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What does it look like to faithfully serve God without needing to make a name for ourselves? In this episode of the When She Serves Podcast, Brenda Leavenworth sits down with Inga-Lill Guzik for a wide-ranging conversation about faithfulness, ministry, serving others, and following wherever God leads. Inga-Lill shares from decades of experience serving the Lord in a variety of settings and roles. Her ministry has included teaching and discipling women, serving alongside her husband, encouraging pastors' wives and ministry leaders, children's ministry, and dental missions around the world. Throughout the conversation, Inga-Lill emphasizes a simple but powerful approach to ministry: love Jesus, love His people, and use whatever gifts God has given you to serve others. Rather than pursuing a particular platform or creating an agenda for herself, she describes learning to recognize the opportunities God places in front of her and faithfully respond. The result is an encouraging conversation about what it means to serve faithfully through different seasons of life—and how God can use our gifts, experiences, relationships, and even unexpected opportunities for His purposes. In This Episode What faithful service looks like over the course of a lifetimeLearning to serve without creating an agenda of our ownHow God can use different gifts in unexpected waysThe importance of being willing to follow where God leadsEncouraging and discipling other womenThe unique ministry opportunities that come through relationshipsServing alongside a spouse in ministryLessons learned through years of ministry experienceUsing practical skills and professional abilities to serve othersThe importance of loving people as we serveWhy ministry isn't about making a name for ourselvesRecognizing opportunities God puts in front of usEncouragement for women in different seasons of ministry Key Takeaways ✨ God can use every gift. Our skills, experiences, interests, and abilities can all become opportunities to serve others and point them toward Christ. ✨ Ministry doesn't always look the way we expect. God may open doors we never anticipated. Faithfulness means being willing to follow Him into those opportunities. ✨ Serve without an agenda. Rather than trying to build a platform or create a particular ministry for ourselves, we can look for the people and opportunities God places before us. ✨ People matter. Whether through teaching, discipling, practical service, or simply listening, ministry is ultimately about loving and caring for people. ✨ Every season can be meaningful. Ministry changes throughout our lives. What God asks us to do in one season may look very different from the next. ✨ Our goal is to make Jesus known. The purpose of our gifts and service isn't personal recognition. It is to help others know and follow Christ. About the Guest Inga-Lill Guzik Inga-Lill Guzik was born in Sweden and moved with her family to Southern California at a young age. She has been actively involved in church ministry for decades, including teaching and leading women's groups, college groups, retreats, church events, and Sunday school. Another significant area of her ministry has been dental missions. She has led teams providing dental care in developing countries, using dentistry as an opportunity to demonstrate God's love and build relationships with people in the communities she visits. Resources & Links When She Serves PodcastListen to When She Serves When She ServesVisit the When She Serves website Inga-Lill Guzik — Bible Studies & Ministry ResourcesExplore Inga-Lill Guzik's Bible studies and resources Enduring WordVisit Enduring Word

What can Psalm 34 teach us about leading and serving others? In this episode of the When She Serves Podcast, Brenda Leavenworth is joined by Kelly Bell and Janie Alfred for a thoughtful conversation about leadership lessons found in Psalm 34. Psalm 34 was written in the context of David’s deliverance, yet its message reaches far beyond one moment in David’s life. It points us toward a life marked by praise, trust, humility, seeking the Lord, and encouraging others to experience God’s goodness. Brenda, Kelly, and Janie explore how these truths shape the way women lead and serve. Rather than defining leadership primarily by position or influence, this conversation looks at leadership through the lens of a life that is surrendered to God and willing to point others toward Him. As ministry leaders and servants, we will inevitably encounter fear, difficulty, disappointment, and uncertainty. Psalm 34 reminds us where our confidence belongs—and how our response to those circumstances can influence the people we lead. In This Episode Leadership lessons found throughout Psalm 34What David’s experience teaches us about trusting GodThe connection between praise and leadershipLearning to seek the Lord in difficult circumstancesHow fear can affect the way we lead and serveThe importance of humility in spiritual leadershipWhy leaders need to continually remind themselves of God’s faithfulnessEncouraging others to “taste and see that the Lord is good”How our personal walk with God influences those we serveLeading others toward God rather than toward ourselves A Word for Ministry Leaders Leadership can sometimes become focused on what needs to be accomplished—the next event, the next meeting, the next ministry challenge, or the people who need to be cared for. Psalm 34 brings us back to something more fundamental: Who are we trusting? A healthy leader doesn’t have to pretend that everything is easy. David openly speaks about fear, trouble, brokenness, and affliction. Yet his response is to turn toward God. For women serving in ministry, that is an important reminder. Our effectiveness isn’t ultimately dependent upon having everything under control. We lead best when our own lives continually point back to the One who is our refuge. Scripture Focus Psalm 34 This episode centers on Psalm 34, with particular attention to its themes of: Praising God continuallySeeking the LordFinding freedom from fearTasting and seeing God’s goodnessTaking refuge in HimTrusting God’s presence in troubleGod’s care for the brokenheartedLearning to pursue peace and righteousness About the Guests Kelly Bell Kelly Bell is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Calvary Murrieta and has served in that role for decades. She has a passion for seeing women grow in their faith and become doers of the Word, not hearers only. Kelly is a Bible teacher, devotional writer, and author of the Reasons to Rejoice Bible study series. She also oversees a Justice Ministry and has a passion for advocating for those who are vulnerable and oppressed. Janie Alfred Janie Alfred loves teaching God’s Word and encouraging women in their walk with the Lord. She was raised in a missionary family in Brazil and has been married to Justin for more than five decades. Together they have five daughters and nine grandchildren. Janie’s passion for teaching Scripture and encouraging sisters in Christ makes her a natural voice for a conversation about how God’s Word shapes the way we serve and lead. Resources & Links When She ServesVisit the When She Serves website https://whensheserves.com/ Psalm 34Read Psalm 34 on Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034

What happens when commitment begins to slip within a ministry team? In this episode of the When She Serves Podcast, Brenda Leavenworth is joined by Shirley Ruiz and Tami Peña for the third conversation in the series on dysfunction in ministry. This episode focuses on lack of commitment—one of the challenges that can quietly undermine the health, effectiveness, and unity of a ministry. Commitment in ministry goes beyond simply showing up. It involves faithfully following through, taking responsibility, communicating well, and recognizing that the way we serve affects the people serving alongside us. When commitment is inconsistent, the burden can fall on others, expectations can become unclear, and frustration can grow within a team. Brenda, Shirley, and Tami discuss the realities of commitment in ministry and offer practical encouragement for both ministry leaders and those who serve alongside them. Together, they explore how leaders can address a lack of commitment with wisdom and grace while cultivating a culture where people understand the importance of faithfully serving others. Why commitment matters to the health of a ministry How a lack of commitment can affect an entire ministry team The difference between being willing to serve and being committed to serving How inconsistency can create additional burdens for other team members The importance of clear expectations and communication How leaders can address commitment issues without creating unnecessary conflict The role of accountability in healthy ministry Extending grace while still maintaining appropriate standards How leaders can model faithfulness and commitment for those they serve Practical ways to build a culture of reliability and trust within a ministry team ✨ Commitment affects more than the individual. When one person repeatedly fails to follow through, others often have to compensate. ✨ Serving is a responsibility. Ministry is a privilege, but it also requires faithfulness, dependability, and a willingness to follow through. ✨ Clear expectations matter. Sometimes what appears to be a commitment problem is actually a communication problem. Healthy teams need clarity about roles, responsibilities, and expectations. ✨ Grace and accountability belong together. Leaders can extend grace while still addressing patterns that negatively affect the ministry. ✨ Faithfulness builds trust. Consistently doing what we say we will do creates a healthier environment where ministry teams can flourish. ✨ Leaders set the example. One of the best ways to cultivate commitment is to model it through our own service, communication, and follow-through. A lack of commitment can be one of the more difficult issues for a ministry leader to address because people are involved, relationships matter, and the desire to extend grace is real. But avoiding difficult conversations doesn't necessarily protect unity. In many cases, healthy communication, clear expectations, and loving accountability can protect the unity of a team. Ministry leaders are called not simply to accomplish tasks, but to shepherd people. Addressing dysfunction well means seeking both truth and grace—caring about the person while also caring about the health of the ministry. This episode's discussion connects naturally with several biblical principles concerning faithfulness, serving others, stewardship, and the life of the church: Colossians 3:23–24 — Serving wholeheartedly as unto the Lord 1 Corinthians 4:2 — The importance of being found faithful Galatians 6:9 — Not growing weary in doing good 1 Peter 4:10 — Using our gifts to serve one another Romans 12:10–11 — Serving with diligence and devotion When She Serves PodcastListen to When She Serves When She ServesVisit the When She Serves website Reliance ChurchLearn more about Reliance Church For more episodes, resources, conferences, and encouragement for women serving in ministry: Visit When She Serves Browse the podcast episodes

