Shows
What the Hell is a Pastor?Embed TeachingIn which Jo and Ethan are joined by Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith to talk about his call, his journey, Kairos University, disaster response, and being a Certified Lay Minister. You can find Dr. J on socials under his name or the handle rural_professor. Learn more about Kairos at https://kairos.edu/. Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com. 2025-05-271h 04
Un-Tied MethodismNew Year, New BoDAfter an historic eight-year gap, The UMC has a new Book of Discipline, one reflecting the actions from the Postponed 2020 General Conference held in 2024. In this lively conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan and guest, Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith, discover what’s new in the latest iteration, as well as take a deep dive into the history of this text that traces its beginnings to minutes from a Methodist conference convened by John Wesley in 1744.
Learn more about our guest, Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith at his website.
Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at Re...2025-01-1642 min
Means of GraceYouth in Ministry with Shannon LeMaster-SmithIn 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, exploring the challenges of youth engagement, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in ministry, and the misconceptions surrounding youth ministry. They are joined by special guest Shannon LeMaster-Smith, who emphasizes the need for churches to empower youth as co-creators in ministry and to adapt to their needs and interests. The conversation also touches on practical approaches to engaging youth and the vision for the future of youth ministry, highlighting the potential for tr...2024-12-0357 minMeans of GraceEnvironmental Stewardship: A Faith PerspectiveToday’s episode of Means of Grace discusses environmental stewardship through a faith-based lens, emphasizing the theological foundations and practical applications of creation care. Hosts Jesse Enniss, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager explore the distinction between stewardship and dominion over creation, the importance of humility in environmental actions, and the role of faith communities in promoting sustainable practices. Examples of churches integrating creation care, such as First United Methodist Church in Stanley, North Carolina, and Maple Springs United Methodist in Winston-Salem, are highlighted. The conversation also touches on the broader theological implications, the need for theological shifts, and resources fo...2024-10-0252 minMeans of GraceThe Quest for Historical John WesleyToday we explore the life and legacy of John Wesley, focusing on his early influences, the development of Methodism, and its impact on American Christianity. Hosts Jesse Ennis, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager discuss Wesley's background, his innovative approaches to ministry, and the importance of small group discipleship. They also reflect on Wesley's love for America and how his theology continues to inspire social justice and transformation in the church today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:58 Wesley's Early Life and Background 06:03 The Influence of Background on Religion 08:27 Wesley's F...2024-09-1753 minMeans of GraceSports Theodicy: God’s Role in the GameFall 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 LeMaster-Smith share their favorite teams and the impact of sports on their lives. They also explore the deeper meaning of sports and the opportunities for growth and connection that they provide. The conversation explores the intersection of sports and faith, discussing the communal experience of sports, the role of sports in bringing people together, and the lessons that can be learned from sports about evangelism. In this fi...2024-09-061h 07Means of GraceInterfaith Dialogues with Special Guest Christopher HarrisNo 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 today’s episode of Mean of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, Jonathan LeMaster-Smith and John Yeager discuss the concept of ecumenism and the importance of unity within the Christian faith. They explore how different Christian denominations can find common ground and work together towards a shared mission of faith and service. Joining them in this discussion is Reverend Christopher Harris, Executive Pastor at Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. Together, they exp...2024-08-201h 00Means of GraceSuspending 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 society. The discussion covers various examples, such as funeral processions, phone etiquette, clergy attire, all the way to some of the most recent changes at the highest levels of the Methodist church. The conversation explores the interplay between rules, traditions, and the larger story of Christianity. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging with rules and understanding their context and purpose. The hosts also discuss how rules can be flexible and subject to change...2024-08-061h 02Means of GraceConference Season RecapIn 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 former host of the Means of Grace podcast. Together, they discuss the recent post-conference events and their impact on the United Methodist Church. They explore topics such as the future of the church, jurisdictional conferences, bishop elections, and the need for creativity and adaptability in the face of financial challenges. They also highlight the importance of inclusivity and racial equity in leadership positions. The conversation also highlights the resources available for local churches to...2024-07-2448 minMeans of Grace2024 Annual Conference Update from Lake JunaluskaA busy conference season continues with 2024 Annual Conference, held in beautiful Lake Junaluska, NC. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith recorded live from Annual Conference, and provide us with critical updates and information from the weekend sessions.2024-06-2636 minMeans of GraceWNCC Annual Conference Preview with Bishop Ken CarterAnnual Conference returns to beautiful Lake Junaluska June 20-23. Means of Grace hosts Jesse Enniss, John Yeager, and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith preview this year's conference, with a special guest appearance from Bishop Ken Carter.2024-06-1041 minMeans of GraceGeneral Conference Recap, A Brief History of the United Methodist Church, and a Look Into the Future of the UMCGeneral 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 of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith discuss the 2024 General Conference and its key events, decisions, and updates. To give context to the decisions made at General Conference, John explores the history of the Methodist Church, including its roots in the English Reformation and the formation of the United Methodist Church. John, Jesse and Jonathan, the three new hosts of the Means of Grace podc...2024-05-1656 min
Rusty Water TowersWe Wandered the State Capital of Wisconsin Every Saturday - Part 1 (S2E2)Let's talk about Waylon, Willie, and a lot about tobacco farming. Jennifer and I talked for so long we needed a part 2!
