Leading from Wholeness | Christian Leadership, Boundaries, Faith, Identity, Christian Leadership Coaching

Audrey Shelby - Podcaster & Leadership Coach
  • 5.0 (8)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Does a lack of validation make you question your call to leadership? Is fear of rejection preventing you from being your authentic self? Does imposture syndrome hold you back from leading with power versus fear? Do you want to serve in a meaningful way? I am so glad you're here, friend. I’m Audrey Shelby, and I’ve been leading in the public sector for 20 years. I struggled with anxiety and thinking I wasn’t worthy to be in the roles I occupied. But through intentionally seeking God in prayer and His affirmation of who I was created to be, I now lead with confidence, joy, and purpose. This podcast will help you identify the barriers that keep you from leading well. God has chosen you to shepherd over the job you’re in, the people you supervise, those children you’re raising, and the partner you have. Through the spiritual strategy of prayer and evidence-informed practices, together, we will tear down the lies that are keeping you from being free and successful as a leader. Grab your hot chocolate and your journal, and let’s go!

Episodes

  1. 23H AGO

    Ep 08 | How the Anxious Leader Finds Peace

    Show Notes Are you leading while anxious? You're not alone. One in five adults battles anxiety, and as Christian women leaders, the weight of responsibility can feel crushing. In this episode, we're breaking down Philippians 4:4-9 into a practical, biblical prescription for finding peace in leadership: Prayer, Proper Thinking, and Proper Response. Plus, hear why the challenge you're facing might be exactly where God wants to meet you. The Executive Reality: 84% of executives say mental health impacts the bottom line Sleep and well-being are now recognized as core leadership tools Question: How are YOU protecting your bottom line? PART 1: PRAYER – Bring the Worry to God Why Prayer Works: Prayer isn't informing God (He already knows)—it's inviting Him into your day-to-day. Like catching up with your best friend, this step alone releases worry. Be Specific (Philippians 4:6): "Tell God what you need"—not just "God help me," but detailed, specific prayers. Tool: Mindful Journaling When you're too perplexed to pray: Write what's coming up in the moment Notice physical sensations (racing heart, sweating, fidgeting, breathing difficulty) Write without judgment—just observe PART 2: PROPER THINKING – Reality Testing Key Scriptures: Proverbs 23:7: As a person thinks, so they are Matthew 6:27: "Can worrying add a single hour to your life?" Galatians 6:9: Don't grow weary—you'll reap if you don't give up Sometimes the Prayer Changes: "God, if You won't remove this, help me bear it with grace and perseverance." The 8 Virtues Framework (Philippians 4:8): Paul tells us to fix our thoughts on what is: True – Ground yourself in reality, not catastrophizing Honorable Just Pure Lovely Commendable Excellent Praiseworthy Tool: Reality Testing (CBT Technique) When anxiety rises, ask yourself: What feelings are coming up right now? What's the actual worst-case scenario? What's the likelihood of this happening? What evidence supports this perspective? What's another way to look at this? PART 3: PROPER RESPONSE – Thanksgiving & Trust The Reframe: This Is an Opportunity God is trusting YOU with this problem. It's: An opportunity to practice faith A chance to apply what you've learned A way to reveal God's goodness to others A path to growth and spiritual maturity "Maybe you resonate with what I shared today. Maybe you lead a team member who does. Either way, anxiety doesn't have to be the boss. God is trusting you with this problem—not to crush you, but to grow you, to reveal His goodness through you, and to deepen your faith. The very thing you're anxious about might be the exact place God wants to meet you." Scripture References Philippians 4:4-9 (Main passage) Romans 5:3-5 (Trials build strength) Galatians 6:9 (Don't grow weary) Matthew 6:27 (Worrying adds nothing) Proverbs 3:6 (Seek His will) John 14:27 (My peace I leave with you) Resources Calm App Executive Survey Therapy: Psychology Today, BetterHelp, your insurance provider David Jeremiah Study Bible  Join us for the 2026 Pray Without Ceasing Conference, August 15, 2026 in Buena Park, Ca. Grab your tickets today  Connect with Us Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/  Merch: www.praywithoutceasingmerch.com  Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

