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For People is a conversation with Bishop Rob Wright, spiritual leader to the more than 50,000 people in the 117 worshipping communities of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. In this podcast, Bishop Wright meets listeners at the crossroads of faith and life to explore the challenges of an ever-changing world. Listen in to find out how he expands on For Faith, drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus to answer 21st-century questions.
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Send us a text What if faith could topple the mighty and elevate the humble? The Magnificat, Mary's timeless song of hope and defiance, holds the key to addressing today's inequities and injustices. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about Mary's visit to Elizabeth and how Mary's decree inspires us to hold fast to hope e…
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Send us a text What if embracing authenticity could lead you to spiritual maturity and a deeper connection with God? John the Baptist's authenticity invites us to step out of societal norms and into a life of repentance and grace. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about John the Baptist through the lens of Luke 3:7-18. …
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Send us a text What does it mean repent and embrace change? It is more than acknowledging past mistakes! It includes confronting deep-seated fears and behaviors that prevent us from living fully as God intends. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about John the Baptist and how his radical message of repentance encourages …
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Send us a text When we think of kings, we often think of power and corruption. We don't think about service, justice, and love. But that is the King that Jesus is to us! In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about John 18:33-37 - the passage where Pontius Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you a King?". They discuss Jesus' response, a…
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Send us a text Bishop Wright's sermon "To Be Witnesses" given at the 118th Annual Council of the Diocese of Atlanta. Read the full Annual Council Recap here. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.Bishop Rob Wright
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Send us a text Acts 1 shows us how Jesus exemplified the true nature of power—not through dominance but through actions and choices that reflect a true commitment to God and one another. That through the power of Witness, we can change the world. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about Acts 1 and bearing witness to the …
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Send us a text Learn more about the The Carter Center through the lens of CEO Paige Alexander. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter established The Carter Center in 1982. The Center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Paige about the …
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Send us a text God made each of us for an abundant life, but that isn't the world we live in. To strive for an abundance of life for all people is to actively take up your faith and civic responsibility! In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America…
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Send us a text The Book of Job gives us example of how walking alongside God doesn't guarantee a life without suffering. And even amidst suffering, Job finds a deeper understanding of God. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about how faith can be both borrowed and lent on our journeys - that the people we journey with ca…
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Send us a text Why is remaining curious about your own belief systems the key to spiritual and personal growth? Curiosity means listening to other perspectives with an open heart and mind! Deconstructing one's faith or belief systens is not a rebellion but a genuine path to spiritual maturity. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with …
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Send us a text In Mark 10, Jesus shares that marriage is about becoming one flesh. He does this by recentering the law of Moses around divorce. In a moment where the pharisees try to trick Jesus with a question, Jesus makes a boldy names divorce but also what God intends with marriage in becoming one flesh. In this episode, Melissa has a conversati…
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Send us a text How do core values of interdependence and interconnectedness shape our communities? The final guest in our series on Christian Nationalism Sister Eilis McCulloh. Bishop Wright and Sr. Eilis discuss connectedness, values, and how connection and understanding go hand in hand! Sr. Eilis McCulloh, a Catholic nun with a rich background in…
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Send us a text Why is Christian Nationalism on the rise and what does Jesus think about it? The next guest in our series on Christian Nationalism is Texas State Representative James Talarico. Bishop Wright and Rep. Talarico discuss this question and the history of corruptive power taking us all the way back to biblical times. Rep. Talarico also sha…
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Send us a text What happens when faith and nationalism collide? The next guest in our Christian Nationalism series is The Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White, author of The Psychology of Christian Nationalism. Bishop Wright and Dr. Cooper-White explore this question and dissect the rise of Christian Nationalism in America. Dr. Cooper White sheds light on …
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Send us a text Christian Nationalism is an ideology that’s everywhere, masquerades as a theology that has infected our politics and seeks to guide our policies locally and nationally. The problem with Christian Nationalism is that it doesn’t have anything to do with the Jesus of the Bible. Exposing Christian Nationalism, our new series, will discus…
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Send us a text What if Labor Day was about more than just barbecues and a day off work? Truly honoring labor means advocating for living wages, healthcare, and quality education for all that labor. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright unpack the deeper meaning of Labor Day through the lens of Mark 7:1-23. Together, they challenge the superfic…
