Shows / Means of Grace
Means of Grace
Means of Grace, a podcast from the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, equips church leaders through expertise and examples. Twice a month, we feature local experts on a variety of topics from leadership to innovation and share examples of churches in our conference reaching their communities in news ways through mission engagement, Fresh Expressions and much more. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, defined Means of Grace as the outward signs…
Episodes
- Means of Grace
Faith in a Fractured Season: Remembrance, Gratitude, and Hope with Bishop Ken Carter
Bishop Ken Carter of the Western North Carolina Conference joins Means of Grace hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager to explore how November's observances—All…
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Why Discipleship Matters More with Rev. Lory Beth Huffman
In this episode, Reverend Lory Beth Huffman shares her journey into ministry, her experiences as a district superintendent, and insights into the Appalachian…
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Living Into Our Vision with John Crane & Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand and John Crane explore how churches can live beyond their walls, connect evangelism with missional outreach, and…
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Wesley Pilgrimage Reflections with Rev. Hannah Howell and Rev. Blake Smarr
In this episode, Hannah Howell and Blake Smarr reflect on their pilgrimage through England, retracing Wesleyan history, and explore how the experience deepened…
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Healing from Religious & Spiritual Abuse
In this episode, Dr. Hannah Sutton-Adams, Rev. Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun & Rebecca Yates explore the concept of healing within the church, addressing religious…
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Wonder Summit 2026 with Skyler Przygoda and Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven
This episode explores the upcoming WONDER SUMMIT and innovative approaches to involving children in worship, emphasizing the importance of listening to their…
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Ep. 167 - Leading with Grace: A Metro District Superintendent's Journey with Rev. David Hockett
In this episode, Rev. David Hockett shares his journey into ministry, his return to the role of Metro District Superintendent, and insights on leadership…
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No Mission Without Margin
Meredith Martin, the new conference treasurer and director of administrative services, shares her journey, experience, and vision for her new role. She…
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Pentecost Already Happened with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand shares insights on the Holy Spirit's movement in church life, the importance of authentic evangelism, and reimagining…
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Highlights from the 2026 WNC Conference with Bishop Carter & Rev. Kim Ingram
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 Western North Carolina Annual Conference, highlighting key initiatives, recognitions, and spiritual…
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Handing It Off: Worship, Legacy, and the Future of Conference with Rev. Dr. Kaury Edwards
Join Jesse Enniss and John Yeager as they chat with Kaury Edwards, a visionary Annual Conference worship leader preparing to pass the baton after four years of…
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Peace by the Lake, Rebuild the Church: Pilgrimage, Change, and the Work Ahead
Summary This episode features insights on church leadership, the importance of humility, and navigating change during appointment season. Hosts Jesse Enniss…
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Re-Air: Healing and Hope in Anxious Times
MOG Re-Air from 2023: In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and Kim Ingram talk to Rev. Katherine Sherrill, a therapist, and United…
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Ashes and Roadmaps with Rev. Dr. In-Yong Lee
Summary In this episode of Means of Grace, John Yeager explores the significance of Lent and its evolution over the years, emphasizing the importance of…
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Disarming Hatred, Again and Still
Summary In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Rev. Beth Crissman engage in a profound discussion about the ongoing…
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God and the Machine with Rev. Nathan Webb
Summary In this conversation, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager engage with Nathan Webb, author of 'God and the Machine', to explore the intersection of faith and…
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What We Carry, What We Release
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the themes of humility, connection, and community as they reflect on the…
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2025 Means of Grace Year in Review
Thank you for all your support throughout 2025. To end the year, we've compiled a few of our most inspirational stories. We look forward to bringing you more…
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Preparing Room: Mercy, Immigration, and the Quiet Defiance That Saves Lives
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Rev. Dr. Luke Edwards reflect on the importance of being present for the vulnerable, particularly immigrants…
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The Heart of Ministry: Embracing Appreciation with Rev. Sally Queen
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the vital role of appreciation in ministry with Reverend Sally Queen…
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Missional Sanctification
Summary In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, John and Jesse host Rev. Pam Carter, Wanda Musgrave and Rev. Wayner Dickert who discuss the complex…
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Stepping Into Superintendency: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, we delve into the multifaceted role of Yadkin Valley's new district superintendent, Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti. Join…
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The Time is Now: News Around the Western North Carolina Conference
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the importance of connection in ministry, especially during challenging…
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Sacred Disobedience: Faithful Resistance and the Call of Conscience
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Reverend Jesse Enniss and Reverend John Yeager discuss the intersection of faith and civil disobedience…
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A Holy 8 and the Holy Spirit: Reflections on Annual Conference 2025 with Bishop Ken Carter & Rev. Kim Ingram
In this episode of Means of Grace, host Reverend John Yeager is joined by Bishop Ken Carter and Reverend Kim Ingram to reflect on the recent Annual Conference…
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The Journey to Annual Conference
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Reverend Jesse Enniss and Reverend John Yeager celebrate Jesse's graduation from Duke Divinity School and…
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Easter: Living as Resurrection People with Rev. Dan Pezet
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Reverend Dan Pezet explore the deeper meanings of Easter, emphasizing that it is…
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Showing Up: Advocating for the Poor and Marginalized with Rev. Joel Simpson (Encore)
This edition of the Means of Grace features a conversation with Rev. Joel Simpson, pastor of First UMC in Taylorsville, NC. Joel has a heart for justice and…
