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PlainSpoken

Jeffrey Rickman
Global Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
Methodism
Discipleship
John Wesley
Christianity
American Christianity
Scriptural Holiness
Episcopacy
Theology
Nigeria
Disaffiliation
Church Planting
United Methodism
Homosexuality
Wesleyan Theology
Abortion
Evangelism
Sola Scriptura
Christian Doctrine

This is a podcast aimed at shining light in dark places, particularly those dealing with American Methodism and Christianity broadly. plainspokenpod.substack.com

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes380Founded4 years ago
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Religion & SpiritualityNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for PlainSpoken

Latest Episodes

A couple of years ago, I did a series called ‘Considering Charlotte,’ which was a series of panels addressing the various developing issues around The United Methodist Church’s last General Conference. It was a good series in which I capitalized upon... more

Methodists aren’t exactly famous for apologetics in the online space. While Reformed and independent voices dominate the conversation, Wesleyans have often stayed quiet. Is that a problem? Should we even try to enter the fray? And if we do, what shou... more

The conversation centers on the theological and moral stakes of abortion, framed primarily through the lens of Joel Webb’s experience as a Free Methodist clergy member working four days a week at Spero Pregnancy Center in Port Huron, Michigan. Webb, ... more

On Friday, April 24, I hosted Chris Lohrstorfer, Richie Clark, Tim Prather, and Daniel Rickman for another panel on the recent Articles of Faith document.Unfortunately a storm happened to be rolling through at the same time. Lightning struck early in... more

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Recent Guests

Ryan Barnett
Teaching staff at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University; leadership team of the Mid-Texas Annual Conference
Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University; Mid-Texas Annual Conference
Episode: A Panel on Balancing Annual Conferences & General Church
Todd Christine
Author of Apologetics Calmly Considered
Grace Church (Anover)
Episode: Apologetics Calmly Considered - A Conversation with Todd Christine
Joel Webb
Free Methodist clergy, staff at Spero Pregnancy Center, and advocate for pro-life work
Spero Pregnancy Center, Crosswell Free Methodist Church, Michigan
Episode: Pregnancy Resource Centers - A Conversation with Joel Webb
Tim Prather
Former Conference Superintendent for the Mississippi West Tennessee Conference; Head Pastor at Sanitobia First Methodist Church
GMC; Sanitobia First Methodist Church
Episode: Articles of Faith - Panel 3 (Republished w/ Missing Half)
Chris Lohrstorfer
VP of Academic Affairs and Enrollment; Associate Professor of Wesleyan Theology
Wesley Biblical Seminary
Episode: Articles of Faith - Panel 3 (Republished w/ Missing Half)
Daniel Rickman
Head Pastor at Woodward First Methodist Church
Woodward First Methodist Church
Episode: Articles of Faith - Panel 3 (Republished w/ Missing Half)
Tim Reaves
Pastor at Pine Valley Methodist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina
Pine Valley Methodist Church, Wilmington NC
Episode: God's Provision for the GMC in Wilmington - A Conversation with Timothy Reaves
Kendall Meek
Reverend Kendall Meek, ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church
Global Methodist Church
Episode: The Crisis of Authority - A Conversation with Kendall Meek
James Lambert
Pastor at Asbury Church; member of the planning team for the Asbury Connection
Asbury Church
Episode: New Wesleyan Networks & Connections - A Conversation with James Lambert

Host

Jeffrey Rickman
Host of PlainSpoken channel; frequently interviews church leaders and theologians; affilication: PlainSpoken

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 37 ratings
  • Great show

    Very informed show

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nowata
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows on theology and church governance are highly informed and thoughtful.
Guests bring diverse perspectives within Methodism and related movements.
Strong practical emphasis on leadership and church growth topics.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Crisis of Authority - A Conversation with Kendall Meek
Q: Could you talk briefly just about your church and what you're seeing the Holy Spirit do there?
The church I serve has gone through a disaffiliation war and is now in a rebuilding phase, focusing on rigorous study of Scripture, disciplined prayer, and regular worship to reestablish legitimacy and deepen discipleship.
The Crisis of Authority - A Conversation with Kendall Meek
Q: Okay, well, that's a big question. Why don't you answer it real briefly? What is this thing we're a part of? What is Methodism?
Methodism is a historical movement rooted in apostolic continuity and a particular episcopal structure that seeks to recover the early church's governance and spiritual practices, while remaining faithful to Scripture and the gospel in a modern context.
New Wesleyan Networks & Connections - A Conversation with James Lambert
Q: How does Asbury Connection differ from other covenant networks like Foundry or Sanctification Network?
Lambert describes Asbury as an ecclesial body with churches as members, aiming for a hub-and-spokes model with regional hubs and potential for national reach, distinct from looser networks where churches aren't formally members.
New Wesleyan Networks & Connections - A Conversation with James Lambert
Q: What distinct parts of the Wesleyan heritage is your church holding on to?
Lambert emphasizes preserving core Wesleyan doctrines such as prevenient grace, order of salvation, entire sanctification, and a robust stance against unconditional predestination, while adapting them within a contemporary Wesleyan articulation for the Asbury Connection.
Considering Charlotte - Regionalization & Ratification of Constitutional Amendments
Q: What is your view on the undue influence of American bishops in the African church?
It's a serious concern as it mirrors issues faced in similar contexts, leading to frustration among local leaders.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About PlainSpoken

What is PlainSpoken about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show targets listeners interested in the dynamics of American Methodism and broader Christian ministry, with a steady focus on church governance, doctrinal debates, and denominational realignment. Across episodes, topics gravitate toward Wesleyan theology, leadership accountability, pastor perspectives, and practical church growth in changing denominational landscapes. Notable throughlines include discussions of church disaffiliation, regionalization, and the balance between tradition and innovation, often framed by guest experts such as pastors, theologians, and scholars. The program tends to attract professionals in ministry, academia, and church leadership who want in-depth, opinionated conversations about theology, church policy, a... more

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1. Across the Globe
2. The Wake-Up Call
3. Theology Project | The Podcast
4. Truth Unites
5. The Alisa Childers Podcast

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PlainSpoken launched 4 years ago and published 380 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on PlainSpoken?

Recent guests on PlainSpoken include:

1. Ryan Barnett
2. Todd Christine
3. Joel Webb
4. Tim Prather
5. Chris Lohrstorfer
6. Daniel Rickman
7. Tim Reaves
8. Kendall Meek

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