Shows
Wesleyan Option7 Group Spiritual Direction and Discipleship w/ Dr. Melanie DobsonIn this episode, we talk with Dr. Melanie Dobson about the practice of Group Spiritual Direction and its role in communal discernment. She shares her journey to spiritual direction, the need for belonging in today's culture, and the challenges of implementing communal discernment in churches.Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com
2026-02-2751 minWesleyan Option6 Live at the John Wesley Fellows Christmas ConferenceWe recorded a live episode! Participants in the 2025 John Wesley Fellows Christmas Conference at Duke University joined us for a conversation that explores the relevance of Wesleyan theology in the 21st century and the importance of engaging with public theology. We delve into the concept of revival and the need for theological engagement, and Joy talks about the importance of art and music in how we worship.Email us at: WesleyanOption@gmail.com
2026-02-2025 minWesleyan OptionEp 5 Why I Stayed United Methodist w/ Dr. Steve RankinIn the episode, we talk with Dr. Steve Rankin and dive into the reasons he stayed in the United Methodist Church. Our hosts also explore the impact of belonging, behavior, and belief on church affiliation as well as the challenges and complexities of church affiliation in a 21st century "vibes" culture. Email us at WesleyanOption@gmail.com
2026-02-131h 01Wesleyan OptionEp 4 Wesleyan Social Witness, plus The Reformation w/ Dr. Esther Chung-KimIn this week's episode, we're discussing a Wesleyan social witness and trying to get beyond theory to what loving our neighbors looks like in the midst of a polarized world. Plus, Lane talks with Dr. Esther Chung-Kim about the Protestant Reformation, how Wesley fits into that history, and how to talk to your kids in a distracted world. Then, our hosts offer their own "confessions" for ways they've been faithful...and sometimes fallen...in their own economic lives.We want to hear from you. Send comments or questions to wesleyanoption@gmail.com.
2026-02-061h 02Wesleyan OptionEp 3 Epistles from Babylon w/ Justin Bronson Berringer and Greg CoatesIn this extended interview conversation, we dive into the themes of vulnerability in friendship and reimagining church and politics. Read Justin and Greg's letters at: https://epistlesfrombabylon.substack.com/Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.com
2026-01-3049 minWesleyan OptionEp 2 Wesleyan Essentials w/ Dr. Sondra WheelerWhat is essential for a Wesleyan expression of the Christian church? Rob, Joy, and Lane discuss what they think are the nonnegotiable's. Then Lane talks with Dr. Sondra Wheeler, Emerita Professor from Wesley Theological Seminary. Finally, we try to answer a listener question.If you have a question you'd like us to discuss, email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Wesleyan Theology and Ethics04:57 The Wesleyan Tradition and Scripture Engagement10:09 The Wesleyan Tradition and Community15:01 The Wesleyan Movement and Transformational Action20:08 The Wesleyan Tradition and the Intersection of...
2026-01-231h 14Wesleyan OptionEp 1 What is a Wesleyan Option? w/ Dr. Doug StrongWhat is a Wesleyan option and why does the church need it? In this episode, we introduce our new podcast! And we talk to Dr. Doug Strong about the strengths and potential and a Wesleyan option. Stick around as we also give you "signals" and "noises" from the culture.Email us at: wesleyanoption@gmail.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Wesleyan Theology05:06 The Orienting Concern of Wesleyan Theology10:37 The Cultural Relevance of Wesleyan Theology16:13 Implementing Wesleyan Theology in Churches22:22 The Medicine of Life28:47 Introduction of Dr. Doug Strong48:10 Wrapping Up and Call...
2026-01-161h 01Wesleyan OptionIntroducing Wesleyan OptionIntroducing Wesleyan Option. Join us for weekly conversations about theology, the church, and culture, all from a Wesleyan perspective.
2026-01-1201 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWaiting through LossLoss is a natural part of life, and while it’s painful - we can have hope that God is with us in our loss, that he intimately understands our pain, and we can have hope that God is bringing us to a place where, in Christ’s return, loss is no more. Rev. Allie Shulman shares a message of hope for those who grieve this Christmas.
2023-12-0322 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasA Converted LifeOur world demands very little of us when it comes to commitment. We can change our mind quickly, flitting from one choice to another. In this midst of this, we have dissembled the virtue of commitment. Over the course of this series, St. Benedict has guided us to help us reclaim this virtue. In the final sermon of the series, Rev. Allie Shulman discusses the vow of conversatio moram-- the vow of a converted life. This vow is the final key to unlock the power of commitment.