Also, for some reason, I feel the need to define cowboys and we explain life before cell phones.
Dr. Jennifer Moe is Associate Director and Post-Doctoral Fellow of the Young Adult Initiative at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She received her PhD in Christian Education and Congregational Studies from Garrett in 2018. Jennifer’s research interests include the ways in which young women and girls are taught to be “good Chri...2023-08-1751 min
Rusty Water TowersThe Dogs Are Talking to Each Other (S2E1)SEASON 2 PREMIERE
Shannon drops by to play some music, talk about songwriting, and ground us in place.
Find her:
DeaconShannon.org
Facebook: @shannon.lemastersmith
Instagram and Threads: @breathe.sing.love
Our playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2qnPKxunKlRsAvqUD6hqdY?si=c2ec849a7df442e9
Our bookshelf : https://jlemaster-smith.com/bookshelf/
Our Social Media: Facebook and Instagram: @RustyWaterTowers | Twitter: @rustytowerspod | RustyWaterTowers@gmail.com
jlemaster-smith.com/rustywatertowers
2023-08-0323 min
Rusty Water TowersSeason 2 Promo!
Rusty Water Towers is a podcast in search of Faith and Hope in Rural Life and Ministry. Each episode includes a guest sharing stories and experiences of their rural life. My hope is that this podcasts reveals the creative potential latent in rural life. Audio by Jonathan LeMaster-Smith Theme song "Hildebran" by Shannon LeMaster-Smith Find us on social media! Facebook, Instragram, Threads: RustyWaterTowers Twitter: RustyTowerPod
j.lemaster-smith.com
2023-07-2005 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 16: There'll Always Be A Country SongIn which I get so excited to celebrate country music and 500 plays that I forget that I already covered Hank Williams, but it still works. Also, I confess to things about Randy Travis and Pop Country icons.
Our playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2qnPKxunKlRsAvqUD6hqdY?si=c2ec849a7df442e9
Our bookshelf : https://jlemaster-smith.com/bookshelf/
Our Social Media: Facebook and Instagram: @RustyWaterTowers | Twitter: @rustytowerspod | RustyWaterTowers@gmail.com
jlemaster-smith.com/rustywatertowers2023-02-0921 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 15: That's the Beer Joint Down The RoadThis week's episode takes us very close to my churches. Johnny and I talk about the experiences of a new pastor in rural ministry and all his twists and turns. There's also some John Wesley, fried bologna, and a biscuit on the way out the door.
Johnny Norton is a retired licensed local pastor in the Western North Carolina serving at First UMC Stanly as Minister of Connections. Johnny is a former student and now friend and colleague. He’s had me at his churches to teach about all sorts of Methodist things.
Connect with jo...2023-01-2632 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 14: Hundreds of People Would Come to our Town to Have our SausageThis week we get into nineties country, whether my guest, Amber Laffey has the magic touch, meat lockers, Budweiser horses and more.
Amber Laffey is an LLP (hopefully soon to be commissioned as a Deacon) in the Dakotas Conference of the UMC and serves a congregation of about 40 people and also serves as the conference secretary. She currently lives in a small town in South Dakota with her husband, four kids and obnoxious Cockapoo MacGyver.
