UMPP.034: Listening Before Acting- A Conversation with Dr. Phil Amerson and Bishop Julius Trimble.
Dr. Phil Amerson president emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary joins Dr. Brad Miller and Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble on Episode 34 of The United Methodist People Podcast.
Dr. Amerson has spent his career writing, teaching and speaking about racism, institutional leadership, urban community development and the role of congregations in addressing poverty and discrimination.
Dr. Amerson speaks about his early faith development as a “cradle” United Methodist attending many revivals growing up. He talks about the definition transformative experience he had in ministering in Harlem and Panama had on his views on justice and poverty.
He tells a fascinating story getting to know members of the Ku Klux Klan personally and helping lead them bring a most unique offering into a worship experience.
Dr Amerson and Bishop Trimble engaged in an in depth discussion about Black Lives Matter and social justice issues in our country and in the United Methodist Church. A major focus of the conversation was around taking time to listen to others before taking action. Indeed, Dr Amerson cited his research which showed that the worst way to address racial bigotry is to preach a sermon about it. The emphasis is how we don’t know each other. We have to listen to understand the depth of the problem and then act.
Dr. Amerson and Bishop Trimble pointed to signs of hope in the United Methodist Church in the call and the involvement of young clergy and leaders who are speaking a prophetic word to the church and looking to creation out of chaos.
The United Methodist People Podcast is produced by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. The purpose of The United Methodist People Podcast is strengthening the connection in the United Methodist Church through conversation and commentary.
Rev. Dr. Brad Miller
July 6, 2020