2023-10-0825 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWords MatterTo kick off a new sermon series, Rev. Allie Shulman takes us into the letter of James. Our tongue has the power to change our lives-- to build relationships, to ruin relationships, to build bridges, or tear others apart. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the power to control our speech for the better.
2023-08-1330 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasThe General RulesIn the 1739, John Wesley penned an open letter to his Methodist societies that proposed three rules that all society members should live by. Now famously called The General Rules, these three rules have become part of Methodist life and practice for the last 200 years. Rev. Allie Shulman explains how "the rules" might be more than a disciplinary tool and may include an invitation to something more.
2023-07-2328 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasA Woman's PlaceUnited Methodists have been officially ordaining women since 1956, but Wesley's followers have long had a tradition of allowing women to preach and serve as leaders in their church communities. When majority of the Christian world does not allow female pastors, why do we? In this sermon, Rev. Allie Shulman explores the reasons Methodists empower and ordain women to take on leadership in the church.
2023-07-1632 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWhat Happens at the TableThis week, we transition in our Roots sermon series to talk about how Methodist beliefs impact Methodist practices. What makes Methodists unique in the wide world of Christianity? First up, we talk about Wesley's concept of "the means of grace." Means of grace are reliable means through which we experience God. The Lord's Supper is a primary means of grace, both for Wesley and for us modern-day Methodists. We believe something happens at the Communion table-- something important. Rev. Allie Shulman explains what this means for our practice together.
2023-07-0927 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasYou Are AnointedActs 2 tells an incredible story of fire and tongues and mass conversions. Sometimes it is pretty easy to dismiss as a historical event that has nothing to do with us. But what if the Spirit is not just for the disciples? What if it is for us, too? This Pentecost Sunday, Rev. Allie Shulman explores what it means to recognize and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit working within us.
2023-05-2831 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasRoom for RelationshipRelationships can often be the barometer for how much margin we have in our lives (or how much we need). When our lives are packed, overstuffed, with no breathing room, relationships are often the first thing that suffers. How do we create space to maintain strong, healthy relationships? Rev. Allie Shulman discusses some strategies on how to find room for relationships.
2023-04-2332 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasFear vs FaithIn Mark's famous story, Jesus calms the raging storm with the words, "Silent! Be still!". While this could be read as a simple miracle story, it reveals much more about our own fear in trying times and where to put our faith. Rev. Allie Shulman preaches on Mark 4:35-41.
2023-03-0523 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasHow To Have The Mind of ChristLast week, in the Science of the Soul series, we learned about "flipping our lid"- those times when we just lose our mind. How do we change that, and how do we acquire the mind of Christ?In this sermon, Rev. Allie Shulman delves into what the Mind of Christ looks like and how to apply it to our lives.
2023-02-0530 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasBelieving in the MiraclesSince the 1500s, our worldview about miracles has shifted drastically. We used to live in what Charles Taylor calls an enchanted world. Believing in such a world made it easy to see miracles all around us. But now, things have changed. We are less prone to see the miracles all around us. Rev. Allie Shulman walks us through the first miracle of the Advent season to show us how we can believe in miracles once again.
2022-11-2725 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasHow to Grow RightlyGardening requires constant vigilance. The gardener must actively tend her treasured plant for it to reach its potential. This fact in nature can sometimes escape us when it comes to our own spiritual growth.
Rev. Allie Shulman continues in The Wisdom of Trees series by discussing how a flourishing life nurtures proper (and pruned) growth.
2022-10-3027 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasHow To Find Life-Giving RhythmsTrees have rhythms. These rhythms helps them maintain and generate life. Rhythms can do the same for us. Rev. Allie Shulman leads us through how spiritual rhythms can better shape our life with God.
2022-10-0932 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasA Voice in the NightWhat would you do if you heard a voice calling in the middle of the night? Would you follow it? Would you bury your head in your pillow and take some Advil PM? Would you even know what to listen for?Rev. Allie Shulman explores the story of Samuel, a faithful servant of God whose sense of calling flips everything we assume about being called on its head.
2022-08-1423 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasEnvy: The Green-Eyed Monster We Can't Seem to BeatOf all the vices, only envy is no fun at all. At least with gluttony, you get good food. With sloth, you don’t have to do hard things. Envy is just…the pits.
Wanting what someone else has or to be what someone else is (lucky, smart, beautiful, etc.) makes you bitter. Resentful. It severs relationships. It can turn an ordinary person into a monster. We know envy is bad for us. But then how come we keep living it out? How come we can’t free ourselves from it?
