Shows
Pod Have MercyEpisode 220: News, Doomscrolling, and Faithful FormationIn this episode, John and Matt explore why public statements often soothe anxiety more than they create transformation, and why the Christian response to a broken world may be less about declarations and more about formation, lament, and embodied faith. Drawing from Scripture, systems theory, baptismal vows, and real stories from the life of the church, they ask a deeper question: What if the statement isn’t something we release but something we live?This conversation covers:Why cause and effect are rarely immediate or simpleThe difference between declarative statements and communal dis...
2026-01-3059 minPod Have MercyEpisode 219: PASTORS ON CHRISTMAS EVEIn this festive and hilarious year-end episode, John welcomes Executive Pastor Josef Klam to close out 2025 with a conversation full of humor, honesty, and heart. From family traditions to church logistics to the emotional weight of changing long-held rituals, this episode dives into why Christmas is both magical and mildly chaotic for pastors and why it still matters so deeply.John and Joseph swap stories about Christmases past, what happens when a printer accidentally mails last year’s Christmas Eve service times (yes, including the nonexistent 9 PM service), and how sacred rhythms get disrupted and sometimes healed over...
2025-12-1232 minPod Have MercyEpisode 217: THANKSGIVING CONVERSATION GUIDE(what not to say at dinner)In this Thanksgiving episode, John and his brother Matt return to the studio to talk about family memories, hilarious holiday traditions, and all the things people probably should and should not say at the Thanksgiving table. From childhood oyster stories to smoked turkeys, family dynamics, awkward comments, and the stress some people feel going into the holidays, this episode is an honest, warm, and funny look at what Thanksgiving is really like for many families.John and Matt share their favorite childhood Thanksgiving memories, stories from their grandparents’ house, and the unforgettable oyster moment that has followed Ma...
2025-11-2621 minPod Have MercyEpisode 216: BROTHERS, PASTORS AND MINISTRYIn this special episode, John sits down with someone who knows him better than anyone - his brother, Pastor Matt Stephens, a Baptist preacher from their hometown of Columbus, Georgia. Together, they peel back the curtain on a question they get all the time:“How did two brothers end up as pastors in two different denominations?”Their warm, candid conversation explores:Growing up Methodist, shifting into Baptist life, and how each found their unique callingWhat ministry really looks like behind the scenes (hint: it’s not endless theological debates)How ho...
2025-11-2126 minPod Have MercyEpisode 215: A CONVERSATION WITH BISHOP ANDREW DOYLEIn this wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation, Matt Russell sits down with The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, the ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, to explore what it means to live faithfully in an age marked by polarization, digital noise, and spiritual disconnection.Drawing from his background as an artist, pastor, author, and public theologian, Bishop Doyle reflects on:How technology forms—and often malforms—our imaginationsWhy embodied community, nature, and real relationships matter more than everThe difference between charity and justiceThe church’s calli...
2025-11-141h 00Pod Have MercyEpisode 214: WHO'S DISCIPLING OUR KIDS?!In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Joseph Patty dive into a surprising new Barna study revealing that parents and church leaders don’t agree on who should take the lead in discipling children.Should faith formation primarily happen at home or in the church? John and Joseph unpack the data, explore why many parents feel unequipped to talk about faith, and discuss what a true partnership between families and the church could look like.From “dry cleaner youth ministry” to the importance of everyday discipleship, they reflect on how parents can model...
2025-11-0723 minPod Have MercyEpisode 213: FAITH AND HALLOWEENIs Halloween harmless fun, a spiritual battleground, or something in between?In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens sits down with Joseph Patty, Director of Student Ministries at Chapelwood, for a thoughtful (and often funny) conversation about how people of faith can approach Halloween with nuance and grace.From animism and All Saints’ Day to trick-or-treating and Dia de los Muertos, they explore how Christians can honor the past, engage the present, and teach the next generation to see light in the midst of shadows. Along the way, they unpack the thin veil be...
2025-10-3129 minPod Have MercyEpisode 212: ARE YOU SERIOUS?!In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we unpack a powerful reflection inspired by Russell Moore’s article on “gravity” - the lost virtue of being sober-minded and serious in a culture obsessed with noise, reaction, and silliness.We explore what it means to lead with gravity - a blend of clarity, maturity, and responsibility that holds steady when the world demands instant opinions and outrage. From George Washington to TikTok culture, from pastoral leadership to personal growth, they ask: how do we reclaim the weightiness of character in an age of distraction?Join the conversat...
