Louisiana Now

A 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.

A Historic General Conference, Our Final Episode from Charlotte 05/03/2024

A Historic General Conference, Our Final Episode from Charlotte We wrap our coverage from Charlotte, North Carolina. In this final episode, we wanted to share some interviews on the major event that came out of General Conference - Delegates voted to remove restrictive and harmful language from the United Methodist Book of Discipline after more than fifty years of intense, prayerful debate. For more on our coverage from General Conference, please click . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/31100888

From the Chair, with Bishop Delores Williamston 04/29/2024

From the Chair, with Bishop Delores Williamston Our updates from General Conference continue. In this episode, we look back at the start of Week 2 from Charlotte, North Carolina. Bishop Delores J. Williamston presided over the morning plenary session and we had a chance to catch up with her afterward. She talks more about what it felt to sit in the chair and what this week looks like. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/31039748

Cajun Todd Chats with Plain Todd at General Conference 04/27/2024

Cajun Todd Chats with Plain Todd at General Conference Todd Rossnagel and Todd Seifert have served together on UMAC (United Methodist Association of Communicators) leadership teams. As you might expect, identifying two Todd's became a challenge on ZOOM, so Todd Rossnagel received the nickname "Cajun Todd" (Louisiana), while Todd Seifert earned the nickname "Plain Todd" (Great Plains). In this episode of Louisiana NOW, Rossnagel and Seifert unpack General Conference, discuss what it's like to cover General Conference from a media perspective, and share more about Bishop Delores J. Williamston, who served in the Great Plains Conference before being assigned to the Louisiana Conference. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/31012948

An Update from General Conference, General Conference Gives Regionalization Green Light 04/25/2024

An Update from General Conference, General Conference Gives Regionalization Green Light UNITED METHODIST NEWS: General Conference has now passed much of the legislation that aims to give The United Methodist Church’s different geographic regions equal standing in decision-making. In what outgoing Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton called “a historic day for our church,” delegates voted 586 to 164 for an amendment to the denomination’s constitution that will now go before annual conference voters for potential ratification. A constitutional amendment requires at least a two-thirds vote at General Conference; the regionalization amendment received 78% of the vote. To be ratified, the amendment also will need at least a two-thirds total vote of annual conference lay and clergy voters. Annual conferences are church regions consisting of multiple congregations and other ministries. Regionalization has become United Methodist shorthand for a package of legislation that would restructure the denomination. Under the legislation, the U.S. and each central conference — church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines — would become regional conferences with the same authority to adapt the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s policy book, for more missional effectiveness. At present, only central conferences have that authority under the denomination’s constitution to adapt the Discipline as missional needs and different legal contexts require. To see the story with Rev. Marissa Horvath, please click . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/30991968

General Conference Begins in Charlotte 04/25/2024

General Conference Begins in Charlotte In this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we delve into the start of General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina. We catch up with Bishop Delores J. Williamston, Jennifer Swann, and other delegates. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/30982003

Previewing General Conference 04/21/2024

Previewing General Conference The General Conference of The United Methodist Church is meeting April 23 through May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, NC. In this episode, Todd Rossnagel shares a preview of the gathering, including comments from Bishop Delores J. Williamston, Rev. Bardy Whitton, and Jennifer Swann, members of the Louisiana delegation. For more on General Conference, and to stay up to date with the latest news, decisions and celebrations from this global gathering, please . To watch the Louisiana Conference preview show, mentioned in this episode, please . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/30922898

Celebrating Women's History Month 03/22/2024

Celebrating Women's History Month In this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we visit with Dr. Ashley Boggan D., the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History. Ahsley helps to ensure that the UMC understands its past in order to envision a more equitable future for all Methodists. Boggan earned her PhD from Drew Theological School’s Graduate Division of Religion, specializing in both Methodist/Wesleyan Studies and Women’s/Gender Studies. For more on Boggan's series of talks at the 2023 Annual Conference, go . For more on the Radicle Methodism course, click . For more on Donna Fowler Marchant's Mothers in Israel: Methodist beginnings through the Eyes of Women, go . Thank you for listening and supporting the Louisiana NOW podcast. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/30501598

A Conversation with Rev. Katrena Porter King, DEI Strategist for Louisiana 02/22/2024

A Conversation with Rev. Katrena Porter King, DEI Strategist for Louisiana In this episode, we catch up with 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 Rev. Katrena King will bring to the Louisiana Conference as we continue to make strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her gifting will assist the conference as we look at practices and policies around this critical work. Katrena’s experience holding space in community collaborations is an asset to us as we continue the work that began in 2021 around anti-racism or justice-orientated issues." Rev. King, recently commissioned as a Provisional Deacon at the 2023 Louisiana Annual Conference, brings a wealth of experience and a unique set of skills. Her approach to guiding conversations on complex topics allows for creating safe and open sharing spaces. She empowers individuals to recognize and refine their leadership abilities while fostering visionary and strategic thinking. As a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIV and a recipient of the 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award, Rev. King's contributions have been recognized as both significant and impactful. Additionally, her further demonstrates her passion for advocating for equity and representation. The Louisiana Conference looks forward to the innovative contributions Rev. King will bring to the table. Her strategic vision and commitment to community engagement are vital as the Conference continues its journey toward creating a more equitable and just society. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/30068678

Turning Ideas into Reality 01/30/2024

Turning Ideas into Reality We 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 explore the theology behind and current necessity for ministry innovation. In this episode, we discuss what it means to execute innovative ideas in the local church, and why the word 'innovative' might not even be the best word! For more on the A New Thing Workshop, please head . Britney's books, including Rally!, can be found . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/29716963

Reflecting on 2023 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston 12/27/2023

Reflecting on 2023 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston Welcome 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 growth, connection, and HōPE. Join us as we review these significant milestones and also look ahead to what 2024 holds. Bishop Williamston shares her experiences, insights, and visions for the future in this special year-end episode. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/28846383

Advent and Christmas Reflections with Bishop Delores J. Williamston 12/11/2023

Advent and Christmas Reflections with Bishop Delores J. Williamston Welcome 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 for the festive season. Stay tuned for a heartwarming journey through memories and messages of HōPE, faith, and joy with Bishop Williamston. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/28846298

Getting Ready for Christmas! 11/15/2023

Getting Ready for Christmas! In 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 welcoming for all who walk through the church doors. And that's not all – host Todd Rossnagel will be sharing a few social media hacks to boost your church's online presence this Christmas. With these tips, we aim to help you create a buzz on social media that translates into greater engagement and brings more people to experience the joy and community of the season. Todd's full list can be found . Remember, we always love to hear from our listeners. Whether you have a question, a comment, or just want to share your Christmas preparations, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re eager to hear your stories and insights. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/28655418

Focus on the Future 10/06/2023

Focus on the Future In 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 things no longer suffice in carrying out God's divine work. Amid so much ecclesial, cultural, and economic change, the Bishop and Extended Cabinet have identified the need for a planning and implementation process to create a flexible, agile operational system that can adapt quickly to the known and unknown ministry opportunities that lie ahead. The Louisiana Conference has enlisted the expertise of , an experienced church consultant, to help us think about the future organizationally (conference structure, staff design, governance system, etc.). He has done similar work with Great Plains and Mountain Sky Conferences. He recently finished a similar job with Central, North, and Northwest Texas Conferences. His approach centers on the art of listening, engaging in interviews and focus groups to glean insights into people's perceptions of our current systems and their aspirations for the future. The ultimate goal is to articulate a clear and concise mission statement that will guide our pivotal decisions and strategies, aligning our organizational structure and operations with our mission. To learn more, head . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/28249811

When Prophets Preach; A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine 09/26/2023

When Prophets Preach; A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan C. 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, 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 recognized social justice advocate who speaks for the equality of all human beings. Prior to Dr. Augustine’s current pastoral service, he led Historic St. James AME Church (1844), in downtown New Orleans, the oldest predominantly black, Protestant congregation in the Deep South, while simultaneously teaching at Southern University Law Center. He recently served as a visiting professor at North Carolina Central University Law School and as a consulting faculty member at Duke University Divinity School, where he is also a member of the Board of Visitors and a missional strategist. To see Jay's teaching sessions from the 2022 Annual Conference, go . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/28146413

