

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

Nov 18, 2022 • 27min
Resolution #3 of the South Central Jurisdiction
The third resolution deals directly with the dynamics of sexually nonconforming persons in the UMC. It seeks to undo the "harmful" language of 2019 and instantiate a western liberal sexual ethic in our jurisdiction despite the clear language of the General Conference. This episode examines the text and presents the different ideologies undergirding it. I talk about integrity, Cultural Marxism, identity, and other fun stuff like that. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 17, 2022 • 24min
Analysis - Resolution #2 of the South Central Jurisdiction
This one has implications regarding the ending or reinstitution of racism in the UMC, depending on how you look at it. It also deals with the phenomenon of using nice language to cover over a not-nice goal. I spend some time explaining the Connectional Table and the Christmas Covenant, as both of those bodies are referenced several times in the document. Enjoy!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 15, 2022 • 19min
Analysis - Resolution #1 of South Central Jurisdiction
If you believe that resolutions reflect the general sentiment of a body, as they are designed to be, then it would be wise to consider the language adopted by the jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church when determining if this organization will continue to be friendly to conservatives who maintain a traditional biblical theology. Take a few minutes to read the text of the first of three resolutions adopted by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference a couple weeks ago.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 11, 2022 • 1h 23min
African UM Interview Series - E3 Simon Mafunda (Wesleyan Covenant Association)
Jeffrey was able to visit with Mr. Mafunda for the better part of an hour about some of the same dynamics that he addressed with Rev. Dr. Kulah and Rev. Emmanuel. Mafunda has a different country of origin, sits in a different social location, has a real world job outside of ministry, and was able to offer an earnest assessment of his own theology in the midst of other Africans and their particular theological traditions. Consider his words in contrast to what has been offered thus far. Though he and Kulah would agree about much, Mafunda offers a good deal of analysis and reflection that hadn't yet been offered, including an especially engaging portion on what offerings the African Methodists have to Americans that is currently not appreciated. Enjoy!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 2, 2022 • 60min
African UM Interview Series - E2 Ande Emmanuel (Africa Voices of Unity)
Ande Emmanuel heads up the Africa Voices of Unity caucus. He is an elder in the Nigeria United Methodist Church. He and Jeffrey were able to arrange a time to visit about dynamics on the African continent pertaining to The United Methodist Church denomination. This adds texture to the conversation with Rev. Dr. Kulah and prepares the stage nicely for the conversation with Mr. Simon Mafunda, head of the Wesleyan Covenant Association in Africa, which will be posted next week. In the meantime, get ready to learn how Rev. Emmanuel sees the current conflicts and challenges within the UMC, as well as his love for Jesus Christ and the ministry within his church.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 20, 2022 • 1h 11min
Episode 06 - Reece Player (Part 2) (Personal Interview & Ministry)
Pastor Jeffrey was able to sit down with Reece Player the pastor of Baker & Turpin United Methodists Churches located in the panhandle of Oklahoma. Born in South Africa and raised in Oklahoma Reece gives us his personal testimony and how the Lord led him to where he is today.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 18, 2022 • 1h 6min
African UM Interview Series E1 - Jerry Kulah (Africa Initiative)
This is an interview with Rev. Dr. Kulah, Dean of the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Theology. Jerry has been a leader at General Conference for several years. People of all stripes should acknowledge him to be a man of conviction and faith.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 11, 2022 • 1h 14min
Episode 5 - Part 2 - Interview w/ Brian Mangan
Brian Mangan is the United Methodist elder appointed to Will Rogers UMC in Tulsa, OK. He has an interesting story involving the gift of tongues, the charismatic tradition in general, infertility, and adoption. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 11, 2022 • 59min
Episode 5 - Guest Brian Mangan - Part 1 - UMC Commentary & Opinion
In this episode, we discuss a recent GBCS email addressing the topic of abortion, dynamics in African Methodism, pastors quiet quitting their churches, nonprofit disaster recovery and ministry, and a 'red tagging' incident in the Philippines. Brian Mangan is a United Methodist elder with a background in the charismatic tradition. He offers his unique viewpoint to elucidate the topics at hand.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 15, 2022 • 1h 11min
Episode 3 - Part 2 - Interview w/ Kira Calhoun-Wilson
Take a listen to learn about the life of this young female clergy whose life has been powerfully touched by our Lord!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe


