Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
March 7, 2025

Jerre Stead's Faith-Driven Approach to Leadership and Organizational Success

In the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson delves into an enlightening conversation with Jerre Stead, a remarkable leader known for his extensive experience with corporate boards and transformative leadership in both for-profit and nonprof…
Feb. 27, 2025

Exploring Christian Nationalism: Key Insights from Phil Amerson on 'To Be and Do'

  On a recent episode of "To Be and Do,"  Phil Amerson brings a thoughtful perspective to the topic of Christian nationalism—a concept that has gained traction in some political and religious circles. Phil delves into the origins, m…
Feb. 21, 2025

Taking Action: Making the World a Better Place with Dr. Charlie Nelms

In a thought-provoking episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Phil engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Charlie Nelms, an educator and philanthropist who passionately discusses the contributions individuals can make toward creatin…
Feb. 14, 2025

Opening to Joy - Exercise

Opening to Joy - Exercise Philip Amerson How does joy and laughter contribute to our liberation? To our healing? To our knowing God? You are invited to sit quietly for a moment and think of the last time you laughed. When was the last chuckle? W…
Feb. 12, 2025

Embracing Education and Encouragement with Dr. Charlie Nelms

In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," a podcast that aims to foster a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships through storytelling, host  Philip Amerson welcomed the insightful Dr. Charlie Nelms. As a servant leader, philanthropist, an…
Feb. 10, 2025

Jesus Wrapped in a Flag

  So-called Christian Nationalism appears to have mushroomed in our body politic. Books like Taking Back America for God (Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry) and The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory (Tim Alberta) document the spread and extent …
Feb. 2, 2025

Faith Communities Could Boldly Lead

What makes Bloomington “BLOOM”? What offers vitality, hope, knowledge and hospitality? We have great institutions: centers of education, health science, manufacturing and culture. Innovation and technology are known to be essential. Stil…
Jan. 25, 2025

Reflecting on Ministry: Lessons from Michael Mather’s Journey with Philip Amerson - Part 3

In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," https://www.belongingexchange.org/s1e7 we continue our insightful conversation with Michael Mather, a revered guest who has shared profound experiences from his ministry work, particularly during his tenure at …
Jan. 25, 2025

Discovering Ministry in Unexpected Places: Insights from Michael Mather and Philip Amerson - Part 2

  In a recent episode of the "To Be and Do" A Podcast Conversation with Philip Amerson with Mike Mather-Part 2 Philip Amerson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Michael Mather, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Co…
Jan. 25, 2025

Embracing Absurdity and Whimsy in Ministry: Insights from Philip Amerson and Michael Mather - Part 1

  In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," [https://www.belongingexchange.org/s1e5] host Philip Amerson sat down with his long-time friend, Michael Mather, the lead pastor of Boulder First United Methodist Church. As they reminisce about their e…
Jan. 1, 2025

Integrity & Jimmy Carter

Integrity and Jimmy Carter are synonymous. For one hundred years he offered his witness. There were ups and downs, missteps and the recognition of a Nobel prize. I see his life as a wonder-filled demonstration of human decency and generosity. A para…
Dec. 25, 2024

Choose ABUNDANCE in 2025

Christmas Eve 2024 and National Public Radio’s Lisa Desjardins reports on the political word of the year. Suggested words included: Broken, Unstable, Whiplash, Banjaxed (Irish slang meaning broken, not working, messed up), along with Polarized…
Dec. 23, 2024

A Journey of Humility and Understanding: Insights from Philip Amerson

  In a thought-provoking episode of the "To Be Do" podcast, Philip Amerson, a seasoned pastor, delves into the profound concept of embracing our ignorance. Throughout the conversation, Amerson touches upon various experiences and perspectives …
Dec. 23, 2024

A Lifelong Friendship: Lessons from Clarence Smart

  On the "To Be Do Podcast" host Philip Amerson takes us on an inspiring journey through the life and friendship of Clarence Smart, a man whose story illuminates the transformative power of education, determination, and mutual respect. The epi…
Dec. 18, 2024

Embracing The Stranger: Lessons From The Belonging Exchange with Jonathan Massimi

Embracing The Stranger: Lessons From The Belonging Exchange In the latest episode of "To Be and Do From the Belonging Exchange," host Philip Amerson sits down with Jonathan Massimi to explore the profound themes of faith, community, and what it t…
Dec. 18, 2024

Seeing the World as a Guest: Reflections from Jonathan Massimi on the "To Be and Do" Podcast

Seeing the World as a Guest: Reflections from Jonathan Massimi on the "To Be and Do" Podcast In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson continues his intriguing discussion with Jonathan Massimi, a community organizer and Angli…
Dec. 18, 2024

Exploring the Intersection of Community, Faith, and Abundance on "To Be and Do" with Jonathan Massimi

Exploring the Intersection of Community, Faith, and Abundance on "To Be and Do" In the latest episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with the dynamic Jonathan Massimi, a thought leader and community organizer who a…
Dec. 10, 2024

Holding It Together: Being and Doing

Knowing of my friend’s health concerns, I asked “how are you doing?”  “I’m barely holding it together,” he responded. “It’s not the aches and pains; I’m not sleeping. I carry a dread for the…
Dec. 10, 2024

Advent Prayer 2024   Individualism and Its Spiritual Distortions

Do you recall looking at your image in one of those fun house mirrors, concave and convex and otherwise bent, in an amusement park? It can illustrate the way we might miss-image ourselves based on an out-of-whack, taken-for-granted, reality. It is a…
Dec. 9, 2024

Season’s Greetings 2024

Do you recall when there were publicly shared words "Season’s Greetings"?  It was a call to the best of humanity.  A reminder of the goal of "peace on earth and good will toward ALL."    In 2024, we have shifted to cultur…