"Always, We Begin Again..." A Conversation with Rev. Frances Hooton 09/11/2023

"Always, We Begin Again..." A Conversation with Rev. Frances Hooton In 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 Methodist Church. In this episode, Todd references the AC23 logo; you can see that logo below: /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/27981087

717 Days of Faith 08/14/2023

717 Days of Faith 717 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 meeting in its fellowship hall on the south side of the church campus. Sunday, church members second-lined from the fellowship hall to the newly renovated sanctuary and Todd Rossnagel sat down with Rev. Michelle Harris to talk about the past two years and the lessons learned. If you'd like to reach the Louisiana NOW podcast, please send us an email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/27749511

Introducing: Black Church Matters 07/24/2023

Introducing: Black Church Matters In 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 contributions. Through compelling discussions, the podcast will explore the ways in which these churches continue to serve as pillars of strength, resilience, and hope within their communities. The Black Church Matters podcast will feature Bishop Delores J. Williamston as the first guest, so be on the lookout for it wherever you listen to great podcasts. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/27552771

Hope for the Future: Rev. Fred Wideman 07/05/2023

Hope for the Future: Rev. Fred Wideman In 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 by disaffiliation was Ruston, Louisiana, where two United Methodist churches made the decision to leave the UMC. Grace United Methodist Church found itself nearly divided, with numerous members opting to transfer their membership to the conference while embarking on establishing a new congregation. Recognizing the importance of supporting these individuals, the Louisiana Conference Congregational Development team is actively working with the Ruston group to explore various possibilities, and Rev. Fred Wideman has been appointed as their "shepherd." We discuss what that means and his hope for the future in Ruston and beyond. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/27372846

Bending the Rules: A Conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan 05/31/2023

Bending the Rules: A Conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan In 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. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/27000402

Previewing AC23 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston 05/04/2023

Previewing AC23 with Bishop Delores J. Williamston We 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 . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26747214

Church Finances with Dianne Wilkinson 04/26/2023

Church Finances with Dianne Wilkinson Dianne 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 more on the times and locations of this seminar, please head . /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26661771

Bishop Williamston Reflects on Lenten Series and Points to Easter 04/06/2023

Bishop Williamston Reflects on Lenten Series and Points to Easter In 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. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26467218

Encore: The Easter Story 04/04/2023

Encore: The Easter Story This 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: To find a listing of online church services in the Louisiana Conference, please visit . To find a United Methodist church near you, please visit: /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26440371

Lenten Devotional, Week 6 03/30/2023

Lenten Devotional, Week 6 In 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 and share the show with someone you love. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26392023

Lenten Devotional, Week 5 03/24/2023

Lenten Devotional, Week 5 For 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. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26330967

Lenten Devotional, Week 4 03/16/2023

Lenten Devotional, Week 4 As 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 of miracles. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26230194

Lenten Devotional, Week 3 03/09/2023

Lenten Devotional, Week 3 Our 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. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26169813

Lenten Devotional, Week 2 03/02/2023

Lenten Devotional, Week 2 In 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. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26083641

Lenten Devotional, Week 1 02/23/2023

Lenten Devotional, Week 1 Bishop 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. /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/26021766

Called to Reconciliation: Rev. Donnie Wilkinson 01/23/2023

Called to Reconciliation: Rev. Donnie Wilkinson Rev. 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, and the class will meet every Wednesday in February, over Zoom. The class will be held at either or . The Noon class will be taught by Rev. Donnie Wilkinson and the link to register for that class is found . The 7:00pm class will be led by Jennifer Rossnagel and the link to register for that class is found . Wilkinson is the Senior Pastor at Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. If you would like to get in touch with us here at the Louisiana NOW podcast, please send us an email: /episode/index/show/louisiananow/id/25691559

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