Épisodes

  • Agency and Equity in Recovery with Greg Richards
    Sep 24 2025

    In this moving episode of Igniting Imagination, we explore the deep connections between faith, vocation, and community resilience in the wake of disaster. Our guest, Greg Richards, Managing Partner of Gregory A. Richards, P.C., demonstrates the transformative power of aligning personal gifts with a higher purpose as he helps his community recover from devastating floods. Greg reminds us that recovery is not a short-term project, but a sustained effort built on the collaboration of neighbors, congregations, and entire communities dedicated to rebuilding together.

    Through his story, we see the importance of agency and the role of case management systems that restore autonomy and dignity to those most affected.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.



    Guest

    Greg Richards is a Board Certified Attorney and Managing Partner of Gregory A. Richards, P.C., holding dual certifications in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He serves the Texas Hill Country with a reputation for expertise, attention to detail, and a friendly, approachable style. Following the July 4th floods, he has used his legal and strategic skills to support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.


    Links

    Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

    To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

    To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

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    42 min
  • The Power of Neighboring in Crisis and Recovery with Sarah Ridout Woolsey and Howell Ridout
    Sep 17 2025

    In this episode, we explore the devastating effects of recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, and its profound impact on local communities. We sit down with Howell Ridout, Architect Emeritus, and Sarah Ridout Woolsey, Founder and Executive Director of The Impact Guild. They share personal stories and insights about the destruction and the ongoing recovery process.

    Their experiences highlight the vital role of neighborly support, as well as the essential contributions of local churches and organizations in driving long-term recovery. Rev. Lisa, Howell, and Sarah discuss the importance of sustained engagement from faith communities, not just in the immediate wake of disasters but throughout the healing and rebuilding journey.

    Want to become a climate ready neighborhood?

    • Climate Ready Neighborhoods:
    • Fieldguide: Your introduction to Climate Ready Neighborhoods.
    • Community Connections Plan: A system to build deeper community.
    • Climate Ready Resource Library: Spreadsheet of accessible links and resources to build community resilience.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.


    Guests

    Sarah Rideout Woolsey is the Founder & Executive Director of the Impact Guild, a San Antonio nonprofit connecting underutilized properties with neighborhood needs through community development. She has guided leaders in building sustainable social enterprises, leads Good Acres—a network of 118+ leaders addressing housing, workforce, and sustainability—and facilitates workshops across San Antonio neighborhoods. A Kerrville native, she serves on multiple boards and explores regenerative agriculture with her two daughters.


    Howell Ridout, a native Austinite and fourth-generation Longhorn, earned his Architecture degree with High Honors from the University of Texas in 1974. While at UT, he co-led a thesis project to transform Austin’s River & Creek system into a Hike & Bike trail, which became the city’s Bicentennial Project and a defining feature of Austin. His career spanned architecture, marketing, and real estate development, including leadership at James Avery, where he guided brand strategy, corporate planning, and retail growth.


    Links

    Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

    To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the

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    1 h et 3 min
  • Leading Through the Storm with Rev. David Payne and Beth Palmer from Kerrville First UMC
    Sep 10 2025

    In this episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, we reflect on the devastating floods that struck Kerrville, Texas earlier this summer. The disaster claimed lives, destroyed homes, and left the community reeling. Yet in the midst of loss, powerful stories of resilience, faith, and compassion shine through.

    Host Rev. Lisa Greenwood speaks with guests Beth Palmer, Outreach Director of Kerrville First United Methodist Church, and Rev. David E. Payne, Senior Pastor of Kerrville First United Methodist Church. Both were on the front lines of the response. They share moving accounts of the chaotic first hours after the flood, the emotional and logistical challenges of leading in crisis, and how their church transformed into a hub of relief, recovery, and long-term support.