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Send us a text What does it mean to be a spiritual leader for young adults? The Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry, the Dean of Sisters Chapel at Spelman College, brings her rich, ecumenical background to the table, sharing how her diverse religious experiences inform her inclusive ministry. Dr. Guidry and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the expa…
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Send us a text All of us have insight. Insight is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. From insight comes wisdom. Proverbs 9:1-6 invites us to consider the role of spiritual mentorship and community in cultivating true wisdom. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the…
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Send us a text What distinguishes being nice from being kind? Kindness is rooted in truth, boldness, and courage. The definition of nice is agreeable. Big difference. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about real kindness, embodying the teaching of Jesus, and the ripple effect of our actions on those around us. The conve…
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Send us a text What role does faith play when you're on the cusp of major life changes? With God, we are able to stand on firm foundation. A foundation that keeps us on solid ground during times of transition and uncertainty. In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Kelsey Andries of St. Simon's Conyers. Kelsey is preparing for major change…
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Send us a text Have you ever wondered how even the smallest acts can ripple out and create significant impacts? In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Marycelis Otero, a candidate for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in The Diocese of Atlanta. Marycelis shares how viewing life through a faith-based lens can transform our seemingly minor cont…
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Send us a text Ever wonder how to keep your spiritual roots strong amidst life's storms? The balance between spiritual renewal and daily demands can actually be a divine opportunity. What might happen when we slow down daily to open ourselves up to God? In this episode, Melissa and a conversation with The Rev. Bonnie Underwood, Rector of All Saints…
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Send us a text This July, we are featuring special guests from across The Diocese of Atlanta for Summer Shorts! How can you live fully into the spiritual reality of being "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by God? Join us as we welcome The Rev. Rhett Solomon, Associate Rector at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, Georgia. to share his inspiring journey from …
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Send us a text Can faith like David's still conquer the giants of our modern world? The story of David and Goliath is a story that reminds us of the giants we battle today, such as hate, poverty, and scarcity. These struggles are rooted in spiritual wickedness, and spiritual practices taught by Jesus can help us defeat these modern-day giants. In t…
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Send us a text Have you ever wondered how asking the right questions can transform your faith journey? In The Episcopal Church, having questions of faith and not always having the answers is a part of common life together. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation inspired by Howard Thurman's Sermons on the Parables and the Col…
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Send us a text Ever wondered how grace can act as the very grit that sustains us through life’s toughest storms? Grace is a tangible force that builds and strengthens communities, encouraging us to live fully in faith. In a world often divided by politics and ideology, how do we extend grace and kindness to those who anger or baffle us? In this epi…
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Send us a text What if your family had to choose between paying for groceries or healthcare? For many in the US, this painful dilemma is a harsh reality. In today's episode, we're joined by Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, to unpack the staggering 50 percent increase in demand for food assistance over the past two y…
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Send us a text Dismantling racism is holy and life-giving work. It is hard work, especially in a society divided on the issues of racism, power, and privilege. We thank God for The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, a unique and powerful expression of our commitment to becoming Beloved Community. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversat…
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Send us a text If we start to see the way God sees, we start to look at how we handle the planet, conversations with others, money, and so many other spaces in life. For many of us, we've come to a settled sense on a lot of these things which limits what we allow in our consciousness. Freedom is deciding not to oppress seeing the world in a new way…
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Send us a text We should be losing some arguments with Jesus! If we are losing arguments with Jesus, we are being led by The Spirit. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about St. Paul's letter to the Romans. They discuss Paul's revelation that to follow God is to be led by Spirit, and that all are welcome into a relations…
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Send us a text What kind of offer can we make to the world as Christians? Have you ever considered the ripple effect of a simple invitation? In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the power behind extending a hand of faith, inspired by the transformative encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian. In it they discuss of…
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Send us a text Lots of things give us a quick and cheap energy hit have adverse side effects. Growing closer to a loving God that welcomes all brings no adverse side effects! Instead of an energy supplement, taking up a spiritual practice revives not only our own self but also how we serve a loving God in our world. In this episode, Melissa and Bis…
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Send us a text Peace be with you! These are the 4 words Jesus says when he enters the room to see the disciples for the first time since his death and resurrection. Jesus enters the space with grace. He says look. He says touch. And then He breaks bread. He shares peace over a meal. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation abo…
