Ep:8 Serving with the Finish Line in Mind

S2 E04: Marriage is Kingdom Work with Jen Hulbert

In this episode, Jen Hulbert and moderator Tobi Henschel discuss Jen’s article "Marriage is Kingdom Work." She presents the idea that a healthy marriage isn't a distraction from ministry — it is ministry, and serves as a powerful testimony to the congregation. The discussion challenges the notion that ministry should always take precedence over marriage, highlighting the importance of nurturing the marital relationship and countering cultural lies. Key themes include addressing small issues before they escalate, balancing parenting with spousal relationships, and the unique challenges faced by ministry wives. Practical advice such as weekly date nights and praying together is offered to help couples invest in their marriages. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode & guest Jen Hulbert 03:16 - Long-term effects of couples prioritizing marriage 05:53 - Marriage as a reflection of Christ and church 08:11 - Common lies about marriage and ministry pressure 12:17 - The danger of getting comfortable in a marriage 14:44 - How prioritizing your marriage benefits parenting 15:20 - The roots of bitterness and small issues that threaten marriage 17:12 - Consistent habits for maintaining a healthy marriage 18:20 - Supporting your husband’s emotional needs as a ministry wife 24:00 - Practical ways to invest in marriage, including small gestures and prayer 26:51 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners Resources & Links: * Marriage is Kingdom Work [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/marriage-is-kingdom-work/] Closing: Remember, consistent effort in your marriage isn’t just good for your relationship; it’s also a powerful testimony to others and a vital part of your ministry.

S2 E03: Trading Ministry Pain for Ministry Joy with Sarah Johnson

In this episode, we explore our theme "Citizens ofHeaven" by reviewing Sarah Johnson’s article "Trading Ministry Pain for Ministry Joy," written from her unique perspective as a pastor's wife in Utah Valley — one of the most LDS-concentrated areas in the country. The conversation digs into the nature of church hurt — how it mirrors family pain,how it's amplified by social media, and how the antidote isn't developing thick skin but rather leaning into God's supernatural love when natural affection runs dry. Sarah also shares some of the deep joys of ministry, like watching churchkids growing up together. The episode closes with a reflection on the "seed life of ministry" — the idea that fruitfulness requires many small deaths, and that the path through ministry pain runs through contentment and ultimately rejoicing in God's unseen work. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Sarah Johnson and her article"Trading Ministry Pain for Ministry Joy" 00:47 - Sarah shares her background growing up in Utah andher ministry journey 02:42 - The spiritual landscape of Utah, church planting,and outreach challenges 05:35 - The value of doctrine and joy in Christ experiencedby ex-LDS believers 07:53 - Defining church hurt and relational pain withinchurch community 09:00 - The impact of social media on relational pain andidentity 10:13 - Embracing natural love limits and leaning on God'ssupernatural love 13:00 - Celebrating ministry joy in baptism and God’s work 16:37 - Joy found in sacrificial love and raisingspiritually rooted children 18:02 - The church as a family and creating shared memories 20:21 - The illustration of being a grain of wheat:suffering and fruitfulness 23:04 - The importance of leaning into others’ needs withinministry 25:28 - The cycle of contentment, rejoicing, and trustingGod's plan 27:18 - Final thoughts on the journey of suffering andultimate fruitfulness 28:19 - Closing remarks and encouragement to find joy amidministry pain Resources & Links: Resources: Trading Ministry Pain for Ministry Joy by Sarah Johnson [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/trading-ministry-pain-for-ministry-joy/] Closing: Remember that leaning into God for His strength and loveduring the difficulties of ministry brings deeper ministry fruitfulness and joy! We’d love to hear from you – share one of your own ministry joys with us!

S2 E02: The Coming Kingdom with Bethany Hardy

In this episode, we explore our theme "Citizens of Heaven" by reviewing Bethany Hardy's article, "The Coming Kingdom." Bethany shares a personal story about a trip to Ireland, which she relates to the spiritual journey of believers. Our discussion highlights the importance of recognizing everyday encounters with God and how these moments can bring joy and peace, even in challenging times. We also delve into the promise of a new heaven and earth, because understanding where we've come from and where we're headed shapes our hope and actions amidst life's brokenness. Ultimately, our hope needs to be anchored in the gospel and in the promises of God. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the season’s focus on citizens of heaven 00:26 - Bethany introduces her article "The Coming Kingdom" and shares her Ireland trip story 04:47 - Reflection on God's work and how it deepened Bethany’s perspective on ministry and culture 06:03 - Everyday God moments: peace in stress, divine provision, Scripture in daily conversations 11:39 - God moments in relationship-building and discipleship over years 13:27 - The importance of intentional awareness of God's work and its impact 16:51 - The promise of a new heaven and earth amid current world chaos 18:47 - The risk of being overwhelmed by negative news and social media 19:16 - The need to focus on God's promises and eternal hope 23:24 - Remembering the gravity of our sin and God's holiness through the Gospel 28:24 - Reflecting on the question: "Where do I put my hope intrials?" 33:20 - The significance of trusting God’s plan 35:01 - Living out the truth that our hope is in God's promises, not temporary pleasures 36:05 - Closing encouragement to reflect on hope during hard times and share Scripture Resources & Links: * The Coming Kingdom by Bethany Hardy [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/the-coming-kingdom/] * Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent [https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781885904676/a-gospel-primer-for-christians-paperback] * Heaven by Randy Alcorn [https://www.christianbook.com/heaven-randy-alcorn/9780842379427/pd/79422?utm_source=google&kw=heaven%20by%20randy%20alcorn&mt=p&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1229860&cb_src=google&cb_typ=search&cb_cmp=17237028942&cb_adg=139435065569&cb_kyw=heaven%20by%20randy%20alcorn&utm_medium=cpc&snav=GSEARCH&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17237028942&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHbKmZPDeqBS_z_H_pJDKBNM2&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvllnmWkTa3Z_mSDxYBlvzg2b_fn6ikzwt98ZZjG_tw7TBw_Aub-51hoCxxwQAvD_BwE] Closing: We pray these stories and reflections encourage you to notice God's daily work, cling to His promises, and live with eternal hope. Share your own God moments and hope stories with us!

