What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Isaiah Park, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

In this episode of New People, New Ways, we welcome Dr. Monika Ardelt—renowned sociologist, wisdom researcher, and pioneer in the study of spiritual aging. Dr. Ardelt is Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida and the creator of the widely used Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS). Her work explores what it means to live and die well, offering deep insights into the roles of wisdom, spirituality, and meaning throughout the human life span.

Dr. Ardelt brings decades of research and personal reflection into a rich conversation that connects seamlessly with the Fresh Expressions movement. Together, we explore questions of aging in community, spiritual development across the life course, and how a Wesleyan imagination might embrace wisdom as a communal practice—not just an individual virtue.

She is also co-editor of Faith and Well-Being in Late Life, a landmark interdisciplinary volume that links spiritual traditions to evidence-based practices for human flourishing.

Learn more about her work and the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale here Explore her co-edited book: Faith and Well-Being in Late Life

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Rob Hutchinson.

Rob has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 27 years, serving in diverse settings that range from bustling church plants to intimate congregational gatherings. Currently, he is the Director of Church Development, where he pioneers new strategies to adapt and grow church communities in meaningful ways.

Rob's journey in faith is as unique as his approach to ministry. His personal story of family, shaped profoundly by the power of adoption, mirrors his professional mission to stitch together diverse communities into a unified body of Christ. As one of my doctoral students at United Theological Seminary, Rob focuses on 'Futuring Church' and integrating the work of the Holy Spirit in team discernment processes. His insights in his church development work have also led to the development of the '8 Vital Signs of church vitality,' a ever expanding toolkit helping churches thrive in a rapidly changing world.

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Christopher Wells.

Christopher Wells is a seasoned technologist and strategy consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in AI and machine learning, specializing in generative AI, NLP, and data-driven transformation across industries like finance and aviation. He established Chatham Financial's data science division and later advanced Indico Data Solutions' NLP research, driving market competitiveness with strategic innovations and intellectual property. Currently, he consults on AI projects, delivering impactful solutions for diverse business challenges. He holds a Ph. D. in high energy theoretical physics from The Johns Hopkins University.

As author of A Community At Worship, Chris also offers church consulting services, guiding congregations to discover God's will for them as worshippers and revitalize corporate and personal worship. Since 2013, he has served as a worship leader at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, a passion that began at age 13 as an organist at First United Methodist Church of Corry, PA. Chris is a loving (and somewhat incompetent) husband to Rachel Dorman-Wells and a proud (and somewhat incompetent) father to three children, Iris, Soren, and Etta.

Grab a copy of Chris' book here.

Find Chris online:

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Bishop Tom Berlin.

Tom Berlin serves as Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. Tom is a graduate of Virginia Tech and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of numerous books, including Reckless Love, Courage, Restored, Defying Gravity, The Generous Church, and the coauthor (with Lovett Weems) of Bearing Fruit, Overflow, and High Yield.

Find Bishop Berlin's books here

Hear more from Bishop Berlin https://www.flumc.org/bishop-berlin

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Leslie Newton. Born and raised in Lancaster, in the north of England, Leslie studied Accountancy & Law at University before training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His local Methodist Church nurtured his faith through the years and encouraged him to grow and develop through welcoming and encouraging his contributions through music, youth work and later in preaching.

Leslie was accepted for the Methodist Ministry in 1995 and met his wife, Gill, at Wesley College, Bristol where they both trained. They were married in 1996 and became parents to Laura in 2000. Prior to becoming Chair of the Yorkshire North and East District in 2017, Leslie has served in circuit ministry in Barnsley, Stockport and York. The Chair’s role offers oversight and leadership in mission to the Methodist Church in a region.

Leslie is currently co-Chair of the Methodist Church in Britain's New Places for New People Guiding Team, and serves as a Trustee of Fresh Expressions.

You can find Leslie's book here and a study guide companion here.

About New People // New Ways: What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer in church planting and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Graham Horsley. Graham began his ministry journey in 1980, and by 1992, he had taken on the role of British National Church Planting Officer while simultaneously leading a church that successfully planted two new congregations.

In 2000, he fully embraced his calling as a full-time church planting advocate, playing a crucial role in integrating the Methodist Church into the Fresh Expressions Movement. His visionary leadership also led to the creation of the Methodist Venture Fx organization, which has had a lasting impact on innovative ministry within the Methodist tradition in the UK.

Although he retired four years ago, his passion for ministry continues. He is currently working on a fresh expression specifically designed for the Baby Boomer generation, navigating the unique challenge of helping the local church understand and embrace this new approach.

About New People // New Ways: What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we are joined by Reverend Thea Curry-Fuson, an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Thea's journey is a testament to transformative faith and ministry. Growing up unchurched with only a nominal faith and relational exposure to God overseas, she entered into a transformative relationship with Jesus at the age of 28. Almost immediately, she felt the call to pastoral ministry, prompting her to leave her nonprofit career.

We will explore Thea's unique path to ministry, the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way, and her current role in fostering new ways of being church. Join us for an inspiring conversation on faith, transformation, and the innovative approaches Reverend Thea employs to reach and nurture communities.

About New People // New Ways: What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/ Fresh Expressions UM: https://tinyurl.com/yubeu2r4

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshexpressionsfl/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FExpressionsFL