Overview In this short but meaningful “Because” episode, Phil Amerson invites listeners to reflect on the start of the Lenten season, centering the conversation on what it truly means to be in community, both within a local church and in our personal spiritual journeys. With heartfelt honesty, he shares his personal practices and previews engaging voices for upcoming episodes who will help deepen our understanding of parish life, preaching, and global missions. Three Takeaways 1. Reimag...

To Be and Do Podcast Hosts: Philip Amerson Guest: Bob Hill In this heartfelt episode of the To Be and Do Podcast, Philip Amerson welcomes Bob Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel and Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology at Boston University School of Theology. The conversation is rich in warmth, humor, and insights, exploring the role of university chaplaincy, the state of mainline Christianity, and the vital importance of honest and hopeful preaching in today’s world. We begin with l...

Show Notes: To Be snd Do In this heartfelt "Because" episode of "To Be and Do," Philip Amerson explores the current reality of the American church, drawing insights from books and sociological perspectives while offering a message of hope. The conversation is anchored by reflections on Ryan Burge's newest book, The Vanishing Church, and the shifting role of faith communities in today's society. Episode Summary: Philip Amerson opens by sharing two books that have been making an impact in discu...

In this timely and candid episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with immigration attorney Christie Popp to unpack the evolving—and often alarming—landscape of asylum and immigration policy in the U.S. today. Christie Popp, a founding attorney at Popp and Bullman in Bloomington, Indiana, offers a rare, ground-level view into the lives affected by shifting regulations, political pressure, and the consequences of silence in times of injustice. The episode dives headl...

In this moving episode of “To Be and Do,” Philip Amerson shares a poignant reflection on faith, community, and the power of quiet resistance. Drawing from personal memories and the events in Minneapolis, Philip Amerson recounts a stirring story from Evansville, Indiana in the late 1980s. When the Ku Klux Klan attempted to sow fear and division following attacks in his neighborhood, Philip Amerson and his group, Patchwork Ministries, faced a decision that would test their commitment to faith and ...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast In this eye-opening episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with attorney Christie Popp, a founding partner at Popp and Bullman Law Offices, to demystify the realities of immigration law and its intersection with current U.S. judicial practices. Christie Popp offers a candid, accessible overview of how immigration enforcement really works and the everyday injustices faced by immigrants—especially in Indiana and the broader United States...

In this heartfelt episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson welcomes back Mark Feldmeir, lead pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and author of Life After God: Finding Faith When You Can't Believe Anymore. Their conversation invites listeners into a rich exploration of where joy is found in our lives, what it means to serve, and the importance of purpose, even amid life's challenges. After opening with a charming story of conversing with statues on th...

In this thought-provoking episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson reflects on the critical vocation of faith leaders, peeling back the layers of what it means to serve as a pastor today. The discussion centers around the need for genuine encouragement and support among clergy, especially in a landscape that often prioritizes performance, competition, and constant improvement over authentic connection. Philip Amerson opens with heartfelt acknowledgment of pastors—those performing "heavy...

Host: Philip Amerson Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the courageous act of Rosa Parks inspire this reflective episode of the To Be snd Do podcast, hosted by Philip Amerson. Titled “Because Moments,” this brief yet potent segment dives into themes of civil rights, nonviolent resistance, and the ongoing struggle against society’s “triple evils”: racism, poverty, and militarism. Through historical context and heartfelt storytelling, Philip Amerson calls listeners to action, reminding us ...

In this poignant "Because" episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast Philip Amerson takes listeners through a raw and deeply personal reflection on violence, protest, and the necessity of compassionate dialogue in times of national turmoil. Centered around the tragic killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse in Minneapolis, Philip Amerson draws connections between recent events and historic moments of unrest, reminding us that history’s lessons are powerful guides. Three Key Takeaways 1. Th...

In this powerful episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson sits down with Reverend Mark Feldmeir, lead pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to discuss faith’s evolving landscape, the sacred weight of preaching in turbulent times, and the importance of forging genuine community response in the wake of tragedy. Mark Feldmeir, known for his insightful preaching and recently published book “Life After Finding Faith, When You Can't Believe Anymore,” shares ...

Because: In this thoughtful and timely episode of To Be and Do, Philip Amerson offers a reflection on where we are as a society in January 2026, with particular attention to the legacy and continued relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we navigate celebrations of Dr. King’s birthday and confront ongoing social issues, Philip Amerson challenges listeners to consider the depth of our ethical commitments and the collective work still needed around race, community, and justice. Three Tak...

In this heartfelt episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson sits down with longtime friend and folk musician Ed Kilbourne—who reflects on his journey from a missionary kid to a highly respected figure in progressive Christian circles. Together, they offer candid insights on leaving behind rigid church traditions, the evolution of faith, and the unexpected joys of serving others with authenticity. Three Key Takeaways: The Complex Journey Away from Evangelicalism Both Philip Amerson and Ed ...