    34 min

  2. FEB 11

    Ep 07 | Stolen Identity - Imposter Syndrome

    Show Notes In this powerful episode, host Audrey Shelby takes listeners on a journey to uncover their true identity beyond titles, roles, and achievements. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or felt like you're constantly chasing the next accomplishment to feel worthy, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn Your Core Identity: Why understanding yourself as God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) changes everything Recognizing Imposter Syndrome: Common symptoms including self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of exposure, and negative self-talk The Battle for Your Mind: How to recognize that not every thought is your own and why the enemy targets your faith The CBT-Scripture Connection: How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles align with biblical truth about renewing your mind Finding Your Purpose: The simple but profound answer to "Why am I here?" Identifying Your Thieves: What's stealing your peace, joy, and confidence—and how to stop it Key Scriptures Referenced Ephesians 1 & 2 - Who we are in Christ and our spiritual blessings Ephesians 2:10 - We are His workmanship, created for good works John 10:10 - The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Jesus came to give abundant life 2 Thessalonians 3:3 - The Lord is faithful and will protect you from the evil one Romans 12:2 - Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Psalm 91:4-7 - God's protection and promises 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking every thought captive to Christ Ecclesiastes 10:19 - Money answers all things (context on stewardship vs. worship) Practical Action Steps This Week Exercise: Identify Your Thieves Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle Left side: List everything that steals from you—negative thoughts, worries, circumstances, attitudes, even specific people. Don't overthink it, just write. Right side: Write a scripture that speaks truth against each thief Daily Practice Focus on ONE thing from your list this week Pray about it daily When the thought arises or you encounter that person/situation, read your chosen scripture aloud Use your notebook or phone's notes app to keep scriptures accessible Understanding Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that your achievements are undeserved, stemming from self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud—despite evidence of competence. Common symptoms include: Inability to internalize success (attributing it to luck) Fear of being "found out" as a fraud Perfectionism and overworking Feeling uncomfortable with compliments Procrastination due to fear of failure Believing others are smarter or more capable Connect with Leading from Wholeness If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to hear from you! Share your insights and breakthroughs as you work through this week's exercise. Remember: You are not defined by your achievements, your job title, or your past mistakes. You are a child of God, created with purpose, redeemed by Christ's blood, and called to live abundantly. Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/  Merch: www.praywithoutceasingmerch.com  Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

    31 min

  3. FEB 4

    Ep 06 | Obedience in Action: Trusting God with Your Leadership - Part 2

    SHOW NOTES Episode Overview In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brandon Shelby to explore what it truly means to walk in obedience to God, especially in leadership. We dive deep into the emotions that arise when God calls us to obey—reluctance, fear, and trepidation—and discover how surrender and trust transform our relationship with Him. Guest Brandon Shelby - @mr_brandondjshelby ; website: https://www.corporatefreeagency.com/  Key Topics Discussed What Does Obedience Mean? Understanding obedience beyond simple compliance Our natural reactions to God's commands The heart behind our obedience The Struggle with Obedience Reluctance - Brandon shares a personal story of being reluctant to obey God and what happened as a result Fear - The paralysis of not wanting to make mistakes and second-guessing what we've heard from God Trepidation - Wrestling with uncertainty when God requires something we don't understand Biblical Perspective: Doubting Thomas We explore the story of Thomas (John 20:24-29) and discover that asking questions doesn't disqualify us from God's calling. Brandon encourages listeners to explore their feelings when God requires something they don't understand. Key Lessons on Obedience What Brandon has learned through his journey Common places where we get tripped up Obedience is surrender - and it's something we must do over and over again Being inside God's will is the best place to be Featured Scripture Hebrews 5:7-9 (NLT) "While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him." Philippians 4:6-9 (NLT) “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Deuteronomy 8:11-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208%3A11-18&version=NKJV  Hebrews 5:7-9 - https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.5.7-9.NLT Psalms 25:12 - https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.25.12.NLT Key Quote John Bevere - "Holy fear keeps us connected to the wisdom of our Creator—the only One who knows what enhances us and what undoes us." From: The Awe of God Practical Application: How Do We Hear from God? Spend intentional time with Him in prayer Read and study your Bible regularly Do it afraid. Resources Mentioned Book: The Awe of God by John Bevere https://johnbevere.com/aweofgod/  Book: The Garden Withing by Dr. Anita Phillips https://www.anitaphillips.com/book  Episode Takeaways ✓ Asking questions doesn't disqualify you from God's calling  ✓ Obedience is about surrender, not perfection  ✓ Even Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered  ✓ Fear of the Lord connects us to divine wisdom  ✓ Being in God's will is always the best place to be Connect with Us Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/  Merch: www.praywithoutceasingmerch.com  Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

