Introducing Ask Bishop Jones: A New Methodist Podcast
November 3, 2026
AI Disclosure: This article was written by David Donnan with the assistance of artificial intelligence for grammar, organization, and formatting. The ideas, experiences, and opinions expressed are my own.
I’m very excited to share about a project that is in the early stages of development!
I am working with Bishop Scott Jones to help him create a podcast where he will get to share from his deep wealth of knowledge about all things related to glorifying Christ and Methodism.
Bishop Jones is now retired from active episcopal ministry, and this seemed like the perfect time for him to start thinking about what he could do next.
Since 2019, I’ve been putting together podcasts and longer-form video content. So I consider it a very high privilege to be helping him launch this podcast.
The podcast will be called Ask Bishop Jones, and I’ll have the opportunity to serve as his first co-host.
We Need Your Questions!
Over the next few days, you’ll see some announcements on social media about this new project.
I’d like to ask those of you who read my blog to consider submitting a question for us to discuss on the podcast.
Submit Your Question for Ask Bishop Jones
The podcast is inspired by Ask N. T. Wright Anything and Word on Fire with Bishop Robert Barron. Those are two examples of people who do a great job of sharing their insights while also showing the beauty of their respective branches of Christianity.
My hope is that we’ll be part of a growing stream of Methodism sharing great content online that people will find helpful.
And, personally, I get to have conversations with one of the greatest minds in Methodism, Bishop Scott Jones!
Follow Ask Bishop Jones
If you’d like more information or want to follow along as we develop the podcast, here are the places to connect with us:
- Website and Substack — Subscribe for updates and future podcast episodes.
- Facebook Page — Follow and share announcements.
- YouTube Channel — Subscribe for videos and future episodes.
- Watch Our Introductory Video — Hear more about the project.
- Submit a Question — Send us something you’d like Bishop Jones to discuss.
You can also reach us by email at askbishopjones@gmail.com.
What’s Next?
We’re looking forward to recording episodes over the next few months, with an anticipated launch in January 2027.
I’m excited to see how this project develops and how it might serve the church.
I appreciate your questions, your encouragement, and any prayers you could offer for us as we get started.
Three Insights from Luke Timothy Johnson’s The Mind in Another Place
October 28, 2026
AI Disclosure: This post was written by myself with AI assistance for grammar, formatting, and clarity. The ideas, reflections, and opinions are my own.
I recently read Luke Timothy Johnson’s The Mind in Another Place: My Life as a Scholar. Last year, I read Thomas Oden’s A Change of Heart: A Personal and Theological Memoir. Oden’s book gave me an appreciation for how little I know about the people whose commentaries and books I read.
Recently, I also discovered Brad East through his writing about the life of a scholar on his blog. This has only deepened my appreciation for and intrigue with scholars.
Here are three insights from The Mind in Another Place: My Life as a Scholar.
1. Luke Timothy Johnson (LTJ) Is a Lay Catholic Scholar
I had heard of LTJ as a famous scholar from several of my colleagues who attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Surprise! Not only was he not Methodist, but he also spent years living as a monk before going to Yale for studies and work.
Johnson has a winding and unusual journey which was enlightening and engaging to read about.
2. Jobs of Work and Works of Love
LTJ was a voracious reader and writer. He contributed a large number of articles and books across theology and biblical studies. He also differentiated between jobs of work and works of love.
I thought this was a helpful distinction for any job. There are aspects of any job that might simply be responsibilities we have to fulfill, while other aspects are things we pursue because of our love for the work itself.
3. The Pressure on Scholars
The final takeaway is that scholars seem to feel immense pressure to come up with something new. Part of completing a PhD is contributing to the field of study. LTJ makes it clear: If you want to become a scholar for study alone, that is not enough. He wants scholars to be bold, creative, and think outside the box.
There is a need for this. However, one could see how this could also be less helpful. This is in contrast to Oden, who wanted to contribute nothing new but instead to recapture Classic Christianity.
Should You Read It?
If you are curious about the life of a scholar, I would start with Oden. However, if you want to learn about another important scholar from the past 30 years, you would probably enjoy it. Or, if you want to hear how someone tries to faithfully balance work and care for family, you will gain some insight.
General Conference 2026 Archive
October 27, 2026
I was blessed to serve as an alternate delegate to the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. Part of my experience was creating content for the South Georgia Conference.
This page serves as a repository for all those resources.
Articles
A South Georgian’s General Conference Recap — My reflections on the 2026 Global Methodist Church General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
