Leadership Training for Christian Women l Knowing God l Bible Study l Purpose l Calling l Overcoming Overwhelm l Fear

Jackie Lester | Christian Discipleship & Purpose
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Christianity

Are you tired of being overwhelmed because you don’t know God’s will for your life? God has unique plans for you, and He has a specific calling for His people! We all have the same life purpose- to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. How do we do that? By loving Him and obeying His commands! We are going to dive into His Word, explore His promises, and talk about the practicalities of living out our purpose of loving God and our neighbors. Am I ready to be a spiritual leader? How can I be sure I am in His will? What are the dangers of finding my identity in leadership? We’ll answer all these questions and more together in this ten-episode podcast! What you’ll get each week: - Biblical teaching to replace fear and lies with truth - Practical discipleship tools and spiritual rhythms - Guidance to clarify calling, purpose, and next faithful steps - Encouragement to lead and make disciples with confidence Looking for more content? I’m sharing resources for Christian women on my new blog here! Be sure to download my free “How to Study the Bible” guide and subscribe so you can get my monthly newsletter. I highlight the books, sermons, podcasts, and Bible passages I am using to grow alongside women in my community! If you’re looking for a mentor- follow me as I follow Christ!  We can connect at my site or you can email me questions and prayer requests at jackiechristinelester@gmail.com! 

Episodes

  1. 12/22/2025

    Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Don’t Lead to Find Your Identity!

    In this episode we explore the common fear that there’s a “specific thing out there” you’re supposed to do before your life really begins and the lie that your worth, value, and acceptance depend on achieving that special calling or doing it “well enough.” We gently redirect our focus to the biblical truth that: Our identity is already given to us in Christ We were created first and foremost to worship God and bear His image Good works are meant to flow out of our secure identity in Jesus—not earn it We testify to God’s mercy, faithfulness, and intricate good works prepared in advance for us to walk in. She invites you to: Identify the lies and fears shaping your choices Repent of striving for identity through performance Receive, rest in, and live from your true identity as a beloved, adopted child of God   Resources:  FREE How to Study the Bible Guide   Bible Verses to Study: Genesis 1:27 Isaiah 43:7 Ephesians 2:8-9 2 Corinthians 5:21 Isaiah 61:10 Psalm 23 Ephesians 1:4-6 Ephesians 2:10 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!

  2. 12/15/2025

    Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Don’t Lead to Control!

    In this episode we explore one of the hardest heart issues for many leaders: the desire to control. Speaking especially to women in discipleship, small groups, and mentoring roles, we unpack the fears that often sit beneath our need to “hold on tight” to people and outcomes. We identify three core fears: “If it isn’t done my way, it won’t be right.” “If it isn’t done right, there will be consequences.” “If this person doesn’t change, I have failed.” From there, we contrast these fears with the freeing truth of Scripture: God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect, His purposes cannot be thwarted, and it is His job—not ours—to change hearts. We challenge listeners to examine whether their drive for “doing it right” is really about performance and control, or about honoring a holy God. This episode will encourage you to: Recognize pride and fear hiding beneath control. Make space for the Holy Spirit to work in others’ lives. Shift from managing outcomes to faithful obedience and surrender. Rest in the reality that God is always good, always in control, and fully capable. If you’ve ever felt responsible for someone else’s spiritual progress—or frustrated when they don’t change the way you hoped—this conversation will invite you into deeper trust, humility, and freedom as a spiritual leader.   Resources:  FREE How to Study the Bible Guide   Bible Verses to Study: Romans 8:28 Proverbs 14:12 Proverbs 19:21 Hebrews 12:6-7,11 Philippians 2:13 2 Corinthians 3:18 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!

