Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Episode Summary
In this compelling episode of To Be Encouraged, Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble tackle the topic of Christian response to war, political rhetoric, and the importance of peacemaking in turbulent times. The conversation is sparked by recent events involving military action in Iran, polarizing political language, and public controversy around the blending of faith and power. Drawing on scripture, Methodist tradition, and ecumenical perspectives, the hosts call listeners to deeper reflection and courageous action in advocating for peace.
Three Takeaways
1. Identity as Children of God Transcends Division
Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble stress that every person has sacred worth as a child of God 01:49. This foundational belief shapes an inclusive worldview that rejects the diminishing of any group’s humanity and underpins the Christian call to be peacemakers rather than participants in cycles of violence 02:46.
2. The Church’s Prophetic Call: Peacemaking Over Political Alignment
The episode critiques both the language of political leaders and the tendency to conflate national power with divine endorsement, particularly when biblical imagery and authority are wielded to justify war 06:43. Quoting Galatians and Methodist teaching, Bishop Julius C. Trimble insists the church must “deplore war in all forms of violent conflict” and instead urge peaceful resolutions 06:28. The hosts challenge Christian nationalism and urge a return to biblical principles, not political expedience 18:36.
3. Practical Steps: Advocacy, Encouragement, and Raising Expectations
Listeners are encouraged to advocate for national priorities that reflect Christ’s teachings—redirecting resources from weapons to humanitarian efforts 19:23. Bishop Julius C. Trimble calls for personal agency in encouragement and peacemaking, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other” 22:12. Small acts of kindness and public advocacy are both seen as vital Christian responses amid conflict.
Keywords & Themes
Christian peacemaking
Sacred worth
Just war theory
Political rhetoric & faith
Methodist teaching
Advocacy for peace
National priorities

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On the eve of Easter 2026, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble reflect on the significance of April 4th, a day forever linked to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and its resonance with current events. As the world faces discouraging times marked by economic hardship, political tension, and record military spending, the conversation seeks hope rooted in faith, action, and the ongoing challenge to live out the love ethic central to both Jesus and Dr. King.
The episode weaves together history and present-day context, observing parallels between the struggles faced by those Dr. King championed—like the Memphis garbage workers in 1968—and today’s working poor and marginalized. Bishop Trimble notes the stark contrast in government priorities, with massive increases in military budgets and simultaneous cuts to crucial social programs (02:11), evoking King’s critique of militarism and economic disparity.
Turning to practical faith, Bishop Trimble emphasizes that Dr. King’s “reverend” identity is often overlooked. King, influenced by a high Christology and Methodist tradition, insisted on love for both God and neighbor as a non-negotiable foundation for social action (05:02). The conversation explores how King’s love ethic and his commitment to interfaith and ecumenical partnerships remain urgent models for the church and all people of goodwill, urging community engagement, peaceful protest, and transformative action.
The episode ultimately calls listeners to reject neutrality and complacency (14:41). Drawing inspiration from prophetic leaders—King, Gandhi, Pope Leo, Frederick Douglass, and John Lewis—the hosts challenge the church and individuals to be bearers of peace and justice, not merely by “thoughts and prayers,” but by active solidarity and courageous advocacy.
Key Takeaways
Dr. King’s Legacy is Now: The struggle for justice, peace, and dignity is ongoing, and remembering King is not just about honoring the past, but about acting in the present (19:06).
Love Ethic vs. Militarism & Inequality: The Christian call to love God and neighbor stands in opposition to unchecked militarism and economic injustice. True discipleship demands engagement, not neutrality (14:47).
Action Beyond Prayer: Faith communities are invited to move from “thoughts and prayers” to engaged action in local churches, Bible studies, and peaceful advocacy (13:17).
Encouragement Amid Challenge: Even in discouraging times, Bishop Trimble affirms the goodness of humanity and the unwavering love of God (23:19), urging all to help others and rise to their highest potential.

This episode is a powerful reminder that Easter’s resurrection hope should lead to active, courageous lives—building just, loving communities for generations to come.

