Finding Joy, Gratitude, and Community in Spiritual Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Metheny

On the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson sits down with Rachel Metheny, pastor at Meridian Street Church, for an inspiring conversation about self-care, spirituality, and the evolving nature of community. The discussion dives deep into what sustains Rachel Metheny both as a spiritual leader and as an individual in a world that can feel overwhelming. Here are three key takeaway points from their thoughtful exchange:

1. Embracing Joy and Gratitude as Acts of Resistance

Rachel Metheny shares that amidst the doom and gloom of daily news cycles, intentionally focusing on joy and gratitude isn’t just self-care—it’s a spiritual practice. She starts worship at her church by encouraging people to reflect on what brings them joy and what they are grateful for, counteracting the tendency to let negativity dominate their mindset. “Rachel Metheny felt like she brought joy to Meridian Street Church, and her community recognizes and appreciates it,” as she explained. This emphasis, especially in worship, is a powerful tool for reconnecting people to abundance and possibility.

2. Walking, Hiking, and Sports as Spiritual Practices

Physical activity is more than exercise for Rachel Metheny; it’s a way to clear her mind, find inspiration, and stay connected to her sense of purpose. She recalls memorable hikes to Machu Picchu, the Dolomites in Italy, and upcoming plans for the El Camino and Everest Base Camp. Hiking, she says, “gets you out of your head,” and helps her process ideas and experiences. She also notes the importance of sports for her–attending IU games and following basketball–as sources of joy and community, especially living in Indiana, where sports hold a special meaning.

3. Expanding the Definition of Church and Community

The episode also touches on broader issues of immigration, family, and belonging. Rachel Metheny’s experiences in Guatemala and El Salvador deeply shaped her outlook on immigration, leading her to advocate for compassion and support for undocumented families and refugees. The conversation with Phil Amerson challenges traditional notions of “church” as merely those who attend Sunday services, arguing instead that church is about relationships and support systems, even outside the walls of the building. When asked about what anchors her, Rachel Metheny credits her family and upbringing, reflecting on their unwavering presence and lessons about joy and community.

Conclusion

This episode of To Be and Do is a powerful reminder that spiritual leadership is about more than sermons or rituals—it’s about cultivating habits of gratitude, finding joy in daily life, and nurturing authentic relationships. Whether it’s walking through the Italian Alps, supporting refugee families, or redefining what church means, Rachel Metheny embodies a holistic approach to ministry and life.

https://www.meridianstreet.org/our-team-opportunities

Tune in to hear more transformative conversations that connect the “being” and the “doing” in our everyday lives.

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