    25 min

  4. JAN 28

    Ep 05 | Obedience in Action: Trusting God with Your Leadership - Part 1

    SHOW NOTES Episode Overview In this powerful episode, we sit down with Brandon Shelby to explore what it truly means to walk in obedience to God, especially in leadership. We dive deep into the emotions that arise when God calls us to obey—reluctance, fear, and trepidation—and discover how surrender and trust transform our relationship with Him. Guest Brandon Shelby - @mr_brandondjshelby ; website: https://www.corporatefreeagency.com/  Key Topics Discussed What Does Obedience Mean? Understanding obedience beyond simple compliance Our natural reactions to God's commands The heart behind our obedience The Struggle with Obedience Reluctance - Brandon shares a personal story of being reluctant to obey God and what happened as a result Fear - The paralysis of not wanting to make mistakes and second-guessing what we've heard from God Trepidation - Wrestling with uncertainty when God requires something we don't understand Biblical Perspective: Doubting Thomas We explore the story of Thomas (John 20:24-29) and discover that asking questions doesn't disqualify us from God's calling. Brandon encourages listeners to explore their feelings when God requires something they don't understand. Key Lessons on Obedience What Brandon has learned through his journey Common places where we get tripped up Obedience is surrender - and it's something we must do over and over again Being inside God's will is the best place to be Featured Scripture Hebrews 5:7-9 (NLT) "While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him." Psalms 25:12 (NLT) "Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose." Key Quote John Bevere - "Holy fear keeps us connected to the wisdom of our Creator—the only One who knows what enhances us and what undoes us." From: The Awe of God Practical Application: How Do We Hear from God? Spend intentional time with Him in prayer Read and study your Bible regularly Cultivate a lifestyle of listening Resources Mentioned Bible passage: John 20:24-29 (Doubting Thomas) Book: The Awe of God by John Bevere https://johnbevere.com/aweofgod/  Deuteronomy 8:11-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208%3A11-18&version=NKJV  Hebrews 5:7-9 - https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.5.7-9.NLT Psalms 25:12 - https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.25.12.NLT Episode Takeaways ✓ Asking questions doesn't disqualify you from God's calling  ✓ Obedience is about surrender, not perfection  ✓ Even Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered  ✓ Fear of the Lord connects us to divine wisdom  ✓ Being in God's will is always the best place to be Connect with Us Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/  Merch: www.praywithoutceasingmerch.com  Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