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Send us a text Happy Easter! As we reach the milestone of our 200th episode, we are taking a moment to reflect on the journey that started as an experiment during COVID. And three years later, For People has reached all 50 states, over 100 countries, and 6,000 cities, It has been downloaded 300,000 times. This podcast has become a beacon of insight…
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Send us a text Have we fashioned a Jesus who mirrors our own ideologies, unwittingly reshaping God to endorse our political agendas? On Palm Sunday, the same people that would shout "Hosanna", an exclamation of praise, and the same mob that should shout "crucify him!" a few days later. In this episode Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation a…
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Send us a text We all understand our lives as gift, but Jesus tells us to not cower at the fear of death! When this physical form comes to pass, there is an overwhelming reality that will embrace all of us. And that is why we call it faith! In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about death, as Good Friday approaches. They d…
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Send us a text God is using God's power to make sure that those of us who fall short, those of us in need of rescue, have a future available to us. God somehow uses all of our missteps to then help us craft a witness, a narrative whereby we can say to other siblings! John 3:16-17 show all of us that God loves the world without the stain of condemna…
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Send us a text The most adaptive challenge facing the church is for the organization that bears his name to actually put him first!. What is at the heart of following Jesus in our world today? If Jesus were here today would he recognize the church he founded? In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the ways in which the…
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Send us a text We know God love us and wants us to know life that is not controlled by fear. What would it be like to get let go of some of that burden??? In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about what it means to lay down the desire for control and embrace a life of faith and trust in God. They discuss Peter's control ta…
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Send us a text Join us in keeping a Holy Lent! This Lent we invite you towards God, towards your self and towards one another using the theme, “Letting Go.” Since Jesus came to set the “captives free,” “Letting Go”of those things and ways that hold us back is central to the new and risen life in Christ that we celebrate each Easter. For the next fi…
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Send us a text "When we create these wonderful communities, whether in church, in organizations, in institutions, and in schools, all of that is built around human dignity. If we put dignity at the core, we will be surprised how we can maximize the authenticity of our communities and the authenticity of our togetherness and allow for us really to b…
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Send us a text What does God take pleasure in? At some point, we have to move in a direction that says I am in relationship with all that is - meaning we aren't in the driver seat! A huge appetite for control tells us God is not a part of our lives - and we are afraid of something - why not give up some of that? In this episode, Melissa and Bishop …
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Send us a text As a society and world, we aren't a single idea away from a better world. What would get us there is a global commitment to loving everybody with dignity. If we are honest, there is a lack of will to love our neighbor! In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the Bible's profound ancient insights and refle…
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Send us a text Obedience - the four letter word of the bible. Sometimes we've got to do what God is inviting us to do out of simple obedience and offer that as worship! The bible gives us an example of disobedience in Jonah. He wanted to give God some advice! In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the story of Jonah an…
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Send us a text Dr. King dared to dream in the greatness of our nation. He defined that greatness in the "I Have a Dream" speech. It has to do with justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. He dared to believe that we are great enough be human family. In this episode days before Dr. King's birthday, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation …
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Send us a text Happy New Year and Happy Epiphany! In Jesus, God manifested God's self in the world! New Years and Epiphany are about new beginnings with God, so what better place to begin again than in the book of Genesis. John Muir can help us: “When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and island…
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Send us a text "The breaking news of Christmas can turn your heart and your home upside down, not by guilt, not by shame, but by an overwhelming, unimaginable, illogical, mind-boggling, impossible amount of good breaking news. We don't deserve this infant visitor. We couldn't, not even the best of us, and that is the best news of all. You can't ear…
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Send us a text Mary's Magnificat prayed for the day those excluded from societal greatness would have a measure of God's greatness and have a reversal of their societal standing. As a governing body, you don't ban a song unless it encourages the lowly in society to have hope for a reversal! In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversa…
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Send us a text God is the God of reversal! Stick with God and God's promise is that if we gift God our grief sit back and watch God do God's work! Drawing inspiration from Isaiah, Melissa and Bishop Wright navigate the complex emotions that surface during the holiday season, reminding ourselves and our listeners that it's okay if this time isn't fi…
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Send us a text Time is the anvil that God uses to make a faithful soul! Ever wonder if your prayers go higher than your rooftop? One of the great indicators of Christian maturity is understanding it isn't about your time but God's time. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about time, patience, the season of Advent, and tr…
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