Embracing Hope and Resilience in United Methodism — Reflections from Bishop Tracy Smith Malone

 Embracing Hope and Resilience in United Methodism — Reflections from Bishop Tracy Smith Malone

In the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down for a deeply inspiring and candid conversation with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, Episcopal leader for Indiana. At a time when the United Methodist Church, like many religious denominations, is navigating the challenges of disaffiliation and change, Bishop Malone offers a vision rooted in hope, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to authentic, inclusive ministry.

There’s so much heart in this conversation. Bishop Malone’s wisdom and warmth shine as she discusses how the church can navigate both pain and possibility, remaining centered on its core mission. Here are three key takeaways from this powerful episode:

1. Redefining the Narrative of Disaffiliation

Bishop Malone speaks directly to the misconception that the United Methodist Church has experienced a “split.” She reframes this difficult period as a “splintering,” not a breaking apart, but a realigning. Instead of focusing on loss, she encourages looking at who remains and what possibilities exist. The church, post-disaffiliation, still stands as a “wide circle” — where “liberals and conservatives and gay and straight and young and old” are all welcomed and included. By shifting the focus from division to diverse unity, Bishop Malone reminds us that the essence of the church is not in labels, but in its mission to “multiply love, cultivate joy, and inspire hope.” It’s an important, healing perspective for anyone wrestling with changes in their own faith communities.

2. Celebrating Local Resilience and Vitality

As Bishop Malone reflects on her first year serving Indiana’s United Methodists, she expresses awe at the “deep faithfulness” and “resilience” she has encountered while traveling throughout the state. Far from being discouraged by declining numbers or struggles, she chooses to highlight the creativity and compassion alive in local congregations. From feeding the hungry to developing young leaders, from taking action on social justice issues to coming together in advocacy, Indiana’s churches are finding new ways to embody the gospel. Bishop Malone’s commitment as a leader is to come alongside these communities, aligning resources and support to amplify their mission. Her words are a powerful reminder that hope is not abstract; it’s found in the daily faithfulness and innovative spirit of everyday disciples.

3. The Power of Legacy and Personal Testimony

The episode ends on a moving personal note as Bishop Malone shares about her mother, April Smith, a source of deep strength and inspiration. Her mother’s unwavering faith and joyful resilience, even in the face of illness, left a lasting mark. Bishop Malone’s story reminds us that transformative leadership draws from both spiritual heritage and personal experience — and that, as she so beautifully puts it, “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” This legacy is not just personal but communal; it’s an invitation for all of us to find encouragement in the saints who have gone before us and to carry their light into our own lives and ministries.

Final Thoughts:
Bishop Tracy Smith Malone’s vision is clear: focus on who is present, commit to the ongoing mission, and draw hope from both legacy and the Spirit’s movement. For anyone seeking inspiration about what the church can be — even in uncertain times — this episode is a must-listen. The heart and witness of United Methodists in Indiana offer a blueprint for all who long to see communities transformed by love.