Ep:7 I Have Called You Friends

S2 E07: A Heavenly Calling - Notes from a Pastor's Kid with Anna McCready

In this episode, Tobi Henschel and Anna McCready discuss Anna’s article, “A Heavenly Calling – Notes from a Pastor’s Kid.” They discuss the unique perspective of a pastor's kid as Anna shares her journey of identity, faith, and community. Listen as they seek to explore how PKs navigate their role within the church family, dispel some common stereotypes, and offer some practical ways for churches to bless and encourage pastor’s kids. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction of Anna McCready03:27 - How PKs notice their differences early on 07:31 - Lessons learned about church, community, and being different09:48 - Advice for parents helping PKs navigate their identity12:44 - Common stereotypes of PKs and how churches can serve them better20:37 - The importance of mentorship from older women in the church22:40 - The role of church community in supporting PKs and encouraging relationships28:48 - Unique calling of each PK and embracing personal identity in Christ33:41 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for PKs and church members alike Resources & Links: "A Heavenly Calling – Notes from a Pastor's Kid" by Anna McCready [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/a-heavenly-calling-notes-from-a-pastors-kid/]

S2 E06: Meet Emily Jezowski

In this episode, Tobi Henschel interviews Emily Jezowski, one of Flowers for the Pastor’s Wife’s new writers this season! Join us as Emily shares her journey of faith, family, and service in Wisconsin’s rural setting. She shares insights on navigating ministry in different communities, the challenges of transient populations, and the joys of discipleship. Thank you for listening! We hope Emily's story encourages you in your own ministry journey.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Emily Jezowski and her ministry background 03:45 - Ministry in Wisconsin's maritime and farming communities 07:00 - Emphasizing that everyone needs Jesus regardless of context 09:00 - Joys and struggles in ministry, including discouragement 13:00 - Battling discouragement through prayer and community 15:00 - The importance of gratitude and time in creation for renewal 17:00 - Discipleship and investing deeply in women’s spiritual growth 25:00 - Unique traits and how they serve as bridges in ministry 28:00 - Reflecting on how God transforms past experiences into opportunities 30:00 - Final thoughts and encouragement to listeners Resources & Links: * The Attributes of God Bible Study by The Daily Grace Co. [https://thedailygraceco.com/products/the-attributes-of-god-study-matte?_pos=1&_psq=attr&_ss=e&_v=1.0] * Flowers Author Emily Jezowski [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/author/EmmyJ/]

S2 E05: Every Day, Every Thought with Tobi Henschel

In this episode, Flowers Director Wendy McCready and Tobi Henschel discuss Tobi’s article, “Every Day, Every Thought.” They discuss the importance of stewarding our thoughts, managing ministry responsibilities, and discerning voices in a saturated information world. Tobi shares practical tips on cultivating a balanced daily routine, limiting unnecessary noise, and grounding our minds in Scripture to reflect Christ more clearly. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:20 - How ministry involvement varies with family seasons 04:17 - Serving in areas aligned with interests and callings 10:32 - Limiting voices: how culture bombards us with information 15:08 - Starting mornings in Scripture: a foundational discipline 19:28 - Developing a strong biblical foundation to discern true voices 26:23 - Discernment in culture: recognizing good and bad and protecting our minds 32:22 - Closing encouragement: taking every thought captive in Christ Resources & Links: * Every Day, Every Thought [https://www.flowersforthepastorswife.com/every-day-every-thought/] * She Can't Even Play the Piano! [https://www.amazon.com/She-Cant-Even-Play-Piano/dp/0834122006] * The Pour Over [https://www.web.thepourover.org/subscribe?ref=pTd2RUErJs]

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!