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.
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People Like Me: The Ministry of Inclusion and Invitation
04/22/2025
People Like Me: The Ministry of Inclusion and Invitation
We are gearing up for a special event - People Like Me - a two-day immersive retreat focused on building intercultural competency, strengthening inclusive leadership, and helping churches reflect the rich diversity of their communities. Led by our very own, Rev. Katrena King, our Conference’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, the retreat offers tools like the Intercultural Development Inventory, also known as the IDI - it will also include space for authentic storytelling, which will be done in a very unique way – and workshops on everything from tough conversations to vision casting. And that brings us to our guest. Samuel Rodriguez is the Director of Congregational Development for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. For over 27 years, he’s been helping churches plant, grow, and thrive—especially in multicultural and multi-ethnic contexts. He will be the special guest at People Like Me. Join us for a conversation about why events like People Like Me matter—and how the future of the Church depends on the kind of work he and Katrena will be doing in Woodworth.
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Encore Episode: The Easter Story
04/11/2025
Encore Episode: 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: https://www.la-umc.org/churches To find a listing of online church services in the Louisiana Conference, please visit . To find a United Methodist church near you, please visit: https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church
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The Final Days, A Lenten Journey with Rev. Matt Rawle
02/26/2025
The Final Days, A Lenten Journey with Rev. Matt Rawle
This Lent, ponder the themes of justice, poverty, freedom, and love. The four New Testament Gospels aren’t the same story, but they offer the same Resurrection hope. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John devote most of their story detailing Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, all highlighting Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city, the suffering and humiliation of the cross, and the empty tomb come Sunday morning, but the stories they tell aren’t quite the same. Each Gospel offers a different lens through which we understand Jesus’ Passion. One portrait reveals Jesus to be in control, while another emphasizes his suffering. In one story Jesus offers hope to the thief on the cross, and in another Jesus only receives derision. These different perspectives aren’t a reason to dismiss the Gospels; rather they reveal an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God’s work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Buy Matt's book . For more on the 2025 Annual Conference, head .
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Common Ground Youth Retreat
01/22/2025
Common Ground Youth Retreat
The Common Ground Youth Retreat is set for February 21-23, 2025, at Camp Istrouma, offering a weekend of connection, faith-building, and fun for United Methodist youth in grades 6-12 across Louisiana. Organized by youth directors from the Louisiana United Methodist Conference, the retreat invites young people to deepen their relationship with Christ and each other in a supportive environment. Registration for the retreat (closes January 31st) is $30 per participant, covering meals, activities, and costs for speakers and musicians. Register . Question? Email us.
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People Like Me
12/19/2024
People Like Me
Join us for – a two-day immersive retreat led by Rev. Katrena King, our Conference's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist. This event, January 10-11 in Woodworth, is designed for anyone ready to take bold steps toward deeper intercultural competency and create stronger, more inclusive faith communities. At this retreat, you'll participate in hands-on workshops, engage in courageous conversations, and explore your own development through tools like the Intercultural Development Inventory. Through storytelling, skill-building, and conflict-resolution sessions, we’ll create a supportive space to connect, learn, and grow together. This isn’t just about training; it's about fostering meaningful relationships across diverse backgrounds to strengthen our shared mission.'
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Listening for the Future; Black Church Vitality
10/31/2024
Listening for the Future; Black Church Vitality
"They don't want to die; they want to grow!" It's a powerful realization for Rev. Robert Johnson who just completed four listening sessions all across The Louisiana Conference; listening sessions focused on the future of the Black Church. Johnson serves as the Black Church Vitality strategist in The Louisiana Conference and is our guest on this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast. We discuss what he heard during the listening sessions, the strength of the Black Church in this moment, the value in listening and what's next as we prepare for huge event in 2025.
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Recognizing and Responding to Christian Nationalism
10/09/2024
Recognizing and Responding to Christian Nationalism
In this episode of Louisiana NOW, Karrie Gaspard joins the show. Gaspard is a doctoral student at Tulane University, and is an expert in dissecting the complexities of Christian Nationalism and its encroachment into the fabric of Christianity. As a former educator and licensed social worker with a profound understanding of the intersections between religious and political spheres, Karrie offers invaluable insights into the origins and manifestations of Christian Nationalism. The conversation explores practical methods for identifying and challenging these narratives, assessing when patriotic sentiments may inadvertently align with nationalistic ideologies. Todd and Karrie delve into what it means to be both a Christian and a patriot without crossing into the realms of Christian Nationalism. They also give pastors a practical method for how to navigate these narratives. Tim Alberta's book, Caleb Campbell's book, . To read the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, go .
