Ministry Spouses Podcast podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

Ministry Spouses Podcast

Enjoy fresh and relevant content from 'Stronger Together', a publication specifically for pastoral spouses, on the Ministry Spouses Podcast. This is a service of the General Conference Ministerial Spouses Association.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 193

    A Missionary for Life, Part One - Recounting a life of service — Gordon E. Christo

    What does a lifetime of missionary service look like when faith is tested by hardship, poverty, disease, and sacrifice? Gordon E. Christo recounts the remarkable story of William and Christina Barlow and their devoted ministry among the Santals of India.

  2. 192

    Kids: Jesus Shows God’s Love! Experiencing and sharing God’s love is easy! — Karen Holford

    How can children discover what God is like through the life of Jesus? Karen Holford shares simple, hands-on activities that help kids experience God’s love and learn how to share it with others.

  3. 191

    Remain Resolute to the Mission - Ministering as a 21st-century Shepherdess — Sashane Stone-Goldbourne

    As we press forward, we must keep our eyes on Jesus so we do not get lost in the noise of online swiping, drunken with intoxicating information and stricken with short attention spans because of watching video shorts. Our ministry remains unwavering as we depend on the Chief Shepherd to lead and direct us.  

  4. 190

    Lifestyle: Fire! Be ready for the unexpected — Rae Lee Cooper

    How prepared are you for the unexpected? Rae Lee Cooper shares a firsthand encounter with wildfire and the practical lessons it taught her about emergency readiness, family safety, and trusting God through crisis.

  5. 189

    Family Matters: With Jesus in the Family - Love, grace, and happier homes — Karen Holford

    What difference does Jesus make in the everyday life of a family? Karen Holford explores how His example of love, grace, compassion, humility, and forgiveness can shape happier, healthier homes.

  6. 188

    Just Invite Them - Exploring the beauty of hospitality — Heather Krick

    What if something as simple as an invitation could help someone feel seen, valued, and closer to God? Heather Krick explores the beauty of everyday hospitality and how opening our homes and lives can become a meaningful form of ministry.

  7. 187

    Tips to Thrive: Finding My Place and Embracing My Role in God’s Mission - Pray, listen, and serve with love — Angelina Wood

    Where do you fit in God’s mission—and how can you serve in a way that reflects your unique gifts? Angelina Wood offers practical encouragement to pray, listen, build meaningful relationships, and serve others with love through OneVoice27.

  8. 186

    OneVoice27: A Mission That Also Belongs to You- Your important role in the gospel commission — Erton Köhler

    What role can you play in a global mission like OneVoice27? Erton Köhler explores how ministry spouses and church members can use everyday influence, faithful service, and spiritual consistency to help carry the gospel forward.

  9. 185

    Editorial: A Call to Make Disciples, Together- Lifting up Jesus with one voice in 2027 — Aurora Canals

    What does it look like when ordinary believers answer Jesus’ call to make disciples together? As OneVoice27 approaches, Aurora Canals reflects on how willing hearts, united in mission, can lift up Jesus and bring hope to the world.

  10. 184

    Kids: Friends Like Jesus! Faithful families take care of each other — Karen Holford

    What does it really mean to be a friend like Jesus? Through Bible stories, practical activities, and family discussions, this fun and thoughtful article helps children learn how to show kindness, stand against bullying, and become safe, caring friends who reflect God’s love.

  11. 183

    Why Hurt Lurks in the Pews - Four degrees of emotional hurt — Victor D. Marshall

    Why do some people in the church react with unexpected anger, distance, or pain? This article explores four degrees of emotional hurt—and how understanding hidden wounds can help us respond with greater compassion, wisdom, and healing.

  12. 182

    Why I Stay in a Hurtful Church - Seeing God's overcoming power in His church — Nicole Parker

    What do you do when the people who are supposed to encourage your faith are the ones who wound you most deeply? This practical and honest article shares biblical steps toward healing, forgiveness, confrontation, and moving forward with love after experiencing hurt in the church.

