together, they explore why traditional evangelism methods may be struggling, how invitation and listening play a critical role in faith communities, and what it means to foster true belonging...
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"Getting to Be the Church" with Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen
POD Strangely Warmed
In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen, Senior Pastor at Saint Paul UMC in downtown Dallas and the newly appointed District Superintendent of the Metro East District (starting in July). Dr. Facen shares powerful stories of Saint Paul's "Body and Soul" ministry to the unhoused, the transformative impact of authentic community partnerships and the importance of loving people—body and soul. From pandemic perseverance to empowering the next generation, Dr. Facen reflects on the joys and challenges of ministry, offering wisdom for...
info_outlineIn this second installment of 2024’s Best, Worst and Weirdest, we bring you even more heartwarming, hysterical and inspiring tales from across the Horizon Texas Conference. From hilarious pranks and touching stories to some of the weirdest experiences in ministry, this episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist community. Tune in for a mix of laughter, inspiration and reflection that will leave your heart strangely warmed.
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