Ministry Wives Podcast

North American Mission Board
  • 4.8 (254)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I’m Amy Petersen. Welcome to the Ministry Wives Podcast. Here we have honest conversations about the realities of the ministry wife life and how to keep our hearts tethered to Jesus as we serve Him. Whether you’re seeking encouragement or practical tips, don’t miss out on these heartfelt discussions with women in various ministry contexts about the joys and challenges of ministry life.

  1. 3D AGO

    “I Know I Should Spend Time in the Word, But…” with Kelly Needham

    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 Scripture Why identity in Christ matters more than spiritual productivity How to approach Bible study with curiosity, flexibility, and grace And more! Resources & Links Mentioned: See for Yourself: How to Study Your Bible with Confidence and Joy by Kelly Needham Friend-ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough Clearly Podcast JimmyAndKelly.com CONNECT Connect with Kelly Instagram // Website // Teach Equip Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    22 min

  2. 11/10/2025

    Keeping Your Devotional Life Fresh with Gayle Rogers Foster

    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 Him How Gayle’s upbringing shaped her faith and the lessons she’s carried into adulthood The story behind her devotional In His Footsteps and how God called her to write it How to release what you’re holding onto and walk in daily surrender Practical ways to keep your quiet time fresh in every season of life Whether 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 Foster Love Worth Finding Opportunity Leadership by Roger Parrott CONNECT Connect with Gayle Facebook // Instagram // Website Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    44 min

  3. 11/03/2025

    When Joy Feels Risky: A Biblical and Neuroscience Perspective with Nicole Zasowski

    Joy doesn’t always feel easy—it often feels vulnerable, even risky. In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, Amy Petersen sits down with author and therapist Nicole Zasowski to talk about her new Bible study Daring Joy: What Six Women in the Bible Teach Us About the Power of Celebration When It Feels Risky, Complicated, and Even Impossible. Nicole shares how her own seasons of loss, transition, and disappointment led her to a deeper understanding of joy—not as a reward for when life goes well, but as a practice we can step into, even in life’s hardest seasons.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Nicole Zasowski: Why joy can seem like one of our most vulnerable emotions The difference between gratitude and thanksgiving (and why speaking it aloud doubles your joy!) Simple practices that retrain your brain toward joy What six women of Scripture—Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Mary, Elizabeth, and Mary Magdalene—teach us about daring joy in the middle of uncertainty And more! Resources & Links Mentioned: Daring Joy: What Six Women in the Bible Teach Us About the Power of Celebration When It Feels Risky, Complicated, and Even Impossible by Nicole Zasowski What If It’s Wonderful?: Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, and Find the Courage to Celebrate by Nicole Zasowski From Lost to Found: Giving Up What You Think You Want for What Will Set You Free by Nicole Zasowski CONNECT Connect with Nicole Instagram // Website Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    42 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    How to Walk with Jesus in Seasons of Pain with Vaneetha Risner

    Suffering is something every believer will face—but what do we do when it feels relentless, unfair, or overwhelming? In this powerful episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with author and speaker Vaneetha Risner to talk about walking with Jesus through seasons of deep pain. Vaneetha’s story is marked by challenges: childhood polio, the heartbreaking loss of her infant son, a painful divorce, and the ongoing struggles of post-polio syndrome. Yet, through every valley, she has discovered the nearness of Christ—not through quick fixes or easy answers, but through honest lament and raw dependence on God. Together, Amy and Vaneetha explore common misconceptions about suffering, the beauty of biblical lament, and how to come alongside others who are hurting with both truth and tenderness. If you’ve ever felt like your faith faltered under the weight of pain—or if you’ve walked with someone in the midst of grief—this conversation will remind you that your hope is not in an outcome, but in a Savior who draws near. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Vaneetha Risner: Why there is no “quota” for suffering—and how to reframe hardship as a means of drawing closer to Christ The false belief that obedience keeps us from pain, and what Scripture really teaches about suffering How lament gives language to our grief and creates deeper intimacy with God Practical ways to walk with others in their pain without minimizing or sermonizing Why our ultimate hope is not found in changed circumstances, but in Jesus Himself Resources & Links Mentioned: Watching for the Morning: 90 Devotionals for When Hope is Hard to Find by Vaneetha Risner CONNECT Connect with Vaneetha Facebook // Instagram // Website Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    41 min