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"Look! I am Doing a New Thing!"
09/18/2024
"Look! I am Doing a New Thing!"
Hurricane Francine brought a positive development to two United Methodist Churches in Louisiana. Both and Cornerstone United Methodist Church partnered with Together New Orleans to be a part of the Community Lighthouse project, a bold initiative to create a network of solar-powered churches and community centers across the city. The result? The largest off-grid energy project in the world. And it worked during Hurricane Francine. In this episode, Bishop Delores J. Williamston chats with Rev. Shawn Anglim of First Grace United Methodist Church about the project and the hope that it brought to the community. More on the project can be found If you would like to help relief efforts in Louisiana, please visit or text RELIEF to 800-500-5858.
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Lay Leadership in The Louisiana Conference
08/27/2024
Lay Leadership in The Louisiana Conference
In this episode of Louisiana NOW, we sit down with John Smith, the new Conference Lay Leader, and Susie Cox, the new Associate Lay Leader. Together, we explore the crucial role of lay leadership in the United Methodist Church. We reflect on their personal journeys of faith and what inspired them to step into leadership roles within their local congregations. They share insights on the difference between clergy and lay leaders, offering unique perspectives from the laity that help shape the future of the Church. If you'd like to reach the show, please send us an email: Thanks for listening!
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Grieving Well; Upcoming Clergy Retreat
08/15/2024
Grieving Well; Upcoming Clergy Retreat
In this episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Vicki Loflin Johnson and Rev. Ali Young, Director of Clergy Excellence in The Louisiana Conference, to talk about the upcoming clergy retreat called . Clergy are expected to share the burden of others’ grief as well as the collective grief of the institutions we serve. In the midst of caring for others, how can we make space for tending our own souls? In this one-day retreat we will consider ways that we as leaders might faithfully tend our own grief while teaching and encouraging our congregations to do the same. We will share ideas and resources to help create personal and congregational rituals for mourning. We will reflect together about the potential benefits and positive outcomes when we practice grieving well. Our day apart will be led by Dr. Johnson who believes that tending our grief is an essential wellbeing practice for ministry leaders in every season, and especially in response to the last several years of leadership in the church. Join Vicki for this intentional conversation about healing and wholeness. She served for 30 years in the Mississippi Conference in a variety of settings—small church pastor, clergy couple co-appointment, executive pastor, district superintendent, and nine years as senior pastor of a community-focused downtown church. Coaching professionally since 2015, she holds a Level 2/PCC credential with the International Coaching Federation, is a Lead Trainer with Coach Approach Skills Training (CAST) and created a Level 2 Leadership Coach Specialization through Radiant Coaches Academy. Vicki is also certified as an Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist, Spiritual Director, and 200-hour E-RYT yoga instructor. In 2020, she founded The Art of WellBeing () —offering individual and group coaching in support of clergy leadership and wellbeing. Vicki and her husband Roger live in East Texas.
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"The Heart Felt Good" Bishop Delores J. Williamston Reflects on The 2024 Annual Conference
06/17/2024
"The Heart Felt Good" Bishop Delores J. Williamston Reflects on The 2024 Annual Conference
Welcome to another episode of the Louisiana Now podcast. In this episode, we sit down with bishop Delores J. Williamston, bishop of The Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church. The 2024 Annual Conference just wrapped up last week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We had a chance to sit down with Bishop Williamston before she left this week for the Arkansas annual conference. She reflects on so many high moments from the annual conference, from the rollout of her vision to the incredible ordination service at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge. You won't want to miss this episode.
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"Welcome to Ministry!" The Story of Rev. Amy Castro and Storms in South Louisiana
05/14/2024
"Welcome to Ministry!" The Story of Rev. Amy Castro and Storms in South Louisiana
We sit down with Rev. Amy Castro of Westlake United Methodist Church to talk about her incredible journey this week. She was driving home after graduating from seminary at Perkins School of Theology on the campus of SMU and drove straight to tornado damage at her church in southwest Louisiana. She shares a heartwarming tale of resilience and community support that followed in the moments after the storm. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, hope, and the incredible strength of community bonds in times of crisis. To hear the episode Todd and Amy discuss in this episode, Praise Him in the Hallway, please click .
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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 .
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"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:
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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]
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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.
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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.
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