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Peace Conference 2025
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager engage with Reverend Beth Crissman to reflect on the recent Peace Conference held…
Means of GraceSeason of Lent and the Gospel of Mark: Bishop Ken Carter Interviews Dr. Clifton Black
In this episode we revisit a great conversation that continues to edify us during the Lenten season. In recognition of the Lenten season, Bishop Ken Carter…
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Quietly Revolutionary - Examining the Meaning of Lent
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager engage in a heartfelt conversation with Megan Habich, exploring the themes of…
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Fresh Expressions 2025
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss their experiences at the Fresh Expressions Conference. They explore…
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Sanctuary: The Lawsuit Fighting for Safe Spaces
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager, along with guests Michelle Chappell and Greg Huffman, delve into the…
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Examining Mystery in Modern Faith with Rev. Rob Hutchinson
Jesse Enniss and Reverend John Yeager engage with Rob Hutchinson to explore the theme of mystery in modern faith. They discuss how churches can embrace mystery…
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Exploring the Meaning of Baptism: How a Viking Baptism Brought the Word Mercy to America
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager delve into the profound significance of baptism, exploring its historical…
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Managing and Preventing Burnout
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager delve into the pervasive issue of burnout, exploring its emotional, physical, and…
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Youth in Ministry with Shannon LeMaster-Smith
In today's episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith discuss the critical role of youth in the church…
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Epic Fails with Charles DiRico
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the importance of failure in personal and spiritual growth. They are…
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Election Day Prayer
On Election Day, we wanted to share something a little bit different. Instead of having a lively conversation with John and Jesse, we are sharing with you a…
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Hurricane Helene: A Call to Action Understanding UMC's Mission
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Ennis and John Yeager discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the power of community…
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Environmental Stewardship: A Faith Perspective
Today's episode of Means of Grace discusses environmental stewardship through a faith-based lens, emphasizing the theological foundations and practical…
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The Quest for Historical John Wesley
Today we explore the life and legacy of John Wesley, focusing on his early influences, the development of Methodism, and its impact on American Christianity…
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Sports Theodicy: God's Role in the Game
Fall is here, football is in the air, and the Means of Grace team explores the intersection of sports and faith. Hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan…
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Interfaith Dialogues with Special Guest Christopher Harris
No man is an island, and no religion exists in a vacuum. Within the US alone, there are more than 200 denominations of Christianity, and many more globally. In…
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Suspending the Rules: When and Why?
In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith explore the concept of unspoken rules and their impact on…
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Conference Season Recap
In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith are joined by Kim Ingram, Director of Ministerial Services and…
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The Tapestry
In today's episode of Means of Grace, Jesse, John, and Jonathan discuss the importance of connection within the United Methodist Church. They explore the…
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2024 Annual Conference Update from Lake Junaluska
A busy conference season continues with 2024 Annual Conference, held in beautiful Lake Junaluska, NC. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and…
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WNCC Annual Conference Preview with Bishop Ken Carter
Annual Conference returns to beautiful Lake Junaluska June 20-23. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith preview this…
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General Conference Recap, A Brief History of the United Methodist Church, and a Look Into the Future of the UMC
General Conference 2024 is over and it was clearly one of the most historic conferences in the United Methodist Church's history. In this episode of the Means…
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Spiritual Direction: Deepening a Relationship with God Through the Instruction of the Holy Spirit
Jesse Enniss and Kim Ingram talk with three spiritual directors, Rev. Dr. Donnell FitzJefferies from WNCC, Ms. Kris Ford from NCC, and Rev. Dr. Debbie Allen…
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General Conference 2024: What You Need to Know
The Western North Carolina Conference is the host for this year's General Conference. Delegates and clergy from across the US will be in Charlotte, NC from…
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A Framework for Racial Healing
To honor the 38th celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Reverend Dr. Bill White and Dr. Brian Tillman talk about the legacy of Dr. King, the state of race…
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Doing Justice Together
In this episode Luke Edwards talks with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck about their new book, which offers a model for leading a congregation…
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An Advent Conversation with Bishop Carter
In this week's episode, WNCC Director of Communications, Aimee Yeager, sits down with Bishop Carter as he shares and Advent and Christmas message for the…
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A.I.'s Role in the Modern Church
In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Kim Ingram and Jesse Enniss discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I) tools with Nathan Webb, pastor of…
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From Healing, to Hope, to Thriving - Zoe Empowers Rwanda
The Western North Carolina Conference is partnered with zoe empowers to assist children across the world. 380 million children are trapped in the cycle of…
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30 Years of Project AGAPE
For more than 30 years, Project AGAPE has been one of our best mutual aid programs. A partnership between the Western North Carolina Conference, the North…
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Bonus Episode: Armenia Pilgrimage Reflections with Savannah
In this episode of the Means of Grace Podcast, Director of Missional Engagement, Brian Mateer, talks with Rev. Savannah Glover, Associate Pastor at Central…
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Bonus Episode: Armenia Pilgrimage Reflections with Britt
In this episode of the Means of Grace Podcast, Director of Missional Engagement, Brian Mateer, sits down with Britt Rogers to reflect on her recent experience…