myPlace Podcast

What do you say when there's nothing left to say? Sometimes simply being present and being there for someone is the right call for ministry. Jay and Mary dive into this topic and more.   The Dark Sides of Personality Book:  https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study!  https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment!  https://placeministries.org/what-you-... -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore

The right questions can leave a powerful impact on someone's life, but how do you know what to ask or what to listen for? In a world full of zoom meetings, online inventories, and technological connection amidst relational disconnection, Jay and Mary explore why sitting down with people still matters.  They dive into what a coaching through the PLACE Assessment can look like - not a scripted process or way to label someone but rather an outlet that leads to one question: what is your purpose?  You'll hear why an assessment is just a tool—not the solution—and how true coaching goes beyond profiles to focus on the person behind them. We also unpack what makes PLACE coaching unique, how to navigate moments when people look to you for answers you may not have, and what anyone—not just "official" coaches—can learn about building better, more meaningful conversations. The Dark Sides of Personality Book:  https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study!  https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment!  https://placeministries.org/what-you-... -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore

Could the desires of your flesh talked about in Galatians 5 be reflected in your personality? What then does it mean to put to death those desires, walk in step with the Spirit, and bear the fruits of the Spirit? Through practical examples and honest reflection, Mary and Jay unpack how submitting the natural tendencies of our personality to the Spirit leads to growth, freedom, and a more impactful life. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-store/the-dark-sides-of-personality/ Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/ -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore

Everyone responds to crises differently - even the people closest to Jesus. In the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection, the gospels recount many of the responses of those closest to Jesus. In this episode, we look at their real reactions. Could there be evidence for their personality style, and even our own, in the events that transpired that weekend? Their responses don't just tell their story…they reveal ours. Who's reactions that week do you relate to most? - Peter's impulsivity and curiosity - Thomas' questions and doubt - Mary Magdalene's loyalty amidst  fear -Joseph of Arimathea's action and initiative Jesus' responses to them…say something about Him.   The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-store/the-dark-sides-of-personality/   Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/   Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/   -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore

What happens when you have an incomplete picture of who you are? In this episode, we explore why effective leadership starts with self-awareness—understanding both your own personality and the personalities of the people you lead. We also discuss why personality alone isn't enough to truly understand yourself or those around you. As an individual or as a leader, you need a more complete picture that includes your gifts, abilities, and passions to you where you, and those you lead, will thrive. Are You Committed? Book: https://placeministries.org/online-store/are-you-committed-hard-cover/ Learn about our PLACE workshops: https://placeministries.org/finding-your-place-in-gods-church/ Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/

What tools help leaders lead people well?  In this episode, we explore how a tool like PLACE can help leaders ask better questions, grow in self-awareness, and understand how they—and the people they lead—are wired to thrive. We'll answer questions like - How PLACE can identify what type of leader you may be - How PLACE can expose blind spots and aid in development - How PLACE can help leaders adapt to the people their leading Are You Committed? Book: https://placeministries.org/online-store/are-you-committed-hard-cover/ Learn about our PLACE workshops: https://placeministries.org/finding-your-place-in-gods-church/ Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/  -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore

In this episode, we explore the difference between the spiritual gift of a pastor/shepherd, the role and position of a pastor, and why the distinction matters to the believer. We talk about how shepherds are uniquely person-centered—drawn to protect, guide, and nurture others—and how that gift shows up in everyday believers, not just church staff. We also address a common tension: many serve in pastoral roles without having this specific gift. How can they lead well? And what happens when believers don't understand their own gifts? Whether you're in church leadership or simply wondering how God has wired you, this conversation will help you see how your gifts give you direction—not disqualification.

It was a verse that changed his life, and could be a game changer in yours as well. In this episode, Jay and Mary unpack the differences between biblical promises and principles. Through the lens of Matthew 16:25, they discuss the dangers of claiming a promise that isn't yours to claim and neglecting those that are.  Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/ In their conversation, you gain insight into questions like  - What's the difference between a promise and a principle  - What's the danger of reading a promise out a context  - How could you experience a promise 

Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/ Team dynamics can be tricky to build, and sometimes even harder to maintain. Finding the right fit to add to your staff or volunteer team, can be daunting and directionless without the proper tools and perspectives. In this episode, Mary consults Jay's insights and experience consulting with churches and individuals on how to know if your potential new team member is a good fit, and if you are a good fit for your potential new team. Whether you're building a church staff, strengthening a volunteer culture, or considering a new opportunity yourself, this conversation will help you think more clearly about fit, function, and finding the right place to serve.

