Shows
Confident Clergy WomenEpisode 37: A Clergywoman Christmas BlessingMerry Christmas my beloved clergy sisters! Here is a blessing as you wrap up your Christmas preparations. Remember you are loved and you are already enough! Blessed are you among women!
2025-12-1907 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 36: Blessing Over CompetingIt’s Week Three of our Advent journey with Mary and Elizabeth, and today we’re exploring what their relationship teaches us about calling, courage, and community.These two women remind us that ministry was never meant to be done alone. Their story is a beautiful picture of what happens when women show up for one another—blessing instead of competing, celebrating instead of comparing, and standing together so the whole church stands stronger.This week, we’re talking honestly about the pressures clergywomen face: competition, comparison, and the quiet messages that tell us someone else’s s...
2025-12-1210 min
Confident Clergy WomenEpisode 35: Blessed Are You: The Strength of Women Supporting WomenIn this Advent episode, we’re talking about the kind of holy friendship that holds us together — the kind that sees the call in us even when we’re still figuring it out. You know those women who can look at you, listen to the wild, God-sized things happening in your life, and say, “I believe you. I see this in you”? That’s the kind of companionship we’re leaning into today.As clergywomen, we need those voices — the ones who cheer for us without comparison, who bless us without hesitation, who speak life over our ministry when we...
2025-12-0212 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 34: Courage at the Beginning of Advent: Elizabeth and MaryBefore Jesus is even born, the Gospel story begins with two women standing in quiet courage. Elizabeth carries a hidden miracle; Mary carries an impossible calling. Their stories speak directly to clergywomen navigating doubt, exhaustion, unseen labor, and holy questions. Join me for a gentle conversation about divine timing, embodied faith, and the sisterhood that spans generations. You’ll receive a blessing to strengthen your spirit and remind you that you are called, capable, and deeply loved.
2025-11-2413 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 33: Equipped to Lead: How Women Strengthen the Church with Rev. KelliIn this episode of Confident Clergy Women, I talk with Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig — a passionate pastor, leader, and advocate for women in ministry.Kelli serves as the Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, but her heart for equipping and empowering others goes far beyond her title. She shares her own journey in ministry, what inspires her to lead, and why women’s voices are essential to the health and future of the church.We talk about how wome...
2025-10-3140 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 32: Quiet Strength: Rev. Sara on Authentic Leadership and Mentoring the Next GenerationRev. Sara made history as the first female senior pastor of several large congregations — but her leadership style breaks the mold in the best way. With a calm, grounded presence, she shares what it means to stay true to the leader God created her to be, even when the world expects louder voices.In this episode, Rev. Sara reflects on the power of mentoring and being mentored, the importance of helping others discover their spiritual gifts, and how authentic leadership creates space for others to flourish. Her wisdom offers encouragement for every clergywoman learning to lead with gr...
2025-10-1539 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 31: Leading with Compassion: Rev. April on Deacons, Diversity, and Healthy Boundaries in MinistryWhat does it mean to live out the ministry of a Deacon in the UMC? Rev. April joins us to talk about serving with compassion, justice, and inclusion, while leading with and beyond the local church. She shares the joys of working at a UMC seminary, equipping future leaders, and celebrating the diversity of the diaconate. Rev. April also gets real about the challenges clergy face in navigating expectations—and the freedom that comes with remembering, “you are the one in charge of your calendar and your energy.”To view the Deacon/Elder Video April refers to click...
2025-10-0332 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 30: Encouragement for the Journey: Bishop Lanette on Ministry and CallIn this inspiring conversation, Bishop Lanette reflects on her journey of faith and leadership. She shares how lay leaders played a vital role in her call to ministry and why mentors are essential companions along the way. Bishop Lanette offers encouragement for female clergy who are blazing new trails, speaks to the importance of self-awareness in strong and faithful leadership, and reminds us that we can encounter Jesus personally while helping others do the same. With honesty and wisdom, she encourages us to trust God’s call—especially when the road is difficult—and so much more! You ar...
2025-09-1840 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 29: Dignity on the Street: Deacon Mara on Joy, Poverty, and the Call to ServeIn this episode of Confident Clergy Women, I’m joined by Deacon Mara, who serves with the ELCA’s Church on the Street. Her ministry includes walking alongside the unhoused, those experiencing homelessness, and people living in poverty—and she reminds us how essential it is to treat every person with dignity in the midst of those struggles. She shares the deep joy she finds in serving others, along with the lasting impact of camping ministries in shaping faith and community. We also hear her words of encouragement for future clergy women discerning their call. This conversation is full of wis...
2025-09-1139 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 28: Running the Marathon of Ministry: Rev. Allison on Renewal, Boundaries, and WorthIn this episode of Confident Clergy Women, Rev. Allison shares the joy of serving a congregation eager to embrace change and revitalize its ministries. She offers wisdom on why ministry is a marathon, not a sprint—and how self-care and healthy boundaries are essential to sustaining the call for the long run. Together, we explore what it means to find worth beyond ministry roles, and how unexpected sources of inspiration—from Disney’s Moana to the wisdom of Hildegard of Bingen—can renew our spirits along the way. Rev. Allison's Website: therevallison.blogspot.comLet's...
2025-09-0451 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 27: Dr. Bethany on Embodying Christ and Inner HealingIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Bethany Peake, DMin, NCC—a gifted counselor and spiritual companion whose work centers on helping women reclaim their stories, unravel shame, and live with a deeply embodied sense of self. Together, we explore the unique gifts that clergy women bring to ministry, offering a fuller expression of the image of God.Bethany shares deep wisdom on how women in ministry can be agents of healing for those hurt by predominately male systems—and why that healing must begin within ourselves first. Whether you’re a clergy...
2025-08-2855 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 26: From Pastor’s Kid to Pastor: Rev. Lorah on Hope, Rest, and Role ModelsFrom pastor’s kid to full-time pastor, Rev. Lorah knows firsthand the power of seeing women lead in ministry. In this episode of Confident Clergy Women, we talk about why it matters for girls to see women in the pulpit and how surrounding yourself with strong women can sustain you in ministry.Rev. Lorah shares why she believes “The children and the youth are the Church — capital C — right now. It’s not something we can put off.” We also discuss the joy of pulpit supply, how she finds rest and renewal at camp, and why preaching hope matters...
2025-08-1433 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 25: You can Rest - The World Isn't Yours to CarryThis week on Confident Clergy Women, I’m getting real about something I’m still learning: how to rest when life feels heavy.As we continue our Rhythms of Rest series, I’m sharing what God’s been stirring in me — not just about the importance of rest, but how we actually find it when our to-do lists are long and the world feels overwhelming.This episode is a reminder that we don’t rest because everything is done. We rest because Jesus is our peace, our hope, and our steady foundation.If you’re carry...
2025-08-0512 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 24: Forget the Hustle — Let Sabbath Remind You Who You AreHey friends—welcome back to Confident Clergy Women! In this episode, we’re continuing our Embracing Rest series by diving into one of the most sacred (and let’s be real—challenging) spiritual practices: Sabbath.I’m sharing what I’ve learned—and what I’m still learning—about Sabbath rest. Not the rigid, rule-based version some of us grew up with, but the beautiful, life-giving pause God invites us into. I’ll talk about what it was like to step away from ministry for the month of July, and how I’ve been trying (and often struggling...
2025-07-2212 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 23: Come Away and Rest: Following Jesus into SolitudeHey friends—this week on Confident Clergy Women, I’m reflecting on one of my favorite invitations from Jesus: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).We’re continuing our series on rest, and today I’m sharing how Jesus modeled rest—not as a reward after hard work, but as a regular rhythm of ministry. I’ll walk you through Scripture, real-life moments, and a few simple, practical ways you can carve out space for solitude, even in the busiest seasons.If your soul is weary, this episode is a gen...
2025-07-1514 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 22: Exhausted? Same. Let’s Talk Holy RestLet’s be real — when’s the last time you actually rested? And no, zoning out on your phone or grabbing that third cup of coffee doesn’t count (trust me, I’ve tried).If your energy’s running on fumes and your soul feels fried, this episode is for you. We’re kicking off a brand new series all about rest — not the lazy, do-nothing kind, but the life-giving, soul-refreshing, Jesus-invited kind.Spoiler alert: You don’t have to hustle for your worth. You are beloved, called, and worthy — even when you’re resting. So breathe deep, frien...
2025-07-0809 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 21: Here I Am, Lord: Saying Yes to the Call with AmberIn this episode, I’m joined by Amber Wichmann —a seminary student and rural church pastor—who shares what it’s like to say a wholehearted yes to God’s call.We talk about the joy and reverence of serving communion to people you know and love, the gift of having a wise and supportive supervisor, and the sacred moments she experiences as a hospital chaplain. Amber and I also share about the biblical women who inspire us—Hagar and Esther—and how their stories shape our calls to lead with courage and faith.One of the most po...
2025-06-2452 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 20: Sabbath, Self-Care, and the Savior Complex with KarenIn this episode, I’m joined by the wise and wonderful Karen Reaume—a true champion of clergy care and well-being. While Karen isn’t ordained, her work (and her pursuit of a Doctor of Ministry degree) centers on helping ministry leaders live healthier, more sustainable lives.Together, we talk about the sneaky grip of the savior complex in ministry, the gift of sabbath, and the sacred invitation to rest that runs through scripture. Karen also shares insight from the lives of Christian women mystics—whose courage, wisdom, and rhythms of self-care still speak powerfully today.This i...
2025-06-1751 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 19: Ministry, Music, and the Inclusive Church with Rev. ErikaIn this episode, I’m joined by Rev. Erika, a United Methodist Deacon with a deep love for Charles Wesley hymns and a passion for ministry, music, and education. Together, we explore the unique and vital ministry of the deacon, the power of inclusive language in worship, and the sacred work of supporting people through pregnancy loss and grief.Rev. Erika also shares her hopeful vision for the future of the church—one where diverse people come together, offering their gifts in shared ministry. Whether you're a clergywoman, worship leader, or simply someone who loves the church, this...
2025-06-1037 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 18: Rev. Barbara on Championing the Sacred Worth of Women and GirlsWhat if every woman and girl knew she was sacred?That question changed everything for Rev. Barbara. It launched her journey into ministry, led her to become a Deacon in the United Methodist Church, and inspired the creation of Sacred Worth Ministries.In this episode, Rev. Barbara shares her passionate mission to uplift the sacred worth of women and girls — from advocating for their spiritual dignity to fighting for access to free period products in every public restroom. Her story is one of faith, justice, and bold action....
2025-05-2853 minConfident Clergy WomenEpidose 17: Rev. Stephanie on Youth, Inclusion, and the Power of ConnectionRev. Stephanie is a passionate pastor and leader who brings energy, wisdom, and deep compassion to everything she does—especially when it comes to walking alongside young people in faith. Whether she’s teaching confirmation or leading youth group, Rev. Stephanie creates space for young people to explore their questions, discover their passions, and learn how to use their God-given gifts to make a difference in the church and in the world.Her ministry is rooted in a fierce commitment to equality, equity, and inclusion, always striving to reflect the expansive love of Christ in every space she...
2025-05-2034 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 16: Rev. Barb on Vulnerability, Calling & the Future of the ChurchIn this episode of Confident Clergy Women, I sit down with Rev. Barb, a seasoned leader who has served in diverse ministry roles—from running a non-profit to serving as a district superintendent and now as an assistant to the Bishop. Rev. Barb shares her powerful journey of raising four PKs, wrestling with doubt, and courageously stepping into the hard things God calls us to. She opens up about the role of vulnerability in leadership, her deep hope for the future of the Church, and why she believes women are essential to shaping what comes next. This is an ho...
2025-05-1340 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 15: One Member, One Mission: Pastor Carol’s Bold Leap of FaithIn this inspiring episode, Pastor Carol shares her remarkable journey of becoming a pastor, transitioning between denominations, and courageously accepting a call to serve a congregation with just one member and a crumbling church building. Her story is a testament to God’s miraculous provision and unwavering faithfulness. Pastor Carol also speaks passionately about her commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for clergy to care for themselves and each other.Explore more about Carol’s ministry: Morris Brown AME Church on FacebookLet’s Connect!🌐 My Website📘 Facebook📸 Instagram: @revamberl
2025-05-0738 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 14: Rev. Lindsey - Leading & Loving BodlyThis conversation feels like a heart-to-heart you didn’t know you needed. Lindsey and I talk about what it’s really like to be an itinerant clergywoman with little ones at home — the bittersweetness of leaving one congregation and embracing another, and how we keep every church community close to our hearts. We dig into embracing the leaders God uniquely made us to be, lifting up the next generation of women in ministry, and finding inspiration from women leaders who came before us. Lindsey also shares how her kids keep her grounded and fired up when defending her call feels...
2025-04-2847 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 13: When Church Has No Walls: Rev. Chris on Calling, Courage & Church on the StreetWhat does it look like to be the Church… without a building?In today’s powerful episode, we sit down with Rev. Chris, pastor of the innovative and deeply relational ministry known as Church on the Street. No two days in her ministry look the same—and that’s exactly the beauty of it.Rev. Chris shares the courageous story of how she left a beloved congregation to step into an unknown, Spirit-led call to serve those often overlooked. She talks about the realities of leading a ministry rooted in prese...
2025-04-2243 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 12: Rev. Julie - Doing Kingdom Work One Step at a TimeRev. Julie is a local church pastor, spiritual director, and seminary professor committed to following Jesus—one faithful step at a time. With a heart for walking alongside others in all seasons of life and ministry, she helps people discover who God is and who they are in Christ. In this episode, Julie invites listeners into honest conversations about calling, leadership, and spiritual growth. From her unexpected journey as a former math major to her current roles in ministry, she shares how small, faithful steps—and abiding deeply with Christ—can lighten the weight of ministry and deepen our joy al...
2025-04-0732 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 11: Rev. Amy - Being the Physical Body of ChristIn this powerful episode, Rev. Amy shares her remarkable journey as a gestational surrogate—not once, but three times, including once while serving in her first pastoral appointment.She reflects on how this deeply personal and sacred calling has shaped her understanding of ministry, teaching her to lead with unconditional love, deep empathy, and compassionate presence.Rev. Amy’s story is one of courage, calling, and grace. It’s an inspiring reminder of how our life experiences can become vessels for God’s love in the world. You’ll be blessed...
2025-03-3145 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 11: Rev. Teresa - Breaking Barriers and Building BridgesJoin me for a conversation with Rev. Teresa, who serves a growing church that welcomes those whose previous congregations have disaffiliated from the UMC. She shares her calling to ministry and how she put that call on hold due to others placing her in a box. Rev. Teresa discusses how she claims her authority as a pastor and leader, navigates gender stereotypes, and uses ChatGPT to lighten her workload. If you would do me a great favor and provide feedback as part of my D.Min. Studies, Click here : https://forms.gle...
2025-03-2442 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 10: A Love Note from A Pastor’s KidJoin us as my oldest daughter, Ava, shares her story of me becoming a pastor and what life has been like as a pastor’s kid. Ava is already leading in the church and in our community. She shares her great love for clergy women and what we can do to inspire the next generation of women leaders in the church. I hope you will love this episode! If you would do me a great favor and provide feedback as part of my D.Min. Studies, Click here : https://forms.gle/VRS7dc...
2025-03-1725 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 9: Finding Her Voice: Rev. Krista’s Journey to Ministry and HealingRev. Krista shares her story of growing up in Evangelical churches where the goal was to be a pastor’s wife to becoming a clergy person herself. Krista talks about finding her voice and taking up space in her own unique way in her own ministry. She says so many profound, helpful things that I know will encourage you in your own journey - the women in history and in scripture who have inspired her, naming trauma and finding healing, letting your light shine to encourage the next generation of clergy women, and her hope for the future of th...
2025-03-1036 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 8: Rev. Kori - Finding Joy in the RubbleToday’s episode features Rev. Kori, a seasoned pastor with over 15 years of ministry experience in a variety of settings. In our conversation, Kori opens up about a pivotal season in her life when she was determined to reclaim her joy—and the intentional steps she took to get there.She speaks honestly about walking through hard things and discovering beauty in the very places that felt like they were falling apart. Her story is one of deep faith, vulnerability, and resilience.This conversation was truly a gift to be p...
2025-03-0352 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 7: Rev. Kathy - Doing Ministry in the Wild WestYou’re going to love this conversation with Rev. Kathy—affectionately known as the Queen of the Wild West! As the pastor of three congregations, Kathy travels nearly 100 miles every Sunday to bring the gospel to rural communities.In our conversation, she shares a wealth of wisdom about what it takes to care for yourself while caring for others. From building a supportive community, to finding healthy ways to release stress, to intentionally doing what feeds your soul—Kathy reminds us that tending to our own well-being is not optional, it’s essential....
2025-02-2430 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 6: Rev. Sharla on 21 Years of Ministry & Lifting Up Women in LeadershipIn today’s episode, I’m joined by someone who has played a meaningful role in my own journey into ministry—Rev. Sharla. A mentor, encourager, and faithful leader, Sharla brings wisdom, warmth, and joy into every conversation.We talk about the importance of uplifting and equipping women called into professional ministry, and why that support matters now more than ever. Sharla also shares her own story—from stepping into her call to serving in a local church for 21 years with passion and purpose.Her story is rich with insight...
2025-02-1845 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 5: Rev. Allison - First Appointments, Play, and Calling the Next GenerationThis episode features Rev. Allison, a newly ordained clergywoman fresh out of seminary and already making an impact as she serves three rural churches in her very first appointment.Allison shares what it’s like stepping into pastoral ministry in small-town settings, navigating the joys and challenges of being a new clergywoman in new communities. She also reflects on the importance of play—a powerful reminder for all of us who feel the constant pressure to always be “professional.”We also talk about how the Church can better support teens an...
2025-01-3137 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 4: Rev. Jenny - Finding Redemption in Your StoryI am so glad to be sharing the story of Rev. Jenny’s journey in ministry and her journey of being a wife and a mom and all the hard and good times in between. Jenny shares a very vulnerable story of the grief we carry of what could have been and our crushed dreams for the future. And then, how there can still be redemption and beauty in the new things we enter into despite the pain. You are going to be so blessed by Jenny’s story.
**Trigger warning** Jenny does talk about miscarriage so plea...
2025-01-291h 07Confident Clergy WomenEpisode 3: Rev. Cindy - Seeing & Loving those in the MarginsToday’s episode features Rev. Cindy! She is a bi-vocational pastor who is passionate about her community and stepping into places to love and serve those in the margins. As a new(er) clergy person serving in a church, Cindy shares how those of us more seasoned clergy women can walk along side those who are just entering into pastoral ministry. I hope you are blessed by this vulnerable and fun episode!
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2025-01-2945 min
Confident Clergy WomenEpisode 2: Rev. Valerie - Life as A Clergy CoupleToday my conversation is with Pastor Valerie. Valerie’s is a pastor leading a rural congregation. She is the mom of two little precious girls and is part of a clergy couple. Valerie is passionate about being in community with other women clergy, so no one has to do this hard work alone. Valerie also reminds us of the gift that our youth are to the church and the hope they bring her for the future of the church. I hope you enjoy this episode today.
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2025-01-2432 minConfident Clergy WomenEpisode 1: Rev. Liz - Pastoring with a Baby & ToddlerToday my conversation is with Pastor Liz. Liz serves a large church outside a growing urban area with multiple pastors and staff. Liz is the mom of 2 little boys and shares with us her journey of being a single pastor to then getting married and having kids. Liz is so passionate about women serving God in multiples ways and being authentic in our ministries. You are going to love this and I hope you are inspired today!
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2025-01-2435 min
Canton United Methodist ChurchCut for Time: Lent with the PsalmsThe season of Lent is upon us! We are spending this season in the Book of Psalms exploring the range of emotion and language we use to connect with God. Today on the podcast, Pastor Clay sat down with Pastor Amber Laffey from the Alexandria (SD) UMC who is also walking through the Book of Psalms during Lent. Together, they recap the start of the Lenten Season and Sunday's message about following in God's paths.
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2024-02-2132 min
Rusty Water TowersEpisode 14: Hundreds of People Would Come to our Town to Have our SausageThis week we get into nineties country, whether my guest, Amber Laffey has the magic touch, meat lockers, Budweiser horses and more.
Amber Laffey is an LLP (hopefully soon to be commissioned as a Deacon) in the Dakotas Conference of the UMC and serves a congregation of about 40 people and also serves as the conference secretary. She currently lives in a small town in South Dakota with her husband, four kids and obnoxious Cockapoo MacGyver.
Amber's Facebook Show: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071463797809
Kate Bowler's Podcast: https://katebowler.com/podcast/
2023-01-1942 min