  3. 12/08/2025

    Feeling Overwhelmed? Biblical Steps for Christian Women

    Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in your spiritual walk? This episode offers hope, tackling fear and self-doubt with biblical truth and practical wisdom for living in satisfaction and purpose. Struggling with anxiety about the future, doubts about your limits, or fear of the unknown? Discover how to move from the cycle of overwhelm to a life anchored in reverence for God, filled with reliance on His promises and daily grace. What You'll Learn: How fear of tomorrow, today’s limits, and the unknown can hinder your spiritual growth The biblical foundation for overcoming overwhelm and living with courageous faith What it truly means to "fear the Lord"—awe, reverence, and relationship, not dread Practical steps to surrender anxiety, pray through your limits, and step into life in abundance Key Topics: Christian living, overcoming overwhelm, faith and anxiety, biblical encouragement, spiritual confidence, fear of the Lord, prayer practices, trusting God, emotional resilience, spiritual growth Whether you're struggling to find footing in hard seasons or seeking practical ways to deepen your relationship with God, this episode equips you with biblical encouragement and actionable steps to leave fear behind and embrace the abundant life He promises. Resources:  FREE How to Study the Bible Guide   Bible Verses to Study: Galatians 5:16-26 Proverbs 16:3, 9 Philippians 4:6 Matthew 6:8,11,34 2 Corinthians 12:9 James 1:17 Philippians 4:13 Ephesians 2:10 Romans 8:28 Deuteronomy 30:19 2 Peter 1:3   Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!   Related Episodes Am I Called to Spiritual Leadership? Steps to Lead With Confidence Who is God? Discovering His Attributes Through the Bible Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Don’t Lead to Please People!

  4. 12/01/2025

    Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Don’t Lead to Please People!

    Have you ever faced this leadership challenge- serving from a place of people-pleasing instead of gospel confidence? We unpack the fears that drive us to seek approval—and how Christ offers a radical alternative of secure, grace-filled leadership. What You'll Learn Subtle traps of rejection fear and performance spirituality  How people-pleasing undermines authentic discipleship and gospel sharing  The gospel alternative: Leading from Christ's acceptance, not human validation  Practical ways to recognize and surrender people-pleasing motivations Key Topics: Spiritual leadership, fear of man, gospel identity, rejection, grace, discipleship, vulnerability, biblical confidence You'll leave with a clear framework to recognize people-pleasing patterns and a Christ-centered path to lead from freedom, not fear. Discover how your limitations become opportunities to showcase God's transformative grace. Resources:  FREE How to Study the Bible Guide   Bible Verses to Study: 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Hebrews 4:14-16 Psalm 23 Isaiah 61:10 Philippians 1:6 Romans 1:16   Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!   Related Episodes Am I Called to Spiritual Leadership? Steps to Lead With Confidence Who is God? Discovering His Attributes Through the Bible Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Why You Can’t Lead to Be Loved

  5. 11/24/2025

    Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Why You Can’t Lead to Be Loved

    Am I Ready to be a Spiritual Leader? Do Not Lead to be Loved! This conversation confronts a subtle motive that derails leaders: serving to gain approval from God. We walk through how fear and performance spirituality distort ministry—and how freedom in Christ re‑roots our leadership in love, not anxiety. You’ll get language and practices to check your motives and lead from a secure identity. What You’ll Learn Why “don’t lead to be loved” matters: approval‑seeking, performing to earn God’s favor, and the anxiety of losing love The gospel alternative: receiving love first, then serving—leading from acceptance rather than for acceptance Discernment questions to surface hidden motives before saying yes to leadership opportunities Key Topics: Motives in ministry, fear of man, performance vs. grace, identity in Christ, secure leadership, surrender and trust  You’ll leave with an understanding of how to recognize approval‑driven patterns and a gospel‑centered path to shepherd from love, not for love. Resources:  • FREE How to Study the Bible Guide  Bible Verses to Study: Romans 5:8  Romans 1:16 Ephesians 1:4-5 Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9 Romans 6:23 Philippians 1:6 Matthew 23:27 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!   Related Episodes Am I Called to Spiritual Leadership? Steps to Lead With Confidence Who is God? Discovering His Attributes Through the Bible

