Holy Roast Podcast

04/08/2025

🎉New Episode with Matt Miofsky!🎙️
In this month’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Matt Miofsky. Matt is the Lead Pastor of the Gathering United Methodist Church in Saint Louis, Missouri.

In this episode, Matt talks about the story of The Gathering, how a church can be both inclusive and evangelical, how to relate to other UMCs that may differ in certain areas from yours, the tension of preaching toward justice but fear decline, how to reach those who are 18-29, and his hope for the future of the UMC.

Since Matt founded The Gathering in 2006, it has grown into a thriving multi-site congregation with four locations scattered throughout St. Louis. With over 1500 in worship a weekend, The Gathering was recently named the 3rd fastest growing large United Methodist Churches.

Matt is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis where he majored in mathematics then completed his Master’s of Divinity at Emory University in Atlanta.

Matt is passionate about church planting, connecting with new generations, and multi-site ministry. Matt is the co-author of "Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches" (Abingdon, 2018), “Happy? What It Is and How to Find It” (Abingdon Books, April 2017), “Fail: What to Do When Things Go Wrong” (Abingdon Books, 2017), a contributor to Disciple Fast Track: Into the Word, Into the World (Abingdon, 2017), “Flipping Church: How Successful Church Planters Are Turning Conventional Wisdom Upside-Down” (Discipleship Resources, 2016), and the “Ask: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age” DVD project (Abingdon, 2015).

For all links to the podcast, check out: https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

04/01/2025

Have you listened to our newest episode with Mizari Suárez and Rev. John Gallaher yet? If you have, what were some of your biggest takeaways? If you haven't listened yet, what are you waiting on?!

In this month’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Mizari Suárez and Rev. John Gallaher. Suárez is the Executive Director of Neighbors Immigration Clinic ...

03/17/2025

In this month’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Mizari Suárez and Rev. John Gallaher. Suárez is the Executive Director of Neighbors Immigration Clinic and Gallaher is the Pastor at Embrace UMC.

Suárez has a community-organizing background with deep connections to the immigrant rights movement on a local and national level. As a previously undocumented immigrant, Mizari knows firsthand the importance of affordable immigration legal services and culturally competent outreach to immigrant communities. Suárez is a facilitator and community organizer/connector. Neighbors, an affiliate of the United Methodist Immigration Law and Justice Network, ****is to provide low-cost legal services to our immigrant neighbors, educate our community on the immigration journey, and advocate for immigrant rights.

In this episode, Suárez and Gallaher reflect upon the story of Neighbors, what services they provide, success stories from their clinic, common misconceptions about the immigration process, current immigration policies that church leaders should be aware of, the role of faith in immigration advocacy, and practical ways that pastors and church leaders can get involved.

For all links to the podcast, check out: https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

To learn more about Neighbors Immigration Clinic, head to their website: https://www.kyneighborsclinic.org

Check out an article about Neighbors: https://www.kyumc.org/newsdetail/kentucky-clinic-helps-immigrants-navigate-asylum-process-18921804

03/10/2025

Have you listened to our newest episode with Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow yet? If you have, what were some of your biggest takeaways? If you haven't listened yet, what are you waiting on?!

In this week’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow.The Reverend Dr. Perzavia Praylow, PhD is an ordained minister of Word and Sac...

02/24/2025

In this month's episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow. 🎙️

The Reverend Dr. Perzavia Praylow, PhD is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament ordained in The Presbyterian Church (USA). She is currently the Director of Black Church Studies and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Louisville Seminary where she teaches courses in Black Church Studies and Practical Theology. Dr. Praylow is a historian, practical theologian and teacher-scholar called to serve at the intersection of teaching, scholarship, and pastoral leadership.

Her credentials include:

*Drew University, BA; The University of Illinois, MA in Education Policy Studies, MA in History, PhD in History; Columbia Theological Seminary, MDIV; Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, STM*

In this episode, Dr. Praylow talks about her call to ministry, the intersection of faith and education, key themes of the Black church, how pastors and church leaders can learn from those different than them, how churches can take a tangible step towards justice and reconciliation, and more!