2025-10-2424 minPod Have MercyEpisode 211: DANGEROUSLY TIRED?What does it mean to be dangerously tired - emotionally, spiritually, and physically? In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens, Matt Russell, and Geoff Wood unpack the ancient wisdom of Sabbath as more than a rule - it's a divine invitation to rest, resist compulsion, and reclaim our humanity.Drawing from the Desert Fathers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Henry Nouwen, they explore what happens when we ignore our limits and how practicing Sabbath can help us recover joy, trust, and freedom from the tyranny of “always doing.”If you’ve ever found yourself weary, re...
2025-10-2325 minPod Have MercyEpisode 211: DANGEROUSLY TIRED?What does it mean to be dangerously tired - emotionally, spiritually, and physically? In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens, Matt Russell, and Geoff Wood unpack the ancient wisdom of Sabbath as more than a rule - it's a divine invitation to rest, resist compulsion, and reclaim our humanity.Drawing from the Desert Fathers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Henry Nouwen, they explore what happens when we ignore our limits and how practicing Sabbath can help us recover joy, trust, and freedom from the tyranny of “always doing.”If you’ve ever found yourself weary, r...
2025-10-1725 minPod Have MercyEpisode 210: REV. RUSS LEVENSONIn this episode, we sit down with Russell J. Levenson, Jr. to dig into his latest work, Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning. Together, we explore the heart behind the book, how it came to be, what compelled him to write it, and how his pastoral journey shaped each conversation within.We discuss:The origin of Witness to Belief and what sparked Russ’s decision to interview twelve public figures on faith. Over the Mountain Journal+2PublishersWeekly.com+2His approach to these conversations: as a pastor, not merely an interviewer. Over the Mount...
2025-10-1053 minPod Have MercyEpisode 208: Faith, Politics, and the Challenge of Christian NationalismIn this episode, John Stephens and Matt Russell dive into one of the most pressing conversations facing the church today: the rise of Christian nationalism. Together they explore what the term really means, why definitions matter, and how patriotism and faith can be confused or faithfully held in balance.Drawing from voices like David French, Russell Moore, and others, they unpack the dangers of fusing Christianity with political power, trace historical examples from Constantine to the Civil Rights movement, and wrestle with key biblical passages including Israel’s demand for a king, Jesus before Pilate, and the te...
2025-09-2642 minPod Have MercyA Pastoral Response to TragedyToday, John and Matt pause to reflect on a week filled with heartbreaking tragedies. Together they wrestle with the question: How should Christians respond when the weight of evil and suffering feels overwhelming?Drawing on Scripture, pastoral wisdom, and their own experiences, they discuss the call to embody Jesus in times of division and pain. The conversation touches on lament, the dangers of allowing politics or media to define our identity, and the hope we find in Christ’s love that casts out fear.This dialogue is both sobering and hopeful, reminding us that while tra...
2025-09-1716 minPod Have MercyEpisode 203: CHATGPT AND FALL KICKOFFJohn and Matt are back from summer break, and Pod Have Mercy is kicking off a brand-new season! In this episode, they catch up on everything that’s happened over the summer and share a preview of the exciting things coming this fall at Chapelwood. From new guests to meaningful conversations and big moments in the life of the church, this season is full of energy and fresh perspectives.Tune in as we set the stage for what’s ahead and stay with us for more powerful stories, thoughtful dialogue, and inspiring voices in the weeks to come.
2025-08-2230 minPod Have MercyEpisode 201: Talking to Your Children About Loss – What to Say and Not to SayRevs. John Stephens and Matt Russell sit down with renowned child psychologist Dr. Michelle Forrester in a timely and practical podcast episode. Dr. Forrester will share guidance to help your children (and you) process their feelings, answer difficult questions, and nurture resilience and comfort during challenging times. Chapelwood.org/Resources
2025-07-081h 02Pod Have MercyEpisode 198: SHANNON HOPKINSThis week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Shannon Hopkins, co-founder and lead cultivator of RootedGood, to talk about the evolving landscape of the church and its role in today’s world.Shannon brings a wealth of experience in social entrepreneurship and innovation, having launched or influenced more than 15 campaigns and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. Her work centers on helping institutions and communities imagine new ways of being and doing church, especially in times of disruption.In this episode, we explore:How traditional church models are being reimaginedThe tools churches can...
2025-05-0949 minPod Have MercyEpisode 195: EASTER (with Rev. Michael Jarboe)In this Holy Week edition of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Michael Jarboe take a thoughtful (and at times hilarious) walk through the final days leading up to Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. They share insights from their own ministry experiences, the weight and wonder of this season, and even pause to laugh at how bunnies, eggs, and chocolate somehow ended up in the middle of the most sacred story in the Christian faith.Whether you’re deeply familiar with Holy Week or just trying to make sense of it all, thi...