Rev. Allie Shulman continues our series on Vices and Virtue
2022-07-1027 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWe all need a guideObi-Wan Kenobi. Gandolf. Dumbledore. Every good hero needs a guide to help them navigate their great adventure. This Mother's Day, Rev. Allie Shulman talks about what it means to have a guide, who our true guide is, and how to more faithfully access his guidance.
2022-05-0829 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasThis is our storyRev. Allie Shulman talks about the impact of stories in our lives and on our brains. Then, she tells us a story - THE story- for this Bible Sunday.
2022-04-2423 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasPray Like A ChildOften when we sit down to pray, we try to be our best selves. It's like we're going to a dinner party and we get dressed up and put on fancy clothes, ready to impress all those we meet. The problem is Jesus specifically tells us that this type of behavior should not belong in prayer. Instead, we should approach prayer more like a child, messy, unkempt, without guile. Rev. Allie Shulman unpacks what it means to pray like a child in this Sunday's sermon.
2022-01-0931 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWhat If We Are Doing It Wrong?We all want to know about ourselves. What makes us tick, what makes us stand out, what, in short, makes us...us. But what if the journey to self-discovery is something we've been doing all wrong? What if there's a deeper why to our pursuit of knowledge of self? And what if there's a tool that can help us map the way? Rev. Allie Shulman teaches us about a tool that help us on the path to self-discovery.
2021-08-1539 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasLove Around the TableBefore there were fancy cathedrals or dreams of international missions, Christians had bread and wine. The table has long been the spot where Christians have gathered to share in God and in each other. In this sermon, Rev. Allie Shulman explores why it is important to gather together still. Around the table.
2021-08-0131 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWhat happens to us when we die?The question of what happens after we die is a question that has haunted humanity ever since its existence. It's a question that philosophers and theologians have attempted to answer for centuries. But surprisingly, it is not one that the biblical authors had in mind when they wrote about the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. They, and the authors of the Apostles' Creed, had something very different (and better!) in mind when they thought about life after death. Rev. Allie Shulman explores the final two lines of the Creed as we think about what Jesus promises us after...
2021-07-2630 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasJesus Died for Our SinsThis is one of the most foundational statements of Christianity, but what does it really mean? What does Jesus' life, death and resurrection have to do with the forgiveness of sins? In this sermon, Rev. Allie Shulman faces the doctrine of sin head-on as we dig deep into the second to last belief in the Apostles' Creed.
2021-07-1828 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasThe God We Don't NameAs Christians, we believe that God is one God revealed in three persons-- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But for so many reasons, we struggle to name and recognize the Holy Spirit as active in our lives. In this sermon, Rev. Allie Shulman explores who the Spirit is in Scripture and how we can recognize the Spirit in our lives.
2021-07-0428 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWho is Jesus... really?Over two-thirds of the Apostles' Creed is devoted to explaining and understanding the person and work of Jesus. But what do we really know about this 1st-century rabbi? What did it mean to call Jesus Christ God's Only Son, our Lord in the time of the apostles? Maybe more than we think. Join Rev. Allie Shulman as she explores who Jesus is and what that means for us today.
2021-06-2732 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasWhen Jesus Asks the QuestionWhen it comes to God, we all have questions. But did you know God has questions for us? What do we do with these questions? What do they mean for us? Rev. Allie Shulman explores why our questions matter to Jesus and why Jesus' questions matter to us.
2021-05-3023 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasAre Questions Bad?Too often at church, we're told to leave our questions, our doubts, and our thoughts at the door. What if God not only doesn't mind our questions but wants us to ask questions? What if our ability to ask questions is one of the primary ways we can know and understand who God is? Rev. Allie Shulman explores how and why our questions matter to God.
2021-05-1928 min
HPUMC - Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship)Are Questions Bad?Too often at church, we're told to leave our questions, our doubts, and our thoughts at the door. What if God not only doesn't mind our questions but wants us to ask questions? What if our ability to ask questions is one of the primary ways we can know and understand who God is? Rev. Allie Shulman explores how and why our questions matter to God.
2021-05-1628 minThe Grove Church / Dallas, TexasA God Who MothersHave you ever experienced a side of someone that changed everything you thought you knew about them? This same thing can happen with God. The more we discover the complete image of God, the more we discover who we're created to be. On this Mother's Day sermon, Rev. Allie Shulman explores an often less-discussed metaphor for God.
2021-05-1028 min2021-02-2824 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: No Room for God?In the last four days leading up to Christmas, we retell the best parts of the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas.
2020-12-2302 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Nothing is Impossible with GodIn the last four days leading up to Christmas, we retell the best parts of the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas.
2020-12-2304 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Good News Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. In these last four days, we retell the best parts of the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you.
