Don’t Ask Me to Preach If I Can’t Speak Truth, Justice, and Inclusion

Show Notes: “Don’t Ask Me To Preach If…” | Episode 139 of To Be Encouraged Podcast

In a passionate and timely episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Bishop Julius C. Trimble to unpack the provocative article “Don’t Ask Me To Preach If…” and what it means to preach with authenticity and boldness in troubling times. Against the backdrop of Halloween—a fitting day to discuss what’s “scary” in our world and churches—Bishop Julius C. Trimble issues a heartfelt call for all preachers not to shy away from tough topics or water down the gospel.

Here are three key takeaways from their inspiring conversation:

1. Preaching the Full Gospel Means Embracing Diversity and JusticeBishop Julius C. Trimble insists that any call to preach must include a fearless telling of the Bible’s stories—stories where Jesus repeatedly crossed boundaries of gender, culture, and ethnicity and welcomed those who were marginalized and excluded. He challenges preachers not to relinquish their authority or press the “mute button” when it comes to topics that some may deem controversial, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The gospel is about God’s love for the whole world.

2. The Church Must Speak Out on Real-World Issues From political turmoil to government shutdowns and the struggles of immigrant families, Bishop Julius C. Trimble argues that the business of the church is deeply intertwined with the realities people face outside the sanctuary. He refuses to stay silent about policies and crises that hurt vulnerable people—calling for practical compassion, like feeding the hungry, supporting fair labor, and fighting racial injustice. The church’s legacy, especially through social principles of the United Methodist Church, is to act as a moral compass for society.

3. Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously The episode closes with an energizing message to preachers: be faithful to your calling, wrap all preaching in love, and foster honest conversations in your communities. The “Kingdom” (or “Kin-dom”) of God is about inclusive kinship, and Bishop Julius C. Trimble urges spiritual leaders to not only comfort the afflicted but also challenge complacency. Amid discouraging times, the podcast reminds listeners—and all who preach—to encourage hope, speak truth, and model the courage needed for meaningful change.

For the full article and more resources, visit umcjustice.org, and tune in for more uplifting conversations at To Be Encouraged.