    34 min

  5. JAN 21

    Ep 04 | It's OK for Leaders to Make Mistakes: Leading with Grace and Truth

    Have you ever made a costly mistake as a leader? One that made you question your worth or whether you were cut out for leadership? In this episode, I'm getting real about the fear of making mistakes and the pressure to be perfect. I share a personal story about a costly mistake that could have cost me my job, and the biblical lessons God taught me through it. If you've been beating yourself up over a mistake or carrying the weight of perfection, this episode is for you. Biblical Wisdom on Mistakes Ecclesiastes 10:4 - A quiet spirit overcomes great mistakes 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Scripture equips us through correction Why God's Word doesn't shame us for mistakes What True Leadership Looks Like Authentic leadership embraces vulnerability and accountability The shift from proving worth to showing trustworthiness  Extending Grace to Yourself How to forgive yourself and remember you are God's workmanship "I don't have to be perfect. I have to be faithful." Practical Steps Forward 5 steps for leading through and after mistakes KEY SCRIPTURES Colossians 3:23-24 - Work as for the Lord, not for men 1 John 3:16 - Real love requires sacrifice Read it here Ecclesiastes 10:4 - "A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes" Read it here  Timothy 3:16-17 - Scripture corrects us with purpose to equip us Read it here SHARE THIS EPISODE Know a leader who needs to hear this? Share it with them! Remember: You don't have to be perfect to be a great leader. You just have to be willing to learn, grow, and keep showing up. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/ Shop: Christian apparel designed to inspire prayer and intentional living  praywithoutceasingmerch.com Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com

    35 min

  6. JAN 14

    Ep 03 | Should Christian Leaders Tolerate Difficult People? 3 Biblical Strategies to Lead with Grace When Your Team Turns Hostile

    Show Notes Episode Description Have you ever felt attacked, undermined, or disrespected by someone on your team? Do you dread going to work because of one difficult colleague? You're not alone—and as a Christian leader, you don't have to choose between holding boundaries and showing grace. In this episode, we dive into three biblical strategies that will transform how you lead difficult people. You'll discover why empathy doesn't mean agreement, how refusing to take offense protects your leadership, and why forgiveness is actually about YOUR freedom, not theirs. Whether you're managing someone who openly opposes you or navigating a toxic team dynamic, this episode will equip you with practical, Christ-centered tools to lead with integrity while protecting your peace. What You'll Learn ✅ How to use Psychological First Aid principles to support distressed colleagues in the workplace ✅ Why "What happened to you?" is more powerful than "What's wrong with you?" when dealing with difficult behavior The biblical truth about taking offense - and how it blocks your ability to lead with empathy Why forgiveness is the key to personal healing How to do your work "as unto the Lord" even when people don't deserve your best effort Key Scriptures Referenced Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."  Proverbs 19:11 - "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." 1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Matthew 6:14 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."  1 Corinthians 13:7 (AMP) - Love "bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Galatians 6:2 (ESV) - "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Three Biblical Strategies to Lead Difficult People EMPATHY: Approach with Curiosity, Not Judgment Shift from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" Create psychological safety using the 5 principles of Psychological First Aid Remember: Empathy doesn't mean agreement DON'T TAKE OFFENSE: Protect Your Peace Taking offense is a choice that blocks empathy Let God be your vindicator instead of fighting your own battles Bear one another's burdens without letting bitterness take root LOVE & FORGIVENESS: Kill Them with Kindness Show Agape love even when it's not reciprocated Forgive for YOUR healing, not just theirs This Week's Challenge Identify one difficult person or situation you're facing at work Choose ONE strategy to implement: Empathy, Not Taking Offense, or Love & Forgiveness Pray for that person daily this week Remember: Do your work as unto the Lord, not unto people Reflection Questions Where have I been holding offense? Who do I need to forgive? How can I be a safer space for my team? Am I doing my work for people's approval or for God's glory? Resources Mentioned Psychological First Aid Principles for workplace distress Biblical principles on forgiveness and loving your enemies Leadership mindset: Teammate vs. Subordinate Connect With Us 📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com 📱 Instagram: @AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 💬 Leave a Review: If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star review and share it with another Christian leader who needs to hear this message!