For all links to the podcast, check out: https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

For more information about Louisville Seminary, check out www.LPTS.edu!

02/09/2025

New episode loading… ⏰

While we await the next episode to be released, where are you enjoying your Holy Roast merch?

12/02/2024

See you in January! 🎄
Holy Roast is taking a Christmas break this December! We will see you in January!

11/18/2024

New Episode w/Rev. Jim Savage! 🎙️

In this week’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Jim Savage to talk about Disaster Relief Ministry! Jim is the Kentucky Conference and Eastern Kentucky Disaster Response Ministry Director.

In this episode, Jim talks about his role in disaster relief efforts, some of the biggest challenges of disaster relief, logistics of helping those in immediate need, how local churches can get involved in relief efforts, and how the connection of the UMC is alive through the Kentucky Conference, UMCOR, UMVIM, and more!

All accounts are linked below!
Podbean Website: https://holyroastpodcast.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../holy-roast.../id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q
Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

11/07/2024

New Episode with Dr. McFee! 🎉
In this week’s episode, Rob and sits down with Dr. Marcia McFee to talk about creative worship planning!

Dr. McFee is a professor, worship designer, author, preacher and ritual artist. Drawing on a first career in professional dance and musical theater and equipped with a Master's in Theology and a PhD in Liturgical Studies and Ethics, she understands the role of any worship artist in the church as that of creating extraordinary portals through which communities journey with the Spirit.

In this episode, Dr. McFee talks about why she is passionate about worship planning and resourcing local churches, how preachers and worship leaders can maintain creativity throughout the year, how we can approach this Advent with fresh insight, energy, and excitement, and if she was planning worship in Advent this year, what she would focus on. This episode is full of great resources as well!

Check out our show notes on Podbean (link in bio) for Discount Codes for Worship Planning Resources, Subscriptions, Free Resources, and More! Thanks to Dr. McFee and Worship Design Studio for give these discounts to our listeners!

All accounts are linked below!
Podbean Website: https://holyroastpodcast.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../holy-roast.../id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q
Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

10/23/2024

New Episode with Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson! 🎉🎤
In this week’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson. Director of the Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture at the Iliff School of Theology, where she leads research exploring the relationship between religion and politics.

She is the author of “Holy Chaos, Creating Connections in Divisive Times," and hosts the "Complexified Podcast." Amanda lives in Littleton, Colorado, is a parent to three young adults, enjoys adventures with her husband, and finds joy running trails and growing things: dogs, chickens, gardens, and creative projects of all kinds.

In this episode, Dr. Henderson defines Christian nationalism, talks about the history of American religiosity, what local churches should know about Christian nationalism, how religion and politics can coexist peacefully, and what role religious leaders should play in advocating for policy changes.

All accounts are linked below!
Podbean Website: https://holyroastpodcast.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../holy-roast.../id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q
Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

10/07/2024

New Episode with Bishop David Graves is Up! 🎉
Welcome to Kentucky, Bishop David Graves! In this episode, Bishop Graves talks about his call to ministry, formative times as a pastor in the local church, his favorite part about being a bishop, his favorite things about the state of Kentucky, his priorities for clergy health, and what gives him hope for the future of the UMC.

Bishop David Graves’ passion is sharing Jesus, seeing the overlooked, joining God in transforming lives, and changing the world one person at a time. His study of leadership permeates all his work as a pastor, district superintendent and bishop. He has been an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church for over 35 years. Bishop Graves is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, with a Master of Divinity.

All accounts are linked below!
Podbean Website: https://holyroastpodcast.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../holy-roast.../id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q
Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

09/26/2024

Look who stopped by Holy Roast Studios today! 🎙️🎉
We are so excited for our conversation with Bishop David Graves to come out in October. Keep on the lookout. 👀

09/16/2024

Holy Roast Podcast is back! 🎉🎙️
We are so excited for Season 2 of the Holy Roast Podcast. Thank you to all of our faithful listeners who tuned in for Season 1, the best is yet to come! Be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the Holy Roast Podcast.

