Welcome to Episode 101—truly a masterclass in clergy mental health. In this conversation, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow and Anna Lee for a deeply insightful and practical discussion about the mental health challenges facing pastors and church leaders today. Drawing from their work with the Clergy Health Initiative …

It’s our 100th episode! We’re celebrating this milestone with gratitude for the journey and excitement for what’s ahead. As we continue our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s “5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025”, we turn our attention to how the Horizon Texas Conference is embracing change with courage, creativity, and faith. While som…

In this third episode of our series on Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we explore The Rise of the Non-Derivative Church, a movement toward fresh, innovative expressions of faith that break away from traditional models. One powerful example of this shift is Union Coffee, a Dallas-based café that blends faith, social …

In the second episode of our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we dive into the dynamic and often paradoxical relationship Gen Z has with faith and the church. Are they in revival or retreat? And how can the United Methodist Church respond? Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Chelsea Peddec…

Is evangelism really on life support, or is it evolving into something new? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we kick off a new series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof’s 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025. Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by church planters Rev. Joshua Manning and Rev. Billy Echols-Richter to dive deep into the challenges…

In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen, Senior Pastor at Saint Paul UMC in downtown Dallas and the newly appointed District Superintendent of the Metro East District (starting in July). Dr. Facen shares powerful stories of Saint Paul's "Body and Soul" ministry to the unhoused, the tr…

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Danielle Kim, Rev. John Han, Rev. Levy Laguardia and Rev. Faiana Funaki to reflect on the third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration worship service. Hosted at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, this vibrant gathering uplifted the dive…

This weekend, Rev. Daniel Hawkins was the guest speaker at Glen Lake Camp’s Winter Camp 2. So, we decided to go around and ask some campers and staff what they liked most about being at Glen Lake. From frozen fountains to warm hearts, this episode captures the joy, faith and community that make camp a transformative place. You’ll hear from students…

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, we take a deep dive into the ways United Methodist communities in the Horizon Texas Conference are embracing connectional ministry. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Benji Van Fleet and Rev. Todd Salzwedel to discuss the power of storytelling, fostering discipleship and the intersection of the five stra…

In this special edition episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we bring you a compilation of behind-the-scenes conversations that happened after the podcast was over, but the cameras kept rolling. Listen in as our guests discusses their experiences, thoughts on ministry, reflections on personal growth and the use of AI in sermon preparation. We hope thes…

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Kristin Warthen and Rev. Betsy Godbold to a conversation about cultivating peace amid life's chaos. Following last week's discussion on “Finding Sacred Calm,” this episode explores the spiritual practices and intentional boundaries that help us stay centered in a world …

Recorded at the Horizon Texas Conference’s first-ever Clergy Covenant Day, Rev. Daniel Hawkins visits with Hesha Abrams, Esq., an internationally acclaimed mediator, negotiator and author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. Hesha brings decades of experience working with diverse groups including faith communi…

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins explores how churches can expand their impact beyond traditional Sunday services with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun, Associate Director of Multiplication, and Rev. Matt Temple, Learning Coordinator for the Center of Multiplication. Together, they discuss the importance of embracing an abundance mi…

In our first in-person episode of the new year, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe and Rev. Phil Dieke to explore the intersection of faith and public life. Together, they discuss how our spiritual beliefs inform political engagement and justice work beyond the walls of the church. The conversation dives into the work of Texas I…

In this second installment of 2024’s Best, Worst and Weirdest, we bring you even more heartwarming, hysterical and inspiring tales from across the Horizon Texas Conference. From hilarious pranks and touching stories to some of the weirdest experiences in ministry, this episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist communi…

This year, we welcomed over 65 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studio. After recording each episode, we love to ask our guests to share a story about their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry. We heard so many fantastic stories from some truly wonderful people that we had to divide them into two parts. Without further ado, he…

It’s Christmas Eve, and POD Strangely Warmed is in full festive swing! Join Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Rev. Jenna Johnson and Trey West as they draft their ultimate Christmas Eve Essentials—from cherished traditions and tasty bites to that perfect holiday ambiance. But wait—Santa himself makes a guest appearance, bringing the magic of the season (and som…

As we get closer to Christmas, POD Strangely Warmed slides into the holiday spirit with special guests Santa George Campbell and Dustin Kaps. George tells the story of his unexpected encounter at Costco, leading to his becoming a professional Santa Claus. He shares with us the joys and challenges of embodying Santa, from managing numerous gigs to g…

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Anna Hagler of First UMC Dallas join host, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in the church. They explore the gifts and grinches of integrating AI into church communications, sermon prep and administrative tasks. They also delve into e…