  13. 181

    Persevering Through Pain - Contemplating the path through pain — Jeffrey O. Brown

    How do we move through pain when simply “pushing through” is not enough? This thoughtful article reflects on the difference between forcing, avoiding, and faithfully persevering through hardship with Christ at the center.

  14. 180

    Lifestyle: The Forgetting Dilemma - How memory works (or doesn’t) and how to improve it — Rae Lee Cooper

    Why do we forget important things—and when should forgetfulness become a concern? This practical and encouraging article explores how memory works, why the brain sometimes “misfires,” and simple lifestyle habits that can help strengthen memory and cognitive health.

  15. 179

    Glimmers vs. Triggers - Practicing the art of joy — Libna Arroyo

    What if small moments of joy are more powerful than we realize? In a world full of stress, trauma, and emotional triggers, how can we intentionally notice the “glimmers” God places around us to restore peace, hope, and resilience?

  16. 178

    Tips to Thrive: Wounded in the House of Faith - Meeting conflict with grace — Angelina Wood

    How do you respond when hurt comes from within the church family itself? This heartfelt reflection explores how ministerial spouses can navigate disappointment, conflict, and misunderstanding with humility, forgiveness, and the grace of Christ.

  17. 177

    Family Matters: When People Are Confusing - A story of overreach—and how to respond — Karen Holford

    What do you do when someone in the church makes you question your own judgment, boundaries, or reality? This honest reflection explores manipulation, “gaslighting,” and confusing behavior in ministry—and how Spirit-filled Christians can respond with wisdom, compassion, and healthy boundaries.

  18. 176

    Editorial: When the Church Hurts - A reflection for ministerial spouses — Aurora Canals

    What do you do when the very place meant to bring healing becomes the source of deep hurt? How can ministerial spouses navigate disappointment in the church without losing their sense of calling, grace, and hope?

  19. 175

    Kids: Close Friends - Faithful families take care of each other — Karen Holford

    How can one small family’s story teach us about loyalty, kindness, and caring for each other through life’s ups and downs? Through hands-on activities and heartfelt questions, this family guide brings Ruth and Naomi’s story to life—helping children discover what faithful friendship and God’s love really look like.

  20. 174

    There’s Nothing Better than Grace - The story of Hosea — Kenneth Crawford

    What kind of love keeps searching, keeps forgiving, and even pays the price to bring a broken heart home? Through Hosea’s painful story, this powerful retelling reveals the relentless grace of God—a love that redeems, restores, and refuses to let go.

  21. 173

    Don’t Go to Bed Angry? What does Ephesians 4:26 really mean? — Willie Oliver & Elaine Oliver

    Does “don’t let the sun go down on your anger” mean every conflict must be solved before bedtime? This thoughtful reflection unpacks Ephesians 4:26, revealing that the call is less about the clock—and more about controlling anger, seeking God’s peace, and protecting your marriage from unresolved hostility.

  22. 172

    Lifestyle: It’s Just the Weather- The weather affects us—here’s how — Rae Lee Cooper

    Ever noticed how a gray, rainy day can drain energy while sunshine seems to lift everyone’s mood? This practical guide explores how sunlight, temperature, and barometric pressure affect our bodies and emotions—and how simple habits can help us stay balanced in any forecast.

  23. 171

    Tips to Thrive: Building Deeper Connections with Your Spouse - Cultivating intimacy in your relationship — Angelina Wood

    Intimacy is more than physical closeness—it’s emotional safety, shared faith, honest communication, and intentional time together. Are you nurturing every dimension of connection in your marriage so it can thrive through every season of change?

  24. 170

    On Adding Value: Practice thoughtful consideration — Amanda Walter

    What if adding value to someone’s life started with something as simple as your next word, action, or quiet act of service? This reflection challenges us to practice thoughtful consideration—so that what we think, say, and do consistently builds others up at home and beyond.

  25. 169

    Family Matters: Closer- Leaning into habits that promote togetherness — Karen Holford

    After heartbreak and seasons of distance, one couple discovers that closeness doesn’t happen by accident—it grows through intentional habits, honest questions, and shared time with God. What small daily practices could help you lean in and strengthen togetherness in your own marriage?

