Generous Engagement – Relational ❯ Propositional

April 20, 2023

In this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia dives deeper into the theme of generous engagement, exploring how Christians can engage in an increasingly pluralistic and changing culture while remaining anchored in their identity as children of God.

In the previous episodes, Kevin discussed the importance of being centered, more than bounded, and being descriptive rather than prescriptive. In this final episode of the series, he shares the third key principle of generous engagement: being more relational than propositional.

Key discussion points in this episode:The essential definition of engagement: connecting who we are with the culture and community around us, bringing the kingdom near as Jesus did.The importance of being relational rather than propositional when engaging with others, as truth is a person, Jesus Christ, rather than a mere intellectual proposition.The difference between engaging with a proposition and engaging with a person, starting from a posture of desire instead of doubt.Generous engagement should be focused on connecting people with Jesus, using relational patterns of behavior and avoiding polemical debates.Encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find moments where they can engage from a relational starting point as a way to bring the kingdom near.

Join Kevin Mannoia in this insightful episode as he shares his thoughts on generous engagement, helping Christians to navigate an increasingly complex world while staying true to their faith.

Generous EngagementChristians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.

Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude – it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.

Where Does Our Family Fit? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 3, Part 1
Where Does Our Family Fit? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 3, Part 1

Aug 5, 2025

Kevin uses powerful river imagery to show how Free Methodists fit into God’s bigger story. Drawing from his family’s Amazon River experience, he explains how different Christian denominations are like tributaries flowing into one life-giving river system.
This episode helps you understand that Free Methodists aren’t better than other denominations – we’re different, with unique characteristics shaped by our circumstances. Just like rivers flowing over rocks create rapids while others meander peacefully through meadows, each stream brings life wherever it goes.
Bishop Mannoia walks through major denominational “streams” – Catholic, Orthodox, mainline Protestant, New Reformation, and Wesleyan Holiness – showing how each contributes to God’s mission. He explains why Free Methodists identify with the Wesleyan Holiness stream and what makes our “water” distinctive.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
Whether you’re trying to understand denominational differences or explain why Free Methodists approach ministry differently, this episode provides a gracious framework for seeing unity in diversity across Christ’s body.
Resources:
FMCSC Website: https://fmcsc.org/
Ministry Training: https://fmcsc.org/training/
Identity Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL28rnyZQWTXk_tn2mlevUIdkU_OZUA0Ir

Why is Identity Important? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 1, Part 1
Why is Identity Important? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 1, Part 1

Aug 5, 2025

In this opening episode of the Free Methodist Identity Series, Bishop Kevin Mannoia explores why identity is crucial for both individuals and churches. Using his powerful iceberg metaphor, Kevin explains how our identity forms the foundation that shapes everything we do.
Kevin draws from his extensive leadership experience and writings, including “The Integrity Factor,” to demonstrate how identity provides the stabilizing anchor that keeps us secure in changing circumstances. He challenges viewers to understand that Free Methodist identity isn’t just a set of practices or phrases, but a deep DNA formed by generations of faithful people.
This foundational teaching prepares viewers for the complete Identity Series journey, exploring what makes Free Methodists uniquely equipped to serve God’s kingdom. Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or church member, this series will deepen your understanding of our denominational heritage and mission.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
Resources:
FMCSC Website: https://fmcsc.org/
Ministry Training: https://fmcsc.org/training/
Identity Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL28rnyZQWTXk_tn2mlevUIdkU_OZUA0Ir

What is Our Lineage? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 2, Part 3
What is Our Lineage? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 2, Part 3

Aug 5, 2025

This episode tells the complete story of how Free Methodism was born from Methodist revival, shaped by the holiness movement, and influenced by major cultural upheavals including slavery, women’s rights, and Pentecostalism.
Bishop Mannoia traces the path from Wesley’s circuit riders in America to the Methodist Episcopal Church’s institutional decline. He introduces key figures like Phoebe Palmer (the “mother of the holiness movement”), Ellen Stowe, and Benjamin Roberts, showing how their passion for holiness and social justice led to conflict with the established church.
The “burned-over district” of western New York becomes the backdrop for understanding why Free Methodists care about issues like abolition, women in ministry, free pews, and opposition to secret societies. Kevin explains how the word “free” started as an adjective describing desired reforms before becoming part of the denomination’s name in 1860.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
He also covers the complex relationship between holiness and Pentecostal movements, including the Azusa Street Revival led by William Seymour and how Free Methodists navigated between spiritual vitality and organizational control. This episode helps you understand why Free Methodists have always connected personal holiness with social transformation.
Resources:
FMCSC Website: https://fmcsc.org/
Ministry Training: https://fmcsc.org/training/
Identity Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL28rnyZQWTXk_tn2mlevUIdkU_OZUA0Ir