Faith@Work Podcast

Pain is something we all experience—but very few of us are taught how to truly walk through it.In this episode, Kelsi sits down with Deb Hadley of KT Humble Hearts to have an honest and hope-filled conversation about processing pain and discovering purpose in the midst of it. Together, they explore why avoiding pain often leads to deeper wounds, how to begin the healing process, and what it looks like to invite God into the hardest parts of our story.Deb shares from both personal experience and her work with others, offering practical insight and encouragement for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. This conversation is a reminder that while pain is real, it is not wasted—and healing is possible.If you’ve ever wondered how God can bring purpose out of suffering, this episode will meet you right where you are.Connect with Deb: kthumblehearts.orgConnect with the Unity Foundation: unityfoundation-alexandria.com

What if your work was never meant to be separate from your worship?In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Kelsi Timm sits down with Tyler VanEps, Vice President of the National Christian Foundation Twin Cities, to explore what it means to live out “good work powered by God as worship.”Tyler brings a unique perspective shaped by experience across both ministry and marketplace—from missions and nonprofit leadership to marketing, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. With a passion for helping people discover their purpose and align their lives with God’s Kingdom, he shares how identity, purpose, and motivation reshape the way we approach our work.Together, they unpack a biblical vision of work, challenge the divide between sacred and secular, and look closely at how Jesus worked—His rhythms, priorities, and posture. They also explore how generosity, stewardship, and leadership intersect when we begin to see our work as part of something far bigger than ourselves.Whether you’re leading a business, raising a family, or navigating your role in the workplace, this conversation will help you reconnect your work to God’s presence, purpose, and design.Tyler Van Eps: [email protected] equipped and get connected: www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/services/what-we-do

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the workplace—but how should Christians respond?In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Kelsi Timm sits down with Steven Ness, founder of Lighting the Way Leadership, to explore the intersection of AI, leadership, and faith.With more than 25 years of experience helping business owners simplify systems and uncover hidden profit, Steven offers a clear and grounded perspective on a rapidly changing landscape.In this conversation, they cover:How AI is impacting businesses todayThe difference between wise use and unhealthy dependenceThe spiritual and ethical considerations Christians should be aware ofWhat AI can and cannot replaceHow to lead with clarity, conviction, and discernment in a world of constant innovationThis episode goes beyond tools and trends. It invites you to think deeply about identity, stewardship, and how to remain anchored in Christ while navigating the future of work.Whether you are a business owner, leader, or someone trying to understand how faith connects to today’s technology, this conversation will challenge and equip you.Connect with the Unity Foundation: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/connectConnect with Steven Ness: https://lightingthewayleadership.com/

How should Christians engage in civic life without losing their spiritual grounding?In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Kelsi sits down with Steven Eng, advocacy director for the National Association of Evangelicals, to explore what faithful public engagement looks like in a divided culture.With over 30 years of pastoral ministry and a background in political science and theology, Steve brings both biblical clarity and practical wisdom to the conversation. Together, they discuss:• What it means to be politically engaged but spiritually anchored• The biblical call to care for the vulnerable — including low-income families, immigrants, refugees, and the global poor• The difference between the role of the local church and national Christian organizations• How to advocate without compromising unity, character, or Christian witness• Practical ways business owners, employees, and leaders can live out their faith in the public squareThis episode invites Christian professionals to move beyond reaction and into rooted, Christ-centered engagement — using their influence not for power, but for blessing.If you’ve ever wondered how to care deeply about cultural issues without being consumed by them, this conversation is for you.Connect with Steve: [email protected] with the Unity Foundation: unityfoundation-alexandria.com

What does it look like to live out your faith at work when conflict arises, accountability is required, and decisions aren’t easy?In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, host Kelsi Timm sits down with Jessie Hjelle, Director of Human Resources at Alexandria Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and care.Drawing from her experience in both corporate HR and public education, Jessie shares insight on:Engaging conflict without avoiding itPracticing accountability with compassionEmpowering others through trust and clear expectationsDoing the hard thing when it’s the right thingThis conversation reminds us that faith at work isn’t just about what we believe — it’s revealed in how we lead, how we communicate, and how we serve others in moments that require integrity.If you’re navigating leadership, managing people, or preparing for a difficult conversation, this episode will equip and encourage you.Correction: During the conversation, Kelsi referenced Matthew 6 when discussing biblical guidance for handling conflict. The correct passage is Matthew 18, which outlines Jesus’ instruction for addressing conflict directly and relationally.

