Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad MIller.
Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”
To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.
https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/
Welcome to episode 103 of "To Be Encouraged," a special Town Hall edition where we discuss exciting transitions and critical discussions in the Indiana Methodist community. We're joined by esteemed guests Bishop Julius C. Trimble, Rev. Russ Abel, and Rev. Larry Whitehead to dive deep into the heart of all things regarding the United Methodist General Conference coming April 23-May 3, 2024.
In this episode, we bid farewell to Bishop Trimble and learn about the direction Indiana's United Methodist Church is taking. Here are three essential takeaways from our conversation:
1. Leadership and Vision for Indiana:
As Bishop Trimble retires, the search for a new bishop who shares the vision of missional appointment making, combating hunger and homelessness, nurturing local churches, and enhancing the bishop's educational role is paramount. With new leadership commencing on September 1, the Indiana conference places a strong emphasis on discipleship growth, mission engagement, and reinforcing church membership commitment. Our goal remains firm: to make the United Methodist Church synonymous with love, both domestically and worldwide.
2. United Methodist Church's Evolution:
This year's General Conference is a pivotal event for the church, especially in reevaluating the Book of Discipline. The Indiana delegation, including 16 primary and 6 reserve members, is steadfast in its advocacy for regionalization, allowing for a more globally and contextually aligned church. The legislation holds the potential to remove harmful language regarding human sexuality and aims for inclusivity and diverse theological beliefs. We also discussed significant legislative topics such as pension restructuring and missionary support budgets.
3. Community Engagement and Prayer:
We extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected by severe storms in Southern Indiana. This Town Hall reminds us of our sacred duty to be the church not only to our fellow members but also to the broader community. We encourage our listeners to utilize the resources available on the conference website to stay informed about the delegation and proposed legislation. The communication team will ensure real-time updates throughout the conference's proceedings.
As we transition and anticipate the General Conference, we stand united in the mission to multiply the love of Jesus Christ and propagate the good news of the gospel.
Let us know your thoughts on today's Town Hall meeting, and remember, "To Be Encouraged."
Episode 103 was Part 4 of a 4 Part “Preparing for General Conference” Series of Episodes. Please listen to the prior three parts of this series to prepare for the April 23-May 3 General Conference at these links:
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Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad MIller.
Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”
To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.
https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/
In Episode 102 of To Be Encouraged Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller engages in a profound conversation with, Rev. Larry Whitehead who serves as Exective Assistant to Bishop Trimble and is a delegate to General Conference.
. Here are three key takeaways from their discussion about the state of the church, its challenges, and the hopeful path forward:
1. **The Call for Grace-Driven Culture**
Bishop Trimble highlights the pressing need for a grace-driven church culture. In a time when division within the church is causing many, including Rev. Miller's sons, to drift away, Bishop Trimble underscores the importance of making room for diverse opinions and demonstrating love and unity. This approach aims to foster a welcoming environment where individuals feel included and respected despite disagreements. The conversation reminds us that the essence of the church is not found in uniformity but in the gracious acceptance of one another, as witnessed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
2. **Discipleship Over Decisions**
Rev. Miller and Rev. Whitehead emphasize discipleship's critical role, suggesting a shift away from fixating on the outcomes of general conference decisions. Rather, they advocate for concentrating on living out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in our communities. By focusing on making disciples who embody Christ's love and service, the church can redirect its energy from institutional preservation to fulfilling its mission. Their insights echo Trimble's conviction that the church's resilience is not rooted in its structures but in its ability to serve and grow disciples of Jesus Christ, even as it faces changes and challenges.
3. **Optimism in Action**
Throughout the episode, Bishop Trimble and Rev. Whitehead share their optimistic outlook for the church's future, especially in light of the ongoing transformations within the United Methodist Church in Indiana. Mentioned are the proactive steps taken toward inclusivity and service, such as supporting education through scholarships at Africa University, the birth of new congregations, and the repurposing of church spaces like the Milford Meeting House to serve community needs. These examples illustrate a pivot from a survival mentality to one of proactive witness and service, demonstrating the church's potential to make a transformative impact on individuals and communities.
The conversation concludes with a message of hope and encouragement, underscoring the guests' belief in the church's enduring faith despite the postponement of the general conference. Rev. Whitehead's personal faith story and his ongoing commitment to connectual ministry serve as a testament to the power of grace and discipleship in action, values that both he and Bishop Trimble implore listeners to uphold.
a href="https://Episode102ofToBeEncouragedwasPart3ofa4PartSeriesosEpisodesinPreparationforGeneralConference2024comingupApril25-May3,2-24."...

