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.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Monsters Christianity Made with Dr. Bryan Stone
4d ago00:46:05Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Dr. Bryan Stone has spent roughly a decade researching a single question: what does horror cinema reveal about Christianity? Watching hundreds of films across several sub-genres — ghosts, witches, vampires, zombies, nature horror, the demonic, and psychological horror — he built a case that the monsters of Western horror aren't random. They're the monsters Christianity is responsible for: reflections of centuries of Christian anxiety about bodies, nature, and sin. He's Dean of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and author of Christianity and Horror Cinema(Routledge, 2025).Chris and Eddie sit down with Stone for a conversation that starts with horror movies and doesn't stay there. They talk about leading a seminary in a post-Christendom culture, where a generation is walking into church for the first time in their mid-20s. And they dig into what AI is already doing to theological education — term papers no detector can catch, a discipline forced to rethink what it means to know anything, and what can't be automated out of ministry.In this episode:Why Western horror is shaped by Christian theology — and why that pattern doesn't hold in Asian cinemaWhat changed in horror after Night of the Living Dead (1968)Leading a seminary in a post-Christendom cultureThe growing role of chaplaincy in theological educationAI, term papers, and what ministry can't outsourceGuest: Dr. Bryan Stone, Dean of Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University Book: Christianity and Horror Cinema (Routledge, 2025) — https://www.routledge.com/Christianity-and-Horror-Cinema/Stone/p/book/9781032968407Perkins School of Theology: https://www.smu.edu/perkinsMentioned in this episode — DELTA: Human Formation in the Age of AI, a faith-based AI ethics framework from Notre Dame's Institute for Ethics and the Common Good — https://ethics.nd.edu/programs/delta/Listen/watch and subscribe: theweightpodcast.com https://youtu.be/hdlPzZ1ckBQ
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Cultivating A Meaningful Ministry with Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu
3w ago00:45:38Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu, senior pastor of Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, has a wealth of experience in nurturing a vibrant community of faith. In this episode, he shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the vital principles that have shaped his ministry. Rev. Akinbinu emphasizes that a vibrant ministry is rooted in community. He notes that the African American church tradition values relational aspects, where connections among members foster growth. He believes that building strong relationships within the church helps create a supportive environment where individuals can share their stories and grow in faith together. He believes that people grow better in circles rather than rows, highlighting the need for small groups and community involvement.Akinbinu outlines three key pillars that guide his ministry:1. **Living in Faith**: This pillar emphasizes the importance of anchoring church activities in the Word of God, ensuring members know and obey biblical truths.2. **Living in Fellowship**: Akinbinu stresses the significance of loving all people as image bearers and creating a strong community among church members. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to support one another.3. **Living to Serve**: Discovering and using one's gifts for God's mission is crucial. Akinbinu encourages church members to participate actively in the mission of God, utilizing their talents to serve the community.
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"Growth & Reconciliation" with Dr. Kevin Murriel
May 2800:42:51Tap 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/
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"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
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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.
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"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.
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"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)”.
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"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
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"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.
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