Beside Every Calling

Jill & Debbie
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Arts

Beside Every Calling is a podcast for those married to ministry leaders who love deeply, serve faithfully, and sometimes wonder where they fit in the midst of it all. Together, we explore what it means to form identity in Christ, cultivate a hidden space with God, and discover a ministry within the calling we live beside—where identity is formed beside the calling, not lost within it. Through honest conversations, practical wisdom you can actually use, interviews with others living in this same space, and a little grace-filled humor along the way, we talk about faith, boundaries, joy, and the everyday realities of life in ministry. This is a gentle, grace-filled space to reconnect with God, reclaim who you are, and create a life you love while honoring a calling that matters deeply. If you’ve ever felt unseen, stretched thin, or quietly longing for something more faithful and more whole—you belong here. Connect with us: We’d love to meet you. Join us on Facebook and Instagram @BesideEveryCalling

  1. 1d ago

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 13: What Has Kept Us Positive After 30+ Years of Ministry

    Send us Fan Mail Beside Every Calling | Season 2, Episode 13 What Has Kept Us Positive After 30+ Years of Ministry After more than three decades in ministry, how do you stay positive, avoid burnout, and continue loving the life God has called you to? In our Season 2 premiere, we share the lessons, habits, and perspectives that have helped us protect our joy through more than 30 years of ministry. This isn't a conversation about pretending ministry is easy. It's an honest discussion about the choices we've made that have helped us thrive—not just survive—beside the calling. Whether you're serving in your first church or have been in ministry for decades, we hope you'll finish this episode feeling encouraged, understood, and reminded that you're not alone. In Today's Conversation • Why comparison is one of the quickest ways to lose your joy in ministry—and the Adam and Eve analogy that completely changed Debbie's perspective. • Why burnout is real, what a sabbatical taught one ministry family, and why having something to look forward to matters more than you might think. • Why laughter has become one of the healthiest survival tools in ministry. • A simple bedtime practice of physically opening your hands and giving your worries to God. • Why finding "your people" is essential for long-term ministry health. • What it means to become a bridge for the next generation of ministry spouses. • Some of our favorite books that have encouraged us through the years, including The Generosity by Luci Shaw (a book of poems), the Boundaries series by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, books by Lisa TerKeurst, Dallas Willard, Bob Goff, Mark Batterson.  Debbie mentions the The Glenbrooke Series and Sister Chicks series by Robin Jones Gunn. • A word of encouragement if you're walking through a difficult season: you're probably doing better than you think. This Episode Is For You If... • You've been feeling weary, discouraged, or isolated in ministry. • You're wondering how people stay positive after decades of serving. • You want honest conversations—not polished perfection—from women who have lived ministry for more than 30 years. • You want practical encouragement to help you build a life you love beside the calling. Table Talk Questions 1. Looking back over your ministry journey, what has helped you stay positive? 2. Which part of today's conversation resonated with you the most, and why? 3. Have you ever found yourself comparing your ministry or your life to someone else's? What helped you refocus? 4. What practical rhythms help you avoid burnout and protect your joy? 5. Who are "your people," and how have they helped you love ministry for the long haul? 6. What's one book that has encouraged or shaped your ministry journey? 7. If a brand-new ministry spouse sat down with you over coffee, what's one piece of advice you'd share with them? 8. What's one small step you can take this week to protect your joy? We'd Love to Connect With You.  We love hearing from ministry spouses around the world. Email us anytime at:  besideeverycalling@gmail.com If this episode encouraged you, we'd be honored if you left a review. Your review helps other ministry spouses discover the Beside Every Calling community. If someone came to mind while you were listening, would you share this episode with them? You never know how one conversation might remind another ministry spouse that they're not alone. Beside Every Calling, helping you create a life you love beside the calling, without losing yourself within it. #besideeverycalling #ministryspouse #pastorswife #christianpodcast #ministrylife

  2. Jun 11

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 12: Only in Ministry: You Can't Make This Stuff Up