Spiritual Gifts: Using Ministry Gifts When She Serves PodcastHost: Brenda LeavenworthGuests: Kelly Bell & Christy Duff Episode Summary In this episode of the When She Serves Podcast, Brenda Leavenworth is joined by Kelly Bell and Christy Duff for a conversation about ministry gifts and how God equips His people to serve others and build up the Body of Christ. Continuing the conversation about spiritual gifts, this episode looks at the practical ways ministry gifts are expressed and how understanding these gifts can help women recognize where they are called to serve. The discussion encourages listeners to think about how God has uniquely equipped them, how their gifts can be used in the local church, and how different gifts work together to accomplish God’s purposes. Whether you’re already serving in ministry or you’re still trying to discover where you fit, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight into using the gifts God has given you with humility, purpose, and faithfulness. In This Episode What ministry gifts are and how they differ from other types of spiritual giftsHow God equips people for different roles and areas of ministryRecognizing the ways God may be calling you to serveThe importance of using spiritual gifts to build up the Body of ChristHow different gifts complement one another within the churchThe relationship between spiritual gifting, calling, and ministryCommon challenges and misconceptions surrounding ministry giftsPractical encouragement for women who want to serve faithfullyHow understanding your gifts can help you find greater purpose and effectiveness in ministry Key Takeaways ✨ God equips His people to serve. Every believer has a role to play in the life and ministry of the church. ✨ Our gifts are meant for others. Spiritual gifts are not simply about discovering what we’re good at; they are tools God uses to bless others and strengthen His Body. ✨ Different gifts serve different purposes. We don’t all have the same calling or function, and that’s part of God’s design for the church. ✨ Serving requires humility. Ministry is ultimately about pointing people toward Christ rather than seeking recognition for ourselves. ✨ You can grow as you serve. Discovering and developing your gifts often happens as you step out in faith and serve the people God has placed around you. Scripture References Romans 12:3–81 Corinthians 12Ephesians 4:11–161 Peter 4:10–11 Resources & Links When She Serves PodcastWhen She Serves About the Guests Kelly Bell Kelly Bell joins Brenda Leavenworth for this conversation about spiritual and ministry gifts, bringing insight and encouragement to women seeking to understand how God has equipped them to serve. Christy Duff Christy Duff joins the conversation to explore how women can recognize and faithfully use their God-given gifts in ministry and in service to others. Connect with When She Serves For additional podcast episodes, ministry resources, and encouragement for women serving Christ, visit the When She Serves website: When She Serves You can also explore the podcast and find additional episodes here: When She Serves Podcast If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who is seeking to better understand her spiritual gifts and how God is calling her to serve.

In this episode of When She Serves, Krista Fox sits down with veteran missionary Leona Karni, whose more than four decades on the mission field have taken her from Israel to Thailand to Liberia and beyond. Leona shares her testimony from the beginning — a childhood altar call at age nine, a season of rebellion and drug use as a hitchhiking Buddhist in 1970s California, and the moment God spoke audibly into her apartment and set her on a path back to Him. Leona also opens up about the year she spent studying Hebrew Scripture with her Israeli husband to determine for herself whether Jesus was the Messiah, and the surprising verse in Exodus that God used to settle the question for good. From there, the conversation follows her calling into full-time missions: a prophetic word spoken over her at a roadside rest stop in Louisiana, a jaw-dropping story of buying a house with a single dollar and no income, and eleven and a half years serving trafficked and at-risk children in Thailand. Now in her 80s and living in Bradenton, Florida, Leona is still stepping out in faith — currently working to launch a Bible school in the Peruvian jungle and to build a network of women across South America who intercede for pastors and churches. She and Krista talk candidly about discerning God's voice, pushing through seasons of doubt, and why being "used of the Lord" is still, after all these years, the greatest joy of her life. Leona's childhood introduction to the gospel and her years walking away from faithComing to Christ after studying Hebrew Scripture to test whether Jesus was the MessiahA prophetic word delivered by a stranger at a roadside rest stopThe remarkable story of buying a house in Chestertown, Maryland with a one-dollar down paymentEleven and a half years on the mission field in Thailand working with children vulnerable to traffickingCurrent work in Bradenton, Florida, including plans for a Bible school in the Peruvian jungleAdvice for discerning God's call and pressing on through seasons of doubtLeona is the author of several books available on Amazon, including Chosen in Love, which tells the story of her inward journey from anger to the freedom of God's love as she ministered around the world. 👉 Find it on Amazon 🎙️ When She Serves Podcast When She Serves is created for women who serve in ministry, offering global voices, biblical wisdom, and encouragement for women in ministry leadership. In This EpisodeGuest BookConnect

