Welcome to “Pulpit Perspectives” the podcast dedicated to uplifting your spirit and fostering a deeper connection with faith through inspiring conversations. In this episode, we have the honor of hosting Reverend Esta Rosario, the senior pastor of Chesterton United Methodist Church, alongside Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy. Together, they dive into a heartfelt discussion about faith, ministry, personal growth, and community connections.

**Three Key Takeaways:**

1. **Embracing Discipleship and Spiritual Growth:**

Esta Rosario shares her insights on the importance of discipleship and spiritual discipline in fostering a stronger connection with God and the community. She emphasizes that personal spiritual practices are essential for both individual growth and collective strength as the body of Christ. By prioritizing intentional discipleship, we can avoid burnout and align ourselves with God's best for us.

2. **Building Connections and Community:**

Reverend Rosario discusses the significance of creating meaningful connections within the church community and beyond. She highlights the necessity of building relationships across different generations and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels connected. Esta introduces initiatives like the community meal and outreach programs that bridge the gap between the church and its surrounding community, reflecting the love and presence of God in everyday life.

3. **Celebrating Joy and Gratitude in Ministry:**

Another profound takeaway is Esta's focus on joy and gratitude in ministry. She passionately speaks about the contagious joy that should accompany our love for Jesus and each other. By approaching our faith-driven tasks with a sense of privilege rather than obligation, we can spread positivity and encouragement. Esta's stories of her family, especially the heartwarming homecoming to Puerto Rico, underscore the importance of celebrating blessings and milestones in our personal and spiritual journeys.

In this episode, listen to Reverend Esta Rosario's inspiring journey of faith, her musical talents, and how she navigates the balance between being a "Mary" and a "Martha." Her humility and deep-rooted understanding of God's work in her life provide a profound source of encouragement for listeners. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, stronger community ties, or a renewed sense of joy in your ministry, this conversation is sure to leave you uplifted.

**Tune in to "“Pulpit Perspectives” " and let Reverend Esta Rosario’s story inspire and uplift your spirit!**

For more information, be sure to follow the North District Facebook page and check out inumc.org for updates and resources within the Indiana Annual Conference. Join us as we explore what God is up to in the North District!

Rev. Esta Rosario

Chesterton UMC

https://chestertonumc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/ChestertonUMC

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of “Pulpit Perspectives” where we delve into the hearts and minds of clergy and their congregations within the North District of the Indiana Annual Conference. In this episode, Reverend Doctor Kent Lundy chats with Wayne Williams, the dedicated pastor of Hebron United Methodist Church in Hebron, Indiana. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with personal insights, community triumphs, and spiritual reflections.

**Episode Highlights:**

Our conversation with Pastor Wayne Williams explores both his journey in ministry and his outlook on leading a congregation. Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. **The Importance of Tradition and Personal Connection in Ministry:**

- Wayne Williams has been at Hebron United Methodist Church for just over two years. He emphasizes the value of combining traditional pastoral roles with personal connections. Wayne shares his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 43:1, which resonates deeply with his experience in the ministry, highlighting God's intimate knowledge and calling of each individual. This personal connection is something Wayne strives to bring into his ministry, making it more relatable and heartfelt.

2. **Community Engagement and Involvement:**

- One of the most remarkable aspects of Wayne’s leadership is his dedication to engaging his congregation in community service. He acknowledges the initial frustration of not being able to start book and Bible studies but highlights his congregation’s impressive involvement in local service organizations, particularly their extensive food pantry program. Wayne takes pride in how well-integrated the church is within the broader community, noting how people recognize and appreciate the church's efforts. His focus now is on creating small groups to build deeper connections and capitalize on the active spirit of his congregants.

3. **Future Vision Rooted in Grace, Mercy, and Love:**

- Wayne’s vision for the future of Hebron United Methodist Church is centered around three core principles: Grace, Mercy, and Love. He believes that these are fundamental to living a Christ-like life and strives to impart these values to his congregation. Wayne discusses the importance of continually spreading these virtues, especially in today’s world, and his hope that his church will remain steadfast in these principles. To him, it’s not just about preaching these values but also about being a living example of them within the community.

**Final Thoughts:**

Wayne Williams shares an inspiring message of dedication, community engagement, and a future built on unwavering Christian principles. His insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for both clergy and laity alike. Tune in to hear more about his journey, his mission, and the incredible work being done at Hebron United Methodist Church.

Thank you for listening to “Pulpit Perspectives” Stay connected and learn more about

the amazing initiatives within the North District by visiting inumc.org or checking out our Facebook page. Until next time, may you be encouraged, inspired, and uplifted.

Pastor Wayne Williams

Hebron UMC http://www.hebronumc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071198666544

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In this insightful episode of Pulpit Perspectives, our host Reverend Dr. Kent Lundy takes us inside Michigan City First United Methodist Church, where chats with Senior Pastor Rev. Nancy Nichols. As they converse from the pulpit, Nancy shares her experiences and profound wisdom accumulated over her 40 years in ministry. From discussing her personal journey of faith to articulating the challenges of leading a community-focused church, this episode is rich with inspiration and authenticity.

**Three Key Takeaways:**

1. **The Balance of Mary and Martha:**

One of the most intriguing aspects Nancy discusses is her self-identification with both Mary and Martha from the Bible. Initially encouraged to be more like Martha, Nancy describes how she has cultivated a balance over the years. Through activities like walking her dog and taking photographs, she embodies Mary’s contemplative nature, while also fulfilling Martha’s active, service-oriented role in the church. This balance serves as a reminder of the importance of both reflection and action in a well-rounded spiritual life.

2. **The Humbling Power of Service:**

Nancy shares humbling experiences from her tenure at different churches, notably her work with the unhoused and people dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Her stories of individuals who remain grateful despite their struggles serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and grace found in even the most challenging circumstances. These interactions have kept her grounded, reminding her of the fundamental call to love and serve unconditionally.

3. **The Imperative of Change, Creativity, and Courage:**

As Nancy reflects on the future of Michigan City First United Methodist Church, she emphasizes three crucial elements: change, creativity, and courage. The church’s long history of adaptation underscores the need for continual transformation to meet modern challenges. Creativity in ministry allows the church to stay relevant and vibrant, while courage is essential for making bold decisions that shape the congregation's future. These three C’s serve as guiding principles not just for Michigan City First, but for any faith-based community navigating an evolving world.

Tune in to this episode for an enriching conversation that goes beyond the pulpit to explore the heart of what it means to lead, serve, and thrive in ministry.

**Resources:**

- Check out the North District Facebook page for more updates.

- Visit the Indiana Annual Conference website at inumc.org for information on district-wide and conference-wide activities.

Rev. Nancy Nichols

Michigan City First UMC https://mcindianaumc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/FUMCMC

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.