  6. 11/17/2025

    How to Know If You’re Ready to Spiritually Lead Women: 3 Things to Check

    Am I Ready to Spiritually Lead Other Women? 3 Boxes to Check! Wondering if it’s time to step into spiritual leadership with women? This conversation gives you a clear, biblical way to assess readiness—without guesswork or guilt. We’ll walk through three essential “boxes” that help you discern God’s timing, seek wise affirmation, and step forward with humility and courage. What You’ll Learn A simple 3‑box framework to evaluate readiness for women’s discipleship leadership How local‑church rootedness and accountability shape healthy leadership Why discipleship under authority matters (and what it looks like practically)  How to look for spiritual fruit and character affirmed by mature believers  Next steps if one of your “boxes” isn’t checked yet—grow intentionally without rushing the process Key Topics: Women’s discipleship, spiritual leadership, readiness, local church, accountability, spiritual fruit, mentoring, character, calling  You’ll leave with peace and clarity about your next faithful step—whether that’s stepping in, preparing more deeply, or inviting counsel from trusted leaders. Resources:  • FREE How to Study the Bible Guide  Bible Verses to Study Titus 2:3-5 Matthew 28: 18-20 Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hebrews 10:24-25 James 5:16 Philippians 2:13 Romans 1:16 Isaiah 41:10 Philippians 4:19 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!   Related Episodes Am I Called to Spiritual Leadership? Steps to Lead With Confidence

  7. 11/10/2025

    Leading Women: How to Respond to Unexpected Questions?

    How do I answer rogue questions? Ever had a discussion go sideways because of a curveball question? In this episode, you’ll learn how to respond with grace and clarity—without derailing the group. We’ll unpack a simple, repeatable framework to keep conversations constructive, care for the person asking, and keep everyone focused on the goal. What You’ll Learn A step‑by‑step approach to handle unexpected or off‑topic questions in real time (acknowledge → honor → redirect)  How to discern when to pause for depth vs. when to park a question for later—while protecting the group’s purpose and time  Phrases that de‑escalate tension, validate the asker, and invite the group back on track How to prepare your heart as a facilitator: humility, prayerful dependence, and leading with grace and truth  Ways to follow up after the meeting so people feel heard and shepherded  Key Topics: Group facilitation, small‑group leadership, difficult questions, grace and truth, de‑escalation, discussion guides, time stewardship, discipleship care  You’ll leave with practical tools and language to keep conversations fruitful, people cared for, and the mission clear—even when the questions aren’t. Resources:  • FREE How to Study the Bible Guide    Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!   Related Episodes Am I Called to Spiritual Leadership? Steps to Lead With Confidence

  8. 11/03/2025

    Who is God? Discovering His Attributes Through the Bible

    Who is God—really? Encounter His character in Scripture and let it transform how you see Him, yourself, and your everyday life. If your view of God feels distant, confusing, or shaped by circumstance, this episode will guide you back to the Bible to discover who God says He is. We’ll explore His attributes—holy and loving, just and merciful, sovereign and near—and how a right view of God reshapes our worship, decisions, and discipleship. What You’ll Learn How to study God’s character directly from Scripture (not culture or feelings) Key attributes of God: holiness, love, justice, mercy, faithfulness, sovereignty, wisdom Why “theology fuels doxology” (right thinking about God leads to right worship) How knowing God’s character brings peace in uncertainty and courage in obedience A simple framework to keep learning God’s character in your daily Bible reading Key Topics: God’s attributes, knowing God, biblical theology, holiness, mercy, faithfulness, sovereignty, worship, sanctification, spiritual formation You’ll leave with a clear, biblical picture of who God is—and practical steps to know Him personally, trust Him deeply, and reflect His character in your life.   Resources:  • FREE How to Study the Bible Guide  Bible Verses to Study: John 10:10 Matthew 19:26 Philippians 4:19 Matthew 6:31-32 Psalm 139:7-12 Romans 8:34 Matthew 6:8 1 John 4:19 John 13:35 Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 6:23 2 Corinthians 3:18 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!