Brenda Leavenworth, Kelly Bell, and Becky Dente continue their five-part discussion of Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by focusing on dysfunction #2, the fear of conflict. They explain that conflict is inevitable in life and ministry and that avoiding it often pursues “artificial peace,” producing passive-aggressive meetings, parking-lot conversations, and unproductive decisions. They discuss common fears behind conflict avoidance, including isolation, misunderstanding, loss of control, and difficult emotions, and emphasize creating safe spaces for respectful truth-telling, listening well, keeping conflict about ideas not people, and refocusing on mission rather than ego. Using biblical examples and passages, they stress handling truth with humility, sometimes knowing when to step back, and addressing issues early. They recommend Lencioni’s book, Conflict Management for Faith Leaders by Dr. Houston Thompson, and studying Proverbs.

Spiritual Gifts: Using Motivational Gifts When She Serves PodcastHost: Brenda LeavenworthGuests: Krista Fox & Christy Duff In this episode of the When She Serves Podcast, Brenda Leavenworth is joined by Krista Fox and Christy Duff for a practical and biblical conversation about motivational gifts and how God uniquely equips His people to serve the Body of Christ. Drawing from Romans 12 and the broader biblical teaching on spiritual gifts, the discussion explores how understanding our God-given motivations can help us serve more effectively, build healthier ministry teams, and grow in our calling. The conversation encourages listeners to identify their spiritual gifts, embrace the unique ways God has wired them, and use those gifts faithfully in ministry and everyday life. Whether you're serving in church leadership, volunteering behind the scenes, or simply seeking greater clarity about your purpose, this episode offers encouragement and practical insight for discovering and using your spiritual gifts. What motivational gifts are and why they matterThe difference between gifting, personality, and callingHow spiritual gifts strengthen the Body of ChristRecognizing the ways God has uniquely wired youCommon challenges that arise when we misunderstand our giftsLearning to appreciate and collaborate with people who are gifted differentlyPractical ways to begin serving within your areas of giftingEncouragement for women serving in ministry and leadership✨ God has uniquely gifted every believer for service. ✨ Understanding your motivational gifts can bring clarity to your calling and ministry role. ✨ Healthy ministry teams thrive when diverse gifts work together rather than compete. ✨ Spiritual gifts are intended to build up others and glorify God. ✨ Discovering your gifts often happens through serving, community, and spiritual growth. Romans 12:3–81 Corinthians 12Ephesians 4:11–161 Peter 4:10–11When She Serves PodcastWhen She Serves Conference & Ministry ResourcesKrista Fox serves alongside the When She Serves ministry team and is passionate about equipping women for effective ministry leadership through biblical teaching, discipleship, and practical ministry training. Christy Duff brings years of ministry experience and a heart for encouraging women to discover their God-given purpose, gifts, and calling within the local church and beyond. For additional podcast episodes, conference information, resources, and encouragement for women in ministry, visit: When She Serves If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who is seeking to better understand and use her spiritual gifts in service to Christ. Episode SummaryIn This EpisodeKey TakeawaysScripture ReferencesResources & LinksAbout the GuestsKrista FoxChristy DuffConnect with When She Serves 00:00 Stop Striving Solo 00:35 Show Intro And Series Setup 01:52 Why Motivational Gifts Matter 04:06 Romans 12 Gifts Overview 06:10 Gift Of Prophecy Explained 08:35 Where Prophecy Shows Up 11:24 Gift Of Serving And Martha 14:25 Gift Of Teaching And Training 18:22 Gift Of Exhortation In Love 22:29 Truth in Love 23:46 Gift of Giving 24:58 Spirit Led Generosity 28:59 Leadership and Administration 31:08 Compassion and Mercy 35:06 Every Role Matters 38:45 Helps and Closing Charge Connect Whensheserves.com Facebook Group Instagram

