Perhaps the weightiest topic there is is the one that we all must face: death. Much of our lives can be spent evading this reality until it comes crashing into our lives somehow. What might it look like to adopt a posture towards death that not only makes us more prepared, but helps us live life more abundantly? To engage this question, we welcome Dana Trent!

Hamilton discusses the frequent zoom calls with his staff, the opportunity to learn and connect with other pastors in the United States, and the unexpected rewards in the midst of having to remain at home. Listeners will learn what Church of the Resurrection is doing and how they will approach reopening. All three pastors Chris, Eddie, and Adam examine and consider the new form of ministry that focuses on online worship. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of holding onto the knowledge gained during this time and applying it to the future.

In today’s episode, Lo helps us discern the essential nature of creativity in the Church’s work of guiding people to an holistic understanding of the love of Jesus Christ. We also discuss the ways in which the creative skill sets of the emerging generation should be more valued by the Church as it continues to grow in size and mission.

Joining us to discuss what it is that makes the absence of sports so impactful is Wright Thompson. Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN.com with an extensive career in sports journalism. A native Mississippian, Wright is well known for his work with ESPN’s 30 for 30 special covering the intersection of Ole Miss Football and the tumultuous events that took place on campus during its integration in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement in 1962.

A serious dialogue on race and equity is imperative for the life of the church, a truth that we are painfully reminded of in the aftermath of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia. How can the Church do better in its pursuit of justice for all? How can we pursue reconciliation that isn’t shallow or even callous, but rather is honest about the work that still needs to be done to bring about substantive change? How can we posture our hearts, minds, and actions towards the vision of God’s creation where all are truly cared for, valued, and protected?

In this episode, Chris and Eddie talk with Professor Watson about the importance of a renewed focus on this type of intentional, vulnerable community and how being a part of one, even if virtually for the time being, can help us confront our sins and grow in holiness during this time of global crisis.

When the pandemic became a reality in the United States, it forced Blue Delta CEO Josh West and his team to ask the question, “What’s next?" The answer has brought about a transformation of their operations as they have transitioned much of their focus from clothing production to the production of face masks for frontline healthcare workers.

In times of adversity and crisis, it is helpful to seek the counsel of wise teachers. Our guest today, Don Saliers, Theologian in Residence at Candler School of Theology, is one of our wisest teachers. He’s handling social distancing, in part, by playing the piano, revisiting sacred music from Bach to the spirituals.

Chase joins us to discuss grief and loss by reflecting on the loss of his newborn son, Clark, who was born five years ago this week. In this episode, Chase walks us through how he and his wife Kara processed this loss, how their son continues to impact their lives to this day, as well as the hope they have found in their young daughter Carly Ann, who they adopted less than a year after their son’s passing.

Each one of us is struggling to find our way through this strange season brought on by COVID19. Many of us feel stuck—life has been unexpectedly interrupted. This week’s guest on The Weight, Rev. Sarah Heath, calls these unexpected and uninvited moments in life “plot twists” because they’re not endings, but moments when our story takes a new shape. In this week’s conversation we’ll hear about what it’s like to do ministry in these days and how we can develop a “Theology of Huh.”

We spoke with Aimee before the world was consumed with news about the global pandemic. This is a conversation about beauty, poetry, humanity, memory, love. And we think you will find her to be a breath of fresh air.

Today, we talk with Sarah Ligon, a seasoned homeschool parent of four children in our community, about the struggles of parenting for all of us in a global pandemic. She offers some wisdom, rules of thumb, strategies, and practical suggestions that emerge from her experience as a homeschooler.

As leaders across sectors continue to make transitions necessitated by COVID-19, we sought the wisdom and guidance of veteran pastor Mike Slaughter, Pastor Emeritus of Ginghamsburg Church, about how to lead in a time of crisis. Drawing upon four decades of experience and a ministry marked by innovation, Mike helped us to really think about the gravity of what we are experiencing.

Pat offers some very practical, constructive strategies for individuals, leaders, parents, and families to navigate a global pandemic in a way that encourages holistic physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

In this episode, Chris and Eddie enter into a conversation with Carolyn about her understanding of the heart of Methodism, orthodoxy in the modern day Church, and the importance of understanding holiness not as bondage, but rather as something that brings about abundant life through Christ. In the midst of these topics, Carolyn shares her hopes for the future of an traditional expression of the Methodist faith.

Bishop Carter emphasizes the importance of having a pastoral heart when discerning how the church should be in ministry with LGBT persons as well as his passion for ensuring the vibrancy of the United Methodist Church for future leaders and congregants.