I’ve been working on something special behind the scenes, and I’m so excited to finally be able to share the details with you this week!
There’s a new, free women’s ministry resource coming to you soon!
Drum roll, please……
I’m launching a podcast!
Cue the confetti!
The Background
I’m still kind of in shock at this turn of events.
A couple of years ago, I spent some time seeking the Lord’s will about starting a podcast. Everyone was doing it (or so it seemed). Logically, it seemed like it could be a good resource for leaders. Except I had no idea how to create a podcast, I didn’t know how I would fit it in my schedule, and the thought of speaking into a microphone without an audience held zero appeal. But the Lord knows better than I do, so I prayed about it. After praying about it for a while, I was confident the answer was no.
This past December, the idea of a podcast kept bubbling up despite me reminding God we’d already settled this.
I set about praying again, and I quickly began to see how God had been preparing me in the last two years for this new thing.
I’ll be honest, the first couple of times I was interviewed on a podcast, I was miserable. I much prefer the interaction with a live audience. I struggled when I didn’t have a list of questions or time to think through my answers in advance. A shift began to happen as I had to transition my in-person Bible study group to Zoom. I became more comfortable talking to my camera.
In His mercy, God had given me time to get comfortable with this new direction and media. My misery began to fade.
When a post about Esther Littlefield’s Podcast in a Weekend (affiliate link) popped up in my feed, it was an easy yes. I needed to figure out how now that I had my marching orders.
Side note: I share all of that with you because I suspect there are some of you reading this right now that God has called to do something new and uncomfortable. He is waiting for you to step out in faith. Take that step forward in obedience. It’s a scary ride, but that’s when we have to rely on Him most.
Starting Wednesday, February 24th, you’ll be able to listen to the first few episodes of the Women’s Ministry Toolbox podcast.
Who is the podcast for?
The Women’s Ministry Toolbox podcast is a podcast for women serving women in their local church community as the women’s ministry team director, women’s ministry team member, or small group leader.
It’s for leaders of all ages and stages – those who are launching or re-launching a women’s ministry, new leaders, seasoned leaders, and every leader in between. It’s for those serving in a paid position and those serving as a volunteer.
It’s for the leader that’s discouraged and ready to give up. It’s for leaders looking for inspiration and fresh ideas. It’s for leaders looking for a community that understands. We get it. We face similar struggles. We know how hard women’s ministry can be.
What will be the format of the podcast?
Episodes will be released weekly on Wednesday mornings. Each month will offer a mix of solo episodes and interviews.
You can expect my solo episodes to last about 10-15 minutes and interviews to last about 30.
I know your time is valuable, and your to-do lists are long, so I will do my best to keep the discussion focused on the topic.
What kind of information will you cover?
Besides talking about the nuts and bolts of women’s ministry – things like leadership, planning events, team building, and discipleship, I’ll be interviewing everyday seasoned women’s ministry leaders and asking them to share their best tips and lessons learned. You’re going to love hearing from other women in the trenches.
This first season of the podcast will focus on the foundation of women’s ministry. We’ll chat about mission statements, building a team, budgets, and much more. There’s something in every episode for new and seasoned leaders.
In episode 1, we’ll discuss the scriptural support for women’s ministry. Episode 2 walks through defining your target audience. Episode 3 features an interview with a women’s ministry leader.
I’m hopeful that there will be some special bonus and Q&A episodes now and then too.
Where can I listen to the podcast?
The podcast is available on most major podcast platforms including, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Overcast, Alexa, Amazon Audible.
Links to listen will also be available on the Women’s Ministry Toolbox site here.
What if I’m not crazy about listening to podcasts? Can I read the content anywhere?
Yes! You’ll still have access to this new women’s ministry resource.
All solo episodes will be transcribed and published as a blog post the week following the podcast’s release.
The excitement I feel can only be from the Lord. Two years ago, I would have told you I would never, ever host a podcast, much less have joy about the journey. Yet, that’s not to say God isn’t stretching me in many ways as I learn all the tech pieces behind the scenes. It has been hard.
I hope and pray this new women’s ministry resource will be helpful to you as you serve and support the women in your church and community.
I’d love it if you left a review on your favorite podcast platform. Please share the podcast with your women’s ministry team and leaders that you know.
You’re also welcome to drop me a note with any feedback or topic suggestions.
If you’re a podcast host or thinking of starting a podcast, you may want to check out this resource (note this is an affiliate links):
The Lord leadeth…these were the words I read in my devotional time today. I have felt the Lord prompting me to get back into Women’s Ministry and doubts just kept flooding my heart and mind. You see, I was the Women’s Ministry Coordinator at our church about fifteen years ago and held that position for over 15 years. The women’s ministry fell apart because I told them I just couldn’t do it anymore…everyone wanted a women’s ministry, but no one wanted to help…the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few….me, I was just exhausted. Lately the Lord has laid it upon my heart to begin reaching out to women again, to pull them in, the lift them up and to just love on them. However, just as strongly as I felt the Lord leading me to do this, I also felt Satan telling me lies such as “things have changed a lot, you are too old, you are out of touch…and on and on the doubts kept playing on repeat in my mind. Today’s devotional line was “the Lord leadeth” and so I asked the Lord to lead me to “how to begin again…how do I start a Women’s Ministry again and so I picked up my computer, typed in starting a women’s ministry and landed on your site. Not by accident, but by God’s leading. Looking forward to beginning again and thanking you in advance for all the rich information and how to’s that you take the time to share with all of us. May God richly bless you in all you do.
Donnalynn, praying God will continue to direct your steps and that He will send other women to help! Thank you for sharing your story with me!
I’m am so excited about this new addition to the Women’s Ministry Toolbox! I need this. Thank you for keeping the podcast length of time easy to fit into my busy schedule. I won’t have to miss anything! I also appreciate the transcript option. I’m looking forward to it.
Patricia, I am excited too! 🙂 Thank you for your sweet comments and encouragement! <3
Awesome, looking forward to listening to you on the Podcast.
I totally enjoy the Women’s Ministry Toolbox.
I’m here for the ice breakers
Thank you, Leonie! I pray you’ll find each episode to be helpful! 🙂