  26. 168

    Editorial: Strengthening the Two Most Sacred Relationships in Ministry- Intimacy with your spouse and God — Aurora Canals

    Ministry can quietly erode the very relationships meant to sustain it—are you nurturing intimacy with both your spouse and with God? This heartfelt reflection explores practical ways to protect your marriage, deepen spiritual unity, and build a ministry anchored in presence, partnership, and purpose.

  27. 167

    Kids: You’re Never All Alone! God will never leave you — Karen Holford

    Do you ever feel lonely—but what if the One who made you promises to be with you all the time? This kids’ article teaches that God will never leave you and offers fun ways to remember His loving presence and share it with others.

  28. 166

    Eshet Chayil: Woman of Valor- Living with courage and grace — Hannele Ottschofski

    What does it really mean to be a woman of valor-and how can courage and grace shape a woman’s unique journey through family, service, and self‑discovery? Hannele Ottschofski invites women to embrace their own paths, finding worth not in perfection or recognition but in faithful service, personal growth, and equal partnership.

  29. 165

    Hope Beyond Depression: Healing comes with patience — Heather-Dawn Small

    In this deeply personal reflection, Heather-Dawn Small shares her long journey through depression, grief, and healing, reminding readers that recovery often comes slowly and requires courage, support, and patience. Where can hope be found when joy feels distant—and how does God gently restore it over time?

  30. 164

    Lifestyle-Motivating Good Self-Care: It’s not always easy, convenient, or tasty — Rae Lee Cooper

    We often know what healthy self-care looks like—yet choosing it can feel inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even unappealing. What if lasting motivation comes not from willpower alone, but from purpose, integrity, and trusting God to help us live out the changes we long to make?

  31. 163

    When Love Feels Lost: Hope for parents estranged from adult children — Eric Bates

    Estrangement from adult children is one of the deepest heartaches for parents, especially in ministry, but even in this sorrow, God offers hope. How can we trust in God's unfailing love, hold space for reconciliation, and find peace while we wait for a lost child to return?

  32. 162

    Tips to Thrive-Upheld by God’s Love: When we feel lonely and discouraged — Angelina Wood

    Loneliness and discouragement are familiar companions for many ministerial spouses, yet God’s unwavering love gently upholds us through every season. How can resting in faith, strengthening marriage, and remembering our calling help transform isolation into renewed joy and purpose?

  33. 161

    Family Matters-Healthy Friendships: Why we need them and how to form them — Karen Holford

    Loneliness is a normal human experience, especially for ministry families who face frequent change and separation—but healthy friendships can transform isolation into belonging. How can we gently notice lonely moments, reach out with intention, and build life-giving friendships that bless both ourselves and others?

  34. 160

    Editorial-Dealing with Loneliness in Ministry: We all feel lonely sometimes — Ramon Canals

    Surrounded by people yet aching with isolation, many pastors and ministry families quietly struggle with loneliness. What causes this hidden epidemic, how does it affect health and faith, and what practical, biblical steps can help restore connection and wholeness?

  35. 159

    Kids - Ripples of Happiness! Share a lot of smiles — Karen Holford

    Want to start a chain of happiness? Discover how a simple smile or act of kindness can spread joy, and how small good deeds can make a big difference in the world around you! 

  36. 158

    Sharing Your Story - God makes it easy! — Janet Page

    Jesus used a healed demoniac’s story to bring transformation to an entire region. What can your personal testimony do when you share how God has worked in your life? 

  37. 157

    Charlie’s Story - An angry man and a miracle of grace — Diana Bruch

    What seemed like a failed visit turned into a life-changing moment. A simple prayer and steadfast faith led to an unexpected conversion and baptism, proving that with God, all things are possible. 

  38. 156

    When Your Spouse Is Called, Are You Called Too? Discerning God’s calling for you — Libna Arroyo

    Libna Arroyo shares the emotional journey of navigating her husband's calling to military chaplaincy, challenging her faith and trust in God's plan. 