What happens when the Bible moves from something familiar to something deeply personal?Today on the Faith@Work Podcast, I’m joined by Alicia Bertram, who shares how reading and engaging Scripture over the past year and a half reshaped her faith, her identity, and the way she leads her creative businesses. This is an honest conversation about consistency with God’s Word, the quiet work of transformation, and the fruit that comes when Scripture is allowed to shape everyday life.Join a Faith@Work CircleTeen Bible Breakdown

Our work does not exist in a vacuum. The values we carry—often shaped long before we enter the workplace—quietly influence how we lead, relate, set boundaries, and care for others.In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, I’m joined by Erin Hurley Robinson, Team Chaplain Manager at Vivie. Erin brings a unique perspective shaped by years of chaplaincy in healthcare settings and clinical mental health, along with her current work leading team wellness initiatives.Together, we explore how personal values show up in professional spaces, why misalignment often leads to burnout or disconnection, and how leaders and employees alike can cultivate workplaces rooted in integrity, care, and emotional health. Erin shares practical insight on boundaries, self-care, and what it looks like to live out deeply held values—especially faith-based ones—at work in an authentic and grounded way.This conversation offers wisdom and encouragement for anyone longing to work with greater clarity, wholeness, and purpose.Join a Faith@Work Circle: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/Mental Health First Aid training link: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/our-work/mental-health-first-aid/

Leadership brings responsibility, pressure, and weight—often long before anyone notices the toll it takes on the inner life. In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Kelsi Timm sits down with Joe Salo, President of Douglas Machine in Alexandria, Minnesota, and a board member of The Unity Foundation, for an honest conversation about the spiritual rhythms that sustain leaders over time.Rather than focusing on business strategies or systems, this episode explores the quieter, often unseen practices that help leaders stay grounded as responsibility grows. Joe shares how his spiritual rhythms have evolved throughout his leadership journey, what helps him discern God’s voice in decision-making, and why tending to one’s inner life is not optional—but essential—for long-term, healthy leadership.This conversation is for business leaders, professionals, and anyone carrying responsibility who wants to lead with integrity, faith, and endurance—without losing sight of what matters most.Learn more about Faith@Work Circles, email Kelsi at [email protected] or go to our website: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/

Calling doesn’t always disappear—it often expands.In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Kelsi sits down with Tim Cullen and Ken Snyder, two men who began their careers as school teachers and later followed God’s leading into the business world.Tim went on to found Cullen’s Home Center, while Ken started Snyder Thornburg Wealth Management. Though their vocational paths shifted, their commitment to faith, integrity, and serving people remained the same.Together, they share what it looked like to discern a new chapter, take faithful risks, build businesses rooted in Christian values, and now walk through seasons of passing leadership to the next generation—children and family members stepping into the work God began years ago.This conversation is for anyone navigating career transitions, sensing God’s nudge toward something new, or wondering how to steward a calling well across different seasons of life and leadership.Learn more about the Unity Foundation: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/

In this special episode, we share the live audio from the 18th Annual Ernie Unruh Christian Service Award Lunch, hosted by the Unity Foundation in Alexandria, Minnesota. Guided by MC Mark Deterding, the program highlights the heart of faith-driven leadership and the power of a life lived in service to Christ.You’ll hear heartfelt reflections, stories from friends and colleagues, and moments that honor this year’s recipient for the impact they’ve made in our community.Whether you're a business leader, a community member, or someone wanting to deepen your faith, this episode invites you to see your work as ministry—and encourages you to carry the light of Christ into every part of your life.Learn more about the Unity Foundation.