2025-04-1821 minPod Have MercyEpisode 171: MATT MIOFSKY RETURNS!This week we're joined by Matt Miofsky, Lead Pastor of The Gathering in St. Louis and an accomplished author. We'll dive deep into his new book, exploring themes of faith, failure, and resilience. As a ministry innovator, Matt offers unique insights into the intersection of spirituality and everyday life. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges us to think deeply about how faith shapes our paths, even in times of uncertainty.
Tune in for a thought-provoking episode!
For more information about Matt and his new book click here: Matt Miofsky.
2024-09-1353 minPod Have MercyEpisode 169: WE ARE BACK!This week we are back from summer break! We have a new studio design and lots of guests lined up for the fall season. Today we check in on what John and Matt have been up to over the summer and what they are excited about for the fall at Chapelwood.
2024-08-3015 minPod Have MercyEpisode 166: JOHN RETURNS FROM SCOTLANDToday we get a quick update from John's travels to Scotland. We talk about how many of the churches in Scotland have been converted to pubs, restaurants and art galleries. We discuss how Chapelwood's digital media reach makes uncommon connections near and far and much more!
2024-06-0834 minPod Have MercyEpisode 162: UNITED METHODIST CHURCH UPDATEToday we are joined by Rev. DeAndre Johnson and Pastor Lindsay Kirkpatrick to discuss some changes that are taking place in The United Methodist Church. John Stephens served as a delegate to the United Methodist Church’s General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The two-week long process uses the first week to divide into 14 different legislative committees connected to every part of the Book of Discipline, UMC church law and polity. Over 1,100 petitions were submitted and worked on in the legislative committees. The delegates of General Conference are from around the world - USA, Philippines, Europe, Eurasia, and Africa. In...
2024-05-1056 minPod Have MercyEpisode 159: MICHELE RUSSELLToday we are joined by a very special guest, Michele Russell! Michele Russell received her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1995. During her 22 years working in the field of mental health, she served as a staff counselor at Texas Children’s Hospital Learning Support Center and established the Eating Disorder Program at The Center for the Study of Addiction and Recovery at Texas Tech University, where she also served as Program Director. In 2014, Michele was the Program Director for the Theology and Community program at Duke Divinity School. From 2015-2017, she se...
2024-04-1941 minPod Have MercyEpisode 158: REPORTING FROM GREECEIn this special episode, John Stephens and Josef Klam check in with us from their pilgrimage in the footsteps of the apostle Paul.
2024-04-1508 minPod Have MercyEpisode 147: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!This week is a special Christmas episode! We are joined by John's brother and mother today in studio! We talk about John and Matt's favorite Christmas memories, what they are excited for this year and much more!
2023-12-1537 minPod Have MercyEpisode 138: DAVID WORTHINGTON AND THE NEW ROOMToday we are joined by David Worthington. Since arriving in 2006, David has overseen the development at John Wesley's New Room, including the delivery of the Broadmead Garden project and Horsefair Visitor Centre project. During this time, he has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the site and its significance in the story of the early Methodist movement which he shares in talks to groups and visitors. He also regularly gives lectures to churches and seminaries across the US and is now active in raising awareness of John Wesley's New Room to a global audience.
Today...
2023-09-2954 minPod Have MercyEpisode 136: THE CHURCH IN EXILEThis week on the podcast we discuss Russell Moore's book, Losing Our Religion. We also reflect on an article that Moore wrote about exile. We catch up on what John and Matt have been up to lately and we cover many more topics!
2023-09-1545 minPod Have MercyEpisode 135: ADDICTION AND THE PANDEMICToday Rev. Maggie Wood joins us again to talk about addiction and recovery! We discuss how the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, the opposite of addiction is connection. We discuss Maggie and Matt's story of addiction and recovery and how the pandemic ramped up consumption for many people.
If you or a family member would like to learn more about recovery please visit mercystreet.org for resources and connection.
2023-09-0842 minPod Have MercyEpisode 133: WE'RE BACK!Matt and John are back in studio after an extended summer break. Today we discuss what they've been up to the past few months and what is coming for the future of the podcast! We also reflect on an article written by David French called, "How Did America Get Mean?".
2023-08-2545 minPod Have MercyEpisode 121: HOW DO WE TALK ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE?Today John and Matt discuss how Christians should talk about gun violence in the wake of the most recent mass shooting event in the United States. They look at recent gun violence data from https://www.gunviolencearchive.org and they talk about how the culture has shifted over time.
2023-03-3155 minPod Have MercyEpisode 120: CATCHING UPToday we catch up with John and Matt. Matt has been out for the last few weeks of the podcast so we talk about his recent trip to Cambridge where he spent time teaching and preaching. We discuss some recent news about The Southern Baptist convention and women in ministry. We talk about how The Church of England is exploring gender neutral terms to refer to God in prayers and much more!
