Podcast
The Weight
Hosted by Oxford University United Methodist Church · EN
Let’s be honest. There are some topics that are too heavy for a 20 minute sermon. There are issues that need conversation, not just explanation. That’s why we have created The Weight Podcast. Launching on March 5th, this is a podcast that creates a space for honestly discussing some of the heavy topics we face in our culture today. We believe that the church is called to engage in a way that honors the weightiness and importance that these topics have for how we live faithfully today. We’ll cover everything from art to mental health, social injustice, and the future of the church. If it’s something the culture talks about, we need to be talking about it, too.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
"Growth & Reconciliation" with Dr. Kevin Murriel
1w ago00:42:51Tap to summarizeShow Notes:In this episode, Reverend Dr. Kevin Muriel shares his journey from Mississippi to Atlanta, his insights on racial reconciliation, leadership in the church, and the future of the United Methodist Church. A rich conversation on history, culture, and innovative leadership in faith communities.Resources:Cascade United Methodist Church - https://cascadeumc.org/Candler School of Theology - https://candler.emory.edu/Duke Divinity School - https://divinity.duke.edu/Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church - https://www.umcmission.org/James Lawson and the Nashville Civil Rights Movement - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_LawsonTwitter - https://twitter.com/KevinMurielCascade UMC - https://cascadeumc.org/
Transcribe →
"AI And The Church" with Jason Moore
Apr 1600:51:34Tap to summarizeDid you know that The Weight now features a video format? You can watch every new episode on YouTube!Show Notes:In this conversation, Jason Moore discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and the church, exploring the historical context of technology in ministry, the ethical considerations of AI, and its practical applications. He emphasizes the importance of embracing technology while exercising restraint and maintaining human agency in the creative process. The discussion also highlights the potential benefits and challenges of AI in ministry, encouraging a thoughtful approach to its integration.Resources:Web - https://www.aiandthechurch.ai/Instagram - @midnightoilprod
Transcribe →Season 7 - Teaser
Apr 900:01:17Tap to summarizeSeason 7 of The Weight will be coming soon! We have been hard at work preparing a studio for a new video format of the podcast. While we won't have weekly episodes with this new format, we will still be bringing you the highest quality guests and conversations. Make sure you like and subscribe on YouTube so that you're notified when a new episode drops!The Weight YouTube
Transcribe →
Season 6 Wrap Up with Chris, Eddie, & Cody
Nov 2700:42:59Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Cody Hickman joins Chris McAlilly and Eddie Rester as they wrap up the season with a thoughtful discussion on their favorite moments of past episodes. They reflect on Christ-centered leadership, the significance of mental health, and generational differences in the workplace. Join along for a lighthearted episode that concludes the season. Resources:To learn more about Lover’s Lane UMC and Eddie Rester, click here.To learn more about Oxford University UMC, Cody Hickman, and Chris McAlilly, click here.
Transcribe →
"Awake" with Jen Hatmaker
Nov 2000:48:31Tap to summarizeShow Notes:“It’s so interesting how grief shows itself in sometimes surprising ways that you just can't expect.”A New York Times best selling author and speaker Jen Hatmaker joins the Weight to discuss her new book, “Awake: A Memoir”. She shares her journey of unexpected divorce after twenty six years. Hatmaker discusses rebuilding her life, and the steps along the way.Resources:Get Jen Hatmaker’s new memoir here.Visit Jen Hatmaker’s website here.
Transcribe →
"The Cure For Sickness" with JD Walt
Nov 1300:50:42Tap to summarizeShow Notes:J.D. Walt, former dean of the chapel at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and founder of Seedbed, joins Chris and Eddie with a strong conversation about the gospel being a transformative force, rather than a self-improvement program. Walt dives into how sin is like cancer, and later discusses his newly released book on Romans.Resources:Learn more at Seedbed’s official website.Listen to J.D. Walt’s podcast here.Read J.D. Walt’s articles here.Purchase “Romans: From Sin Management to Love Unleashed (Daily Seeds)”.
Transcribe →
"Our Primal 5" with Matt Campbell
Nov 600:54:17Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Not only is Matt Campbell a licensed psychologist, he’s also a friend of Eddie and Chris (and a member of Chris’s church—which also used to be Eddie’s church—in Oxford, MS). Matt has worked in private practice since 2003, and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Mississippi Psychological Association, and the National register of Health Service Psychologists. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Clemson University and his PhD in clinical psychology from The University of Mississippi.Resources:Learn more about Matt’s practice hereFollow Matt on Facebook Buy his book, Our Primal Five: The Simple 5-Week Guide To Self-Care
Transcribe →
"Healthy Team Culture" with Chris & Eddie
Oct 3000:49:28Tap to summarizeShow Notes:“Everybody in the system affects everybody else in the system.” Chris McAlilly and Eddie Rester dive into a thoughtful discussion about what it means to have a healthy church culture and leadership. They discuss everything from trust to gratitude to humor, while discussing their own personal experiences and with growing a strong team dynamic.Resources:Learn more at the Weight’s website.Read about Chris McAlilly on OU’s official website.Learn more about Eddie Rester at Lovers Lane official website.
Transcribe →
"Protest At Midnight" with Peter Storey
Oct 2300:50:29Tap to summarizeShow Notes:In this powerful discussion around faith, justice, and courage, Chris and Eddie sit down with Peter Storey, former president of the Methodist Church of South Africa and the South African Council of Churches. With over forty years of ministry, including serving as a prison chaplain on Robben Island, Peter shares firsthand experiences of following Jesus in the midst of apartheid and his time alongside Desmond Tutu.Resources:Buy his books here and here.Learn more about his past .
Transcribe →
"Moral Humility" with Mark Chancey
Oct 1600:52:22Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Dr. Mark Chancey joins Eddie and Chris for an open and frank conversation about moral formation. Where should children learn about the Ten Commandments? Is it within families and the church or should it be put into public schools, as it has in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas? What are the implications of using religious symbols like the Ten Commandments to gain political influence?Mark Chancey is a Professor of Religious Studies at Southern Methodist University. He earned both his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. from Duke University. He is the author of several books, including The Myth of a Gentile Galilee, the Galilee of Jesus, and the co-author of The Bible in the Public Square: Its Enduring Influence in American Life (Biblical Scholarship in North America.
Transcribe →