This week Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. DeDe Jones to discuss her new book and single by the same name, “Blame It On Jesus." As they dive into the chapters of the book, DeDe shares her personal story, insights on embracing outsiders and misfits and the transformational impact of Wesleyan theology in modern worship music. They also talk about th…

***Disclaimer*** Suicide is a topic of conversation in this episode, which can be distressing. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or a mental health crisis, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following resources: Suicide Hotline - call or text 988 Resources and other hotlines can be found on the National Alliance …

As the season of Advent approaches, it’s important to remember that for some, this time of year brings to the surface broken relationships, mental wellness struggles and painful experiences of grief and loss. This week, Rev. Daniel Hawkins speaks with Rev. Madison Boboltz from First United Methodist Church of Arlington about how her church has been…

Join us on this episode of POD Strangely Warm, where we talk about the rich traditions and impactful experiences at Bridgeport’s Midwinter Camp. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by CJ Rice, Hailey and Leo, who share personal stories of how their faith has grown at Bridgeport Camp. From the transformative worship at the hilltop cross to the fun an…

Today is Election Day, and whether you’re on your way to vote or waiting on the results, tune in to hear Rev. Daniel Hawkins sit down with Rev. Joe Stobaugh from University Park United Methodist Church and Rev. Marilyn Jones from First United Methodist in Stephenville. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining respectful discourse …

This week, we wrap up our series of getting to know the leadership of the new Horizon Texas Conference. Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Christine Peirce, the Director of Children and Youth Empowerment, and Rev. Emma Williams from University Park UMC to discuss how the Horizon Texas Conference aims to Champion Children and Youth. Christine is put…

Continuing our series of getting to know the leadership in the newly unified Horizon Texas Conference, today we’re talking finances with the only members of the Stewardship department that had spare time to be on the podcast. Rev. Daniel Hawkins learns a little bit about Rev. Jeffrey Pehl’s woodworking skills and gets golfing tips from Scot Yarbrou…

This week we are back in the studio after the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference to introduce you to another important team from our HTC staff. The thread that keeps us all working together: The Operations Team. Now, the studio isn’t big enough for all seven members of Operations, so Rev. Daniel Hawkins invited Dr. Kevin Walters and the newest membe…

While at the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference in Abilene, Rev. Daniel Hawkins invited Rev. Todd Salzwedel, Rev. Danielle Kim and Rev. Ruben Saenz III to a friendly essentials draft pick of what they want to see in the new Horizon Texas Conference. Tune in as they pick where they want the next annual Conference to be, their favorite strategic prior…

This week POD Strangely Warmed journeyed all the way to Abilene for the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference! It's finally here, and Rev. Daniel Hawkins tracks down Jordan Cramer and learns what he's looking forward to in the new unified conference, Lisa Peterson tells about her experiences from the Northwest Texas Conference and the work she will be …

Just a few days away from the Horizon Texas Unifying Conference, Rev. Daniel Hawkins reminisces with Bishop Rubén Sáenz Jr. and Rev. Andy Lewis about the journey our legacy conferences have been on leading up to now. The Bishop gives us a peek into what's to come next as we're always moving toward the Horizon.…

No, we're not in math class; however, on this episode, we meet three-sevenths (or .42857143) of the team whose main priority is to Multiply Jesus Followers. Rev. Dr. Owen Ross, Director of Multiplication, in addition to Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Derek Jacobs tell Rev. Daniel Hawkins about their positive church plants and how God's been preparin…

This is week four of meeting the leadership that is taking us on a journey to the Horizon Texas Conference. Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez and Rev. Andrew Fiser, part of our Care and Healing team, to learn how this team plans to Maximize Care and Healing in the new Horizon Texas Conference.…

We're in our third week of meeting the leadership that is taking us on a journey to the Horizon Texas Conference. This week, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by two of our District Superintendents, Rev. Tom Long and Rev. Cassie Wade, to talk about their experiences in their legacy conferences and what they're excited to see on the Horizon.…

Over the next few weeks, you're invited to journey to the Horizon with Rev. Daniel Hawkins as he sits down with the leadership of the new Horizon Texas Conference. This week, we get to learn more about the Director of Communications, Pam Hughes, and the rest of the Horizon Texas Conference communications team Trey West and Dustin Kaps.…

Over the next few weeks, you're invited to journey to the Horizon with Rev. Daniel Hawkins as he sits down with the leadership of the new Horizon Texas Conference. This week, we hear from the Director of Diversity and Cultural Engagement, Dr. Major Boglin, and the Associate Director, Rev. Andrew Fiser.…