2023-03-2444 min
Pod Have MercyEpisode 112: THE 8 STRANGEST CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ON EARTHToday we are doing a special Christmas pop-up episode! Before we break for the holiday's, Matt and John are in studio to talk about the 8 strangest Christmas traditions on earth. We talk about their holiday plans, some exciting things coming up at Chapelwood over the holidays and much more!
2022-12-1623 minPod Have MercyEpisode 111: REV. DR. RUSSELL LEVENSON PART 2This episode is part two of a conversation with Dr. Russell Levenson. In this episode John and Russell talk about officiating weddings and some of the mishaps that have occurred over the years. They discuss how the Episcopal Church dealt with some of the issues that the United Methodist Church are dealing with now and how Russell leads his congregation and prioritizes unity.
2022-12-0247 minPod Have MercyEpisode 109: A CONVERSATION WITH REV. DR. RUSSELL LEVENSONThe Reverend Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. began his tenure as Rector of St. Martin’s 15 years ago in 2007.
In 2018, Dr. Levenson officiated and preached at the Memorial Service at St. Martin’s for the late First Lady of the United States, Barbara Pierce Bush. Later, in 2018, he co-officiated and preached at the State Funeral for our 41st President, The Honorable George H.W. Bush at both Washington National Cathedral and the Houston-based memorial service held at St. Martin’s. President and Mrs. Bush were active members at St. Martin’s for over fifty years and served in many roles of leade...
2022-11-1837 minPod Have MercyEpisode 97: ANOTHER CONVERSATION WITH DR. JERRY WEBBERJohn and Matt have a zoom conversation with Dr. Jerry Webber where they discuss The Academy for Spiritual Formation, the difference between therapy and spiritual direction, and we get a special FaceTime call from John's daughter! Dr. Webber is the founder of Chapelwood's Center for Christian Spirituality where he served as lead pastor for 18 years. He is now a teacher, spiritual guide, writer, and retreat leader by vocation.
2022-08-2648 minPod Have MercyEpisode 96: ALLIES AND ADVERSARIESThis week we check in after a long summer break to kick off the fall. John and Matt discuss the difference between friends and allies and adversaries and enemies.
2022-08-1950 min
Pod Have MercyEpisode 88: EASTER SUNDAY AND KENOSISThis week Matt and John discuss easter prep and what it means to live our faith through Christ's life, death and resurrection. They unpack the meaning of the word Kenosis and how it relates to our spirituality.
Chapelwood.org/easter
2022-04-1545 minPod Have MercyEpisode 87: CIVIC VIRUSThis week we go over Harwood Institute's Civic Virus Report. This report reveals that Americans don’t feel polarized or antagonistic toward one another. They feel isolated and disoriented, like they are trapped in a house of mirrors with no way out. They are in the grips of a perilous fight or flight response. John and Matt discuss the church's responsibility in this new age of discourse and how leaders can engage in conversation.
https://theharwoodinstitute.org/civic-virus-report
2022-04-0855 minPod Have MercyEpisode 86: TIKTOK, ATARI AND UNPLUGGING FROM SOCIAL MEDIAThis week is the everything episode! The conversation wanders from Will Smith to the effects of TikTok on mental health. We talk about how we made community before social media and how people are trying to make connections in the digital age. We also cover some spiritual practices that John and Matt have used to unplug from technology and find balance.
Article 1 Article 2
2022-04-0140 minPod Have MercyEpisode 80: DISRUPTIVE CHURCH TRENDSThis week John and Matt discuss current events and the future of the church. They have conversation about 12 DISRUPTIVE CHURCH TRENDS THAT WILL RULE 2022 and how churches will need to adapt to continue to serve in the post-pandemic era.
2022-02-1835 minPod Have MercyEpisode 79: AN UPDATE FROM DR. MARC BOOMThis week we have another update from Dr. Marc Boom. John and Matt get information on the current state of the pandemic and how our medical system in Houston is responding. They discuss variants, new health initiatives and the data around the decrease in cases worldwide.
2022-02-111h 01Pod Have MercyEpisode 78: LIVE PODCAST WEEK 4This week John and Matt wrap up the 4 week series on following Jesus. They talk about the community of Jesus and why it's important to remain in fellowship with one another instead of isolation.
2022-01-2852 minPod Have MercyEpisode 77: LIVE PODCAST WEEK 3This week John and Matt continue their discussion around following Jesus. They cover three main points:
1. In order to walk the path of Jesus, we must follow the leading
of God’s Spirit, as Jesus did.
2. To follow the path of Jesus means to hold at the center of your
mission – and our mission – the kinds of things Jesus held at
the center of his mission.
3. If we are going to follow the path of Jesus, we must commit
ourselves to the liberation of all people, as Jesus committed
him...