In this episode of When She Serves, Brenda and guest Janie Alford begin a three-part series on spiritual gifts by focusing on the manifestation gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:1–11, emphasizing that these are visible works of the Holy Spirit given “for the profit of all,” not badges of spirituality or tools for entertainment or profit. They discuss how the Spirit distributes gifts as He wills and why they must operate under Scripture, with discernment to guard against misuse, false prophecy, celebrity culture, and manipulative or fraudulent practices. The conversation defines and distinguishes word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues, including biblical guidelines for order in corporate worship (especially 1 Corinthians 14) and encouragement to desire and practice these gifts in the church and everyday ministry. 00:00 Fake Prophets Warning 00:52 Series Overview 01:40 Purpose of Gifts 04:04 Misuse and Discernment 05:37 Reading 1 Corinthians 12 07:30 Gifts as He Wills 08:55 Word of Wisdom 12:21 Word of Knowledge 15:48 Gift of Faith 19:53 Healing Gift Abuses 24:31 Miracles Defined 25:06 What Counts as Miracles 26:34 Salvation as Miracle 27:33 Gift of Prophecy 29:24 Discerning of Spirits 31:56 Tongues Explained 34:16 Order in Worship 36:05 Prayer Language Benefits 39:30 Singing in Tongues 39:54 Interpretation and Testing 42:47 Gifts for Today 44:59 Scripture Wrap Up 45:39 Final Encouragement

The Foundational Dysfunction: Overcoming the Absence of Trust on Ministry Teams In this episode, the hosts begin a five-part series on Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by focusing on the foundational issue: the absence of trust. They discuss how unmet expectations can breed suspicion, and define trust as believing the best about others, especially when mistakes, lateness, or failures occur. The conversation emphasizes that trust grows through leader-initiated vulnerability, honest communication, and creating a culture of grace rather than performance, where people feel safe admitting weakness, asking for help, receiving correction, and taking risks. They outline consequences of low trust—self-protection, filtered conversations, dangerous feedback, performative meetings, buried conflict, and breakdown of collaboration—and suggest practices like direct conversations, defending teammates, clear expectations, valuing discipleship, using strengths and personality tools, investing personal time, and apologizing quickly.

Today, Krista sits down with Sheila Sells of Poimen Ministries for a rich conversation about her life and calling to minister across remarkably diverse settings. Sheila has served as an assistant chaplain during her tenure as an officer in the Wyoming Air National Guard, and has walked faithfully alongside her husband as he stepped into the role of lead pastor at Calvary Chapel Cheyenne. Whether you're in ministry, exploring your own calling, or simply in need of encouragement, Sheila's hard-won wisdom and gracious spirit are sure to leave you uplifted. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. --- When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Rosemary chats with Amy Nunnally to talk about her experience as a pastor's wife as they stepped into the new role of leading Legacy Christian Fellowship. She opens up about the faith it takes to leave the familiar, find your footing in a new congregation, and discover how God is uniquely calls people to lead and serve in seasons of unknown. Whether you're in a season of transition yourself or simply need encouragement to trust God's placement in your life, this conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and hope for every woman walking a path of purpose. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. --- When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Brenda and Krista sit down to discuss the real, and often painful experience of entering the empty-nester phase of life after your children move out. They reflect on how your identity, purpose, and calling shift when daily motherhood changes, and how God often uses this season to deepen calling rather than diminish it. Listeners will be encouraged to embrace the season with trust, seeing it as a time for renewal, deeper dependence on God, and fresh opportunities to serve. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. --- When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

In this episode, Brenda, Kelly, and Christy discuss the process and reasons for crafting their own original Bible studies for the women in their communities. They candidly share the challenges of developing biblically sound content and thought-provoking discussion questions, while also celebrating the profound impact of creating materials that speak directly to the unique needs and experiences of the women in their respective churches.  We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. --- When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Brenda sits down with Shannon Deane to discuss her experience and role as her husband Andy (Cornerstone Community Church) transitioned to the role of lead pastor right before the COVID pandemic of 2020. She shares some of the challenges, identity shifts, and spiritual growth that came with learning to support her husband while discovering her own place in the life of this church. Her story offers honest insight and encouragement for anyone walking through a season of change in ministry. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. --- When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this breakout session from the 2024 West Coast Conference, Robin Lewis explores how Christian women can navigate tension while remaining grounded in truth. You’ll be encouraged to sit in uncertainty without striving for quick resolution and approach hard conversations with courage, humility, and a steady confidence rooted in Christ. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. --- When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