Ministry Chick Network Podcast

How do you balance ministry, career, marriage, children, and your relationship with God — without burning out?In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn talks with Lysandra Osterkamp — pastor’s wife, entrepreneur, mother of four, and author of Balancing the Crazy — about time management, spiritual clarity, and choosing what truly matters.If you feel stretched thin but still deeply called, this conversation will help you discern how to spend your time wisely, stay close to God, and lead with peace instead of pressure.Key Takeaways• How to balance ministry, family, and leadership without losing your spiritual center • Practical time management rhythms that actually work • How to discern between “good opportunities” and God’s best for your seasonMinistry Chick Network - www.ministrychick.com Family Meeting Ministry - https://www.familymeeting.org/Balancing The Crazy - https://amzn.to/49fjxG531 Days of Wisdom for Couples - https://amzn.to/4tVktIaHappily Never After - https://amzn.to/4tc0kfPDiscipleship That Works - https://amzn.to/4ncLofR

Leadership pressure can quietly pull women away from clarity, peace, and spiritual alignment — especially when expectations are high, and responsibilities keep growing.In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with transformational leader, author, and educator LaNell Polk to discuss what it truly means to live fully surrendered to Christ while leading with courage and integrity. Drawing on her leadership work and her book Aligned Under Pressure, LaNell shares insights on emotional intelligence, spiritual resilience, and how surrender strengthens leadership rather than weakens it.If you’ve ever felt stretched, uncertain, or spiritually fatigued while leading, this conversation offers both grounding encouragement and a practical perspective for staying aligned in your calling.Key TakeawaysHow surrender to Christ strengthens clarity, leadership confidence, and emotional resilienceWhy emotional intelligence is essential for spiritually grounded leadershipPractical ways to stay aligned with purpose while navigating pressure and responsibilityClarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journalLaNell's Website → LanellPolk.comMinistry Chick Network → www.MinistryChick.com

Communication isn’t just what you say — it’s how you show up.In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with embodiment coach, movement analyst, actress, and author Kristi Bramlett to explore how physical presence, spiritual alignment, and authentic communication shape leadership impact.Kristi shares why connection begins internally, how movement patterns affect communication, and how women in ministry can communicate with clarity, confidence, and Spirit-led authenticity. If you speak, teach, lead, or influence others in any way, this conversation will help you communicate with greater intentionality and presence.Key Takeaways• Why internal alignment directly impacts external communication • How embodiment and awareness improve leadership presence • Practical ways to communicate with authenticity and confidence in ministryResources & LinksKristi’s Website: Kristibramlett.comInstagram: @kvkbramlettBook:The Speaker’s Trifecta: Mind, Body, Soulhttps://amzn.to/3Q8k46eMinistry Chick Network: ministrychick.com

Navigating leadership in today’s workplace can feel complicated — especially for Christian women who want to grow professionally while staying true to their faith.In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with ordained minister and longtime public school leader Katrina Collins. Drawing from nearly three decades of leadership experience — along with her ongoing doctoral work — Katrina shares practical tools for leading with clarity, confidence, and integrity in professional environments without compromising Christian values.If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded in your faith while leading in the workplace, balancing calling with career, or influencing culture without losing your voice, this conversation offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for the road ahead.Key Takeaways:How to lead confidently in professional environments without compromising your Christian valuesPractical ways to align workplace leadership with faith, calling, and integrityEncouragement for women navigating career growth while staying spiritually groundedDownload your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal Connect with Katrina Collins → www.sparktomorrow22.comLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → www.ministrychick.com

Many women in ministry and leadership long for real community—not surface-level connection, but relationships that help them grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally.In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Erin Pickering, Director of Growth & Communications for Ministry Chick and Director of Conference Operations for BuildGroups. With deep experience in discipleship, communications strategy, and leadership development, Erin shares why intentional community matters, how meaningful conversations shape growth, and what it takes to build environments where people truly flourish.If you’ve ever felt connected yet still lonely, longed for deeper discipleship, or wondered how authentic community actually leads to growth, this conversation will encourage you and provide practical insights for moving forward.  And if you’re looking for ongoing community, leadership support, and a space to grow alongside other women of faith, you can learn more about the Ministry Chick Network in the show notes. Key TakeawaysWhy authentic Christian community fuels confidence, growth, and leadership sustainabilityHow intentional conversations and shared experiences shape discipleshipSimple ways to cultivate a deeper connection without adding pressure or busynessStop Playing Small: You Were Made For More → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/stop-playing-smallMinistry Chick Network → www.ministrychick.comMinistry Chick Network Membership Community → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/membershipBuildGroups → www.buildgroups.com