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.
Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”
To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.
https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/
In episode 101 of To Be Encouraged, Bishop Julius C. Trimble and co-host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller are joined by Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright and, to discuss the anticipated future of the United Methodist Church, particularly in the wake of the momentous 2024 General Conference. The guests delve into a range of topics that are at the forefront of the Church's progress, such as regionalization, inclusivity, and the vitality of the local church community.
**Takeaway 1: A Renewed Vision for the United Methodist Church**  
Both Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright and Bishop Julius C. Trimble express a hopeful stance for the United Methodist Church's future post-May 4th. There is a shared belief that this new chapter will enhance the Church's relevance and its commitment to spreading the impactful message of Jesus Christ. The conversation emphasizes pride in the Church's identity and the importance of teamwork in achieving expansive goals. Through sports analogies, guests underscore the need for preparedness and determination in the face of upcoming challenges.
**Takeaway 2: The Critical Importance of Adaptation and Service**  
As the general conference approaches, the episode underlines the necessity for service and the unending need to impart the teachings of God and Jesus Christ. Wesleyan grace and fostering hope, love, and justice in communities are accentuated as cornerstones of the Church's function. Moreover, expanding the welcoming embrace to marginalized communities signifies a pivotal shift in crafting a new narrative for the Church and influencing its local presence.
**Takeaway 3: The Prospect of Regionalization and Embracing Change**  
The guests delve into the potential regionalization within the United Methodist Church, addressing the goal of putting American and international conferences on equal footing. This approach seeks to respect contextual differences on contentious issues like human sexuality and ordination. The episode also addresses the need for global unity, the Church's repentance for past wrongdoings, and the quest for a hopeful path marked by healing and grace.
This episode tackles the intricate questions surrounding the United Methodist Church's evolution. The episode leaves listeners with a message of encouragement—a call to embrace change, to engage in service with humility and integrity, and to look towards the future with both optimism and a commitment to shared principles.
Episode 101 of To Be Encouraged was Part 2 of a 4 Part Series in Preparation for General Conference.  
Part 1 (Episode 100) was a conversation with General Conference Delegate Rev. Russ Abel.
Upcoming Episodes in the General...

