Ever written down a thought or an idea? Or journaled your experience for a future you to rediscover? What about capturing what you felt God was speaking to you? That’s the idea behind Field Notes. It’s not about what we are doing—it’s about chronicling what God is doing through us. It’s a space to share personal accounts of the Holy Spirit moving through churches, ministries and communities, and to connect the dots of a grander sketch here in the mission field.
Whether you’re living out your call to ministry or seeking inspiration, this podcast is your space for reflections, musings and bold stories of God’s presence among His people.
Join us monthly for new episodes and take a seat at the table—because your story is part of Field Notes too. The Field Notes podcast is produced by The Woodlands Methodist Church and hosted by the Senior Pastor Mark Sorensen.
57 Years of Faithfulness: A Conversation with Bishop Bob Hayes
In this special episode of Field Notes, Mark sits down with one of his favorite people, Bishop Bob Hayes, for a heartfelt conversation reflecting on 57 years of ministry. From his earliest call to ministry as a young boy to his years of leadership and his time at The Woodlands Methodist Church, Bishop Bob shares stories, lessons and memories from a lifetime of serving Jesus and loving people.
Together, they reflect on the joys and challenges of ministry, the faithfulness of God through life’s mountaintop and valley seasons, and the people who make serving the church so meaningful. Bishop Bob also shares his love of hymns, the importance of Christian discipleship, and his hopes for the next chapter.
His message is simple but powerful: Keep growing in faith, keep loving people, and trust that the same God who has been faithful in the past will be faithful in the future.
It’s a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, gratitude and a few favorite hymns. Join us as we celebrate a remarkable ministry and the enduring faith of a man who has spent his life sharing the Good News of Jesus.
21 Jul 2026
What Is God Doing Through the Global Methodist Church Today?
In this episode of Field Notes, Mark Sorensen sits down with Rev. Jason A. Burnham, Conference Superintendent of the Trinity Annual Conference, to reflect on the remarkable growth of the Global Methodist Church as it celebrates four years of ministry.
Together, they discuss highlights from the recent Trinity Annual Conference, the expanding global reach of the GMC, the role of the Holy Spirit in revitalizing churches, and why evangelism and personal testimony are becoming central to the church’s mission. Jason shares powerful stories of faith, discipleship, and the ways God is moving both locally and around the world.
Whether you're a member of The Woodlands Methodist Church, part of the GMC, or simply curious about what God is doing through the Methodist movement, this conversation offers encouragement, vision, and hope for the future.
17 Mar 2026
Meet the Campus Pastors of The Woodlands Methodist Church
Meet the Campus Pastors of The Woodlands Methodist Church |
In this episode of Field Notes, host Rev. Mark Sorensen sits down with campus pastors from The Woodlands Methodist Church to talk about what God is doing in their communities.
Rev. Brent Parker (Woodforest), Rev. Aaron Laird (Montgomery), and Rev. Pierce Drake (Creekside) share stories of church growth, changed lives, baptisms, and the power of community. They also encourage church planters who may be struggling and remind us that ministry is not about our strength — it’s about Jesus working through us.
You’ll hear about welcoming churches, transformed marriages, growing youth ministries, and people coming to faith. The pastors also share honest lessons about leadership, trust, and staying faithful to God’s calling.
Faith grows when people commit to God and serve together in community, something many church leaders say leads to powerful spiritual growth and impact.
Listen to be encouraged by what God is doing through local churches and how simple faithfulness can change lives.
25 Feb 2026
State of The Church 2026
In this episode of Field Notes, Rev. Mark Sorensen shares an update on the state of our church—celebrating what God has done and looking ahead to where He is leading us next.
26 Nov 2025
Bridging Generations – The Power of Intergenerational Discipleship
Bridging Generations – The Power of Intergenerational Discipleship |
In a world that often feels divided by age, what if the secret to a deeper faith is found in bringing generations together?
Join host Rev. Mark Sorensen as he sits down with Rev. Mark Swayze, Pastor of NextGen Ministries, for a heartfelt conversation about the power of intergenerational discipleship. In this episode, they explore how the passion of the emerging generation, the perseverance of those in their building years, and the perspective of our wisest sages are all essential for spiritual growth. Discover how God is moving through every age group and how you can play a part in raising up the next generation of leaders, both in the church and in the world.
This is a conversation that will bless, inspire, and challenge you to see the beauty in every stage of faith.
26 Oct 2025
Beyond Borders – The Heart of Missions
Beyond Borders — The Heart of Missions
What does it take to reach people across continents, cultures, and communities? In this episode of Field Notes, Senior Pastor Mark Sorensen sits down with the Rev. Dr. Ashley Goad, The Woodlands Methodist Church’s Pastor of Missions, to explore what happens when a church commits to transformation — both locally and globally.
From supporting theological education in Tanzania to church planting in Panama, from serving Syrian refugees in Turkey to partnering with The Montgomery County Food Bank, Goad shares the stories behind the church’s $3.3 million Missions Ministry. Discover how 88 global and 52 local partnerships are multiplying hope, empowering communities, and creating lasting change.
That raises an important question: how do we move from being observers to participants in God’s mission? Goad unpacks practical ways everyone can engage — whether through prayer, giving, serving locally, or traveling globally. She also reveals exciting new opportunities like “Adopt a Missionary” and upcoming mission trips planned for 2026.
If you’ve ever wondered what Missions really looks like, or how one person’s presence can make someone feel like they matter again, this conversation will inspire you to step beyond your comfort zone and into transformational ministry.
24 Sept 2025
Field Notes: Episode 1
In this first episode of Field Notes, Senior Pastor Mark Sorensen, Pastor of Discipleship Luann Riley and Pastor of Church Multiplication Jeff Olive share the exciting season ahead for The Woodlands Methodist Church.
Following their successful “Beyond” capital campaign, they discuss strengthening church campuses, expanding discipleship and empowering local church communities. Discover how one church is multiplying faith, from the joy at their Montgomery campus to the incredible growth of their Spanish-speaking congregation.
If you're curious about what authentic church growth and discipleship look like in practice, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiring stories about their journey to go deeper while reaching wider.
Join us for a real conversation about where faith meets action, and subscribe to Field Notes for more behind-the-scenes conversations with church leaders shaping the future of ministry.
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