    36 min

  7. JAN 7

    Ep 02 | Leading at Full Capacity - Inviting God Into Your Leadership

    Do you feel the weight of leadership responsibility? Struggling to lead effectively while honoring God? You're not alone. In this powerful episode, we explore what it means to lead at full capacity—not by relying on your own strength, but by inviting God into every aspect of your leadership journey. Whether you're leading in ministry, business, community organizations, or your own family, this episode will transform how you view and practice leadership. You'll discover that leadership isn't about titles or positions—it's about influence. And if you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you're called to influence others, which means you're called to lead. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why leadership is influence and what that means for you The dangerous mindset that keeps leaders stuck in self-focused performance Three practical, biblical ways to invite God into your daily leadership How to shift from "What do I want?" to "What does God want through me?" The one question that changed everything about how the host approaches leadership Practical steps to move from wherever you are to leading more effectively Stop carrying the weight alone. Stop performing and start partnering with God. This episode will help you understand that when you seek God first, pray without ceasing, and walk in obedience, everything changes. Perfect For: Christian leaders, ministry workers, business professionals, emerging leaders, parents, church volunteers, small group leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to honor God in their leadership role. Featured Scripture: Romans 12:8, Matthew 6:33, James 1:22, Deuteronomy 30:11, Proverbs 8:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Featured Scripture References Romans 12:8 (NLT) "If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." 📖 Read Full Chapter Application: Whatever gifts God has given you, use them seriously AND gladly. Leadership is a gift to be stewarded, not a burden to carry alone. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." 📖 Read Full Chapter Application: When we prioritize God first—before our leadership, before our success, before our programs—He promises to provide everything we need. This is the foundation of leading at full capacity. James 1:22 (NLT) "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." 📖 Read Full Chapter Application: Effective Christian leadership requires obedience, not just knowledge. Hearing God's voice is important, but acting on what He says is what transforms our leadership. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) "Never stop praying." 📖 Read Full Chapter Application: Prayer isn't just a morning or evening activity—it's an ongoing conversation with God throughout your day. Every decision, challenge, and opportunity is an invitation to pray. Deuteronomy 30:11 (NLT) "This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach." 📖 Read Full Chapter Application: What God is calling you to do as a leader isn't too hard for you. He equips those He calls. Step out in obedience with confidence. Proverbs 8:12 (NLT) "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment." 📖 Read Full Chapter Application: When we seek God's wisdom, He gives us creative solutions and "witty inventions"—innovative ideas that only come from Him. Books Mentioned: Pray Without Ceasing: 31 Days in Prayer by Audrey Shelby. https://www.praywithoutceasingministries.com/books Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders The Maxwell Leadership Bible by John C. Maxwell Connect With Us We'd love to hear from you! 📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

    30 min

  8. JAN 1

    Ep 01 | My Story & How I was Called to Leadership

    In this episode, I open up about my early days in leadership and the struggles I faced when fear and anxiety were driving my decisions. I reflect on what it was like to lead from that place, the impact it had on my team and myself, and the lessons I learned along the way. Whether you're a new leader finding your footing or a seasoned one looking back on your journey, this honest conversation about the messy reality of leadership might resonate with your own experience. Resources mentioned https://stefaniegass.com/  Connect With Us We'd love to hear from you! 📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

    21 min
  • 8 Episodes

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About

Does a lack of validation make you question your call to leadership? Is fear of rejection preventing you from being your authentic self? Does imposture syndrome hold you back from leading with power versus fear? Do you want to serve in a meaningful way? I am so glad you're here, friend. I’m Audrey Shelby, and I’ve been leading in the public sector for 20 years. I struggled with anxiety and thinking I wasn’t worthy to be in the roles I occupied. But through intentionally seeking God in prayer and His affirmation of who I was created to be, I now lead with confidence, joy, and purpose. This podcast will help you identify the barriers that keep you from leading well. God has chosen you to shepherd over the job you’re in, the people you supervise, those children you’re raising, and the partner you have. Through the spiritual strategy of prayer and evidence-informed practices, together, we will tear down the lies that are keeping you from being free and successful as a leader. Grab your hot chocolate and your journal, and let’s go!

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