2022-01-2151 minPod Have MercyEpisode 77: LIVE PODCAST WEEK 2This week Matt and John are live again talking about the temptation of Jesus. They discuss the 3 temptations that Jesus experienced in the wilderness and how those correlate with modern Christianity.
2022-01-1456 minPod Have MercyEpisode 76: LIVE PODCAST WEEK 1This week John and Matt do the podcast with a live audience! This is the first of four live podcasts that will take place in the month of January. ON this episode they discuss:
Baptism: Initiation into the ways of Jesus and into the kingdom of God;
Baptism: Incorporation into the way of life reflected in Jesus;
Baptism: Ordination into a life of service, ministry, and mission;
Baptism: Affirmation of our true identity and our most authentic “name.”
Chapelwood.org/followingjesus
2022-01-0753 minPod Have MercyEpisode 75: CHRISTMAS POP UP!This is a special Christmas pop up episode! John and Matt talk about Christmas traditions, trivia and what it's like being a pastor during the holidays!
2021-12-1729 minPod Have MercyEpisode 74: THANKSGIVING SPECIALThis week Matt and John discuss thanksgiving traditions, hallmark movies and how we can practice gratitude as a spiritual practice.
2021-11-1943 minPod Have MercyEpisode 73: ANGER AND FEARThis week Xach Blunt fills in for Matt Russell. John and and Xach talk about the Astroworld Festival tragedy, self care vs self medication and Xach shares a poem that he wrote about mental health and allowing others to embrace us through pain.
2021-11-1240 minPod Have MercyEpisode 72: YOU SHALL NOT PASS!This week John and Matt talk about the correlation between The Lord of The Rings and pastoral life, church growth data and some exciting vision coming from young leaders in the UMC.
2021-11-0547 minPod Have MercyEpisode 71: A CONVERSATION WITH TOD BOLSINGERThis week Tod Bolsinger joins us in studio! He is the author of several books, including the Christianity Today Award of Merit recipient, It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian: How the community of God transforms lives. He blogs at http://bolsinger.blogs.com and speaks, consults and is an executive coach for corporate, non-profit, educational and church organizations in transformational leadership.
Matt and Tod talk about how church leadership needs to be reconstructed, tempered resilience, and much more!
2021-10-2236 minPod Have MercyEpisode 70: SOCIAL MEDIA APOCALYPSEThis week Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp all crashed and the social media apocalypse ensued. Matt and John talk about how the church is responding to the digital age and we look at relevant generational statistics.
2021-10-0839 minPod Have MercyEpisode 69: WHAT IS TRUTH?This week Matt and John break down the idea of truth. What is truth? Does it feel like our culture is very susceptible to lies? John discusses a book he has been reading called, "Truth Telling in a Post-Truth World" by D. Stephen Long and how the concepts are shaping his thinking. They also discuss how we are to live as Christians in a world that can seem to exist in many different realities.
Truth Telling in a Post-Truth World
2021-10-0148 minPod Have MercyEpisode 66: OPTIMISM IS INFECTIOUSThis week John and Matt talk about Ted Lasso, therapy and how the depths of spirituality push us toward unity.
2021-09-1031 minPod Have MercyEpisode 63: A CONVERSATION WITH AMIR SAFIAmir Safi is from College Station and is based out of Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He is the co-founder of Mic Check 501(c)3, the Texas Grand Slam Poetry Festival and the founder of Write About Now. He is a 2017 Houston Poet Laureate Finalist, a 2013 and 2015 Southern Fried Poetry Slam Champion, a 2013 National Slam Poetry semi-finalist and his work has been featured by A plus, Upworthy, The Huffington Post, Whataburger, Total Frat Move and more.
Today Matt, Xach and Amir discuss how Amir got started in poetry and how his organization...
2021-08-2051 minPod Have MercyEpisode 62: HOW TO SEE GOD IN THE ORDINARYToday Xach Blunt is the guest host of the podcast. John and Xach discuss the idea of waking up to God and finding him in everyday life. Xach shares how he creates his poetry and what it means to look at scripture with a creative lens.
2021-08-1343 minPod Have MercyEpisode 61: DELTA VARIANT UPDATE WITH DR. MARC BOOMThis week John gets an update from Dr. Marc Boom on the current state of Covid cases in Houston. John and Matt discuss some of the data points from the Texas Medical Center and their personal thoughts on the resurgence of positive Covid cases.