Leadership in ministry often comes with passion and calling — but not always clarity, systems, or support.In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Dr. Brandy Baxter — strategic leadership consultant, financial coach, and Director of Leadership & Coaching for Ministry Chick — to talk about what sustainable leadership actually requires.Brandy shares practical insight on developing clarity in your calling, building confidence through structure and financial awareness, and leading with vision instead of pressure. Together, they unpack why so many women in ministry feel stretched thin, how unclear expectations impact leadership confidence, and what it looks like to lead with both faith and strategy.If you’re navigating leadership, ministry growth, or the tension between calling and capacity, this conversation will help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and peace.You don’t have to figure leadership out alone — and you don’t have to carry unnecessary pressure into your next season.Key Topics Include:Leadership clarity for women in ministrySustainable leadership rhythmsVision and strategy in faith leadershipFinancial confidence and leadership confidenceAligning calling with practical leadership skillsDownload your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal It's perfect for women ready to live missionally and multiply their leadership impact.* Connect with Brandy → https://www.brandybaxter.com* Learn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/

What if walking with God felt less like striving and more like wonder? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Jen Weaver — Bible teacher, nonprofit leader, author, and host of the Good God Talks podcast.Jen shares her journey of rediscovering wonder in everyday life with God, what it means to lay down a membership community to follow His leading, and practical ways women in ministry can cultivate intimacy with God right where they are.Key Takeaways:Why wonder is vital for leaders navigating faith and callingHow to experience everyday life with God without strivingWhat surrender looks like when God redirects your callingDownload your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journalConnect with Jen Weaver → yourlifewithgod.org | thejenweaver.com | @thejenweaverJen's newest book: The Kingswell Kid Detectives and the Mystery of the Missing Falls https://a.co/d/g4XtU5JBook one in the Kingswell Kid Detectives series follows kid detectives Luka and Ember as they team up with Jake and Callie—cousins at odds with each other—to solve the town's oldest mystery, aid reconciliation in an ancient family feud, and put their new detective agency on the map. Their quest requires a mighty and somewhat unfamiliar secret weapon: prayer.Learn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/

What does it look like to lead a multiplying, multi-ethnic, missional church for more than three decades? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn talks with Dr. Deb Walkemeyer — Co-Pastor of Light & Life Christian Fellowship in Long Beach, CA, Strategic Catalyst for Multiplication, author, therapist, community leader, and global pastor.Deb shares her journey of co-leading Light & Life with her husband, Larry, how multiplication became a central value in their ministry, and why flourishing in leadership, marriage, and community impact all flow from living on mission with Jesus.Key Takeaways:What it means to lead a multiplying, multi-ethnic, missional churchHow to balance leadership, marriage, and personal callingPractical lessons on community transformation and multiplicationDownload your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal It's perfect for women ready to live missionally and multiply their leadership impact. Connect with Deb Walkemeyer → https://llcf.org/deb-walkemeyerLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/

If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt, burnout, or uncertainty in your calling, you’re not alone.In this empowering episode, Lisa J. Allen, author of Your Confidence Compass, joins Melissa Mashburn to unpack how women of faith can move from self-doubt to self-leadership by understanding the intersection of confidence, calling, and capacity.With over two decades of ministry leadership and coaching experience, Lisa shares practical tools for recognizing God’s voice, managing capacity, and leading with unshakable confidence — even in seasons of uncertainty.Key TakeawaysConfidence is built through clarity, not perfection. You don’t have to have it all figured out to step forward in faith.Your calling is connected to your capacity. Knowing your limits is part of stewarding your leadership well.Self-leadership starts with identity in Christ. True confidence flows from who God says you are, not what you do.Download Stop Playing Small: You Were Made For More → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/stop-playing-smallConnect with Lisa J. Allen → https://ljallencoaching.comLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://ministrychick.com

