Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church has launched a podcast that he hopes will bridge the gap between laypeople and clergy. By sharing personal stories of how individuals received their callings, he invites everyone to “go the M.I.L.E.”
New podcast by Washington bishop connects laypeople, clergy through stories of calling – Sun, 16 Nov 2025 PST
Key Takeaways:
- Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth spearheads this podcast initiative.
- Listeners are invited to go the “M.I.L.E.” through stories of calling.
- Laypeople and clergy discuss how they discovered their ministry paths.
- The podcast aims to connect faith communities across the region.
- Published in Spokesman on November 16, 2025.
A Bishop’s Vision for Connection
Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth serves in the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church. Looking for ways to spark deeper dialogue within faith communities, he turned to podcasting. His goal: to create a platform where leaders in ministry could connect more directly with lay believers.
Going the M.I.L.E.
The new podcast is grounded in a message encouraging listeners to go the “M.I.L.E.” Though the acronym itself isn’t spelled out in the available content, its meaning within the show resonates with taking an extra step for faith and community. By spotlighting personal testimonies, it underscores how each individual’s journey can inspire a shared sense of purpose.
Uniting Laypeople and Clergy
In each episode, listeners hear from laypeople and ordained clergy who detail the moment they realized their calling. Bishop Bridgeforth believes that these stories hold the power to illuminate commonalities of faith, regardless of official titles or roles in the Church. By inviting a range of voices, he hopes to build bridges between everyday believers and ministry leaders.
Why These Stories Matter
Personal anecdotes lie at the heart of this series. Authentic stories of faith encourage empathy and understanding, reminding listeners that callings can arise in many circumstances. In a time when people often search for meaning and connection, these narratives exemplify how faith can prompt both personal growth and communal fellowship.
Looking Ahead
As the podcast gains traction, Bishop Bridgeforth remains committed to expanding its reach. He envisions more conversations that spark unity and deepen bonds within the spiritual sphere. For both clergy and laypeople, the stories shared on this podcast may well become a source of momentum for positive engagement across faith communities.