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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Ministry Wives Podcast! In this episode, host Amy Petersen sits down with Casey Kilgore, a ministry wife of more than 20 years and part of the Send Network team. Casey opens up about the realities of navigating unexpected ministry shifts, from major transitions in her family’s calling to their bold step into full-time RV living. With honesty and wisdom, she shares what it looks like to trust God’s plan even when it feels uncertain—and how ministry wives can stay rooted in Christ through seasons of change.

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Ministry Wives Podcast! In this episode, host Amy Petersen sits down with Bible teacher, actress, spoken-word artist, and ministry wife Blair Linne for an honest conversation on anxiety, mental health in ministry, and trusting God when self-effort falls short.

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Ministry Wives Podcast! We’re launching this new season with bestselling author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin, who joins host Amy Petersen for a powerful conversation on godly wisdom, biblical discernment, and the ministry wife life.

Welcome back to the third and final episode of our summer mini-series on 2 Corinthians! Join Christine Hoover as she invites her friend—pastor’s wife, mom, writer, and speaker—Kristen Wetherell to join her on the Ministry Wives Podcast. Together, they dive deeply into what reliance on the Lord looks like through the lens of chronic pain, motherhood, and the everyday realities of life as a ministry wife.

Welcome back to episode two of our three-part series on 2 Corinthians! Join our summertime host and founder of the podcast, Christine Hoover, as she meets up with Kristi Billingsley to explore the steadfastness of God—even amidst our toughest seasons of sorrow and loss.

Welcome to our special summer mini-series with Christine Hoover on the Ministry Wives Podcast! We’re so excited to launch this three-part season with Christine as she dusts off her microphone and unpacks what it means to rely on God’s strength in our weakness. Join us on the podcast as we get to spend a little time chatting with wife, mom, speaker, and author Whitney Capps!

Are you looking for fresh insight into the money matters of your household? Do you find yourself wondering if compensation conversations need to happen for your husband? Today, I spend time with Dr. Hance Dilbeck, the president and chief executive officer of Guidestone Financial Services. Pulling from his 30 years of pastoral ministry experience and almost 40 years of marriage to his wife Julie, Dr. Dilbeck shares the essentials for ministry couples to thrive financially, as well as how your values, mutual involvement, and willingness to ask for help can change the outcome of your family’s financial story for generations to come.

What should you do when you feel like your ministry calling is different from your husband’s? In this episode of the Ministry Wives podcast, I get to engage in a heartfelt discussion with Susan Field—a seasoned pastor’s wife, mom of two sons, and former NYC urbanite—all about the complexities of navigating ministry passions in the various spaces the Lord calls us to.

So, you married a minister… now what? Whether you feel called to leadership within the church or are struggling to find your place among its people, you are a person of influence—inside the church and outside its four walls. So, how can you embrace your voice as a leader and step into this role, stewarding the personality and passions God has gifted you with?

What is the path forward when you’re feeling overcome by expectations, racing thoughts, and the overwhelming reality of your sin? Today, I get to chat with pastor's wife, speaker, and author Kim Hardy about embracing our unique ministry journeys—and seeing how the Lord can use it all for His glory.

Do you keep finding yourself weighed down by your perfectionist tendencies? What about the expectations placed on you by yourself, your family, and your fellow church members? Today, I get to spend some time chatting with ministry wife, mom, and author Scarlet Hiltibidal on a life lived free from the restraints of perfectionism.

How can we posture ourselves to have open hands to the work that the Lord is doing–both in our personal lives and within the churches we serve? Today, I spend a few minutes chatting with Darlene Dryer, a ministry wife, mom to three daughters, leader of Replant Wife, and founder of Renewing Her Biblically.

Do you struggle to find your place as an introverted ministry wife in an extrovert-dominant world? Today, I’m chatting with Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, and life coach Holley Gerth about her book, "The Powerful Purpose of Introverts."

“What’s my place in the church?” If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what your answer to this question is, then get ready for today’s chat with pastor’s wife, mom, and podcaster extraordinaire Angie Elkins as she walks through her experiences in serving within her giftedness and embracing the personality God lovingly created her with.

Today’s guest is a Bible teacher, theologian, author, and the founder of the Woodson Institute–Ms. Elizabeth Woodson! Today, host Amy Petersen spends time with Elizabeth to discuss the challenges and joys of being a ministry wife. They explore how to embrace the ministry you have, find joy in life's disappointments, and navigate those complicated feelings of comparison. Elizabeth shares her personal journey in ministry, the importance of lament, and practical steps for moving forward when you feel stuck.