  5. 10/20/2025

    God’s Faithfulness in Every "Yes": Lynette Ezell on Ministry and Motherhood

    When you put your “yes” on the table, you never know where God might lead. For Lynette Ezell, that yes has looked like navigating miscarriage, parenting biological children, adopting internationally, fostering locally, and supporting her grown daughters as they walk the same road. Through every season, God has proven faithful in both the joys and the struggles of ministry and motherhood. In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, Amy Petersen sits down with Lynette Ezell—wife, mom of six, grandmother, and ministry leader. Together, they talk candidly about the highs and lows of adoption and foster care, what it means to parent through trauma, and how to keep saying yes to God even when the road is long and hard. Whether you’re considering adoption, already walking that journey, or simply want to support foster and adoptive families in your church or community, this conversation will encourage and equip you to take the next step of experiencing God’s faithfulness. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Lynette Ezell: How God shaped Lynette’s family story through both loss and adoption What it means to keep your “yes” on the table—even when doors close The reality of parenting kids from hard places and why trauma-informed care matters Practical ways churches and ministry wives can support foster and adoptive families Why your “yes” may look different than someone else’s, but God’s faithfulness remains the same Resources & Links Mentioned: The Adopting and Fostering Home Podcast Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) Duffel Bags for Foster Care: Launching a Restoring Dignity Ministry in Your Church Backpack Ministry Guide The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family by Karyn B. Purvis CONNECT Connect with Lynette Instagram // Email Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    37 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    Hopeful Sorrow: Lament, Faith, and the Journey towards Healing with Julie Busler

    Life in ministry brings both joy and heartache. But what do you do when the grief feels overwhelming? Can you still hold on to hope? In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Julie Busler—author, speaker, and Bible teacher—for an honest conversation about grief, mental health, and the sustaining hope we have in Christ. Julie shares her powerful story of walking through depression, trauma, and mental health struggles, and how God faithfully met her in the darkest valleys. Together, Amy and Julie talk about what it means to grieve with honesty, find strength in Scripture, and walk alongside others who are hurting. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to reconcile sorrow and faith—or how to care for loved ones who are suffering—this conversation will remind you that grief does not erase hope. In Christ, both can coexist as we hold fast to the promise of eternity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Julie Busler: How grief and hope can coexist within the Christian life Biblical encouragement for navigating depression and suffering Why lament is a vital part of spiritual growth Practical ways to support others in seasons of loss and pain And more! Resources & Links Mentioned: Hopeful Sorrow by Julie Busler Joyful Sorrow by Julie Busler Mental Illness and the Ministry Wife (an interview with Julie Busler) CONNECT Connect with Julie Facebook // Instagram // Website Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    52 min

  7. 10/06/2025

    Compassion-Driven Leadership: How to Cultivate a Heart for People with DeenDeen Vedoya

    Life in ministry often means carrying the weight of people’s stories, navigating unexpected challenges, and learning to love well even when it’s costly. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to lead with both strength and tenderness, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with DeenDeen Vedoya—church planter’s wife, mom of three, and women’s ministry leader in Edmonton, Canada. DeenDeen shares her personal journey of church planting, discipleship, and discovering what it means to lead with a heart shaped by Christ’s compassion. Together, Amy and DeenDeen talk honestly about grief, generosity, and the daily choice to lead people with empathy. You’ll hear practical wisdom on cultivating curiosity, listening well, and letting God’s love flow through you in both ministry and family life. Whether you’re walking through conflict, caring for others in their suffering, or simply longing to reflect Christ more in your leadership, this conversation will remind you that compassion isn’t weakness—it’s Spirit-filled strength. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with DeenDeen Vedoya: The importance of compassion-driven leadership in ministry and motherhood Practical ways to embrace curiosity, empathy, and generosity with others How to grieve ministry losses without losing hope Encouragement for releasing expectations and trusting in God’s provision And more! CONNECT Connect with DeenDeen Instagram // Email Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    42 min

  8. 09/29/2025

    Calm in the Chaos: How to Raise Ministry Kids in a Chaotic World with Heather Oldham

    Life in ministry can feel like constant chaos—balancing church responsibilities, family needs, and the everyday mess of raising kids. If you’ve ever felt the tension between ministry demands and motherhood, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Heather Oldham—ministry wife, mom of five, and church planter’s wife—to talk honestly about parenting kids in the whirlwind of ministry life. Heather shares her personal story of growing up in a pastor’s home, raising her own family in the church planting context, and learning to find calm in the chaos. Together, Amy and Heather explore practical ways to model peace for your children, stay connected when correction is needed, and cultivate a home where ministry kids feel loved, secure, and part of the mission—not in competition with it. Whether you’re in the trenches of raising littles, navigating the teen years, or simply craving encouragement in the messiness of ministry, this conversation will remind you: Calm isn’t the absence of chaos—it’s the presence of Christ’s peace. What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Heather Oldham: How to model emotional regulation in times of high stress Practical ways to engage your kids’ hearts through curiosity Tips for helping your children name and process their emotions biblically Ways to see discipleship happening in the everyday moments And more! Resources & Links Mentioned: “Raising Church-Planting Kids: Be Their Calm in the Chaos” by Heather Oldham CONNECT Connect with Heather Facebook // Instagram // New Churches Articles Connect with Amy Facebook // Instagram // Podcast Connect with NAMB Facebook // Instagram

    40 min
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4.8
out of 5
254 Ratings

About

I’m Amy Petersen. Welcome to the Ministry Wives Podcast. Here we have honest conversations about the realities of the ministry wife life and how to keep our hearts tethered to Jesus as we serve Him. Whether you’re seeking encouragement or practical tips, don’t miss out on these heartfelt discussions with women in various ministry contexts about the joys and challenges of ministry life.

Information

  • Creator
    North American Mission Board
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 North American Mission Board
  • Show Website
    Ministry Wives Podcast

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