What makes a team or staff both healthy AND high-performing, and what are the dangers or prioritizing one over the other? In this episode, Mary and Jay explore the dynamics of teams that will help them thrive, and the ones that barely survive. You'll hear how tools like PLACE, ongoing coaching conversations, and truly understanding how your people are wired—not just what they can do—can transform morale, engagement, and effectiveness. Because at the end of the day, the mission statement doesn't accomplish the mission—your people do.

In a season centered on love, we turn our attention to its truest source. In this episode, we explore how your unique design is living evidence of God's love for you. From Scripture's picture of a God who knows us, forms us, and pursues us, to the way spiritual gifts invite us into abundant life and meaningful purpose, this conversation reminds us that we were not created carelessly. Through stories, Scripture, and decades of ministry experience, we reflect on how being deeply known by God is inseparable from being deeply loved—and how discovering your place can awaken a fresh understanding of both. 

The PLACE Workshop: https://placeministries.org/online-store/place-next-workshop/ In a culture that's normalized business and exhaustion, we can often be left feeling overcommitted and, even, burned out. Oftentimes, we attribute this to a crowded calendar, but perhaps your schedule isn't the problem. In this episode, Mary and Jay explore how the burnout or fatigue you're experiencing in life may not be due to business but phenomena like the Peter Principle and biblical evidence for internal causes of burnout regardless of external commitments. If you feel overcommitted, exhausted from a filled calendar, or simply out of place where you are, this conversation may help you identify the roots, reasons, and remedies you've been looking for.

As believers, many of us set goals to grow closer to God—but staying consistent can be harder than expected. In this episode, Mary and Jay explore how our personalities can both help and hinder our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Jesus. Through biblical examples and personal stories, they discuss common obstacles like busyness, distraction, tendencies and misplaced priorities, and how God meets each of us uniquely in the way we're wired. Whether your relationship is characterized by intentionality, spontaneity, both, or neither, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for persevering in your walk with God.

Your gifts and strengths, while a great asset to you, may not always give you the direction you are looking for in life. There can be so much fulfillment and joy found when you are participating in God's work and connecting with his people, but it can be hard to know where to start. In this episode, Mary and Jay discuss how you can find the direction and fulfillment you're looking for through the PLACE Assessment. They discuss… • How gifts and strengths don't always provide clear direction • How your abilities, passions, or life experiences can point you in the right direction • Discovering what will energize you and fuel your passions

What happens when you're not passionate about your passions anymore? Could it be you're still passionate, but not able to use your gifts to pursue those passions - causing you to feel out of place?  In this episode, Mary and Jay discuss how your spiritual gifts often tell you how you will serve, not necessarily where you will serve. Inspired by a recent coaching session Jay had at his church, he shares real life insight on how this understanding can be used in your own life or the lives of those you lead.

At the start of a new year, many of us are thinking about goals, growth, and the resolutions we hope to keep. After exploring the history of New Year's resolutions last week, this episode turns to a deeper question: why are we wired to grow—and what does Scripture say about it? In this conversation, we explore biblical calls to spiritual growth, the role of spiritual gifts in a believer's life, and how discovering and using those gifts can draw us closer to God. We'll also discuss the difference between identifying your gifts and actually living them out, whether people may be using their gifts without realizing it, and how our new study - Discover Your Spiritual Gifts - is designed to help believers pursue growth and spiritual maturity.

If you've ever wondered why your New Year's resolutions don't stick, this episode is for you. We dive into how different personality styles approach goals, why some struggle more than others, and how the type of resolution you set really matters. Walking through the DISC framework, we uncover common pitfalls—and the unique strengths you can lean on to make this year different.

Have you ever received a gift that has left an eternal impact on your life? Join us for a conversation that celebrates both the gifts we cherish and the gifts that shape who we become. From meaningful moments to spiritual blessings, we explore the kinds of gifts God gives and why they matter far beyond a holiday season. AND stay tuned for a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT that we can't wait to share with you.

What if understanding personality could deepen not only your relationships with others, but also your relationship with God? In this episode, we explore how knowing how someone is "wired" shapes the way we perceive, interpret, and connect with them. Can we view the people of Scripture through a personality lens? And if so… what about Jesus Himself? Fully God and fully man, He interacted with people in profoundly personal ways. Could understanding His personality help us better understand His heart and better follow His example?

Why do you do what you do? Why should you say yes to something new? Why should you keep going when things get tough? In this episode, Mary and Jay look at the importance of knowing your why: how it strengthens our effectiveness, fuels longevity, and aligns us with the motivations given to us in Scripture. From passion to purpose to personal experience, this conversation unpacks how clarity in calling shapes how we live, lead, and serve.

How do comparisons and misconceptions impede upon your gratitude toward God and your attitude about who you are? In this episode Mary and Jay explore why many people struggle to feel content with themselves and how comparison, misunderstanding our spiritual gifts, and overlooking the Giver of every good gift can hinder true gratitude. If you long to find contentment in who you are and what you have, this conversation will be an encouragement to you.

With the holidays approaching, many of us look forward to family gatherings — but along with the joy can come stress, busyness, and even conflict. In this episode, we explore how understanding personality differences can transform tension into connection. From biblical examples like Moses and Aaron, Mary and Martha, and even Paul and Barnabas, we'll look at how God uses unique personalities to complement rather than collide. Join us as we unpack practical ways to guard your heart, extend grace, and navigate relationships with wisdom this holiday season.

In this episode, Mary and Jay sit down with Mike Robertson to discuss business, basketball, mission trips to Bolivia and more. After going through PLACE for the first time with Mary last year, Mike shares how that experience has deepened and even changed his approach to leadership and given him a new lens to see people - both in ministry and everyday life. This is both a powerful and encouraging conversation about what God can do in and through you when you are obedient and faithful to give Him your yes!

In this episode, Jay and Mary unpack the difference between abilities and talents, spiritual gifts and Christian roles. They explore why these distinctions matter. Misunderstanding them can lead to misplaced expectations; but getting it right can unlock how we serve, lead, and grow in God's design.

In this episode, we sit down with longtime friend Jamie Parlor to talk about how Nations of Coaches is helping transform the game of basketball by reconnecting it to its original purpose. Inspired by Dr. James Naismith's vision "to win men for the Master through the gym," Nations of Coaches equips over 3,500 each year to help players make the connection between character and sport. Jamie shares how this mission plays out in real life - from mentoring athletes and guiding coaches, to using tools like PLACE to help leaders discover their unique design and purpose. It's a conversation about faith, leadership, and how true success goes far beyond the scoreboard.

In this episode, we sit down with longtime friend and guest Jamie Parlor to unpack the heart of Biblical Counseling—what sets it apart from Christian Counseling, and why Scripture remains central to true emotional and spiritual healing. Jamie shares insight into the goals and purpose of Biblical Counseling, how it addresses real-life struggles, and the potential pitfalls of seeking guidance that isn't rooted in God's Word. We also explore practical tools like the PLACE assessment, discussing how understanding one's unique design can deepen self-awareness, strengthen ministry, and bring clarity to vocation. Whether you're a counselor, a ministry leader, or simply someone seeking a more biblical approach to personal growth, this conversation offers a thoughtful and faith-centered look at how God's truth brings transformation.

Whether you're in a season of change or consistency, this conversation will encourage you to reflect on how God has been at work in your own story — molding you, guiding you, and using every experience for His purpose. In this episode, Ginger McSwain, co-founder of PLACE Ministries, joins Mary to discuss things like: Life experiences that molded her faith and identity Navigating changing roles through the lens of PLACE What changes and what stays the same in personality and spiritual gifts The difference between growing and changing How self-awareness shapes parenting and marriage There is an abundance of wisdom for so many seasons of life that is shared in this can't miss conversation.

Ever feel like you're pulled in two directions at once? You want freedom and structure, solitude and connection, creativity and order — all at the same time. In this episode, we explore how your own abilities and desires may be the source of the internal tension, frustration, or confusion you experience in life. Join us as we dive into the "A" in PLACE — Abilities Awareness — and unpack how different ability combinations can both conflict and complement one another.

Do you ever feel discouraged when you compare how you serve to someone else? Many of us wrestle with discontentment and confusion when we assume that if our gifts don't look the same as someone else's, we must be doing it wrong. The truth is you are most effective, impactful, and content when you serve in the unique way God has designed and gifted you. In this episode, we'll explore: • Why comparison can distort how we see our calling  • How your PLACE profile reveals your unique wiring • The way spiritual gifts can manifest differently depending on your environment • How to embrace the way God has made you, rather than striving to copy others

God may be leading you toward a new environment or role because He knows exactly how He has designed you. One way to discern His calling is to discover how He has designed you. When you know how He's made you, you'll understand where He's calling you. In this episode, Mary and Jay take a deep dive into Exodus 24-40, exploring the different environments God called His people into. God knows us well. The more we know ourselves, the more clear His calling might become to us.

In this episode, Mary and Jay explore the dynamic interplay between who you are and where you thrive. By understanding your personality and the environments where your abilities and gifts flourish, you'll gain deeper insight into how you work best and where you can be most effective and fulfilled—both in life and ministry.

Feeling frustrated or unsatisfied in your job or ministry? You're not alone. In this episode, Mary and Jay explore how understanding your unique abilities—and the environments where you thrive—can transform your sense of fulfillment and effectiveness. Drawing on John Holland's renowned Theory of Career Choice, they discuss the six key ability types and reveal why matching your skills, personality, and environment matters more than you might think. Tune in to learn how to evaluate your opportunities and discover where you truly belong.

In a culture obsessed with self-discovery and reinvention, how does the Bible define who we truly are? In this episode, we explore what Scripture says about identity and how it contrasts with the ever-changing definitions offered by the world. We'll dive into why the desire for identity runs so deep, how our God-given design and spiritual gifts shape who we are, and how the enemy works to distort our sense of self. If you've ever wrestled with questions like "Who am I?" or "What was I made for?"—this conversation is for you.

In this reflective episode, Jay helps Mary unpack her first year out of college and into the workplace — the challenges, the growth, and the surprising moments of grace along the way. From navigating time management to finding purpose through spiritual gifts and passions, this conversation explores what it means to show up, grow up, and lean into both calling and community. Through the lens of the PLACE profile, we dive into the importance of knowing yourself, learning from your environment, and pursuing purpose where you are. Whether you're new to the workforce or simply navigating change, this episode is a reminder that growth takes time, truth grounds us, and purpose often shows up in unexpected ways.

What are effective models of discipleship? Is it meant to be organic or structured? What is the key to living to make it in the Christian life? How important are other believers in your life? What does it mean to be backslidden as a believer?  In this episode, Jay and Mary tackle these questions and more as they discuss what discipleship can look like and why it is vitally important to the  Christian life.

In the midst of the relentless pace of life and ministry, finding a healthy diversion isn't just a luxury—it can be a lifeline. In this episode, Mary sits down with Jay as he shares how a simple practice—reading—became a powerful antidote to workaholism and a means of rest and renewal amidst the business of life. We explore where his love for reading began, how it impacts his daily life, and which books have shaped his ministry and personal walk with the Lord. He also shares how his PLACE profile helps explain this unique passion and how it fits into his broader calling. But more than just a conversation about books, this episode is an invitation to reflect on your own replenishment. What restores your energy when you feel depleted? What activity helps you slow down and reconnect with God? If you're feeling the weight of constant output, this episode will encourage you to find what fills you back up—and to make space for it in your everyday life.

Is taking an assessment or answering a few questions really sufficient to discover your calling or place in life? In this episode, Mary and Jay discuss 8 biblical principles for discovering your gifts - from believing you even have one, to evaluating your effectiveness, to seeking confirmation from the body of Christ. Along the way, they confront common lies that hold people back, wrestle with what it looks like to ask God for clarity, and consider how personal motives and feelings factor into the process. Scripture tells us we are not meant to be merely hearers of the word but doers. Let this episode move you from a hearer to a doer and you learn how to discover and use the gifts God has given you. Do you know your spiritual gifts? Download our app to take our FREE Spiritual Gifts Assessment https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myspiritualgifts/id1524862787

In this episode, Mary and Jay sit down to explore why understanding your unique combination matters—not just for ministry effectiveness, but for personal fulfillment and contentment. They build on last week's discussion about how some gifts and personalities naturally complement or sometimes conflict, they dive into real-life examples and practical insights. Whether you're starting a new career, considering a job change, or simply seeking to live more authentically, this episode offers valuable wisdom on how self-awareness can guide your path. Plus, Jay shares how this understanding has shaped his own life and ministry, and why it can be a game-changer for anyone seeking purpose and peace in their calling.

In this episode, Jay and Mary sit down with one of Mary's best friends, Hannah Payton, to hear her story—what inspired her to become a nurse and why she chose to build her career in Lynchburg. They explore how Hannah's unique personality, spiritual gifts, and PLACE profile show up not only in her nursing journey but also in her ministry and community involvement. Jay shares insights from both knowing Hannah and listening to her and reflects on how her personality and gifts interact, influence, and shape her approach to both her profession and her faith. Whether you're curious about vocational calling, spiritual gifts in the workplace, or how personality informs your purpose, this conversation offers a relatable and inspiring look at living authentically in all areas of life.

What makes each of us truly unique? How does your personality shape the way your spiritual gifts are expressed? Why can the same spiritual gift look so different in two people's lives? And could your personality sometimes limit the effectiveness of your ministry or the way your gift is demonstrated? In this episode, Mary and Jay explore these compelling questions and more, diving into how personality and spiritual gifts interact and influence one another in your life and ministry. From teaching and leadership to giving and administration, they share personal stories and real-life examples that reveal the many unique ways spiritual gifts can be expressed depending on your personality. Whether you're outgoing or reserved, task-focused or relational, this conversation will help you better understand how your personality enhances, colors, and personalizes the gifts God has given you.

In this episode, Mary and Jay sit down with Christen Clark to explore the powerful role of Spiritual Gifts in the lives of children, children's ministry, and parenting. Drawing from her extensive experience in ministry, Christen shares insights on how to engage children in the life of the church, affirm their unique gifts, and foster spiritual growth from a young age. The conversation dives into the significance of validating and empowering children, helping them understand and embrace their spiritual gifts, and the crucial role parents and leaders play in discipling the next generation. Christen also discusses how to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in a child's life and offers practical tips for nurturing their God-given gifts in both home and church settings.

Have you ever wondered if your work mattered or had any real significance? You and your work matter to God, but that's not always easy to see or believe. Sometimes you have to travel halfway around the world to finally believe it. Or perhaps Randy did so he could share this story with you, so you could be told that you matter to God, and what you do matters too. Wrestling between corporate America and stepping into full-time ministry, Randy Drury came to a crossroads in his life when his company sent him to China. In this episode, listen to an incredibly moving story about God's intentionality and power to speak into someone's life, bring people to Jesus, and affirm someone's place in life after a season of wrestling and questioning.

What could be the game changer in how you experience God, His church, and His people? In this episode, Mary and Jay are joined by Randy and Charity Drury to discuss a moment in their lives that changed their lives and the trajectory of their ministry. As they share their story, you will be inspired by the passion with which they speak about their love for Jesus and serving His people. If you have ever longed to discover something you're passionate about, or felt as though there was something missing from your life but are not sure what that something is, this conversation will be an encouragement for you.

A special guest joins Mary and Jay to talk about navigating marriage, ministry, moving, having kids, working, full time ministry, and serving one another. This is a can't miss conversation with Jay's wife, and Mary's mom, Ginger McSwain. Whether you are already married, in a season of engagement, or evaluation, this conversation will be so encouraging to you! Hear Ginger and Jay reminisce on 34 years of marriage and ministry with one another, and how they have learned to support one another and the passions they sought to pursue throughout the ever changing seasons of life the Lord brought them to and through.

What makes a conversation memorable to you? In this episode, Mary shares with Jay about a memorable conversation she recently had and asks Jay what he would do in similar situation where someone very adamantly disagreed with him and his stance on something he believed in scripture. They discuss how to react, respond and reflect on conversations that take you by surprise and maybe even leave you feeling unsettled.

When it comes to where and how you spend your time, how do you know if you are willing, able, or ready, in this season of your life, to give your time away? In this episode, Mary asks Jay about what he has learned from sitting down and coaching thousands of people over years in his own church and across the country. He shares his experiences with helping people find their place in the church or in their life in light of the seasons they are in. We are called to meet people where they are and serve them in whatever season we meet them in. Being able to gauge where someone is, or where you are, in this season of your life can be invaluable as you discern for yourself or help someone else discern where and how they can spend their time and give their time away in this season of their life.

In this episode, Mary and Jay continue their discussion on time and how it relates to our Spiritual Gifts. How might your time be used more wisely and effectively if you were utilizing the gifts you have been given? When you know your spiritual gifts, you begin to see how the Lord is and has used you in ways you may have never even realized. Additionally, you can begin to leverage your time so that you can be the most effective and fulfilled version of the person the Lord designed you to be!

How do you choose to spend your discretionary time? Does that matter to God? Are you refreshed and renewed by the things you do in your free time? Do you think the way you spend your time is honoring God? What does Scripture say about how we ought to spend our time? In this episode, Mary and Jay discuss the significance of how we spend our time and the importance of being intentional with where we choose to give our time. Our time here on earth is fleeting, so we must be wise in the way we steward the time we have been given.

This might sound contradictory coming from someone who has written such a widely used spiritual gift assessment. Just like any other tool, assessments have their function and their limitations. In this episode, hear Jay's thoughts on the function of a spiritual gifts assessment, but also the limitations, and the value of knowing both.

How do you fulfill the positions and roles you have in light of how you are uniquely designed? As the chaplain for the Atlanta Braves, Jay picks a different theme each year that he will speak on throughout the season. This year he is talking about being created for a purpose. He has learned how to fulfill that purpose in light of how the Lord has wired and gifted him. In this episode, you'll not only hear about how he fulfills his role as the chaplain for the Braves but also how you can discover how to fulfill your purpose in the places and positions the Lord has brought you to.