Pentecost Power and Peanut Butter: Bishop Malone Shares Faith, Fun, and Leadership

In this inspiring and heartfelt episode of Pulpit Perspectives, Rev. Dr. Kent Lundy stands with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the newly appointed resident bishop of Indiana. Although the physical pulpit is absent—broadcasting instead from Bishop Malone’s office—the conversation is alive with spiritual wisdom, personal stories, and real-life reflections.

Through candid questions and warm humor, Dr. Lundy learns about Bishop Malone’s life, her faith journey, what grounds her in her ministry, and what kind of peanut butter she prefers! This episode isn’t just an introduction to a church leader; it’s an invitation to connect on a deeply human level with the person guiding Indiana’s United Methodist community.

Three Key Takeaways

1. The Journey and Calling Shaped by Family and Life’s Transitions

Bishop Tracy Smith Malone shares that her call to ministry was first sparked and then nurtured by her late mother, April Smith. Her mother recognized a nurturing spirit in young Tracy—whether leading sidewalk play, braiding friends’ hair, or bringing kids together for double-dutch. That encouragement, coupled with the real-life lessons of being a preacher’s kid, moving from congregation to congregation as her father was reassigned, built within her a resilience and appreciation for diversity within the church. What once felt like repeated uprooting became a source of adaptability, exposure, and understanding of church life’s variety, ultimately equipping her for denominational leadership.

2. The Power of Humility, Humor, and Human Connection

In an often demanding leadership role, Bishop Malone credits her husband, Derek Andre Malone, as the centering influence that keeps her humble and grounded. Whether through laughter or a shared love of crunchy peanut butter (sometimes just eaten with a spoon), it’s her family that reminds her she’s Tracy first—before titles. She also stresses that bishops, despite their roles and responsibilities, are fundamentally people: pastors, parents, partners, and friends. This personal connection and relatability are what she hopes others understand about the role and those who occupy it.

3. Pentecost, Transformation, and the Call to Collaboration

When asked about her favorite church season, Bishop Malone chooses Pentecost—a celebration of diversity, unity, and Holy Spirit-inspired transformation. This theme ripples throughout the episode: from her admiration for the prophetic preaching of William Sloane Coffin to her vision for the United Methodist Church moving into a new era. Emphasizing prophetic leadership, collaboration, and transformation, Bishop Malone calls for courage, joy, and bold love as the Indiana Conference and larger church face the future together. Her five-word summary of her tenure—leadership, visionary, prophetic, transformation, collaboration—underscores this forward-thinking spirit and commitment to ongoing growth.

Memorable Moments

• Bishop Malone’s answer to the “best sandwich” question: extra crunchy peanut butter and strawberry preserves, on wheat toast. (Extra points if it’s toasted!)
• An ordinary place, made extraordinary: North Central College, where she met her husband.
• The lesson learned the hard way: the true power of communication and not making assumptions.
• Wisdom on legacy and living: After personal losses, Bishop Malone has a deeper awareness of life’s fragility and the urgency to live intentionally, love fully, and leave a positive mark.

Conclusion

This episode brings listeners into the heart and home of Indiana’s bishop, offering insights that blend theology, personal testimony, and practical wisdom. As Bishop Malone puts it, “God’s got this, and God’s got us”—a message for anyone navigating transition, change, or simply seeking f