2021-08-0636 minPod Have MercyEpisode 58: KIDS ASK US QUESTIONSThis week we invited kids to come up with their toughest questions for John and Matt! The guys discuss ways we can debrief the pandemic with our children and some helpful questions we can ask each other.
https://www.grwhealth.com/post/debriefing-the-pandemic-with-your-kids-how-to-approach-the-new-normal
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/joyful-parenting/202103/simple-ways-debrief-the-pandemic-children
2021-07-1634 minPod Have MercyEpisode 57: A CONVERSATION WITH RUDY RASMUSRudy Rasmus is a pastor, author, and humanitarian. He co-pastors the St. John’s United Methodist Church located in Downtown Houston with his wife Juanita. St. John's began with 9 members in 1992, and is now one of the most culturally diverse congregations in the country. Today's podcast comes to you from Rudy's coffee shop, Throughgood Coffee, located in the Heights.
Rudy and the guys discuss his roots in the Houston community and how Throughgood Coffee began. They discuss issues within the Methodist Church and ways The Church can better minister to a changing world.
2021-07-091h 01Pod Have MercyEpisode 56: A CONVERSATION WITH MATT MIOFSKYMatt Miofsky is the Lead Pastor of The Gathering in St. Louis, Missouri. Since Matt founded The Gathering in 2006, it has grown into a thriving multi-site congregation with three locations scattered throughout St. Louis and a vibrant online presence. The Gathering was recently named the 3rd fastest growing United Methodist Church in the U.S.
The guys talk to Matt about vulnerability, how he has led The Gathering through COVID and what we can take with us into the post-pandemic church world.
2021-07-0243 minPod Have MercyEpisode 55: A CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT HILLIKERRobert Hilliker, LCSW-S, LCDC received his Master’s degree from the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. Following graduation Robert pursued additional training working as a Post-Graduate Social Work Fellow at The Menninger Clinic. He then completed a two-year fellowship at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies. Currently, Robert is a doctoral candidate at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago, IL.
In April 2014, Robert co-founded and became the Managing Partner for The Lovett Center LLC with his business partner, Will Davis.
At The Lovett Center, Robert works with patients in private prac...
2021-06-2539 minPod Have MercyEpisode 54: A CONVERSATION WITH MELANIE RUSSELL (domestic abuse survivor)Melanie Russell was a victim of domestic abuse for many years before she encountered an organization called Care Net in Waco, Texas. Our paths crossed with Melanie's recently and she immediately began to tell us about Care Net and how God has radically transformed her life. In this conversation she explains how God spoke to her through an unexpected source and how she escaped her abusive relationship.
Care Net seeks to assist new or expectant mothers that are motivated to attain independence who are homeless or facing homelessness.
www.pregnancycare.org
2021-06-1825 minPod Have MercyEpisode 53: SUMMIT 2021We kick off season 3 with a special episode on location in Waco, Texas. John and Matt are joined by the new Director of Student Ministry at Chapelwood. We talk about the work that Chapelwood is doing in Waco, pastoring youth in 2021 and some special moments from the Summit missions trip.
2021-06-1147 minPod Have MercyEpisode 52: LEAPS OF ABSTRACTIONThis week John and Matt talk about the ladder of inference and leaps of abstraction. First proposed by Chris Argyris, way back in 1970, the ladder of inference is a way of describing how you move from a piece of data (a comment made to you, or something that you have observed to happen), through a series of mental processes to a conclusion. We discuss how this method can be used in our culture to gain empathy and understanding for those who may not agree with our point of view.
2021-04-3043 minPod Have MercyEpisode 51: PRACTICE PEACEThis week John and Matt talk about the Derek Chauvin case, racial inequities and practicing peace amidst the fear of change.
2021-04-2351 minPod Have MercyEpisode 50: COVID AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCHThis week John and Matt look at some statistics around church attendance during the pandemic and the importance of spiritual and mental health.
2021-04-1631 minPod Have MercyEpisode 49: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. MARK LABBERTONMark Labberton was named the fifth president of Fuller Seminary in 2013, after four years as Fuller’s Lloyd John Ogilvie Associate Professor of Preaching and director of the Ogilvie Institute of Preaching. He holds an MDiv from Fuller and a PhD in Theology from Cambridge University. Today we continue to dive into conversations around change within the church on a local and global level. As the president of Fuller, Mark gives unique perspective on how COVID has sped up some of the shifts that the church has been experiencing for many years and how we can realize growth through th...
2021-04-091h 02Pod Have MercyEpisode 48: GRAVES IN GARDENSThis week John and Josef talk about the resurrection story ahead of Easter weekend. They touch on current struggles in Texas and our world and how the graves in our lives usually exist within a garden.
Easter At Chapelwood
2021-04-0239 minPod Have MercyEpisode 45: EXPLORING CAPTIVITY, WILDERNESS AND FREEDOMFor most of us, captivity can be a physical experience. But more likely for us, captivity is an experience that is based in the spiritual, emotional, psychological, or relational aspects of life. This week John and Matt talk about lent and the feeling of captivity during COVID.