Welcome to another thoughtful episode of To Be and Do with Phil Amerson at the helm. In this inspiring installment, Phil invites us to reconsider the environments we nurture—not just the natural world, but the “ecology of faith” that shapes our spiritual and communal lives. Through personal anecdotes and keen observations, the discussion challenges us to rethink how we engage with differences within our faith communities and beyond. Here are three key takeaways from the episode: 1. Rethink...

Welcome to this special introductory episode of “To Be and Do” with your host, Phil Amerson. In this brief but engaging segment, Phil Amerson gives listeners an exciting look at what’s on the horizon for the podcast in the coming months—promising a season filled with compelling conversations, inspiring guests, and thoughtful exploration of faith, community, and service. Phil Amerson starts by sharing the lineup for upcoming episodes, offering a preview of the fascinating individuals who will ...

In this heartfelt episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson welcomes the legendary singer, storyteller, and folk theologian Ed Kilbourne for a warm and candid conversation. With over 9,000 performances to his name, Ed Kilbourne brings a lifetime of humor, insight, and experience to the table. Together, they reminisce about decades of friendship, reflect on the evolution of faith and church culture, and discuss what authentic worship and community can look like today. Three Take...

Start your new year with inspiration and reflection on this "Because" episode of To Be and Do. Host Phil Amerson welcomes listeners into 2026 with wisdom, personal stories, and powerful scriptural insights. As he marks the beginning of his ninth decade, Phil Amerson shares the intimate moments of pondering what truly matters and how each of us might use the time ahead meaningfully. The episode opens with Phil Amerson candidly reflecting on aging, new beginnings, and the universal yearning to ...

In this special "Because" episode of “To Be and Do,” Phil Amerson welcomes listeners to a celebration that is both personal and universal—the turning of a new year and a milestone birthday. As we prepare to step into 2026, Phil Amerson invites us into his story, reflecting on the sweep of time and the power of gratitude as he marks the beginning of his ninth decade on earth. Born on January 1st, 1946, at the dawn of a new year and a new era, Phil Amerson shares a charming and vivid account of...

In this warm-hearted holiday episode of To Be snd Do, Philip Amerson invites listeners into his home, settling in for a reflective discussion on meaningful holiday symbols and the deeper messages they carry. Centered around the theme of staying grounded and hopeful during challenging times, Philip Amerson shares personal stories and traditions that illuminate how objects and rituals can foster a sense of belonging, resilience, and joy. The episode opens with Philip Amerson introducing his “fa...

In this deeply reflective "Because" episode of To Be and Do, Philip Amerson offer listeners a moving meditation rooted in the Advent season. Through compassionate conversation, poetry, and powerful personal observations, the episode challenges us to examine how we wield power, embrace paradox, and recognize the inherent dignity in every person—especially during a time of year that calls for hope, introspection, and transformation. The episode opens with Philip Amerson introducing “The Belongi...

In this uplifting episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson welcomes his longtime friend and musical collaborator Ken Medema <https://www.kenmedema.com/> for a heartfelt conversation about the importance and challenges of community. Both speakers blend humor, music, and serious reflection as they discuss their experiences and hopes for fostering deeper connections among people. Three Key Takeaways: Community Is a Gift, Not Just an EffortPhil Amerson shares insights from his year...

In this gentle and reflective "Because" episode of “To Be and Do,” host Philip Amerson invites us to pause, just for a few moments, in the spirit of Advent—a season characterized by anticipation and wonder. this meditation weaves together personal memory, the meaning of community, and the power of poetic storytelling to guide us towards a more mindful and heartfelt experience of the holidays. Philip Amerson opens with a universal appeal: that we are each children of God, that we all care abou...

Show Notes — To Be snd Do Podcast Episode Title: Advent.1 In this heartfelt Advent-themed episode, host Philip Amerson invites listeners to pause and reflect during the December season, connecting the journey of Advent to wisdom found in the writings of Howard Thurman. As the world starts to buzz with Christmas preparations, Philip Amerson gently directs our attention towards deeper, more meaningful reflections on what it means for “Christmas to be waiting to be born” not only in history, but wi...

Show Notes for "To Be snd Do" In this reflective episode of the "To Be snd Do" podcast, Philip Amerson invites us into a moment of meditation centered around Ted Kooser’s evocative poem, "The Red Wing Church." Through poetic imagery and personal contemplation, Philip Amerson shares insights into the ever-evolving nature of churches and their role in communities, reminding us that meaning and sacredness can persist even amidst change and apparent decline. Three Takeaways from the Episode: Tra...