In this episode of More to the Story, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Thompson to explore a major development unfolding within the Wesleyan world. Dr. Thompson has been part of the leadership team shaping the Antioch Connection, a new denominational‑like network forming among roughly 25 churches across Oklahoma and Arkansas.

We dig into:

• Why these churches are seeking a new structural model

• How the Antioch Connection emerged and what it hopes to accomplish

• The theological and missional convictions driving this movement

• What this moment reveals about the broader landscape of Wesleyan bodies

• How church structure can either hinder or unleash mission

This is an energizing conversation about innovation, ecclesial identity, and the future of Methodist ministry. If you care about how the church organizes itself for mission, you’ll find this episode especially meaningful.

Youtube - https://youtu.be/tkfQ2z1wjdU

Audio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcast

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4

If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses,

Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude and

Heaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit andymilleriii.com/courses

And don’t forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon!

Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.edu

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! For more from Andy Miller III, visit andymilleriii.com or follow @andymilleriii on X.

Thanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net

In this episode of More to the Story, I’m joined by Benjamin Espinoza to discuss his timely new book, Good News About Self-Care. We talk honestly about exhaustion, hustle culture, and the quiet pressure many pastors and leaders feel to always be “on.” Espinoza reframes self-care not as indulgence, but as faithful resistance—rooted in Sabbath, Scripture, and grace-filled rhythms.

Our conversation explores how rest, boundaries, and relational health are not optional extras, but essential to spiritual formation and holiness. Drawing from Wesleyan theology and lived pastoral experience, Espinoza calls us to honor the image of God in ourselves and others by rejecting burnout as a badge of faithfulness.

This episode is for pastors, leaders, and anyone longing for a deeper, more theologically grounded vision of rest. Self-care, as Espinoza shows, is not about escape—it’s about becoming the person God created us to be.

Youtube - https://youtu.be/6NNHlSIVkP0

Audio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcast

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4

Learn more about Ben's book here - https://a.co/d/0aAlpi8v

If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses,

Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude and

Heaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit andymilleriii.com/courses

And don’t forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon!

Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.edu

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! For more from Andy Miller III, visit andymilleriii.com or follow @andymilleriii on X.

Thanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net

On today’s episode of More to the Story, we do something a little different: a role reversal. Instead of hosting the conversation, I’m the one being interviewed!

I recently had the opportunity to join Thom and Sam Rainer on the Church Answers Podcast to talk about the innovative approach Wesley Biblical Seminary offers for accessible, live-online theological education. We also dove into the remarkable history of WBS, from near-closure to incredible growth, and what it means for faithful, orthodox theological training today.

If you’ve followed the podcast, you know I often discuss theological education from the host’s chair, responding to guests and exploring key issues in ministry formation. This time, I got to share the story directly, offer some reflections, and highlight how WBS is equipping church leaders.

Whether you’re considering seminary, already in ministry, or simply interested in the future of theological education, I think you’ll find this conversation insightful. It’s a chance to hear the “more to the story” behind WBS and why accessible, formation-focused education matters now more than ever.

Youtube - https://youtu.be/KOmwkNYK-No

Audio - https://andymilleriii.com/media/podcast

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-to-the-story-with-dr-andy-miller/id1569988895?uo=4

If you are interested in learning more about my two full-length video-accompanied courses,

Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude and

Heaven and Other Destinations: A Biblical Journey Beyond this World , visit andymilleriii.com/courses

And don’t forget about my most recent book, Contender, which is available on Amazon!

Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching - Recently, I updated this PDF document and added a 45-minute teaching video with slides, explaining this tool. It's like a mini-course. If you sign up for my list, I will send this free resource to you. Sign up here - www.AndyMillerIII.com or Five Steps to Deeper Teaching and Preaching.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Interested in going deeper in your faith? Check out our certificate programs, B.A., M.A.s, M.Div., and D.Min degrees. You will study with world-class faculty and the most racially diverse student body in the country. www.wbs.edu

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! For more from Andy Miller III, visit andymilleriii.com or follow @andymilleriii on X.

Thanks too to Phil Laeger for my podcast music. You can find out about Phil's music at https://www.laeger.net