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 12: You Won’t Believe This Happened.  Episode 12: Only in Ministry: Season 1 Finale!  Debbie and Jill celebrate by sharing some of the funniest, most unbelievable moments they've experienced in ministry.  We all need to laugh! This is a space for those walking beside a calling—where identity is formed beside it, not lost within it. In this lighthearted Season 1 finale, Debbie and Jill share some of the funniest, most unexpected, and completely unforgettable moments from life in ministry. From baptistry chaos and communion mishaps to embarrassing public moments and international travel disasters, this episode is filled with stories that remind us ministry life is often beautiful, meaningful—and wildly unpredictable. After a season of honest conversations about loneliness, friendship, relationships, family, and transitions, this episode is a reminder that laughter matters too. If you’ve ever had a ministry moment that made you laugh, cringe, or wonder “did that really just happen?”—this conversation is for you. Want to connect with us or share your story? Email us at: besideeverycalling@gmail.com Table Talk Questions: 1. What is one funny or unforgettable ministry moment your family still talks about today? 2. How has laughter helped you through difficult or stressful ministry seasons? 3. Why do you think humor and joy are important in ministry life? 4. What are some of the moments that remind you ministry is both meaningful and wonderfully imperfect? 5. How can you create more space for joy and lightness in this season of life?

  3. Jun 4

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 11: When God Calls You To Move On

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 11: Leaving Well — When God Calls You to Move On This is a space for those walking beside a calling—where identity is formed beside it, not lost within it. In this heartfelt conversation, Debbie and Jill talk honestly about one of the hardest parts of ministry life—knowing when it’s time to leave and step into a new season. They share personal stories about difficult transitions, unexpected interruptions, moving away from ministries they deeply loved, and the emotional weight ministry spouses often carry through change. From helping children navigate transitions to grieving what was while embracing what’s next, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and reassurance for anyone walking through uncertainty or change in ministry life. They also discuss the importance of leaving well, protecting your heart during transition, and trusting God even when the future feels unclear. If you are navigating a ministry transition—or sensing a shift coming—this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, and that God is faithful in every season. Want to connect with us or share your story?  Email us at: besideeverycalling@gmail.com Table Talk Questions:  Have you ever sensed a “release” or transition in your current season of ministry life?  What emotions are hardest for you during times of transition or change?  How can you better care for yourself and your family during a ministry move or major life transition?  Are there relationships or expectations you may need to release as you move into a new season?  What would it look like to trust God more fully with what’s next?

  4. May 28

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 10: When Church Relationships Hurt

    Send us Fan Mail This is a space for those walking beside a calling—where identity is formed beside it, not lost within it. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Debbie and Jill talk about one of the hardest realities of ministry life—painful and complicated relationships within the church. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, they share personal stories of betrayal, bullying, isolation, counseling, and healing. They also talk about the emotional and physical toll unhealthy relationships can take—and why seeking support is not weakness, but wisdom. Through it all, this episode offers hope, practical encouragement, and a reminder that you do not have to walk through difficult seasons alone. If you’ve ever questioned yourself, carried silent hurt, or struggled through painful church relationships, this conversation is for you. Want to connect with us or share your story? Email us at: besideeverycalling@gmail.com Table Talk Questions: 1. Have you experienced a difficult or hurtful relationship in ministry life that still affects you today? 2. What healthy boundaries might help protect your emotional and spiritual well-being in this season? 3. Is there someone safe you can talk honestly with about what you are carrying? 4. What would it look like to prioritize healing instead of simply enduring? 5. How can you and your spouse better care for yourselves during difficult ministry seasons?

  5. May 21

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 09: Finding Real Friendship in Ministry Life

    Send us Fan Mail This is a space for those walking beside a calling—where identity is formed beside it, not lost within it. Why is friendship in ministry life often harder than people expect? In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Debbie and Jill talk about one of the most quietly painful realities of ministry life—the challenge of finding genuine, safe friendship while living in the unique pressures of ministry. From shifting relationships and friendship wounds to healthy boundaries and building intentional community, they share personal stories and practical wisdom from different seasons of ministry life. They also talk honestly about the importance of a small, trusted inner circle and why meaningful friendship takes intentionality, time, and courage—even after disappointment. If you’ve ever felt unsure where you fit, longed for deeper connection, or wondered if anyone truly understands this life, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and that meaningful friendship is still possible. Want to connect with us or share your story? Email us at: besideeverycalling@gmail.com Table Talk Questions: 1. What kind of friendship do you need most in this season of your life? 2. Are there any past hurts that may be affecting how you approach friendship today? 3. What boundaries might help you build healthier, more life-giving relationships? 4. Is there one small step you could take this week to pursue meaningful connection? If yes describe it out loud. 5. How can you invite God into your desire for friendship in a more intentional way?

