Exploring New Imaginations in Ministry with Mike Mather and Philip Amerson: Part 1

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson sits down with his long-time friend, Michael Mather, who is the lead pastor at Boulder First United Methodist Church. The conversation starts with a delightful exchange about the weather in Colorado versus Indiana, showing the camaraderie and humor that mark their friendship. Notably, they highlight that they share early January birthdays, revealing the personal bonds that have shaped their relationship over the years.

The podcast takes an amusing turn when Philip mentions receiving a T-shirt from Michael that says, "Always be yourself unless you can be a penguin, then always be a penguin." This whimsical statement serves as a prelude to a deeper conversation about the importance of embracing life’s absurdities with gentleness, whimsy, and joy—a philosophy that has evidently underpinned their enduring friendship.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

1. Embrace Whimsy in Life: Philip and Michael’s discussion about the penguin T-shirt underscores an important message: life can be absurd and unpredictable, and it’s crucial to handle it with a sense of humor and lightheartedness. This approach not only makes challenges more manageable but also enriches our relationships.
2. The Power of Imagination in Ministry: Michael’s journey from a seminary student to a lead pastor is filled with creative and imaginative approaches to ministry. His story about wanting to serve at Patchwork Central in Evansville, Indiana, highlights how thinking outside the box can redefine religious and community engagement.
3. Learning from Engagements Outside Traditional Church Settings: The stories of Michael’s early ministry experiences, such as his encounter with the Trimble study group, offer invaluable lessons. These interactions, often with individuals not traditionally associated with church, provided profound insights into what it means to serve and lead—a lesson emphasizing the importance of stepping outside conventional boundaries.
4. Importance of Lifelong Friendships and Mentorships: The episode beautifully illustrates how lifelong friendships, like that between Philip and Michael, and mentorships can provide both personal and professional growth. Their shared history and mutual respect highlight the importance of having a support system that understands and challenges you.
5. Engaging with the Community: Michael’s anecdote about a woman named Stella and her candidacy for precinct chairperson reveals the deep connections between ministry and community activism. It stresses the need for religious leaders to be actively engaged within their communities, understanding and supporting local challenges and aspirations.

Philip closes the episode with a call to listeners for guest suggestions, promising more enriching conversations in future episodes. This initial episode with Michael Mather sets a reflective yet dynamic tone, offering listeners not just encouragement but practical insights into the complexities and joys of ministry and friendship.

Stay tuned for more episodes where Philip and Michael dive deeper into these themes, exploring the romance of parish ministry and much more.