In this week’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Laura Hamrick. Laura serves as Clergy Engagement Coordinator for both the Clergy Health Initiative and the Religion and Social Change Lab.

A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and Wesley Theological Seminary, Laura is a second career pastor who worked in the field of group health insurance prior to entering seminary. An ordained elder in the Western NC Annual Conference, she served churches of various sizes in urban, suburban, and rural settings for seventeen years prior to entering ministry beyond the local church. Prior to joining the team at Duke, she served with Life Around the Table, where she helped to design and lead creation-based Sabbath retreat experiences for ecumenical groups of clergy in North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. In her current role, Laura connects with UMC clergy and denominational leaders to offer support and evidence-based resources developed through our research in order to support their flourishing in life and ministry. In this episode, Rachel talks about the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, how pastors can prepare themselves against burnout and mental health, ways local churches can help with their clergy’s health, and info
about the upcoming event, “Flourish.”

All accounts are linked below!
Podbean Website: https://holyroastpodcast.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../holy-roast.../id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q
Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

06/18/2024

We had so much fun together at the Annual Conference Live Recording of Holy Roast! Thanks to everyone who became a part of the Official Holy Roast Community. A special shout out to Rev. Caleb Wheat for being our guest!

Holy Roast is excited to announce that we have been renewed for Season 2! Be on the lookout for the official Season 2 Launch Date in the Fall. Thank you for all of your support in this fun adventure of the Ministerial Services Operational Team and the Board of Ordained Ministry. If you have ideas of potential guests or themes, please let us know!

The recording is now up of our conversation with Rev. Caleb Wheat! In this week’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Caleb Wheat. Caleb is the Pastor at Antioch UMC, a new church start in Northern Kentucky. In this episode, Caleb will talk about his call to church planting, the story of Antioch UMC, some initiatives throughout the Kentucky Conference, and what every local church should be doing in this season.

All accounts are linked below!
Podbean Website: https://holyroastpodcast.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holy-roast-podcast/id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q

Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast

06/11/2024

Are you at Annual Conference? Did you get a mug or button yet? Take a picture, post it on social media, and tag us! We will share some of the pictures on our sites!

06/09/2024

Live Recording at Annual Conference. ✅
Thanks everyone for coming out to our Holy Roast Podcast at AC! Don’t forget to stop by the Holy Roast Table this week for a chance to win a coffee mug and buttons!

06/08/2024

Are you ready for the live recording of Holy Roast?! 🎙️
Special guests. Giveaways. Coffee.
RSVP to get a seat! (Follow the signs to find the space!)

06/03/2024

Holy Roast Finale: General Conference Special!

In this week’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. Tami Coleman and Rev. Dr. Jay Smith to talk about General Conference. Tami was our lead Clergy Delegate (Pastor at Hanson UMC) and Jay was a Clergy Alternate Delegate (District Superintendent of the Owensboro District.)

In this episode, Tami and Jay will talk about their experiences at General Conference. They will share how it felt to be in the room during GC, what gives them hope for the future of the UMC, the biggest questions they’ve received from Kentucky United Methodists about GC since returning home, how to worship with people who may not agree with us on important subject matters, and more.

This podcast is for Traditionalists, Centrists, and Progressives (*everyone*) in the Kentucky Annual Conference. If you found the episode to be helpful, please be sure to share with other pastors, church members, and friends.


Don't forget to register for Holy Roast LIVE at Annual Conference! Want to be a part of our Live Audience? Register here: https://kyumc-reg.brtapp.com/2024LiveAudienceforHolyRoastPodcast?fbclid=IwAR1VhnsdmSqtQCKpKPpCmjREZV2hCzcSHVRnsloWncfuIte8iRIjEOLHtfo

Check out the links below for full video or audio!
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../holy-roast.../id1719673939
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rGLe9XMzwPnY9ctr9aG8T
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtspUIvvDeQIjg9NPVfP9Q
Connect with Holy Roast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok going to our LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast