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Ever stood in front of your closet and realized you weren’t just picking an outfit—you were trying to protect yourself from criticism? In this episode of the Ministry Wives podcast, host Amy Petersen talks with author and Bible teacher Caroline Saunders and fellow pastor’s wife Catherine Renfro about the pressure many ministry wives feel to look and act a certain way. Drawing from Caroline’s book But What Do I Wear? The Biblical Story of Clothing, they talk honestly about the “cookie-cutter ministry wife” image, the motives hiding behind our wardrobe choices, and how the Bible’s story of a God who covers His people frees us from legalism, comparison, and the need to impress. What You'll Learn in This Episode with Caroline Saunders: What the “cookie-cutter ministry wife” looks like—and where those expectations are really coming fromWhy the Bible’s story of clothing is about the God who covers, not just women who cover upHow remembering we’re clothed in Christ changes the way we see ourselves and othersHow to talk with your kids about why we dress the way we do, beyond “because I said so”And more!Resources & Links Mentioned: But What Do I Wear? The Biblical Story of Clothing by Caroline SaundersCheck out Amy’s Easter hat!NAMB Women’s EvangelismPlanting Wives ResourcesWant to give a shout-out to a ministry wife in your life? Tell us about her by emailing us at [email protected] Connect with CarolineFacebook // Instagram // WebsiteConnect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // PodcastConnect with CatherineFacebook // InstagramConnect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram // Email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The people around us often see us as strong, put-together, and endlessly available—but what happens when the walls come down, and we admit we're struggling to find real friendship? In this episode, host Amy Petersen talks with Carolyn Fountain, the newly elected president of national WMU, and fellow ministry wife Rivers Partin about a question many ministry wives quietly carry: Can a ministry wife have real, close friends? Drawing from Carolyn’s decades of ministry alongside her husband through church planting, pastoral ministry, and missions, they talk honestly about the isolation that can creep in even when you’re surrounded by people, the walls we build for self-protection, and what it looks like to risk vulnerability again. What You'll Learn in This Episode with Carolyn Fountain: Why ministry life can feel so isolatingThe difference between being known and telling someone everythingWhy your friendships do not all have to carry the same weight or fill the same roleHow Matthew 28:20 reframes loneliness through the promise of God's constant presenceAnd more!Resources & Links Mentioned: National Women’s Missionary UnionPlanting Wives ResourcesWant to give a shout-out to a ministry wife in your life? Tell us about her by emailing us at [email protected] with CarolynFacebookConnect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // PodcastConnect with RiversFacebook // InstagramConnect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram // Email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The needs around us are real, and they often belong to people we genuinely love. But does recognizing a need mean God is asking us to meet it? In this episode, host Amy Petersen talks with Amanda Hadden and fellow ministry wife Rivers Partin about what to do when everyone seems to need something from you. Drawing from Amanda’s years of ministry among the Oglala Lakota people in South Dakota, they talk honestly about limited capacity, discerning your “best yes,” and learning to trust God with the needs you cannot meet. They also share practical ways to say no graciously, warning signs that you may have taken on too much, and why faithfulness at home matters just as much as the ministry others can see. If you feel pulled in ten different directions, this episode is a reminder that you can love people deeply without carrying everything. God sees you, knows your limits, and will help steady your feet. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Amanda Hadden: Why recognizing a need does not necessarily mean you are the one to meet itHow to discern your “best yes” in your current seasonPractical, gracious ways to communicate that you do not have the capacityWarning signs that you may have taken on too muchHow Romans 12:1 reframes both visible ministry and unseen faithfulness as worshipWhy overwhelm may be an invitation to stop and depend on God againAnd more!Resources & Links Mentioned: Chanku Waste Ranch (Amanda’s Ministry Center): Website | Facebook | InstagramWant to serve alongside Chanku Waste Ranch? Explore mission trip opportunities.Planting Wives ResourcesWant to give a shout-out to a ministry wife in your life? Tell us about her at [email protected] Connect with AmandaFacebook // Instagram // PodcastConnect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // WebsiteConnect with RiversFacebook // InstagramConnect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram // Email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of discipling your kids—but struggled to stay consistent—you’re not alone. In this episode of the Ministry Wives podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Melissa Kruger, Vice President of Discipleship Programming at The Gospel Coalition, to talk honestly about a common tension among many ministry families: wanting to lead your children spiritually while feeling overwhelmed, inconsistent, or simply worn out. Together, Amy and Melissa share how to move from guilt to grace in family discipleship—and why faithfulness, not perfection, is what truly shapes your home. Whether you’re a pastor’s wife, ministry leader, or parent longing to build meaningful spiritual rhythms, this conversation offers practical encouragement to help you take simple, sustainable next steps. Because every prayer, every conversation, and every moment spent pointing your kids to Jesus is forming a spiritual legacy—one God can use in ways you may not see for years. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: A healthier, grace-filled approach to family discipleship (without feeling like a failure) How to build simple, sustainable rhythms of Bible reading and prayer with your kids Practical ways to respond to resistance from your children—especially teens What it looks like to make an eternal impact in your child’s spiritual life, one day at a time And more! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Good News Family Devotional by Michael and Melissa Kruger Women’s Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition Turn Your Eyes: TGC Women’s Conference 2026 (June 11–13 in Indianapolis, IN) Send Relief CONNECT Connect with MelissaInstagram // Website Connect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between ministry demands and soul-deep exhaustion, this conversation is for you. In this episode of the Ministry Wives podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with worship leader, songwriter, author, and podcast host Christy Nockels for an honest conversation about burnout, calling, and what it means to move from living for God to living from God. Join Christy as she shares her personal journey through a season of extreme exhaustion that led her to step away from her career for five years—and how God used that interruption to reshape her understanding of identity, rest, and what it means to truly receive the love of her heavenly Father. Together, Amy and Christy unpack what it looks like to slow down in a life that still feels full, how to discern the yeses and no’s of ministry, and how to practice simple, daily rhythms of consecration, confession, and communion with God. If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or are quietly wondering if rest is even possible for you, this conversation will help you re-center your life on the “bullseye” of God’s presence—and lean into His grace in the middle of the unknown. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why rest often feels impossible in ministry life The difference between living for God vs. living from God What it means to feel like a “commodity” in ministry—and how God restores identity Simple, daily practices for abiding with God in the midst of a full life And more! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Life You Long For: Learning to Live from a Heart of Rest by Christy Nockels The Glorious in the Mundane Podcast Christy’s Substack—launching soon! CONNECT Connect with ChristyFacebook // Instagram // Website Connect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of following Jesus… especially when you know you’re supposed to trust God, but your heart is struggling to catch up. In this episode of Ministry Wives, Amy sits down with speaker, author, podcast host, and ministry wife Rebecca George to talk about what it really looks like to trust God’s timing in a hurry-up world. Drawing from her book You’re Not Too Late, Rebecca shares how seasons of waiting—whether in singleness, marriage, ministry, or motherhood—can shape our faith, reveal our hearts, and deepen our dependence on God. If you’ve ever wrestled with comparison, felt forgotten by God, or wondered why your prayers seem delayed, this conversation will meet you right where you are. In This Episode: You’ll Learn: Why trusting God’s timing is a lifelong struggle—even in ministry The danger of tying God’s goodness to our desired outcomes Practical ways to build resilience in a “hurry-up” culture Why God’s work in others is not at the expense of His work in you  And more! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-Up World by Rebecca George Radical Radiance Podcast CONNECT Connect with Rebecca Instagram // Website Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of the Ministry Wives podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with ministry wife, author, and speaker Rachel Lovingood to talk about the tension we so often feel between knowing what God is asking—and actually stepping out in obedience. For many ministry wives, the struggle isn’t whether God is calling—it’s navigating the fear, discomfort, and uncertainty that inevitably come with saying yes. If you’ve ever thought, “I know I should step out in faith, but…”—then this conversation is for you. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What’s really happening beneath your hesitation, fear, or resistance How to step into new seasons, transitions, and unknown spaces with faith Practical ways to initiate friendships and build relationships in new environments Why not every step of faith leads to visible results (and why that still matters) And more! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: In Our Shoes: Real Life Issues for Ministers' Wives by Ministers' Wives by Rachel Lovingood and Jennifer Landrith Playbook for Parents: Praying Powerful Prayers Over Your Athlete by Rachel and Jeff Lovingood CONNECT Connect with RachelFacebook // Instagram // Website Connect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it look like to stop striving for perfection and start living in the freedom of Christ? In this honest and encouraging episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with mom, Bible teacher, and pastor’s wife Annie Locke to talk about the tension many women feel: “I know I shouldn’t strive for perfection, but…” Whether in ministry, motherhood, marriage, or leadership, the pressure to perform and “get it right” can quietly steal our joy and leave us exhausted. Annie shares vulnerably from her own experience as a pastor’s wife and ministry leader, unpacking how perfectionism often disguises itself as faithfulness. From the expectations of church life to the desire to model authentic faith at home, she speaks to the weight many ministry wives carry—and the freedom found in remembering that our identity is rooted in Christ alone, not in our performance. Through biblical truth and personal experience, Annie reminds us that we were never meant to be perfect or to be everything for everyone. Instead, we are called to abide in Jesus, allowing His love to shape our lives and overflow into the lives of others. This conversation offers hope for ministry wives, leaders, and women who are tired of striving and ready to experience the grace, rest, and joy found in simply being with Christ. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why perfectionism often stems from a desire to be faithful How performance-driven faith leads to burnout and comparison The difference between productivity and true faithfulness What it means to live from your identity in Christ, not for it And more! CONNECT Connect with AnnieFacebook // Instagram // Email Connect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it look like to keep fighting for your marriage when life gets hard? In this powerful episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman to talk about the reality of marriage after more than 40 years together. Marriage can feel like a great adventure—beautiful, meaningful, and deeply rewarding—but it can also be far harder than we expected. For ministry wives and couples serving the church, the pressure to appear like everything is fine can make those struggles feel even heavier. Steven Curtis and Mary Beth share honest stories from their decades of marriage, including the role of grace, forgiveness, prayer, and perseverance in sustaining a relationship through both the great joy and deep grief. Drawing from their new book Still Here: Life Together on the Long Way Home, they remind us that lasting marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about choosing to remain faithful, even when the road is long. This conversation offers encouragement for ministry wives, pastors’ families, and any couple wondering if their marriage is worth fighting for. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why lasting marriages require learning to “bear with one another in love” The real challenges behind long-term Christian marriage How grace and forgiveness sustain a marriage through conflict The role of prayer and faith in navigating grief and hardship Why staying committed matters even as people change over time Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Still Here: Life Together on the Long Way Home by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman Show Hope CONNECT Connect with Mary Beth ChapmanWebsite // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter Connect with Steven Curtis ChapmanWebsite // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter Connect with Amy PetersenFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve ever thought, I know I should talk about my faith more… but I don’t know how, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Ministry Wives podcast, Amy sits down with speaker, former missionary, and Director of Relational Evangelism Melanie Ratcliffe to talk about the real reasons many followers of Jesus hesitate to share their faith. From fear of saying the wrong thing to feeling unprepared for spiritual conversations, many ministry wives quietly wrestle with the tension between wanting to share the gospel and not knowing where to begin. Melanie offers practical encouragement for women who want to grow in confidence, authenticity, and intentionality when talking about Jesus in everyday life. Instead of relying on scripted approaches or pressure-filled methods, she shows how gospel conversations can flow naturally through relationships, hospitality, and genuine care for others. If you’ve ever struggled with fear, awkwardness, or uncertainty when it comes to evangelism, this conversation will remind you that God is faithful to use ordinary moments—and ordinary people—to point others to His Son. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why so many Christians feel hesitant to talk about their faith Common fears that keep believers from sharing the gospel How ministry wives can approach evangelism with authenticity instead of pressure Simple ways to open the door for meaningful spiritual conversations And more! CONNECT Connect with MelanieInstagram // Facebook Connect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really mean to live set apart as a ministry wife? In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, Amy Petersen sits down with wife, (grand)mom, author, and women’s minister Tasha Calvert to talk honestly about holiness, sanctification, and the pressure that so many ministry wives feel to “have it all together.” If you’re a pastor’s wife or ministry wife who has ever thought, I know I should be more holy… but I’m exhausted, struggling, or just trying to survive, then this conversation is for you. Tasha shares her personal journey of moving from a checklist-driven view of holiness to a relationship-centered understanding of what it means to follow a holy God. Together, she and Amy explore the unique expectations placed on women in church leadership, the importance of biblical community, and why vulnerability isn’t weakness—but a pathway to real spiritual growth. Instead of striving to look set apart, this episode invites you to surrender, rest in Christ, and pursue the personal holiness that’s rooted in grace alone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What it truly means for a ministry wife to live “set apart” Why holiness is about relationship with God—not performance How Scripture shapes your pursuit of personal holiness The vital role of biblical community in spiritual growth And more! Resources Mentioned in This Episode Set Apart for More: The Transformative Power of Living Your Whole Life for a Holy God CONNECT Connect with Tasha Instagram // Facebook // Website // Prestonwood Women’s Bible Study Resources Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re a ministry wife, pastor’s wife, or woman in church leadership, you may feel like doubt is something you’re supposed to outgrow or at least keep quiet. In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with author and Bible teacher Courtney Reissig for an honest conversation about faith and doubt in ministry. Together, they address the quiet tension many Christian women carry: I know I shouldn’t struggle with doubt… but I do. This episode explores how to navigate spiritual doubt while serving in ministry, why doubt is not a disqualifier for leadership, and how Jesus meets our questions with both truth and compassion. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed by your struggles, wrestled with uncertainty in your faith, or wondered how to lead while still processing your own questions, this conversation offers steady reassurance: Jesus is not fragile in the face of your doubt. He is trustworthy, present, and nearer than you know. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why doubt can feel especially threatening for women in ministry leadership How Jesus responds to spiritual doubt with both truth and tenderness How Scripture gives language to our honest prayers What wise, healthy vulnerability looks like for ministry wives Practical ways to support others wrestling with fear, suffering, and faith Resources Mentioned in This Episode Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes Teach Me To Feel: Worshiping Through the Psalms in Every Season of Life Seth and the Very Scary Storm CONNECT Connect with CourtneyInstagram // Substack Connect with AmyFacebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMBFacebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We know we’re called to love our neighbors… but what happens when it feels awkward, inconvenient, or intimidating? In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Amy-Jo Girardier—mom, women’s minister, author, and ministry wife—for an honest conversation about the tension behind the words, “I know I should engage my neighbors, but…” Together, they talk about the real barriers that keep ministry wives from stepping into meaningful relationships: busy schedules, fear of rejection, uncertainty about what to say, and the pressure to “do it right.” Amy-Jo shares practical encouragement for living out your faith in everyday spaces and reminds listeners that loving your neighbor doesn’t require a perfect strategy—just your availability and obedience. Their conversation highlights a simple but powerful initiative Amy-Jo started: a neighborhood prayer box. What began as a small step of faith became a bridge for connection, opening doors to deeper conversations and creating opportunities to pray for and serve others in tangible ways. If you’ve ever felt stuck between conviction and hesitation when it comes to community engagement, this episode will help you see that faithfulness often looks like small, intentional acts of love right where God has placed you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Amy-Jo Girardier: Why engaging our neighbors can feel intimidating (even when we know we “should”) Common barriers that keep ministry wives from building local relationships How everyday faithfulness can open doors for gospel conversations Why loving your neighbor begins with presence, not perfection And more! CONNECT Connect with Amy-Jo Instagram // Lifeway Bible Studies *For info and pictures of her neighborhood prayer box, search #prayerboxgatewayvillage on Instagram. Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For many ministry wives, time in the Word can quietly shift from a life-giving invitation into a heavy obligation. In the first episode of season eight, host Amy Petersen welcomes Kelly Needham—Bible teacher, author, and fellow ministry wife—for an honest conversation about Bible study, identity, and the pressure of our spiritual “shoulds.” Kelly shares from her own faith journey and introduces her Bible study, See for Yourself: How to Study Your Bible with Confidence and Joy. Together, Amy and Kelly talk about how shame, comparison, and performance often creep into our relationship with Scripture—and how the gospel gently calls us back to grace. If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or discouraged when it comes to spending time in the Word, this episode will remind you that God’s delight in you is not earned by your quiet time. The Bible was never meant to be a checklist—it’s an invitation to know Jesus, no matter your season of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Kelly Needham: Why the Bible was never meant to be a spiritual “should”How shame and comparison impact our approach to ScriptureWhy identity in Christ matters more than spiritual productivityHow to approach Bible study with curiosity, flexibility, and graceAnd more!Resources & Links Mentioned: See for Yourself: How to Study Your Bible with Confidence and Joy by Kelly NeedhamPurposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be EnoughFriend-ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of ConfusionClearly PodcastJimmyAndKelly.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ministry life often pulls us in many directions—serving others, leading faithfully, and juggling family responsibilities. But what about our own walk with Jesus? How do we keep our devotional life fresh and alive when ministry itself can leave us weary? In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Gayle Rogers Foster—daughter of the late Adrian Rogers and author of In His Footsteps: A 90-Day Devotional to Enjoy Jesus Daily. Gayle shares her personal story of growing up in a ministry family, navigating seasons of busyness, and learning the joy of abiding with Christ. With wisdom, honesty, and humor, Gayle encourages ministry wives to embrace margin, surrender what we cling to, and resist the temptation to simply “power through.” She reminds us that keeping our devotional lives vibrant isn’t about doing more—it’s about living with open hands, listening to the Spirit, and making space for God’s voice in the everyday. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Gayle Rogers Foster: Why ministry wives can struggle with spending time with God while serving HimHow Gayle’s upbringing shaped her faith and the lessons she’s carried into adulthoodThe story behind her devotional In His Footsteps and how God called her to write itHow to release what you’re holding onto and walk in daily surrenderPractical ways to keep your quiet time fresh in every season of lifeWhether you feel spiritually “stuck” or simply need encouragement to keep going, this conversation will refresh your soul and remind you that God meets us in the quiet places. Resources & Links Mentioned: In His Footsteps: A 90-Day Devotional to Enjoy Jesus Daily (Featuring Daily Words of Wisdom from Adrian Rogers) by Gayle Rogers FosterLove Worth FindingOpportunity Leadership by Roger ParrottCONNECT Connect with Gayle Facebook // Instagram // Website Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.