Pastor Paul Mitchell: Why the Social Principles Matter - History, Mergers, and Modern Witness

This week Damian sits down with Pastor Paul Mitchell from Walla Walla, Washington, for a deep dive into the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. We explore: Where the Social Principles came from and why they were first written down. How the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical Brethren Church shaped their formation. The role they play today—especially how American Methodists view them, and how pastors like Paul use them as an official church resource to speak into pressing issues such as gun violence. Paul’s personal journey: how he went from being an architect to becoming a United Methodist pastor. It’s a conversation that blends history, theology, and personal story—showing why the Social Principles still matter for the Church and the world today