  39. 155

    Tips To Thrive - Guiding and Preparing the Next Generation - Help them grow into wise leaders — Angelina Wood

    How can we effectively pass on our faith to the next generation? By pointing them to Jesus, empowering them as leaders, and providing the tools to make wise choices, we can inspire young people to live a life of faith and leadership. 

  40. 154

    Lifestyle - From the Table to Tomorrow - How parents shape lifelong dietary habits — Shonedell De Velde

    Parents are the key influencers in shaping their children's dietary habits. By setting a strong example and creating a health-conscious home environment, they can instill lifelong habits that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

  41. 153

    Membership or Discipleship? What you aim for is what you get — Leigh Rice and Glenn Townend

    Are we building lasting disciples or just momentary believers? This article challenges churches to shift from event-based evangelism to intentional, lifelong disciple-making modeled after Christ’s own example. 

  42. 152

    Friends—We All Need Them - How to have them and keep them — Hannele Ottschofski

    Can pastors and their spouses truly thrive without close friendships? This candid reflection explores the emotional cost of isolation in ministry and reveals how authentic relationships—inside and outside the church—are essential for spiritual and personal well-being. 

  43. 151

    Family Matters - Raising Compassionate Kids - Make kindness a way of life — Karen Holford

    What if raising kind, compassionate kids could transform not only their lives but the world around them? How small acts of love—taught and modeled at home—can help children grow into joyful, Christ-centered caregivers who reflect God's character. 

  44. 150

    Editorial - Passing the Torch - A sacred mandate for ministerial spouses — Aurora Canals

    What does it truly mean to pass the torch in ministry? In this heartfelt editorial, Aurora Canals reflects on the sacred responsibility ministerial spouses carry—to mentor, support, and spiritually prepare the next generation for faithful service. 

  45. 149

    ​Cultivating a Mindset of Trust — Dr. Grace Eversley-Jacott

    What if delays are actually part of God’s perfect plan? Discover how trusting His timing can turn setbacks into setups for something greater.

  46. 148

    ​ Kids - You Are Blessed! — Karen Holford

    Want to help kids discover how blessed they truly are? Dive into the Beatitudes with hands-on activities that show children they’re blessed to bless others!

  47. 147

    ​Help! I Am a Worrier! — Sharon Campbell-Danvers

    Do you worry too much? You're not alone—but Jesus is always near. Discover how His presence and promises offer peace that outweighs every anxious thought.

  48. 146

    Lifestyle - Three Must-Have First-Aid Kits — Rae Lee Cooper

    What if first-aid wasn't just for cuts and scrapes? Discover three essential kits—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to help you face life’s everyday emergencies with strength and care.

  49. 145

    Living Sacrifice: The Altar of Worship — Jasmin Stankovic

    What does it truly mean to be a "living sacrifice"? Explore Romans 12:1 in a fresh light and discover how daily surrender and worship can transform every moment into an altar of praise.

  50. 144

    Dealing with Stress — Amanda Walter

    Feeling overwhelmed? Discover simple, practical ways to manage stress—from planners and prayer to singing and surrendering your burdens to Jesus.

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Enjoy fresh and relevant content from 'Stronger Together', a publication specifically for pastoral spouses, on the Ministry Spouses Podcast. This is a service of the General Conference Ministerial Spouses Association.

HOSTED BY

Stronger Together, Journal for Ministry Spouses

Produced by Ministerial Spouses Association

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Ministry Spouses Podcast have?

Ministry Spouses Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Ministry Spouses Podcast about?

Enjoy fresh and relevant content from 'Stronger Together', a publication specifically for pastoral spouses, on the Ministry Spouses Podcast. This is a service of the General Conference Ministerial Spouses Association.

How often does Ministry Spouses Podcast release new episodes?

Ministry Spouses Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Ministry Spouses Podcast?

You can listen to Ministry Spouses Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Ministry Spouses Podcast?

Ministry Spouses Podcast is created and hosted by Stronger Together, Journal for Ministry Spouses.
URL copied to clipboard!