In this episode, Kelsi sits down with Tom Ledbetter to explore the growing movement of faith in the workplace and the rising need for spiritual and emotional care within companies. Tom has spent years helping leaders build healthy cultures, support their employees, and live out their faith in ways that feel authentic and impactful.Together they talk about the role of marketplace chaplains, how business owners can become leaders who care deeply for their teams, and why every believer can live with purpose at work. Tom also shares practical insights on making decisions with spiritual wisdom, breaking down the sacred–secular divide, and developing a culture where people feel supported beyond their job description.If you’re curious about chaplaincy, workplace ministry, or how to naturally integrate faith into your everyday work, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical tools.Connect with Tom on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomledbetter444/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.ledbetter.9Email: [email protected]

What happens when prayer moves beyond the break room and becomes the foundation of lifelong friendship?In this episode, Kelsi sits down with Cathy Snyder, Jessica Hjelle, and Kristi Stevens, three women who met while working at Douglas Scientific. What began as simple moments of prayer in the workplace became a deep spiritual bond that outlasted job titles and company walls.Together, they share how inviting God into their work relationships brought comfort, courage, and community—and how Christ continues to knit their hearts together even after their career paths changed.Whether you’re longing for deeper connections at work or wondering what it looks like to live out your faith with others, this conversation will remind you that prayer can start anywhere—but when Christ is at the center, it never ends.Learn more about our resources: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/services/prayer

In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Kelsi sits down with Sandy Lauer, a family nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, wife, and mom navigating the tension between caring for others and caring for herself.Sandy shares her journey through healthcare and entrepreneurship and how her faith has shaped the way she leads, serves, and stewards her work. Together, we talk about the real-life challenges of balancing career, motherhood, and marriage while pursuing the peace that comes from walking closely with God.If you’ve ever felt stretched thin between your calling and your capacity, this conversation will encourage you to trust that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness.https://wellandcomn.com/

In this episode of Faith@Work, host Kelsi Timm sits down with Billy Wallace, Lead Minister at New Life Christian Church and boys basketball coach at Alexandria Area High School. Before entering full-time ministry, Billy worked as a block layer — and it was there, surrounded by coworkers, that he discovered one of the most powerful truths about evangelism: you don’t need a pulpit to preach.Billy shares stories from the job site and the basketball court, revealing how simple, authentic faith lived out day-to-day can impact lives and open hearts to the Gospel. Whether you’re in an office, a classroom, or on a construction site, this episode will inspire you to see your workplace as your mission field — and remind you that God can use ordinary moments to make an eternal difference.

What happens when prayer becomes more than a private practice and instead shapes the way we live and lead at work?In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, host Kelsi Timm sits down with Sarah Boll, Director of Safe Families for Children & Life Connections, to talk about the role prayer plays in the workplace. Sarah shares how prayer has guided her leadership, brought breakthrough in challenging moments, and created a culture of dependence on God in her organization.Whether you’re leading a team, serving clients, or navigating everyday work life, this conversation will encourage you to see prayer as a powerful way to invite God into every moment.Register for the Unity Foundation prayer workshop: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/event/prayer-work-worship

Recorded live on Friday, August 8, 2025 at the Global Leadership Summit in Alexandria, this panel features three local leaders who are living out their faith in the marketplace: Tucker Reishus of 3M, Saundra Lauer of Well & Company, and Tony Jensen of Douglas Machine. Facilitated by Peter Nelson, the conversation explores how faith shapes real decisions, culture, and people at work—what’s helpful, what’s hard, and what’s next.Whether you joined us at GLS or are tuning in later, you’ll walk away encouraged and equipped to bring your faith to work with boldness and integrity.Learn more about the Unity Foundation: https://www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/

In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, Johnny Thill unpacks what it means to lead with a proactive servant’s heart. From moving beyond reactive thinking to asking better questions and serving outside your job description, Johnny shares how proactive leadership transforms conversations, builds trust, and points us back to Christ’s example of service.

