Is the algorithm shaping your faith more than Scripture, community or the voice of Christ?

This week on POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Lupina Villalpando Stewart and Rev. Preston Morgan to explore how social media algorithms form our attention, influence our beliefs and shape the way we see one another. Together, they wrestle with a timely question for the church today. In a digital world driven by clicks, feeds and endless scrolling, where we still have a choice in what we watch and follow, what are we allowing to form us as disciples of Jesus?

Through honest conversation, pastoral wisdom and Wesleyan insight, this episode reflects on community, repentance and the sacred reminder that every person we encounter is called beloved by God. Rather than rejecting technology altogether, the discussion invites listeners to consider how the Holy Spirit might still work through digital spaces to draw us closer to Christ.

Whether you are a church leader, a thoughtful social media user or someone longing for deeper spiritual formation, this conversation offers hope, clarity and practical encouragement for following Jesus in an algorithm-driven age.

Website - htcumc.org
Facebook - @HTCUMC
Instagram - @HTCUMC
TikTok - @horizontxumc
YouTube - @htcumc
Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

Connection is at the heart of what it means to be United Methodist, and in this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Alan McGrath, Rev. Mark Sheets, and Rev. Yvi Martin for a thoughtful and hope-filled conversation about why that connection still matters today.

Together, they reflect on borrowed brilliance, shared wisdom, the communities that shape ministry, and the moments of crisis where being part of something bigger makes all the difference. Through stories of leadership, calling, and formation, the conversation reveals how God works through relationships, places, and people to form disciples over time.

Whether you are clergy, laity, or simply curious about the wider life of the church, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that we were never meant to follow Christ alone.

Website - htcumc.org
Facebook - @HTCUMC
Instagram - @HTCUMC
TikTok - @horizontxumc
YouTube - @htcumc
Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference

This week on POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Melissa McDuffee Beal, Senior Pastor of FUMC Cleburne, hosts guest speaker Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross, Senior Pastor of Noblesville First UMC in Indiana, and Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson of Munger Place Church in Dallas. Together, they reflect on what bold faith looks like in practice, how women in Scripture model courage and conviction, and why discernment, wisdom and community matter as much as speaking up.

This episode was recorded at the Horizon Texas Conference's Women's Retreat, Altogether Bold, and offers a glimpse into the conversations, themes and questions that shaped the weekend. With courage, honesty and deep faith, the discussion explores what it means to live boldly as women of Christ in today's world.

Listeners are invited into a deeper understanding of boldness not as volume or certainty but as faith rooted in love, justice and a willingness to listen for God's call. Whether you attended the retreat or are simply longing for encouragement to live your faith more fully, this episode creates space to pause, reflect and be renewed.

Some of Rev. Nicole's podcasts:

https://godblessthisholymess.podbean.com/

https://stlukesumc.com/thewell

If you want to be involved with the next Altogether retreat reach out to Joy@htcumc.org

Website - htcumc.org
Facebook - @HTCUMC
Instagram - @HTCUMC
TikTok - @horizontxumc
YouTube - @htcumc
Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference