Let's Talk with Sanctuary

Send us a textToday we celebrate Let's Talk with Sanctuary's 100th EPISODE!!! As we launch into a brand-new year, we see that there are some challenges before the Church, and understandably so. Scripturally, we know it's slated to get a little tougher, the closer we get to the coming of our Lord and Savior. Spiritual leaders must prepare themselves, and rally others, to be ready for Christ's return. So, what does it take to sustain until the end? And how does the minister of the Gospel prepare the way, cultivate an environment where the Spirit of God can do what He desires, and remain steadfast in our convictions, belief systems, and daily living in a way that pleases God? Let's talk about it all! In this episode, host Bridgette Tomlin welcomes her husband, Chresten Tomlin, back to the podcast to talk about a variety of things—subject matter that makes up the couple's conversations on the back patio, hot tea and coffee in hand, solving all the world's problems. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Chresten Tomlin:Website: www.ctministries.comEmail: ctministries98@gmail.comFacebook: @chresten.tomlin Facebook: @tomlinministriesFeatured:Earn a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card by giving Let's Talk with Sanctuary a Rating + Review on Apple podcasts!Launch or attend a Let's Connect gathering in 2025!Join Sanctuary's private Facebook group for ministry wives.Follow Sanctuary on Instagram @sanctuarym2mwMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textToday we welcome guest Kelly Preston of True Horizons to kick off the new year with a fresh set of opportunities to reboot! Kelly shares from her recent experience of running the NYC marathon to raise money for a grief camp, as well as her ministry family's grief journey through the loss of their oldest son and a cancer diagnosis for their youngest son. You'll grow from Kelly's expertise in naming and facing your core fears and personal growth coaching that's actually "user-friendly". Bonus, you'll find out about some incredible virtual coaching that's accessible and affordable for women in ministry.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------With over 25 years of dedicated experience, Kelly Preston is a certified life coach specializing in various areas of expertise. Her extensive journey in leadership and counseling has encompassed a wide spectrum of roles, from guiding marriages to assisting parents, leaders, and individuals who are eager to embark on a transformative journey toward discovering and nurturing their full potential.Kelly's unwavering passion lies in helping individuals unlock their hidden potential, enabling them to step into the best version of themselves. Her commitment to personal growth and empowerment is reflected in her work as a certified life coach and mental health coach.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Kelly Preston:Email: kelly@truehorizons.net IG: @lifecoach.kellypreston FB: Kelly Rowles PrestonWebsite: www.truehorizons.netPhone: 435.840.3872Featured:Earn a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card by giving Let's Talk with Sanctuary a Rating + Review on Apple podcasts!Join Sanctuary's private Facebook group for ministry wives.Follow Sanctuary on Instagram @sanctuarym2mwFREE Core Fears AssessmentMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textIt's commonly known that today's children and adolescents are riddled with anxiety, far more than previous generations, but why? What drives the anxiety? How can parents and spiritual leaders guide and shape today's generation as they face an onslaught of unfiltered information and content they are not hardwired to process at such young ages? Youth ministry veteran Kevin Norwood joins LTS host Bridgette Tomlin in this episode to discuss why mental health matters and how a message of Hope can change a student's life.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Kevin Norwood is a seasoned youth ministry leader with over 37 years of experience focused on empowering teenagers and guiding the Next Generation toward realizing their potential. His ministry journey began in 1987 at Lakeside Assembly in Oklahoma City, where he worked alongside veteran youth pastor Paul Abner to establish a foundation for lifelong youth mentorship. Over his career, Dr. Norwood has served in multiple locations, including a decade in Owasso, Oklahoma, a period at Fort Myers First Assembly in Florida, and a further 20 years back in Owasso. He holds a Doctorate in Global Leadership from George Fox University, with his dissertation and accompanying work centered on “Discipleship for the Next Generation” which explores engaging and mentoring the emerging generation. Dr. Norwood also earned a master's degree in Theology from Oral Roberts University and a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry from Southwestern Christian University.