Amber's Facebook Show: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071463797809
Kate Bowler's Podcast: https://katebowler.com/podcast/
2023-01-1942 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 13: We'll Stick Baby Jesus AnywhereThis episode is an exploration of three Christmas songs, six holiday traditions, and, apparently, ambulance sirens.
We explore mistletoe, kissing balls, Christmas caroling, Christmas boogering, fruitcake, and holiday treat bags. We also see Dr. J realizing he would much rather host than provide commentary. Also, we learn that Dr. J does listen to things besides country.
If you're listening live in December of 2022, there will be a two week break between this and Episode 14.
Sources:
https://www.ambius.com/blog/the-curious-kisstory-of-mistletoe/#:~:text=The%20mistletoe%20tradition%20holds%20that,person%20who%20said%20%E2%80%9...2022-12-2233 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 12: There Was No Fried Okra In The BoxThis episode almost becomes a food podcast as we talk about the life and hope in rural spaces and how every community has to have a festival. We speak to the realities of traveling speakers, learning to use a bobcat, and how church buildings really are assets in the community.
Becky McCray is a lifelong small-town entrepreneur. As co-founder of SaveYour.Town, she shares insights from her real-world experience as a business owner and cattle rancher. Her practical perspective is featured at her highly-ranked website, Small Biz Survival, and in her award-winning book, Small Town Rules. She’s been featured and qu...2022-12-0839 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 11: He Orders His Bologna from GermanyThis episode is two people talking about barbecue, chairs, death, life, and so much more. There's even a part where we talk about the difference between hamburgers and cheeseburgers in the rural Carolinas.
Allen Stanton is the Executive Director of the Turner Center for Rural Vitality at the University of Tennessee Southern where he oversees rural economic and community development work for the university. Allen is the author of Reclaiming Rural (Rowman and Littlefield, 2021), and is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He is a native of rural North Carolina, and holds degrees from Wake...2022-12-0144 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 10: There's A Speed Trap AheadIn this episode, Shannon LeMaster-Smith, the multi-talented writer and singer of our theme song (who also happens to be my wife) joins me on the podcast as we travel down the highway to visit family for Thanksgiving. We talk about life, ministry, music, and much more. You'll here us and the sounds of the road as we travel. One thing I will note, there is some wonky editing because of the microphone giving us problems.
Shannon LeMaster-Smith is the Minister of Discipleship at First United Methodist Church in Newton North Carolina and the Youth Ministry Strategist for...2022-11-2424 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 9: It's Just Your Uncle Bustin' Out of the WoodsThere's so much talk about here, including issues with Uranium, small churches raising more money than big churches, and whether or not the bar from "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and "Neon Moon" are the same moon.
Britt Terry is an English professor at the University of South Carolina; she funded her academic career with scholarships and prizes from her days showing dairy cattle in 4-H. Britt lives with her husband Jonathan Sircy (also an English professor) and her daughter Catherine in a book-filled house. Britt attends Pisgah Methodist Church, founded in 1791 by her ancestor Thomas Terry. She also a...2022-11-1748 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 8: Everybody in Alaska Carries a GunThis week we talk to a pastor who has lived all over the country in all sorts of churches. We talk about Kenny Rogers, rural hospitals, and the reality of evangelism that's just inviting people to church...any church.
Philmont is Pastor of West Valley Community Church, is a PhD Precandidate at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a husband, and father of four.
Philmont's info: https://philmontbostic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Philmontbostic/ and https://www.facebook.com/reverendphilmontbostic/ Twitter: @PhimontBostic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Worm2012
His Church: https://www.westvalleychurch.org/
Our playlist: https://open.spotify.com...2022-11-1026 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 7: The Methodists Were in the Middle of ItThis week, there's a lot of music. I think we talk about Tanya Tucker, Helen Reddy, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Bonny Raitt, Brandy Carlile (and the rest of the The Highwomen). But really, it's, as always, all about the stories, connections, and the hope we find, even in paperwork season. Join me as Karen Monk and I talk about accents, church ministry, and the realities ministry in the Catskill Mountains!
Rev. Karen Monk is the District Superintendent of the Catskill Hudson District of the New York Annual Conference. She hails from rural East Texas, has spent time...2022-11-0348 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 6: Christmas Lights and Chainsaw MassacresIn this episode, Dr J explores music, tells some of his stories and answers your questions. Stay until the end for a grumbly dog.