  9. 10/27/2025

    Feeling lost? How to Know God’s Will and Your Calling

    Am I truly living in God’s will? Discover biblical clarity for your calling and take confident next steps in your purpose. Feeling torn about your vocation, ministry, or season of life? Unsure how to discern God’s guidance day-to-day? In this episode, we explore what Scripture actually says about calling—and how to walk in God’s will with confidence, peace, and obedience in every season. What You’ll Learn: How to discern God’s will through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel Signs you’re striving from fear vs. stepping in faith Practical steps to test and confirm a next step with God How character, gifting, and opportunities work together in calling Key Topics: God’s will, Christian calling, purpose and vocation, discernment, obedience, spiritual formation, decision-making, trusting God’s timing, walking by faith, kingdom assignment You’ll leave with a simple, actionable framework to seek the Lord, move forward without fear, and honor Him right where you are—while remaining open to His leading. Resources:  • FREE How to Study the Bible Guide  Bible Verses to Study: Deuteronomy 30:11-16 1 Corinthians 14:33 Matthew 24:37 Matthew 28:18-20 Deuteronomy 29:29 Romans 16:25-27 2 Timothy 3:16 2 Corinthians 5:21 Matthew 7:7-8 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!

  10. 10/20/2025

    Am I Called to Spiritual Leadership? Steps to Lead With Confidence

    Am I qualified to lead other Christian women? Overcome leadership fears with biblical confidence and practical skills for spiritual leadership. Wondering if you're ready for women's ministry or small group leadership? Struggling with insecurity about your character or practical abilities? This episode reveals the truth: God calls ALL Christian women to make disciples - and you can develop both the character and skills needed. What You'll Learn:  • Biblical assessment of spiritual leadership readiness • How to develop Christ-like character for ministry  • Practical leadership skills that can be learned (not just personality traits)  • Overcoming fear and insecurity in women's ministry  • Next steps to grow in spiritual leadership confidence Key Topics: Christian women leadership, spiritual discipleship, Bible study leader training, overcoming ministry fears, character development, practical leadership skills, making disciples, women's ministry confidence Whether you're considering small group leadership, mentoring other women, or stepping into any form of spiritual leadership, this episode provides biblical foundation and practical next steps to move from fear to faithful service. Resources:  • FREE How to Study the Bible Guide  Bible Verses to Study:  Galatians 5:16-26 Exodus 20:1-17 Deuteronomy 5:6-22 Matthew 5, 6, and 7 1 Corinthians 12 Philippians 1:3-11 Matthew 25:14-30 Connect: Email jackiechristinelester@gmail.com  Looking for a Mentor? Check out my blog here!

  • 10 Episodes

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About

Are you tired of being overwhelmed because you don’t know God’s will for your life? God has unique plans for you, and He has a specific calling for His people! We all have the same life purpose- to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. How do we do that? By loving Him and obeying His commands! We are going to dive into His Word, explore His promises, and talk about the practicalities of living out our purpose of loving God and our neighbors. Am I ready to be a spiritual leader? How can I be sure I am in His will? What are the dangers of finding my identity in leadership? We’ll answer all these questions and more together in this ten-episode podcast! What you’ll get each week: - Biblical teaching to replace fear and lies with truth - Practical discipleship tools and spiritual rhythms - Guidance to clarify calling, purpose, and next faithful steps - Encouragement to lead and make disciples with confidence Looking for more content? I’m sharing resources for Christian women on my new blog here! Be sure to download my free “How to Study the Bible” guide and subscribe so you can get my monthly newsletter. I highlight the books, sermons, podcasts, and Bible passages I am using to grow alongside women in my community! If you’re looking for a mentor- follow me as I follow Christ!  We can connect at my site or you can email me questions and prayer requests at jackiechristinelester@gmail.com! 

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