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Kevin Norwood:Email: knxtreme@gmail.com Web: wiredinc.orgWeb: curatehope.comWeb: kevinnorwood.comInstagram:  knxtremeX:  @knxtremeMeta:  knxtremFeatured:Earn a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card by giving Let's Talk with Sanctuary a Rating + Review on Apple podcasts!Join Sanctuary's private Facebook group for ministry wives.Follow Sanctuary on Instagram @sanctuarym2mwThe Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan HaidtMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textIn 11 short years of marriage, Kaitlyn McKinney and husband Jared have experienced more tragedies, challenges, and heartbreaks than many married couples do in a lifetime together. Two cancer diagnoses, a myriad of lifesaving surgeries, four failed adoptions, and a host of disappointments would have broken many down, but have proven to only strengthen this church-planting couple. In this episode of Let's Talk with Sanctuary, hear the heartfelt worship pour out from Kaitlyn's heart as she recounts the countless blessings she and Jared have discovered when faith in Jesus is what is holding you together.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Kaitlyn McKinney, her husband Jared, their sweet daughter Wrenley, and two doodle pups live in Billings, Montana where they pastor Canvas Church. The couple moved to Montana in 2017 from Seattle Washington where they served as youth pastors for several years. Kaitlynn is passionate about the local church and loves what they get to do. Kaitlyn adds, “I don't feel complete unless my nails are done, my eyebrows are presentable, I'm wearing something cozy and have coffee in hand.” She's an avid shopper, which makes living in Montana somewhat of a challenge, so traveling is also a must. Kaitlyn currently serves as the worship director at Canvas Church and often sings her sentences or breaks out in a good song when it seems necessary. The last five years have included her husband battling leukemia twice, as well as four adoption disruptions. But through it all, The Lord has been teaching her to rely on Him more than ever. “I don't know how to make it through a day without Jesus, and my hope is to teach people that even in your lowest valley God is still good,” Kaitlyn adds. She reminds us the biggest thing she's learned is not to blame God, but to lean into Him further.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Kaitlyn McKinney:Facebook: @KaitlynMcKinneyInstagram: @kaitlynmckinney7Featured:Earn a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card by giving Let's Talk with Sanctuary a Rating + Review on Apple podcasts!Join Sanctuary's private Facebook group for ministry wives.Follow Sanctuary on Instagram @sanctuarym2mwMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textToday's subject is one you'll probably need to reference multiple times over the course of your life and ministry journey as transition is unavoidable for every single human. And the unfortunate thing about transition—whether it's personally, ministerially, relationally—is that often we are ill-prepared for it when it comes upon us. But there is a way to prepare your heart, to anticipate when it's time to make a change, and some practical steps you can take to make the journey a little smoother. Take a listen as guest Mike Buie shares from his four decades of ministerial and marketplace experiences with transition.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mike and Pam Buie have lived in Oklahoma, serving in a lead pastor role, for nearly 30 years at CrossPoint Church in Sand Springs, just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to moving to Oklahoma, Mike served two different churches in Texas as an associate pastor, through which he met his wife Pam. Shortly after marrying, Mike and Pam moved to the Tulsa area upon hearing a word from the Lord that He had ministry for them in Oklahoma. After a short few years serving under pastoral leadership at Christian Chapel in Tulsa, 1989 brought an opportunity to pastor what was then known as Cathedral of Praise, now CrossPoint. The church had gone through some dark days, and the future was uncertain. When Mike came to serve the church, he said, “If we are willing to take care of God's business, then He will take care of the church's business.” Out of that statement a vision for a strong mission program was born. Today the church continues with its strong mission emphasis, locally and globally. In 2019, after retiring from CrossPoint, Mike and Pam returned to Christian Chapel. They started hosting and leading home groups and teaching various discipleship classes on Wednesday night, which prompted lead pastor Chris Dow's invitation for Mike to join his staff as a part-time associate pastor. As an associate pastor, Mike is doing work often associated with a connections pastor. He now has 65 people serving on the guest service team for all three services, follows up with new families, and teaches the membership class.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Mike Buie:Email: mike@christianchapel.comFeatured: Learn about Let's RetreatFight the Holiday Hype BlogMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textThroughout their multi-decade tenure in vocational ministry, predominantly as lead pastors, Bryan and Haley Jarrett have come to the conclusion: Haley prefers the shadows to the spotlight. She's uncomfortable with platform ministry and, despite her many efforts to "grow into the part", has come to recognize that she is called to her husband, and not quite as much to the traditional roles with which the title of "pastor's wife" has often been culturally linked. Cultural expectations, Bryan reminds us, are not Scriptural expectations. In this episode both Bryan and Haley join host Bridgette Tomlin to discuss unhealthy demands, the conversations ministry couples should be having privately, and how to promote women in leadership roles without demeaning those who thrive behind-the-scenes.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abuse, abandonment, and addiction defined Bryan's early life. After meeting Jesus, God's grace not only dealt with his sin, but also began to heal the hurts of his past. This experience with grace forged in him a passion for broken people. Pastor Bryan serves in leadership roles in multiple universities, missions agencies, church planting networks, and global financial institutions. He has a B.A., an M.A., and an earned Doctorate. He is an author and sought-after speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. In 2015, he and Haley founded Lonesome Dove Ranch, a place of healing for abused children and a place of rest and resourcing for America's small-town pastors.According to Bryan, his most honorable professional title is being called “Pastor” by the great people of Northplace Church. Pastor Bryan is married to his high school sweetheart, Haley. They have three young adult children. In August, Bryan and Haley became grandparents for the first time to grandson, Lincoln James Jarrett.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guests, Bryan and Haley:Haley IG: @hjarrettBryan: @drbryanjarrettFeatured: Learn about Let's RetreatListen to Pastor Bryan's message at the CMN Conference.Learn about Lonesome Dove RanchMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textIt's been studied, researched, and proven: technology has sped things up when it comes to parenting, teaching, and pastoring today's children. Topics that once were saved for later are now required topics to address, both in the home and through the local church. In today's episode we welcome Kids Min expert Brian Dollar, whose tenure in children's ministries and Next Gen ministries overall speaks for itself. The breadth of his insights on how to train up this generation to be lifelong followers of Christ should be valued by every church ministry leader and parent. Take a listen as host Bridgette Tomlin opens up a myriad of topics such as what to do with tech, the gender identity crises this generation is facing, Biblical illiteracy, AI, and so much more!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brian Dollar is a pastor, author, and speaker who has been in ministry since 1992.  He currently serves as Associate Pastor at First NLR in North Little Rock, Arkansas where he leads over 500 volunteers in nearly a dozen ministries. In 1998, he founded High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources, which creates cutting-edge, multi-media Elementary and Preschool Kids Church Curriculum. These resources have been used in more than 20,000 churches around the world. He is also the author of Talk Now and Later: How to Lead Kids Through Life's Tough Topics.Brian and his wife, Cherith, have two amazing children – Ashton (son-in-law, Nick) and Jordan. They currently reside in Sherwood, Arkansas.Connect with today's guest, Brian Dollar:X:  @briandollar1Facebook: facebook.com/brian.dollarFeatured:Let's Connect Facebook Group | Special Needs MommasSanctuary Blog Archives

Send us a textParenting children while simultaneously fulfilling all the weighty duties of work, the extracurricular activities, and meeting needs of extended family can be quite challenging, to say the least. Adding the layer of special needs, and the list of variations as diverse as the children who wrestle with them, can produce stress, fear, worry, and so much more on the parents who are just trying to fulfill the call of God on their lives. This episode features a panel of Special Needs Mommas, including Kayla Bates, Chelsea Brummett, and Barbie Harris, and LTS host Bridgette Tomlin, as they discuss the rigors, highs, lows, and joys of parenting children with special needs. We talk about what it looks like to minister to families with special needs children within our communities and through the local church. They also highlight the unique challenges that being in ministry brings into the mix!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guests:Kayla BatesFB: @kaylabates IG: @kaylasblissChelsea BrummettFB: @chelseabrummettIG: @reneebrummettBarbie HarrisFB: @barbieharrisIG: @barbieharris777Featured:Let's Connect Facebook Group | Special Needs MommasSanctuary Blog Archives

Send us a textIn today's episode we welcome author Kristen Strong to share about her most recent book--a book you're going to love to receive, and love to give away. Friends Are Family We Choose provides the perfect introduction to a conversation we keep unpacking at Let's Talk with Sanctuary--the value and importance of healthy friendships. Kristen shares about her "baptism by fire" training in friendship when she went from her childhood on "O'Neil Lane" to moving every few years with her husband's military career. She also talks about how to find friendship even in your busiest seasons, why it's important and Christ-like to make the effort, and so much more. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Kristen Strong, whose authored books include Girl Meets Change and When Change Finds You, also compiled the 90-day devotional, Praying Through Loneliness. She writes as the friend wanting to help you be the friend you want to have. She loves sharing laughs, long talks, and meaningful stories with family and friends while holding a cup of strong black tea. She and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three beloved adult children. Together this military family zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can find her at kristenstrong.com, DaySpring's (in)courage, and on Instagram @kristenstrong.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Kristen Strong:Instagram: @kristenstrongFacebook: @chasingblueskieswww.kristenstrong.comLearn more about Friends Are Family We Choose here.Featured:Greene and RaleyWhat's your favorite episode or featured guest on Let's Talk with Sanctuary's first four seasons?Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textWhat do you do when you've done everything right? You've raised your child in the ways of the Lord. You've modeled the heart of Christ. You've instructed them in right and wrong. Yet, the unthinkable happens--your once obedient and faith-filled child has become a prodigal. The pain is unbearable, and the walk of faith is long and hard.If you are the parent of a prodigal, you need hope--and lots of it! Today we are blessed to have author Jelly Valimont on the podcast to share her most recent book. The book's title, Pathways of a Prodigal. It's an easy read, but oh-so-valuable to all parents and grandparents, and particularly for those in our listening audience who are raising preachers' kids in your home. Take a listen as Jelly shares about her life as a PK, parenting her own prodigals, and the principles that guided her and her late husband, Dr. Randy Valimont, as they saw the return of each of their daughters.----------------------------------------------------------------------------Jelly Valimont is the widow of Dr. Randy Valimont, former pastor of Griffin First Assembly (GFA), an Encounter Life Network church. She was born in McMinnville, Tennessee into the home of a pastor and spent her PK life growing up in a Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. While attending Southeastern University, she met and married the love of her life, Randy Valimont. The couple served in various ministerial roles in Arkansas and Georgia. In 1993, Randy and Jelly relocated to Griffin, Georgia, where Jelly continues to live. During their time in Griffin, Jelly has been involved in the local church in women's ministry, Celebration Choir, worship teams, and the ministry of costumes. She was also an administrative consultant for GFA during Dr. Valimont's tenure.Jelly has been used by God to speak in the local church and at conferences throughout the United States and internationally. She has written two books: I Have Issues and Tapestry: a Story of Adoption, Acceptance, and Destiny. Jelly's heart's cry is to do the will of the Father, wherever and whatever that might be, to bring souls into the Kingdom, and to facilitate spiritual health and well-being to the Body of Christ. If she can do it while laughing, so much the better!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Jelly Valimont:Instagram: @jellyvalimontFacebook: @jelly.jordan.valimontEmail: jelly@valimontministries.orgPurchase the Books: www.valimontministries.orgAddress: 1620 BEVILLE DR, GRIFFIN, GA 30224Phone: 770-467-0011Featured:Episode 72, featuring Jelly ValimontGreene and RaleyMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a textEternity in heaven, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is the ultimate goal for every believer. Unfortunately, many professing followers of Christ, including ministers of the Gospel, will give themselves far too much latitude as they age, letting go of the simple spiritual disciplines and convictions that have grounded them through decades of following Christ, only to be sidelined by the enemy just before they cross the finish line. Faithfulness, not just in ministry service, but in surrendered submission to the work of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives each day is the focus for our conversation today. Our featured guests Pastors Billy and Bettye Nickell recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and faithful ministerial service. They join us to share what they've learned is "the secret sauce" of living with integrity all the days of your life.