Leadership doesn’t stop when life gets uncertain — but how we lead often has to shift.In this special episode of the Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Erin Pickering interviews Melissa Mashburn in a deeply honest conversation about leading through an unexpected season of health challenges, shifting capacity, and trusting God when plans change.This episode isn’t about a diagnosis — it’s about discipleship, leadership resilience, faith maturity, and what it looks like to stay anchored when life feels unpredictable.If you’re a woman of faith navigating ministry leadership, personal transition, burnout, health challenges, or simply a season where clarity feels harder to find, this conversation will meet you right where you are.You’ll hear real talk about:Leading faithfully in uncertain seasonsRedefining productivity without losing purposeStaying spiritually grounded when capacity shiftsWhy community matters more than pushing harderHow God often works most deeply in the unknownThis is an invitation to breathe, refocus, and remember:You don’t have to lead alone. And uncertainty doesn’t cancel calling.⭐ Key TakeawaysLeadership through uncertainty requires alignment, not hustleFaith grows deeper when outcomes aren’t guaranteedSupport systems are essential, not optionalCalling isn’t paused by hard seasons — it’s often refined in them✨ Join the Ministry Chick Network Membership Because leadership is healthier — and more impactful — in community. https://www.ministrychick.com/for-you✨ Free Guide: Stop Playing Small — You Were Made for More A reflection resource to help you reconnect with calling and next steps. https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/stop-playing-smallhttps://3.basecamp.com/5639793/buckets/43155627/documents/9194969227#✨ Learn more about Ministry Chick Network Practical coaching, community, and leadership development for women of faith. https://ministrychick.com

What does it look like to lead with the Spirit in every season of ministry? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Christy Gibas, Lead Pastor of The Table Church, who brings over two decades of ministry leadership experience and a passion for evangelism, formation, and multiplication.Christy shares her journey from senior sales manager to pastor, the role of the Spirit in leadership, and how leaders can embrace formation and multiplication in ways that create lasting Kingdom impact.Key Takeaways:Why leadership must flow from living by the SpiritHow spiritual formation shapes leaders for long-term ministryPractical ways to lead with multiplication and evangelism in mindResources & Links:Download your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journalConnect with Christy Gibas → table.orgLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/Download your free Clarity Journal (perfect for women ready to lead more Spirit-led in their ministry). https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal

What does it look like to grow in confidence and purpose as a woman in ministry? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Andrea Coli— Executive Director of Lead Bold and Teaching Pastor at CrossWinds Church in the San Francisco Bay Area.Andrea shares her own leadership journey, how she has discerned God’s call in challenging spaces, and what has helped her grow in resilience and joy. She also talks about the heart behind Lead Bold, a ministry she leads to support and activate women pastors, and how her own experiences shaped its creation.Key Takeaways:How to find clarity in your calling when spaces don’t always affirm women pastorsPractical ways to cultivate confidence and resilience in ministryWhy purpose flows from identity in Christ, not role or titleResources & Links:Download your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journalConnect with Andrea Coli → leadbold.org | Instagram & Facebook @leadboldLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/Download your free Clarity Journal (perfect for women who want to walk in clarity, confidence, and purpose). https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal

Leadership isn’t just an assignment — it’s a journey with Christ that looks different in every season. In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn talks with Dr. Tiffany Smith, a missiologist, strategist, and writer with a passion for multiplying disciples, developing leaders, and expanding the Kingdom.Tiffany shares what it means to lead from a place of intimacy with Christ, why a growth mindset is essential for women in ministry, and how resilience and agility help leaders thrive in a constantly changing world.Key Takeaways:Why intimacy with Christ is the foundation for every leaderHow to embrace a growth mindset and lean into self-developmentPractical ways to lead with resilience and agility in changing seasonsResources & Links:Resources & Links:* Download your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal* Connect with Dr. Tiffany Smith → missionalmayhem.com* Learn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/*Download your free Clarity Journal* It's perfect for women like you who are ready to find clarity and strength in their calling without burning out.

How can churches care well for people without burning out their leaders? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn talks with Laura Howe, registered social worker, founder of Hope Made Strong, and host of the Church Mental Health Summit.With more than 15 years of experience in mental health, addictions, and community care, Laura shares practical and faith-based strategies to equip church leaders to navigate compassion fatigue, create sustainable care ministries, and support mental health in ways that foster belonging, hope, and healing.Key Takeaways:The church’s role in supporting mental healthHow leaders can recognize and recover from burnout and compassion fatiguePractical strategies for building sustainable care ministriesResources & Links:Download your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journalConnect with Laura Howe → hopemadestrong.orgLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/Download your free Clarity Journal (perfect for women like you who are ready to find clarity and strength in their calling without burning out).