Hosts: Speaker A (Rev. Dr. Brad Miller), Speaker B (Bishop Julius C. Trimble)
Topic: Why Easter Still Matters
In this powerful episode recorded during Holy Week, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble explore the significance of Easter and its relevance in today’s world. They discuss how the resurrection brings hope, encouragement, and a mission to extend love and peace beyond the church walls. Bishop Trimble draws on personal stories, scripture, and reflections on nature to inspire listeners to embrace the ongoing work of Easter.
Three Major Takeaways
1. Easter Is a Message of Hope and Victory
Bishop Trimble shares that Easter matters “today as much as it has ever mattered” 00:42. In times of discouragement, conflict, and uncertainty—global wars, rising costs, and migration—the resurrection reminds us that even in bleak situations, God is a God of victory and promise. The empty tomb is proof that “sin and death had been defeated” and that God's love endures 03:05. Easter is the evidence that “Good Friday is only Good Friday because Easter is coming” 01:25.
2. The Experience of Resurrection Inspires Purpose
Through memories of Palm Sunday and the tradition of receiving crosses made from palm branches 02:20, Bishop Trimble points to the transformative power of faith across generations. The New Testament records multiple post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, which, according to Bishop Trimble, “reminds the church that the work continues throughout all nations” 07:12. Easter calls us to move beyond being “fearful fans of Jesus” and become bold witnesses, living out hope and love in our communities 10:41.
3. Encouragement and Peace Are Easter’s Gifts
The episode closes with a reflection on nature’s signs of new life and how they encourage us to hope, even in dark times 12:00. The story of visiting the Garden Tomb in the Holy Land underscores the reality and ongoing promise of the empty tomb: “He is not here, he is risen, just as he said” 16:42. Bishop Trimble leads listeners in a prayer for peace, encouraging everyone to “love God and love our neighbors without apology” 19:43, and to let the Easter message make us agents of hope and transformation in the world.
Listen and be encouraged as you move forward into Eastertide—embracing hope, living with purpose, and sharing peace.

Episode Overview
In this episode of "To Be Encouraged", Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller engage in a candid and thoughtful conversation centered on leadership, the anxieties facing communities around the world, and how individuals and faith leaders can actively pursue peace amid challenging and uncertain times. Drawing on experiences in local and global ministry, dialogue spans topics from human rights and war to the practical, personal call to foster peace in everyday life.
Three Takeaways from the Conversation
1. Leadership Requires Vision, Stability, and Relationship-Building
Throughout the discussion, Bishop Trimble emphasizes that effective leadership is about more than authority—it necessitates a clear vision and a deliberate approach to building strong relationships, both locally and globally. The absence of these leadership fundamentals in current times is fueling public uncertainty and anxiety, as people question both the direction being set and the motivations behind decisions impacting daily life, from health insurance security to foreign policy concerns.
2. Peacemaking Starts from Within and Extends Outward
Amid global wars and interpersonal conflicts, Bishop Trimble calls for a commitment to "soul care" and personal peace as a foundation for creating broader harmony . The journey to peace begins in the heart, fostering beloved community at home, in churches, and neighborhoods. This includes engaging in practical actions—praying, advocating to leaders, and choosing compassionate conversation over conflict —rather than defaulting to destructive behaviors.
3. The Hard Work and Humility of Lasting Peace
Building lasting peace, whether in international relations or a local school board, demands both the hard work of relationship-building and a posture of humility. Bishop Trimble discusses the analogy of beating swords into plowshares—emphasizing that peacemaking is neither quick nor easy and requires tangible, often uncomfortable conversations and decisions . Humility is highlighted as an essential virtue for leaders, and the conversation closes with encouragement from scripture and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “To the best of your ability, live with peace and peace with all people” .
Tune in for an episode rich with insight and practical encouragement—reminding us that, even in troubled times, peacemaking and hope begin with each of us.

Podcast: To Be Encouraged
On this episode of To Be and Encouraged, hosts Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble confront one of the most challenging topics facing our world today—the onset of war between the United States and Iran. With a foundation in faith and an unwavering commitment to encouragement, the conversation explores gut-level reactions, theological challenges, and what it means to be peacemakers during tumultuous times.
Three Key Takeaways:
1. War Always Comes at a Human Cost
Both Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble voice palpable grief and dismay over the war’s impact, focusing especially on the loss of innocent lives. Bishop Julius C. Trimble highlights the tragic news of a missile strike on a school that killed 100 girls, emphasizing, “Whenever bombs drop, children die.” The hosts lament the term “collateral damage,” underscoring that each loss reflects real people—children, families, and even American service members. Their reaction is a powerful call to remember the human faces often obscured by political rhetoric and military strategy.
2. Faith-Based Foundations Call for Peace
Drawing from the United Methodist Book of Resolutions and the teachings of Jesus, the conversation reminds listeners that war should only be a last resort—if ever. Bishop Julius C. Trimble quotes church doctrine, stressing, “The church deplores war... and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes.” The episode weaves together scriptural references (Ecclesiastes, Romans, Isaiah), consistently pointing back to the message: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” While acknowledging the complexity of scripture regarding war, the hosts urge listeners to pursue peace to the greatest extent possible.
3. The Call to Advocacy and Hope
Amidst despair, the hosts encourage faith communities to lean into their prophetic and pastoral role. They grapple with tough questions: Have all peaceful avenues been exhausted? Are we truly living out our faith’s vision for reconciliation? The answer, for both, is to keep hope alive by embodying the “aspirational nature of God’s will”—to study war no more and invest in reconciliation, dialogue, and love, even when it feels idealistic. As Rev. Dr. Brad Miller reflects, this higher calling demands courage and vision, especially in seasons of violence and uncertainty.
Tune in to hear a thoughtful, faith-centered dialogue on war, peace, and how ordinary people and faith leaders alike can remain hopeful and actively seek justice—even in discouraging times.