2021-03-1148 minPod Have MercyEpisode 43: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIALJohn and Matt reflect on one year of podcasting, the origins and their hopes for the next year.
2021-02-2510 minPod Have MercyEpisode 41: A CONVERSATION WITH PASTOR MATT STEPHENS(John's Brother)John's brother, Pastor Matt Stephens, joins us on this week's podcast. Matt Stephens is the pastor of The Fort in Columbus, Georgia. John and Matt talk about their childhood, answer some brotherly trivia questions and discuss what it's like to pastor during a pandemic.
2021-02-0440 minPod Have MercyEpisode 39: LEAD WITH QUESTIONS, NOT ANSWERSJohn and Matt catch up on the inauguration and how as Christians we are called to continue to model the ways of Jesus instead of being driven by other ideologies.
2021-01-2133 minPod Have MercyEpisode 37: THANKSGIVING SPECIALMatt and John are here to host a special Thanksgiving episode! John teaches Matt how to fry a turkey and they discuss Christmas traditions and what they are up to for the Holidays.
2020-11-2522 minPod Have MercyEpisode 34: Cars, Creativity and ColonoscopiesThis week we welcome back Marlon Lizama! John and Marlon talk about their first cars and John reveals a shocking detail about his youth. They also discuss the creative process and how we can use creativity to benefit our mental health and our spiritual lives.
2020-11-0553 minPod Have MercyEpisode 33: Election SeasonJohn and Matt talk about ways that we can cope with stress during the election season!
2020-10-2934 minPod Have MercyEpisode 31: Stephanie Stephens and Michelle Russell Take Over!This week John and Matt welcome their wives to the podcast! They talk about the misconceptions of what the role of a Pastor's wife consists of and how it has changed over time. They talk Christmas traditions, raising girls vs raising boys, how they met, the challenges of parenting during covid and everything else!
2020-10-1538 minPod Have MercyEpisode 30: Christianity And Political DivisionThis week Matt and John talk about how Christians should not put their faith in a political party but in God. John gives detailed instructions on how to reverse sear a steak and other helpful tidbits for the quarantined Christian.
2020-10-0830 minPod Have MercyEpisode 28: Social Media And The PandemicIn this episode John and Matt have a candid conversation about social media and how we can have empathy for people who may not think like us. This episode is all about impressions, laughter and Facebook rants!
2020-09-1723 minPod Have MercyEpisode 27: The Desert Of BoredomJohn and Matt are back this week without a guest. They ask each other some questions, talk post-COVID life and ways that we can see things differently in the desert of boredom and anxiety.
2020-09-1045 minPod Have MercyEpisode 25: Spiritual Lessons In A PandemicDr. Cleve Tinsley is back on the podcast this week! John, Matt and Cleve take a deep dive into the work of Howard Thurman. They dissect the work of Thurman and discuss how his books are so relevant for this time.
2020-08-2752 minPod Have MercyEpisode 24: How Is Your Mental Health?John and Matt welcome Robert Hilliker to the podcast. Robert is a mental health professional and worked for three years at The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston where he served as the Manager of Executive and Treatment Services. As a therapist in the adult intensive outpatient program he provided clinical treatment services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Robert co-founded and became the Managing Partner for The Lovett Center, a community of helping professionals that offers traditional lease space, part-time office space, as well as opportunities for collaboration and continued learning for therapists.
The Lovett Center...
2020-08-2057 minPod Have MercyEpisode 23: Regathering Churches and Reopening SchoolsThis week's podcast is a continuation conversation with Dr. Marc Boom. Matt, John and Josef discuss reopening schools and churches and the recommendations from Houston Methodist Hospital.
2020-08-1340 minPod Have MercyEpisode 21: Season Finale!In this special final episode John and Matt reminisce on their favorite moments over the first season of Pod Have Mercy. The podcast will resume on the first week of August with some special guests and new topics!
2020-07-0952 minPod Have MercyEpisode 20: A Conversation With Marc BoswellJohn and Matt welcome Reverend Marc Boswell, Ph.D to the podcast this week. Marc is the Executive Director of Together for Hope. Together for Hope (TFH) represents a national, long-term effort to work with people in 20 of the nation's most impoverished counties in order to affect change around the causes and consequences of economic disparity.
2020-07-0158 minPod Have MercyEpisode 19: Nascar and EnneagramsJohn and Matt get together this week to discuss current events, Matt's wedding anniversary and where we're seeing Jesus this week.
2020-06-2634 minPod Have MercyEpisode 17: What Is It Like In Minneapolis Right Now?On this week's episode we are joined by Gregg Taylor. Gregg is the senior pastor of Park Avenue UMC in Minneapolis. John and Matt check in with Gregg for insight on what it's like to be a pastor in Minneapolis right now and how he is ministering to his community.