In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, we're joined by Erin Berns, financial advisor at NorthRock Partners and board director at The Unity Foundation, for a powerful conversation about the impact of workplace culture. Drawing from his leadership experience in both the financial world and the community, Erin shares how culture isn't just a background element—it's either limiting your people or launching them forward.We dive into what it really takes to shape a thriving workplace, why values must be lived (not just framed on the wall), and how Christian leaders can intentionally build Kingdom culture in their businesses. Whether you're leading a team or part of one, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about the atmosphere you help create.

In this episode, Kevin Coder—Vice President of Spiritual Life at Vivie—shares the heart behind corporate chaplaincy and why spiritual care matters in today’s workplace. With a background in psychology, pastoral ministry, and military chaplaincy, Kevin brings a compassionate and experienced perspective on how chaplains can meet people in their most vulnerable and meaningful moments. We explore what corporate chaplaincy looks like day-to-day, how it builds healthier teams and cultures, and how leaders can support the spiritual and emotional well-being of those they lead.To learn more about Vivie and their approach to workplace spiritual care, visit: https://vivie.org/about

What happens when you invite Jesus into every part of your leadership—your team, your decisions, and your performance? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Deterding, founder of Triune Leadership Services, executive coach, and author of Leading Jesus’ Way. With over 35 years of executive leadership experience and a heart for servant leadership, Mark shares how his faith has shaped the way he leads—and how it's brought strength, direction, and peace in some of life’s hardest moments.Mark opens up about the recent challenges with his grandson Gus, the miraculous ways God showed up, and how those experiences reaffirmed the importance of leaning into Jesus for guidance. We also explore how his leadership approach has influenced the mission and culture of the Unity Foundation.If you're a leader looking for clarity, encouragement, or a reminder that you're not leading alone—this conversation is for you.Learn more about Mark’s work at: triuneleadershipservices.com Check out Ryan Skoog's book about prayer: leadwithprayer.com

In this episode of Faith@Work, Kelsi sits down with Brad VanderTuin, President of Aagard and board member of the Unity Foundation, to talk about the impact of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS). Brad shares why he keeps coming back year after year, how attending the Summit has shaped his leadership, and the powerful transformation that happens when you bring your team along.Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or someone passionate about growing in your faith and leadership, Brad offers practical insights, personal stories, and a clear invitation to invest in your growth at this year’s GLS.🎟️ Ready to grow as a leader? Learn more and register for the Global Leadership Summit in Alexandria this August:www.unityfoundation-alexandria.com/events/global-leadership-summit

In a culture that often values being right over being relational, how do we lead with humility, compassion, and connection? In this episode, Brett Paradis joins us for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it looks like to prioritize people over winning arguments—and how our faith invites us to listen first, love well, and lead with grace.We explore the challenges of navigating conflict in today’s world, especially in the workplace, and how choosing connection doesn’t mean compromising truth—it means walking in it with love. If you’ve ever struggled with hard conversations or longed to build bridges instead of walls, this episode is for you.Help us equip others to live out their faith at work. Give on Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/UnityFoundationAlex

What is the Unity Foundation, and why does it exist? In this episode, we sit down with Peter Nelson, President of the Board of Directors, to explore the heart behind the Unity Foundation—its mission, core values, and the unique role it plays in connecting faith and work across the Alexandria area.Peter shares why he’s passionate about the Foundation’s vision, how it’s making a difference in the community, and what excites him about the future. Whether you're new to the Unity Foundation or have been part of the journey, this conversation offers a deeper look into why unity in Christ matters—and how it’s transforming workplaces and lives.If this podcast encourages you, consider supporting the Unity Foundation on Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/UnityFoundationAlex. Every gift makes a difference!