School is starting for our children and youth and our college students are getting ready to head back to campus. We are revisiting an episode from this time last year when Daniel visits with Two of our Wesley Executive Directors Rev. Marcus Jones from UTA and Rev. David McMinn from UT about their college ministries and how churches can best re-acce…

As summer is wrapping up and everyone is getting back to school, our friends Lynne Rhodes, Elizabeth Sin, and London Shannon from Project Transformation tell us about all the exciting things that happened this summer at their various churches and how your church can get more involved next summer with Project Transformation. To learn more, you can v…

As we continue to prepare for our Back-to-School ministries, we as POD Strangely Warmed thought it would be a good idea to hear from some of our very own students about what they are anticipating for the upcoming school year and how they would like churches to come alongside and help them throughout the school year. Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by…

As we get closer to the school year starting our churches are planning ways to encourage and champion our children and youth. Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Melissa McDuffee, from FUMC Cleburne, who has partnered with Matt Ford, the Principal at an elementary school in Cleburne, to learn how they have come together to better serve the stud…

This week were back on the road at the 2024 South Central Jurisdictional Conference. Rev. Daniel Hawkins gets Rev. Edlen Cowley and Rev. Philip Rhodes reactions about the ratification of the Horizon Texas Conference and how were building something great for the future. Rev. Ramon Smith gives us a recap of his LED Talk he gave Thursday, and Rev. Tod…

We're back in the POD Strangely Warmed studio this week and since Annual Conference many pastors have been on the move to their next appointments. Rev. Daniel Hawkins interrupts Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez while working on his first sermon for his new church and steals Rev. Johnny Brower from unpacking boxes to sit down and visit about what it means to b…

Welcome back for Part 2! Last week Rev. Michael Gienger, our Conference teacher from AC24, joined Rev. Daniel Hawkins to dive deeper into what all is happening at Galveston Central Church. This week Daniel finds out he could be an occupational therapist while Michael tells us about the work his wife is doing and how it could relate to the way we co…

Another episode from our Central Texas Annual Conference, Rev. Daniel Hawkins caught up with Rev. Michael Gienger, our Conference Teacher, after his presentation to learn more about the good work happening at Galveston Central Church. To see both presentations from Rev. Gienger you can visit ctcumc.org/ac24-meeting-videos Join us next week where Da…

We’re Back in our Central Texas Conference! All the way down in Round Rock for our 2024 Annual Conference! Rev. Daniel Hawkins visits with some pastors that are originally from our soon to be unified conferences about what they’re looking forward to in the new Horizon Texas Conference. Rev. David Johnson tells us how he started his ministry in the …

With the 2024 Central Texas Annual Conference just around the corner, we at POD Strangely Warmed thought we would drop our next episode early. Rev. Daniel Hawkins visits the North Texas 2024 Annual Conference and Catches up with some old friends of the POD and makes some NEW friends from North Texas. Since the Horizon Texas Conference is just on th…

Coming up on July 1st is the Freedom Meal! Nestled between Juneteenth and July 4th, the Inaugural Freedom Meal sets in motion a powerful annual observance that both honors and contemplates the full expanse of American history. Two of the Freedom Meal Committee members Rev. Dr. Alfie Wines and Rev. Kristin Warthen join Rev. Daniel Hawkins to talk ab…

Back in 2014 Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Rev. Lance Marshall were working hard to try and have successful satellite campuses for the churches they were working at. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed they talk about their shared experiences in failure with those church start-ups and how they grew in their ministry since then to be the church leader…

Summer is coming and with that comes our favorite place to spend the summer, Glen Lake Camp! This week Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Glen Lake's Program Assistant, Cassidy Barrett and camp intern Bradley Luna to hear all about why camp is their favorite place to be and how its helped shaped their faith. If you're looking for a way to champion …

While at General Conference 2020 (in 2024) Rev. Daniel Hawkins got to sit down with Rev. Charlie Baber, creator, author, and artist of Wesley Bros Comics. Charlie shares with us how he started drawing the Wesley Bros, some of his favorite comic strips and inside jokes, as well as the inspiration behind his new book "Incompatible: How the Church Cas…

General Conference 2020 (in 2024) is finally over, after 2 weeks of committee meetings and delegation Rev. Daniel Hawkins meets up with Rev. Edlen Cowley and Rev. Philip Rhodes, members of delegation for the North and Central Texas Conferences of the UMC. Back in episode 49 they spoke about their hopes and aspirations for the upcoming General Confe…