Our playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2qnPKxunKlRsAvqUD6hqdY?si=c2ec849a7df442e9
Our bookshelf : https://jlemaster-smith.com/bookshelf/
Our Social Media: Facebook and Instagram: @RustyWaterTowers | Twitter: @rustytowerspod | RustyWaterTowers@gmail.com
jlemaster-smith.com/rustywatertowers2022-10-2732 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 5: Pack Rats and the Dirty ThirtiesIn this episode we take a trip to the places where Gunsmoke takes place to talk about rural life in West Kansas. Rev. Shay Craig is a delight to talk to. She is full of stories, ideas, and potential hope for the church. I particularly enjoy the conversations about cowboy boots, being a church about hope and love, and thinking about rural stewardship that works. This is a long episode, but it's worth every second.
Shay Craig is an Episcopal Priest and vicar of two small churches in Hays, Kansas. Though she spent her first 50 years in...2022-10-201h 00
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 4: Describe Persimmon PuddingRev. Karen Kluever is an ordained United Methodist deacon who grew up in Guilford County, NC, 20 minutes southeast of Greensboro. She has undergrad and graduate degrees in journalism (UNC-Chapel Hill, UW-Madison), received her master's in Christian education from Pfeiffer University, and completed theological studies through Wesley Theological Seminary. Karen served in youth ministry for 25 years in NC, SC, and KY before coming to Hinton Rural Life Center in 2018 to serve as minister of church relations and development.
Contact Karen: Karen@hintoncenter.org | www.hintoncenter.org | https://www.facebook.com/karen.kluever
Persimmon Pudding Recipe
Theme Song: "Hildebran" by Shannon LeMaster-Smith
...2022-10-1331 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 3: We Will Feed YouIn this episode we have to define "Meat and Threes," talk about church buses, and dive into remembering our belovedness. Also, Gabe Lee and Michael Twitty show up, and only one is a country singer.
My guest is Crystal Imes. Crystal Imes is a social worker with a passion for children, marginalized communities, and returning to some of the old ways we once built community together. Crystal has been with NETworX since 2013 first, as a participant, and in 2015 transitioned to staff. Crystal currently coordinates the NETworX Yadkin site, as well as working for NETworX NC and NETworX USA in the a...2022-10-0622 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 2: Drinking a Grape NehiIn this episode Rev. David Christy joins me. We talk about all night drives from New Orleans, being invited to your church Administrative Council meetings, not being spoken to at barber shops, and Mac Davis.
Theme Song: "Hildebran" by Shannon LeMaster-Smith
Our Guest: Rev. David Christy: Facebook: @david.christy.92, Twitter: @davidchristy66 WNCCUMC: https://www.wnccumc.org/staffdetail/2169446
David Christy is the Catawba Valley District Superintendent, appointed in 2020. He has served Franklinville-Rehobeth Charge (Randolph County); Fair View (Iredell County); Epworth (Concord); Central (Canton); and First (Gastonia) over his 32 years of ministry. He loves Jesus...2022-09-2924 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 1: Did They Ask For Grits?In this episode, Rev. Teresa Whetsel joins me, and we talk about the Hank Williams "I Saw the Light," purchasing beans, pheasant hunting, some old cassette tapes, and of course, the joy and hope of small town life, what our communities are known for, and the hope of rural community.
Theme Song: "Hildebran" by Shannon LeMaster-Smith
Our Guest: Rev. Teresa Whetsel: https://www.facebook.com/teresa.whetsel
Rev. Teresa Whetsel is a provisional member of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church where she has been serving rural congregations for 9 years. She...2022-09-2230 min
Progressive Southern Theologians podcastTake 3In today's show, the guys welcome the Rev. Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith, UMC pastor, academic, and expert in all things having to do with the rural South. In the first segment, Marc, Jamie, and Jonathan talk about the ecclesial politics around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Dr. Seuss, and Morgan Wallen. The segment ends with our take on "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me--Southern Edition in which the guys discuss the propriety of squirrel in Brunswick Stew, the best recipe for souse meat, and the greatness of Ric Flair. In the second segment, attention turns to the lack of rural access to quality healthcare...2021-03-081h 21