  6. May 14

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 8: The Loneliness No One Talks About in Ministry Life

    Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal and honest conversation, Debbie and Jill talk about something many in ministry quietly experience but rarely say out loud—loneliness.  This is a space for those walking beside a calling—where identity is formed beside it, not lost within it. They share from their own current seasons, navigating roles filled with purpose yet often lacking people who fully understand the weight and uniqueness of their lives. From shifting friendships to the absence of everyday connection, this episode brings language to a reality many ministry spouses carry. Through practical ideas for building community, setting healthy boundaries, and strengthening your marriage, Debbie and Jill offer both wisdom and hope. They also remind us that even in seasons where people feel distant, God remains present and near. If you’ve been feeling isolated or unseen, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you are not alone—and that meaningful connection is still possible in this season. Want to connect with us or share your story?  Email us at: besideeverycalling@gmail.com Table Talk Questions:  In what ways have you experienced loneliness in your current season of ministry life?  Are there friendships you may need to intentionally reconnect with or invest in?  What practical steps could help you build meaningful community right now?  How can you and your spouse be more intentional about supporting each other in this season?  What does it look like for you to draw closer to God when you feel isolated or unseen?

  7. May 7

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 7: From Staff Spouse to Lead Pastor Spouse

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 7: From Staff Spouse to Lead Pastor Spouse In this honest and heartfelt conversation... Debbie and Jill are joined by Dana Hustko and Bethany Jack to talk about one of the most significant transitions in ministry life—moving from being a staff pastor’s spouse to a lead pastor’s spouse.  This is a space for those walking beside a calling—where identity is formed beside it, not lost within it. They share real experiences about increased visibility, shifting relationships, and the unexpected pressures that come with this role. From navigating criticism and comparison to learning how to support your spouse and protect your identity, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement for every season. Whether you’re stepping into this role for the first time or have been living it for years, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and that your identity is formed beside the calling, not lost within it. Want to connect with us or share your story? Email us at: besideeverycalling@gmail.com Table Talk Questions: 1. What has been the most challenging part of navigating relationships         within the church in your current season? 2. Are there areas where comparison or outside expectations are affecting your joy? 3. How can you more intentionally support your spouse while also caring for your own identity and calling? 4. What rhythms could help you stay grounded and spiritually encouraged in this season?

  8. Apr 30

    Beside Every Calling | Episode 06: Staff Spouse Life-What No one Tells You

    Send us Fan Mail Beside Every Calling | Episode 06: Staff Spouse Life — What No One Tells You 📩 Connect With Us: If this episode encouraged you, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at besideeverycalling@gmail.com In this episode, Debbie and Jill sit down with Dana Hutsko and Bethany Jack for an honest conversation about the real experience of ministry spouse life on a church staff. From the early days of feeling unprepared and alone to learning how to build community and stay grounded, this conversation offers both validation and practical wisdom for every season of ministry life. In This Episode:  What they wish someone had told them before ministry life  Navigating loneliness in the early years  Practical ways to find your people and build community  Staying grounded in your identity beyond the role  Encouragement for those just starting out Table Talk Questions:  What has surprised you most about ministry life?  Have you experienced loneliness in this season? What did that look like?  Who are your “safe people,” and how did you find them?  What helps you stay grounded in your identity outside of ministry?  What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a staff spouse? Follow Along: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/besideeverycalling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/besideeverycalling

See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Beside Every Calling is a podcast for those married to ministry leaders who love deeply, serve faithfully, and sometimes wonder where they fit in the midst of it all. Together, we explore what it means to form identity in Christ, cultivate a hidden space with God, and discover a ministry within the calling we live beside—where identity is formed beside the calling, not lost within it. Through honest conversations, practical wisdom you can actually use, interviews with others living in this same space, and a little grace-filled humor along the way, we talk about faith, boundaries, joy, and the everyday realities of life in ministry. This is a gentle, grace-filled space to reconnect with God, reclaim who you are, and create a life you love while honoring a calling that matters deeply. If you’ve ever felt unseen, stretched thin, or quietly longing for something more faithful and more whole—you belong here. Connect with us: We’d love to meet you. Join us on Facebook and Instagram @BesideEveryCalling

Information

  • Creator
    Jill & Debbie
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beside Every Calling
  • Show Website
    Beside Every Calling