What does it mean to live fully called — confident in your gifts, yet dependent on God’s wisdom and guidance? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Sue Ferguson, co-director and content creator for Exponential Women Next, a church planter, and a longtime encourager of women leaders.Sue shares her passion for helping women recognize that they are called, embrace their gifts, and trust God with the next opportunity. From her journey of planting and leading at Community Christian Church to her current investment in the next generation of women leaders, Sue offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for women who want to say yes with boldness.Key Takeaways:Why women can trust that they are called and qualifiedHow to lean into both gifting and God’s guidanceThe power of saying yes to the next opportunityResources & Links:Download your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journal.Connect with Sue Ferguson → exponential.org/women-nextLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/

Cultivating Wholeness: Enneagram, Self-Compassion, and Spiritual Formation (with Bonni Mace)Healthy leadership starts with wholeness. But too often, women in ministry lead from exhaustion, insecurity, or fear. In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Bonni Mace — certified Enneagram coach, spiritual companion, writer, and retreat leader.Bonni shares how compassionate self-awareness leads to wholeness, how the Enneagram can serve as a tool for growth, and why Christian spiritual formation and self-compassion are vital practices for every leader. This conversation will encourage you to embrace your God-given identity and lead from a place of health.Key Takeaways:Why self-compassion and spiritual formation matter for leadersHow the Enneagram can help leaders grow in health and empathyPractical rhythms for cultivating wholeness and resilienceResources & Links:Download your free Clarity Journal → https://member.ministrychick.com/courses/clarity-journalConnect with Bonni Mace → bonnimace.com | Free reflection questions | @bonnimace | facebook.com/bonnimacellcLearn more about the Ministry Chick Network → https://www.ministrychick.com/

What if the unfinished parts of your story are where God is doing His most important work? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn talks with Bible teacher, writer, and seminary student Rachael Wade about the power of the “in-process” story.Rachael shares how she’s learned to step into God-given assignments even before they feel complete, the importance of friendship and community, and what it looks like to create your own table when one isn’t offered. Her insights will encourage you to trust God’s faithfulness right

Christmas at Ministry Chick hits different.This special holiday episode pulls back the curtain on the real conversations women in ministry are having when the microphones are on and the armor is off.The women of the Ministry Chick Network gather to reflect on a year marked by growth, grit, surrender, and God’s undeniable faithfulness. They talk honestly about what 2025 stretched, what it healed, and what it revealed—personally, spiritually, and vocationally. No highlight reels. No fluff. Just real voices naming where they got stuck, how coaching helped them rewrite limiting narratives, and why community isn’t optional for women carrying ministry weight.You’ll hear stories of breakthrough, moments of holy surrender, and practical wisdom on balancing yes and no without burning everything to the ground. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026 with hope, prayer, and a clear commitment to building stronger support systems for women in ministry who are tired of doing this alone.This episode is part encouragement, part recalibration, and part permission slip to stop carrying what was never yours to hold. If you’re closing out the year exhausted, hopeful, curious, or quietly wondering what God is doing next—this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Ministry Chick Network, Melissa Mashburn sits down with Tammy Kelly—leader, consultant, and all-around ministry powerhouse.Together they trace Tammy’s rise from volunteer to executive pastor, unpack how spiritual gifts shape confident leadership, and get real about the challenges women face in ministry spaces. It’s an honest, hope-filled conversation about calling, collaboration, and stepping boldly into the roles God’s already prepared. Whether you’re leading in the spotlight or behind the scenes, this episode gives you encouragement, clarity, and the reminder that you’re not meant to lead alone.

Waiting seasons can feel like you're stuck at a red light with your engine revving…but sometimes that’s exactly where God builds the muscle you’re going to need later. In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Riverside sits in the host chair as Melissa Mashburn talks with Tonya Annis — powerhouse leader, international speaker, and 1825 Ministry Director at The Church of Eleven22.Tonya brings over twenty years of next-gen ministry wisdom, and she dives into the raw, real side of waiting seasons: the frustration, the refining, and the surprising confidence that grows when you keep obeying even when nothing seems to be moving.If you’ve ever wondered “Why is this taking so long?” or “Is anything happening behind the scenes?” — this conversation is your sign to stay in the story.Key Takeaways:• Why waiting isn’t wasted in your calling• How perseverance becomes confidence for leaders• Practical ways to trust God’s timing when ministry feels uncertain