2020-12-2004 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Slow and SteadyIn these last days before Christmas, the rush to get everything done is counter to the slow and steady wait for the King. Hurry is incompatible with love. It prevents the very moments we treasure in the Christmas season. How can you allow for more moments of magic this season by intentionally slowing down instead of getting caught up in the hustle? Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - w...
2020-12-2002 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Leaving Room for the UnexpectedThis year, perhaps more than any other, we have learned what it’s like to come face-to-face with the unexpected. But there is one lesson we might want to take with us: we must make room for the unexpected and unknown. When we do, we are left open to the possibility of something changing our lives in a positive way. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Ch...
2020-12-1902 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Universal LongingThe holiday season brings a sense of expectation, even for those who are not religious or do not have faith. This deep sense of longing is universal and incredibly human. It is a longing for God. During Advent, we wait, knowing that our satisfaction is not far off, but also that we will never be fully satisfied this side of heaven. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - w...
2020-12-1802 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: The Promise of PeaceThe idea of peace is all around us during the Advent season. We see it written in lights, hear it in songs, and read it on cards. But, for many, Christmastime is anything but peaceful. In today's episode, we examine the true meaning of Biblical peace and how we can find it even amidst the chaos. Subscribe to Rev. Allie Shulman's daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas.
2020-12-1803 min
The Grove Church / Dallas, TexasRediscovering WonderThe idea of peace is all around us during the Advent season. We see it in written in lights, hear it in songs, and read it on cards. But, for many, Christmastime is anything but peaceful. In today’s episode, we examine the true meaning of Biblical peace and how we can find it even amidst the chaos. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back da...
2020-12-1703 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering Wonder: Noticing the MiraclesIf we believe that God is capable of the miracles we see in the Christmas story, why are we so hesitant to believe he can work miracles in our own lives? This Advent season, notice the miracles in your life and in the lives of those around you. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting a...
2020-12-1602 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: A Time of TransitionThe end of the year is the perfect time to reflect and make changes in our lives. But, often when we are in the midst of change, we miss what God working in the present. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you.
2020-12-1502 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering Wonder: Understanding HopeOften we think of Advent as a time of hope. But hope is something entirely different. Hope depends on God’s character, not our circumstances. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you.
2020-12-1502 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: The Gift of ReceivingWhile we often think of Christmas in terms of giving, it is about us receiving the ultimate gift. Today we look at how we can receive this gift of love without reservation.
2020-12-1503 minRediscovering WonderRediscovering WonderThis is the time of the season when the stress mounts. But does it have to be that way? Today we reflect on the Christmas "norms" we can choose not to be swept up in. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with y...
2020-12-1203 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Welcoming the LightIn today's episode we look at the relationship between darkness and light and how it is particularly relevant during the time of Advent. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you.
2020-12-1103 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: Have you laughed lately?Laughter happens when our bodies can no longer contain the joy we feel. Let us remember that joy is a feeling of God, from God, and is a sign of God living inside our bodies, bursting forth to spread the joy to others. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to...
2020-12-1002 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: The Wonder of WondersMaybe because Christianity has been around so long, we forget that our faith is built on the wonder of wonders. We've seen too much to see the magic. But tme, age and even wisdom are not at odds with wonder. Wonder is possible if we open ourselves to the possibility. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your f...
2020-12-1003 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: The Evolution of ChristmasIn today's episode, we look at the evolution of our Christmas celebration. Long ago, Easter was a much bigger celebration. But we don't have to wait until Easter to celebrate God's love. Jesus' life symbolizes God's love as much as his death. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you. Check back daily f...
2020-12-0802 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: An Invitation to Be StillJoin Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you. In today's devotional, we reflect on this unusual Christmas season and how it might be the closest we've come to experiencing the season of Advent as it is intended to be - a season of...
2020-12-0702 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering Wonder: Living Like St. NickAs Christians, we tend to separate Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas. But the true story of St. Nick is a Godly example of generosity and faith. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you.
2020-12-0503 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscovering the Wonder: An Unexpected SaviorJesus was not the savior the Israelites expected. In today's episode, we explore the idea that our expectations can get in the way of seeing God. Join Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. Set time aside to get away from the distractions of the season and rediscover something we all need - wonder. Check back daily for new episodes, or find us on your favorite podcasting app. We look forward to sharing the wonder of the season with you.
2020-12-0503 min
Rediscovering WonderRediscover the Wonder: Awaiting the Arrival of a KingJoin Rev. Allie Shulman for a daily 5-minute devotional in the days leading up to Christmas. When we're able to set time aside, away from the distractions of the season, we have the chance to rediscover something we all need - wonder. Join us.
2020-12-0402 min