S2 E01: Citizens of Heaven with Wendy McCready

In this episode, Director Wendy McCready kicks off the second season of Flowers for the Pastor's Wife podcast with the theme of Citizens of Heaven. She explores the balance between cultural identity and heavenly citizenship, sharing insights from her experiences living in Canada and the U.S. She discusses how cultural differences can shape our understanding of Christ’s kingdom and offers practical steps to navigate these sensitivities. Wendy emphasizes that our true identity lies in Christ, beyond nationality or tradition. Join us as we talk about how to embrace diversity within the church and reflect Christ’s love more authentically. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the church’s global unity. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Exploring citizenship in heaven amidstcultural differences 02:15 - Wendy’s journey: Living between the U.S. and Canada and the impact on her faith 04:30 - Welcoming others: How genuine interest helps overcome feelings of being an outsider 07:37 - The importance of not disparaging others based on nationality or culture 09:11 - How living abroad challenged Wendy to find her identity solely in Christ 11:08 - Recognizing and overcoming ethnocentrism as Americans 12:45 - Cultural differences in expressing feelings and sharing personal information 14:10 - The balance of cultural expression and biblical witness 17:27 - Biblical perspective: Our true identity is in Christ, not innationality or external practices 20:16 - Unity in the body of Christ across cultures and nations 23:33 - Practical ways to broaden perspective without moving abroad 25:11 - Building genuine relationships through intentional learning and hospitality 27:16 - Receiving others’ cultural expressions without judgment 29:07 - The importance of immersing oneself in diverse cultures through missions, travel, and reading 30:20 - Ways to gain cross-cultural awareness locally when travel isn’t feasible 32:19 - The value of biographies and stories from saints around the world 33:46 - Final encouragement: embracing a global mindset as citizens of heaven Resources & Links: * “Citizens of Heaven” by Wendy McCready [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/citizens-of-heaven/] * The Hiding Place - A Graphic Novel [https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780800762544_the-hiding-place] Closing: Remember, our primary identity is in Christ, and embracingthe diversity within the global church enriches our walk with Him. Share your story of learning what it means to be a citizen of heaven in a diverse world.

Ep:10 Meet Kristen Humiston (former PW and current therapist)

In this episode, Kristen Humiston shares her journey frombeing a pastor's wife to a therapist and ministry coach. She discusses the trauma of forced termination from ministry, the importance of seeking help, and the challenges faced by ministry families. Kristen emphasizes the need for safesupport systems, building skills and savings, and understanding the church as a system. She also highlights the joys and struggles of her current work in therapy, particularly with pastors' wives, and offers practical advice forthose navigating difficult transitions, experiencing trauma, or advice for supporting women in those times. Kristen also shares several helpful resources available to women and ministry families seeking help. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kristen and Her Ministry Journey 05:29 The Trauma of Forced Termination in Ministry 09:15 Advice for Navigating Difficult Transitions 12:05 Building Identity and Financial Stability in Ministry 16:11 Understanding Church Dynamics and Personal Healing 18:56 Kristen's Current Role as a Therapist and Coach 21:16 Finding Joy in Helping Others Heal 23:47 Recognizing When to Seek Help 29:26 Taking the First Step Towards Healing 31:37 Resources 33:33 Supporting Others in Their Struggles 36:36 Conclusion Resources mentioned in today's episode: Pastors' Hope Network [https://pastorshopenetwork.org/] - Help for pastors and their families who have experienced forced termination. Ministry Transitions [https://ministrytransitions.com/] - Help for ministries or ministry families transitioning. Not mentioned: Care Givers Forum [https://www.caregiversforum.org/directory] - A directory for all things ministry workers support resources.Kristen's personal resources: Contact [https://www.kristenjoycoaching.com/contact-me] - The online form you can use to email Kristen directly for help. Focused Care Retreats [https://www.courageoushealingtherapy.com/] - Kristen's ministry for ministry workers looking to address trauma healing needs.