    This conversation is both sobering and hopeful, a reminder of the church’s vital role in times of disaster.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

    Guests

    Rev. David E. Payne is the Senior Pastor of Kerrville First United Methodist Church. David became the Sr. Pastor of KFUMC in July of 2017. He attended Asbury Theological Seminary and has also pastored at Los Fresnos UMC, Bee Creek UMC (a church he helped to start), and Harlingen FUMC. David is married to Lori (a former Special Education teacher), and they have two daughters, Sydney and Haley. David enjoys golf, downhill skiing, and enjoying the outdoors.


    Beth Palmer is the Outreach Director at the Kerrville First United Methodist Church and Light on the Hill at Mount Wesley. As Outreach Director, Beth’s main role is that of a connector; she links people to hope and needs to resources. Beth recruits and engages volunteers, organizes projects and events, provides education and training, mobilizes resources, collaborates and networks with other nonprofits, and writes, implements, and manages grants.

    Beth and her husband Grant have been married over 41 years and have two awesome sons, one amazing daughter, two incredible daughters-in- law, and three absolutely delightful grandchildren! Beth and her husband Grant have been married over 41 years and have two awesome sons, one amazing daughter, two incredible daughters-in- law, and three absolutely delightful grandchildren!


    Links

    Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

    To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

    To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

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    1 h et 5 min
  • A Better Way for Food Distribution with Tiffany Terrell
    Jul 16 2025

    In the season finale of the Igniting Imagination podcast, co-hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler look back on a season devoted to reimagining ministry as a force for healing and transformation in the world. They reflect on the diverse voices and bold approaches shared throughout the season.

    One story that stands out is that of Tiffany Terrell, Co-Founder of A Better Way Grocers, whose work exemplifies a ministry grounded not in overt religious language, but in deep love, compassion, and a call to serve. Tiffany’s approach challenges traditional assumptions about what ministry looks like.

    Lisa, Amy, and Tiffany explore how leaders are reshaping what it means to do God’s work in the world, and they invite us to consider how faith can be embodied in subtle, yet profoundly impactful ways.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

    Co-Host

    Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

    Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.


    Guest

    Tiffany Terrell is a visionary, community advocate, and social innovator committed to addressing health disparities and creating opportunities in underserved areas. As the co-founder of A Better Way Grocers, she leads initiatives that bring nutritious, locally sourced food and holistic wellness education directly to neighborhoods in need. Tiffany’s work is rooted in love, belonging, and shared dignity, sparking conversations and actions that inspire lasting transformation. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to compassion, courage, and the flourishing of every person.


    Timestamps

    00:00 - Intro

    06:27 - Exploring the Shift in Church and Nonprofit Relationships

    30:09 - Addressing Food Deserts and Community Health

    41:18 - The Importance of Compassion in Feeding Ministries

    44:24 - The Power of Grace in Community


    Links

    Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

    To view videos of podcast episodes,...

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    48 min
  • Born Out Of Necessity with Rev. Candice Wynn
    Jul 9 2025

    In this moving episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Candice Wynn, founder and executive director of BOON (Born Out of Necessity), a national network reshaping discipleship for Black children and youth.

    Candice shares the deeply personal and spiritual journey that led to BOON’s creation, a movement born from a gap she witnessed firsthand while serving in youth ministry. With BOON, she has created something bold and transformative: a village of "faith influencers" who are rooted in theology, culturally attuned, and devoted to nurturing Black youth in ways that traditional models have often overlooked.

    This episode is a passionate call to pay attention, invest in the next generation, and recognize that it truly takes a village.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

    Co-Host

    Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

    Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.


    Guest

    Rev. Candice Wynn is the Founder and Executive Director of BOON. She is not just leading a movement, she’s building the table where Black youth (18 and under) and their stories are considered sacred. As the Founder and Executive Director of BOON - The Black Next Gen Network, Candice leads a national effort to reframe Christian discipleship for Black youth by equipping faith influencers with tools that are self-reflective, theologically rooted, culturally relevant, and developmentally aligned. With over two decades of experience in ministry leadership, Candice has coached hundreds of youth leaders and is developing a research-driven discipleship framework for Black teenagers, expected to launch in March 2026 (framework for children to follow). Her work sits at the intersection of theological praxis, Black culture, and youth development. Through BOON, she is expanding how people view the lived faith of Black youth. Above all, Candice empowers faith influencers to recognize their influence and responsibility in the lives of youth.