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.
Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”
To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.
https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/
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Welcome to the 100th episode of "To Be Encouraged," where we explore faith, hope, and the future of the United Methodist Church in today's world. In this episode, our host, Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller welcome Rev. Russ Abel to discuss the upcoming 2024 General Conference, its challenges, and its promise for the renewal of the church's mission.
*Three Key Takeaways from Episode 100:
**1. Emphasis on Discipleship and Unity:**
Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Russ Abel strongly emphasize discipleship and unity in the church's mission. They highlight the importance of ministry across social divides and the need to connect the work of the church to the lived experiences of its members. Abel urges a focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, avoiding distractions by administrative tasks. The discussion underlines the significance of moving forward with unity and diversity to advance the cause of Christ, especially amid present challenges such as schism and disaffiliation.
**2. Acknowledging Setbacks and Looking Forward with Hope:**
Bishop Trimble reflects on the adverse outcomes of the 2019 general conference but retains a hopeful outlook for a positive 2024 General Conference experience. He notes the resilience of the church through the pandemic and racial reckoning, which has led to new ministries and beginnings. Trimble and Abel encourage a shift from focusing on loss to celebrating the continuous work of God in their communities. Abel praises the faithfulness of local church communities, drawing encouragement from their dedication to serving God through adversity.
**3. The Impact of Legislation and Responsibility in Shaping Narratives:**
The episode addresses the complexity of legislation presented at general conferences, with references to the summary from Discipleship Ministries in 2020. Various topics, such as regionalization, the revision of social principles, and removal of harmful language, are discussed as key legislative issues. Trimble highlights potential changes in budget proposals and reshaping of ministry, emphasizing their impact on local churches. Abel explains his role as the head of the delegation, stressing the importance of effective communication and coordination. The speakers concurred on the importance of shaping the narrative of the General Conference to positively impact local congregations.
Join us in prayer and gratitude with Bishop Trimble as we conclude this momentous episode. We look forward to continuing the journey together, being encouraged by faith, and sustaining the hope for a more inclusive and Christ-centered church.
**Next Time on To Be Encouraged:**
Episode 100 of To Be Encouraged is Part 1 of a 4 Part Series in Preparation for General Conference.  Upcoming Episodes in the General Conference Series include:
a...

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.
Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”
To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.
https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/
Episode 099 is the recording of Bishop Trimble live teaching on the book "Multiplying Love A Vision of United Methodist Life Together" By Dr. Paul W. Chilcote. This podcast was recorded live on March 24, 2024 and is the fourth of a four part Lenten Book study.
https://www.cokesbury.com/Multiplying-Love
Bishop’s Podcast: 
This Lenten Book Study Podcast Recordings are available at the links below
Web: 
https://tobeencouraged.com/
Apple Podcasts: (IOS Compatible)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-encouraged-with-bishop-julius-c-trimble/id1601874089
Spotify: (Android compatible)
https://open.spotify.com/show/2SKQRkpV2G2OGRMKr6AENF?si=eb138b1ea2a647e3

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.
Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”
To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.
https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/
Episode 098 is the recording of Bishop Trimble live teaching on the book "Multiplying Love A Vision of United Methodist Life Together" By Dr. Paul W. Chilcote. This podcast was recorded live on March 17, 2024 and is the third of a four part Lenten Book study.
https://www.cokesbury.com/Multiplying-Love
Register for Upcoming Live Teaching by Bishop Trimble on the book "Mutiplying Love" over Zoom
Bishop’s Podcast: 
This Lenten Book Study Podcast Recordings are available at the links below
Web: 
https://tobeencouraged.com/
Apple Podcasts: (IOS Compatible)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-encouraged-with-bishop-julius-c-trimble/id1601874089
Spotify: (Android compatible)
https://open.spotify.com/show/2SKQRkpV2G2OGRMKr6AENF?si=eb138b1ea2a647e3
YouTube: Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fECoFqqNdjI
In this uplifting episode of the "Multiplying Love" Lenten book study, Bishop Julius C. Trimble leads an engaging discussion on Chapters 5 and 6 of Paul Chilcote's book "Multiplying Love: A Methodist Renewal for Discipleship, Mission, and Community."
The conversation kicks off with a powerful reading from Colossians 3:11-15, setting the tone for exploring what it truly means to be a movement of inclusive love and grace as the church. Participants share profound insights on rediscovering the church as a loving, spirit-led movement rather than just an organized religion focused on doctrine and structure.
Drawing from sobering statistics, the group wrestles with the hard truth that many unchurched Americans view Christianity today as more about organized religion than loving God and neighbor. This sparks a poignant dialogue on how the church can better embody and convey the generous, benevolent love of God.

In a moving moment, Rev. Dr. Michael Cartwright offers a heartfelt confession, reflecting on his early ministry years and the need to prioritize "being with" over just "doing for." His vulnerability reminds us all of the transformative power of abiding in Christ's love through authentic relationships.

The discussion then turns to John 15:4-10, the powerful vine and branches analogy, leading to insights on the church's calling to be a community...