2020-06-1244 minPod Have MercyEpisode 16: Are You Listening?John and Matt welcome Christian Washington to the podcast. John and Matt listen as Christian discusses his personal struggles with racial profiling. They answer questions that have been submitted around race and BLM.
2020-06-051h 35Pod Have MercyEpisode 15: What Is the Church's Role in Racial Reconciliation?We welcome Dr. Cleve Tinsley to the podcast this week. Dr. Cleve V. Tinsley IV is a scholar of American religion, race, and culture. He earned his MA and PhD in religion from Rice University where he concentrated in the study of African-American religions, primarily utilizing historical and social-scientific research methods. John and Matt listen as Dr. Tinsley contributes his perspective on race, religion and ways that we can learn from those outside of our community.
2020-05-291h 04Pod Have MercyEpisode 14: Counterculture and COVID-19John and Matt discuss how the pandemic is affecting those in Houston and how the church should respond in a countercultural way.
2020-05-2234 minPod Have MercyEpisode 13: How Are You Reopening?John and Matt have a zoom call with Shane Green and Dr. Jimmy Asbell, two Georgia-based pastors and longtime friends of John Stephens. They discuss reopening churches and the similarities between Texas and Georgia. John and Matt also discuss Ahmaud Arbery and how we are called to respond to those in our community who are in need.
2020-05-1544 minPod Have MercyEpisode 12: A Conversation With Melissa MaherJohn sits down with Melissa Maher, the Lead Pastor of Mercy Street. Melissa updates us on the state of those struggling with addiction and how her ministry is providing spiritual care. John discusses why it is hard to love others and provides some wisdom from The Desert Fathers.
2020-05-0853 minPod Have MercyEpisode 11: A Conversation With Dr. Jerry WebberJohn and Matt have a zoom conversation with Dr. Jerry Webber where they discuss faith, fasting and Kung Fu movies. Dr. Webber is the founder of Chapelwood's Center for Christian Spirituality where he served as lead pastor for 18 years. He is now a teacher, spiritual guide, writer, and retreat leader by vocation.
2020-05-0149 minPod Have MercyEpisode 10: A Conversation With Bill KerleyJohn and Matt join Bill Kerley, a counselor and spiritual director. Bill gives helpful insights on ways we can engage in spiritual practices during this time.
2020-04-2356 minPod Have MercyEpisode 9: A Conversation With Robert Kidd And Stacy AuldJohn and Matt have a conversation with Robert Kidd and Stacy Auld, the Directors of Spiritual Care at Houston Methodist Hospital. They discuss ways that Houston Methodist Hospital is caring for their staff and those affected by coronavirus.
2020-04-161h 03Pod Have MercyEpisode 8: A Conversation With Dr. Marc Boom.John and Matt have a conversation with Dr. Marc Boom, the President and CEO of Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Boom shares practical social distancing insights and ways we can help flatten the curve.
2020-04-081h 00Pod Have MercyEpisode 7: What Is Your Greatest Challenge During COVID-19?Sonja Gee, President and CEO of Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM), discusses the greatest challenges that lower income families are facing during COVID19 and how people can get involved. John and Matt weigh-in on new developments in the community and in their lives as we continue quarantine in Houston.
2020-04-0241 minPod Have MercyEpisode 6: How Are We Connecting With Our Families?John and Matt sit down with Rachel Sciretti to discuss ways that parents can help our kids in the midst of social distancing and how the local church is giving back to the community.
2020-03-2639 minPod Have MercyEpisode 5: How Can We Love Our Brothers And Sisters In Tangible Ways?John and Matt discuss news about Covid-19, remaining a non-anxious presence, and how we can stick together in a time of need. While we may not be able to see the path ahead, we know that God is going before us and we trust that He will make a way. Please check chapelwood.org/stayconnected for more updates and to learn about ways you can help starting now. You can also subscribe to text message updates from Chapelwood by texting “cwupdates” to 555888.
2020-03-1935 minPod Have MercyEpisode 4: Why Do We Worry?John and Matt reunite to discuss anxiety in the world and Corona Virus developments. They breakdown Philippians 4:6-7 and how the scripture can be translated in today's sociopolitical climate.
2020-03-1238 minPod Have MercyEpisode 3: Where are you from?Matt sits down with Marlon Lizama, co-founder of Iconoclast Artists, to discuss Marlon's love for poetry, creative communities, and breakdancing.
Pod Have Mercy
Iconoclast Artists
2020-03-0539 minPod Have MercyEpisode 2: How Do You Live A Satisfying Life?Matt and John talk about how we live a satisfying life as we journey through the desert that life can bring.
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