Podcast Summary

The Wake-Up Call

Episode: Why Methodism? - Ryan Barnett | Wake-Up Call Conversations

Host: J.D. Walt
Guest: Ryan Barnett
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, J.D. Walt talks with Ryan Barnett, pastor, author, church leader, and longtime friend, about the resurgence of Methodism—why it matters, what makes it distinct, and how the new resource, Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist, is aimed at helping churches rediscover their theological roots. The conversation explores personal stories of faith and leadership, the journey to the Global Methodist Church (GMC), the importance of local churches, and the unique "flavors" of being Methodist.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ryan Barnett’s Journey and Calling (00:18–06:13)

• Background: Ryan shares about his family, Texas roots, and call to ministry.
• Seminary Choice: Sought professors who professed the Lordship of Christ (02:41). Asbury Seminary became formative, notably after a personal phone call and prayer from J.D. during a period of discernment and storm—a moment that deeply shaped his decision.
  • Quote: “You called me right in the middle of that storm and... that was it.” —Ryan (04:17)
• Longstanding Friendship: Ryan and J.D. reflect on their 20-year friendship, rooted in prayer and ministry collaboration.

2. Involvement in the Global Methodist Church (GMC) & Movement for Renewal (06:13–15:00)

• Ryan recounts the multi-decade journey of Methodist renewal, emphasizing the original purpose: theological and doctrinal awakening, not merely starting a new denomination.
  • Quote: “We worked... not to start a new denomination ...but to let the sleeping giant of Methodism awake, to remember the Spirit-filled movement with which they began.” —Ryan (07:58)
• Mentors like Maxie Dunnam and Billy Abraham inspired him to focus on awakening Methodism’s core, not social issues.
• Tending to "dying embers" earlier, now helping "fan the flames" of new awakening in the church.

3. Episcopal Elections and Season of Transition (09:39–15:00)

• Ryan narrates his unexpected nomination for bishop, moments of discernment, and support for Leah Gregory, who ultimately was elected.
  • Memorable story: Predicted Leah would be a “first ballot bishop”; came true (13:00).
• Shifted from local church pastor to serving the GMC in a broader capacity.

4. Embracing Apostolic Leadership (15:00–17:23)

• Ryan became the conference operating officer, helping Bishop Gregory lead the conference. He reflects on a move toward “apostolic organization,” describing it as more spiritually aligned and effective than pure democracy.
  • Quote: “We’ve democratized religion and it was never meant to be a democracy... We live under a theocracy in the reign of God.” —Ryan (16:13)

5. The Importance of Serving the Local Church (19:23–23:15)

• Ryan sees all his ministry—local church, denominational roles, writing—as servant-leadership for the local church.
• The new study resource (Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist) arose from grassroots hunger for doctrinal clarity, inspired by his local sermon series on the GMC Catechism.
• Developed comprehensive curricula for all age groups: adults, youth, pastors, and churches of any size.
  • Quote: “God has set the local church to be the hope of the world. It is where disciples get made, it is where the gospel is lived out in community.” —Ryan (19:50)

6. Why Methodism? Distinctives and Grand Deposit (23:15–30:19)

• The resource begins with what all Christians share (“profoundly Christian”) and moves into what makes Methodism distinct.
  • Metaphor: Methodist distinctives are like freckles—not unique individually, but their pattern makes Methodism recognizable (24:25).
• Core distinctives:
  • Grace is universal, atonement is for all—underscoring God’s character.
  • Methodists are humble, open to correction, and value transformation.
  • Quote: “It’s not just barely, it’s not just limping across the finish line... all can be saved, all can know that they are saved, all can be saved completely.” —J.D. (27:00)
• The “grand deposit”: a robust, liberating, winsome understanding of grace that enables Christians to experience full salvation, not minimum requirements for entry.

7. Profoundly Christian: More Than Checkbox Faith (30:19–32:12)

• J.D. summarizes the desired outcome: A faith alive, full of affection and transformation, not a self-improvement program.
  • Quote: “It’s transformation… not ‘if it is to be, it’s up to me,’ but ‘if it is to be, it’s up to Jesus.’” —J.D. (31:18)
• The resource is likened to foundational software or a factory reset to remind the church of core beliefs and prune unhealthy growth.

8. Methodist “Flavors” and Cultural Identity (33:49–36:03)

• Lively analogy of Blue Bell ice cream (“homemade vanilla” as the Christian core; Methodist as the accent flavor).
• Wesleyan way of salvation: Not an alternative gospel, just a distinctive accent on the same Christian message.
  • Quote: “We speak profoundly Christian with a distinctly Methodist accent that I think helps unlock the profoundly Christian witness for people.” —Ryan (35:54)

9. Final Reflections and Vision for Awakening (36:03–39:39)

• Ryan thanks his family and Seedbed, emphasizing the resource’s goal: to help churches claim their identity and believers know what they believe.
• Shares vision for a global awakening, not just a regional revival, as the GMC grows rapidly and Seedbed “feeds the giant.”
  • Quote: “God’s intent was a global awakening... the GMC now has more than 8,000 churches... and Seedbed is feeding the giant.” —Ryan (38:18)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Storm and Vocation:
  “You called me right in the middle of that storm... and man, it just was—that was it.” —Ryan (04:17)

• Intent of Renewal Movement:
  “Not to start a new denomination... but to let the sleeping giant of Methodism awake.” —Ryan (07:58)

• On Leadership:
  “We live under a theocracy... we are called to apostolic organization.” —Ryan (16:13)

• Why Write the Resource?
  “God has set the local church to be the hope of the world... That’s where the gospel is lived out in community.” —Ryan (19:50)

• Distinctive Methodist Theology:
  “Methodists are humble even in acknowledging they know there’s things that we don’t get right...” —Ryan (24:07)

• Simple Gospel, Wesleyan Accent:
  “I want to be profoundly Christian. I speak with a Methodist accent, but I don’t speak another language.” —Ryan (35:34)

• On Awakening:
  “God’s intent was a global awakening... and Seedbed is feeding the giant.” —Ryan (38:18)

Key Timestamps

• Ryan’s Introduction & Seminary Call: 00:18–04:38
• Mutual Ministry & Friendship: 05:06–06:13
• Methodist Renewal Movement: 06:13–09:39
• Episcopal Election Journey: 09:39–15:00
• Apostolic Leadership & Serving Conference: 15:00–17:23
• Church Focus and Resource Genesis: 19:23–23:15
• Why Methodism? Distinctives: 23:15–30:19
• Profoundly Christian—Transformative Faith: 30:19–32:12
• Ice Cream Analogy & Denominational Identity: 33:49–36:03
• Final Blessings & Vision for the Church: 36:03–39:39

Tone and Language

• Warm, conversational, often humorous (ice cream metaphors, vivid Texas references).
• Deeply earnest about faith, discipleship, and church mission.
• Both speakers are personal, transparent, and pastoral—aiming not just to inform but to inspire and encourage.

Useful for Listeners

This episode is ideal for anyone exploring the "why" behind Methodism, leaders and laypeople curious about the Global Methodist Church, and churches seeking resources to clarify their doctrinal identity. It bridges personal story, denominational history, and practical tools into a compelling vision for a revived, grace-filled Wesleyan Christianity.