    Timestamps

    00:00 - Intro

    06:30 - What is BOON?

    09:27 - The Birth of a Network: Addressing Gaps in Faith Support

    26:00 - Understanding the Role of Influencers in Youth Development

    35:23 - Legacy and...

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    45 min
  • The Greatest Deployment Center of All Time with Pastor Beverly Jenkins
    Jun 25 2025

    Asset generation is more than a logistical task, it’s a sacred act of intention and imagination. It invites us to prayerfully consider: How can we steward our time, resources, and energy in alignment with what God has entrusted to us?

    Our guest, Pastor Beverly Jenkins, President and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R), shares the power of vision, the necessity of structure, and the quiet discipline required to bring meaningful things into being.

    Listen as Rev. Lisa Greenwood, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Pastor Beverly Jenkins explore the sacred work behind strategy and execution, offering a vision for asset creation that is rooted in purpose, prayerful discernment, and trust in God’s timing.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.

    Co-Host

    Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

    Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.


    Guest

    Pastor Beverly Jenkins is a founder, ordained pastor, and innovator. She is the president and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R) and the co-founder and pastor of R&R Church in Dellwood, Missouri, serving the North St. Louis community by creating resources that lead to sustainable growth. Originally launched as a transitional home for those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, or past incarceration, R&R has since added a career development center, the R&R Church, and R&R Marketplace, a $20 million, 90,000-square-foot economic hub. The R&R Marketplace houses an addiction treatment facility, pharmacy, early childhood education center, bank, and restaurant, exemplifying the answer to Jenkins’ question: “How do we serve people better?”


    Timestamps

    00:00 - Intro

    08:11 - Innovative Ministry in St. Louis

    15:37 - The Role of the Church as a Deployment Center

    27:41 - Building Community Through Equity and Reconciliation

    39:25 - Community Resilience and Future Visions

    42:10 - Embracing New Beginnings in the Church


    Links

    Visit our show’s website at

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    46 min
  • Leveraging Weddings for Extraordinary Impact with Samantha Mathews
    Jun 18 2025

    What if a wedding could be more than a celebration of love between two people—what if it could also be a catalyst for healing, dignity, and new beginnings?

    In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Mathews, the visionary CEO and Founder of The Andrée Collective, who is reimagining the wedding industry as a space for social transformation. Rooted in compassion and creativity, Samantha’s work empowers women who have survived trauma, especially domestic violence, by offering them meaningful pathways to employment, confidence, and connection.

    Through her deeply human approach, beauty becomes more than aesthetics—it becomes a force for resilience. We talk about the values that fuel her mission, the sacred stories of recovery and hope woven into each event, and how something as personal as a wedding can ripple outward to change lives and communities.

    Host

    Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School.


    Co-Host

    Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

    Amy’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.


    Guest

    Samantha Mathews MA, LPC, NCC, is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and founder of Andrée Collective. Sam discovered her passion for serving female trauma survivors at the start of her career in nonprofit fundraising with a domestic violence/sexual assault dual agency in North Carolina and has spent the last ten years gaining invaluable experience in the field while laying the groundwork for Andrée Collective. Since completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Sam has worked tirelessly for the survivor population and towards her greater purpose: seeing women thrive. Sam is actively committed to serving the greater Philadelphia region through Andrée Collective as well as her involvement in church and education.


    Timestamps

    00:00 - Intro

    08:01 - The Founding of Andrée Collective

    16:02 - Dreaming of a Safe Future: The Role of Resources in Recovery

    23:07 - New Models of Ministry

    40:21 - Challenges and Solutions in Nonprofit Work

    46:50 - Embracing New Possibilities


    Links

    Visit our show’s website at

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    50 min