HUMP#017: Bishop Michael Coyner - ?Imagine Indiana and More?

Hoosier United Methodist Podcast

HUMP#017: Bishop Michael Coyner - ?Imagine Indiana and More? / / The purpose of the Hoosier United Methodist podcast is to strengthen the connection in the United Methodist Church in Indiana through conversation and commentary to achieve the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ of the transformation of the world / In episode 017 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast Dr. Brad Miller has an in depth conversation with Bishop Michael Coyner. Bishop Coyner has served in the episcopacy for 20 years and is retiring in 2016. In his time as Bishop he has served the United Methodist Church in just about every capacity and oversaw all the challenge of bringing two distinct annual conferences together to form one new annual conference. Bishop Mike and Brad had a great conversation about the joys and challenges in serving as a bishop and what he sees as signs of hope in the United Methodist Church. Bishop Mike is a genuine and authentic leader of the church who has been able to navigate some very sensitive issues in Indiana as well as around the world of United Methodism. The conversation was far ranging touching on the state of the church as he sees it right now - what he calls a ?Big Tent Church? that's being stretched by significant challenges as well as his view of the impact of the local church when its at its best. Indeed, Bishop Mike very much considers himself a pastor, first and foremost. Bishop Mike gives his observations about the global church in places like Eastern Europe and Africa as well as the state of the church in North America. He talks about the advice he might give to a brand-new bishop and to younger clergy who are just starting out. You will find Bishop Mike to be very hopeful about the future of the church particularly because of the influx of younger clergy and the influence of devoted laypersons. Bishop Mike also reveals the two issues which he considers key for the future of the United Methodist Church ?nimbleness? and ?partnerships.? In addition to all this Bishop Mike also talks about what he is looking forward to most in his retirement. You will find this episode 017 of the Hoosier United Methodist Podcast helpful to understanding the person who has led the United Methodist Church in Indiana for 12 years and certainly is beneficial to Hoosier United Methodists.