EPISODE DESCRIPTION What happens to a church when the quietest voices finally get heard? In this conversation, Kaley Ihfe explores the transformative power of listening—especially to those who rarely speak up. Drawing from family dynamics, church leadership, Broadway Church of Christ’s journey of expanding women’s roles, and her work with Lavish Hope, Kaley reflects on why intentional hearing matters for relationships, ministry, and the health of the body of Christ. She shares stories of overlooked giftedness, the beauty and pain uncovered through listening sessions, and the deep impact of creating space for ministers’ wives to be seen. Grounded in the example of Jesus, who consistently noticed those on the margins, this episode invites leaders to slow down, pay attention, and cultivate a community where every voice is valued. GUEST BIO Kaley Ihfe serves as the Director of Lavish HOPE ministries. She has a B.S. in Communications, an MEd in School Counseling, and an MA in Christian Ministry and is certified in the Enneagram Spectrum Training through Dr. Jerry Wagner. She has had a variety of jobs - all people oriented: at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, in Pflugerville ISD, and at Abilene Christian University. She has served alongside her husband, Karl Ihfe, in ministry for 26 years first in Austin and currently in Lubbock. Kaley is passionate about teaching scripture and being an active part of her community. She teaches adult Bible classes, writes Bible study curriculum, and speaks at retreats. She and Karl have a son in graduate school at Wichita State University and a daughter at Lipscomb. You can email Kaley at Kaley@lavishhope.org or catch her on Instagram @lavishhope.hn Heart of the Conversation This conversation is about hearing the unheard—the quiet voices in families, churches, and ministries whose gifts, perspectives, and experiences often go unnoticed. Kaley Ihfe shares her experiences with how intentional listening builds genuine relationships, strengthens congregational life, empowers overlooked members, and aligns with the way of Jesus, who consistently paid attention to those on the margins. Key ideas discussed include Listening to quiet voices Kaley describes how in family gatherings, some people naturally dominate conversation while others need intentional invitation. She connects this dynamic to church life, where quieter members often hold valuable perspectives. Theological grounding for hearing others She emphasizes Paul’s teaching that every member of the body has gifts, and ignoring quieter voices means losing essential contributions. Leadership that empowers Churches thrive when leaders create structures that invite participation, broaden who gets asked to serve, and intentionally listen to diverse voices. The impact of listening during change Kaley shares insights from Broadway’s process of expanding women’s roles, including both gratitude and pain expressed during interviews and listening sessions. Lavish Hope and ministers’ wives She explains how ministers’ wives often feel unseen, and how Lavish Hope provides space for them to be known, valued, and supported. Jesus’ example Kaley highlights how Jesus surrounded himself with diverse people and consistently paid attention to those on the margins—an example the church must emulate. Resources Oneness in Christ: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Initial Oneness in Christ: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Initial Experiences Leading in Public Worship at Broadway Church of Experiences Leading in Public Worship at Broadway Church of Christ (2021) A Oneness Study Story: The Experiences of Elders and Staff in A Oneness Study Story: The Experiences of Elders and Staff in Leading Change for the Inclusion of Women in Public Worship Leading Change for the Inclusion of Women in Public Worship Roles (2022)