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Billy and Bettye Nickell were elected as Lead Pastors of Amarillo's First Family Church, First Assembly of God, in March 2002. He served as the Presbyter of the of the North Plains Section from 1983-2010 and as an Executive Presbyter for twenty-three of those years. In April of 2010, Billy was elected to be the Secretary/Treasurer of the West Texas District, as well as one of three General Presbyters. He and Bettye traveled as evangelists for six-years prior to their 22-year pastorate at First Assembly of God in Canyon, Texas. He currently serves on the board of Pleasant Hills Children's Home in Fairfield, TX, and as a member of the board of regents at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie. They have two daughters who live in Amarillo with their husbands and eight beautiful grandchildren. Billy's passion is sharing God's Word for the exclusive purposes of bringing glory to Christ and seeing lives eternally changed.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guests, Billy & Bettye Nickell:Website:  www.firstfamilychurch.orgYouTube: Amarillo First Family ChurchEmail: fantastic1316@gmail.comFeatured:Give Let's Talk with Sanctuary a Rating + Review!Learn about Let's Connect.Let's Connect listingsMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a Text Message.Today's guest will inspire you to just be a better, stronger, more compassionate human being. James wrote in chapter one, verse 27: “Pure and unblemished religion [as it is expressed in outward acts] in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit and look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress, and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the [secular] world.” Sometimes, even as ministers of the Gospel, we can be so consumed with all the tasks that are involved in producing ministry events that we can overlook ministry itself, stripped down to its core, which is just loving on people. And our guest Marlene Craft is going to help provide a bit of a mental and ministry reset for each of us, regardless of what lane of ministry work you're doing—simply as a follower of Christ. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Marlene Craft and her husband Wayne were pastors for 30 years, until his sudden passing 13 years ago. Soon after her husband died, she knew that her desire was now to minister to widows. In 2013, Marlene began a small group widows' ministry at her home church and, five years later, became the first Assemblies of God U.S. Missionary Chaplain to Widows, Marlene's heart is to equip the church to minister to widows and has written a program to do that. She loves to encourage widows and let them know the Lord has “a future and a hope” for this season in their life. Marlene also enjoys teaching about grief to aid people through their journey of darkness.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Marlene Craft:Website: WidowsLink.orgFacebook: @WidowsLinkMinistryFeatured:Give Let's Talk with Sanctuary a Rating + Review!Learn about Let's Connect.Widows Link Cruise 2025 [registration deadline extended to Aug 30 2024]Let's Connect listingsMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a Text Message.Today's conversation is going to be an encouragement for all our friends who are serving in the ministry, like pastoring a church, or preaching out on the weekends when invited, or serving as a lay youth pastor or worship pastor, while also carrying the weight of a full-time job in the secular arena. But we also hope to encourage so many others who may be considering this prospect in the near, or distant, future. Bi-vocational ministry often gets overlooked by vocational ministers, or even laity whose pastor is bi-vocational, as it can be misunderstood as being “part-time”. But our guest today, Rev. Robert Miller, is going to debunk this, and other myths about bi-vo ministry, easily from his own personal experience.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rev. Robert L. Miller has served as the Chief Operating Officer of the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God and Lakeview Camp since December 2023, and Executive Director of the NTD Church Loan Fund and NTD Foundation since January 2018. Prior to serving in the North Texas District, Robert was the Lead Pastor at New Life Assembly in Collinsville, OK for eight years and has served in Pastoral Leadership for 20 years. Robert was a bi-vocational pastor while working in the financial services industry for 18 years prior to coming to the North Texas District. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and an MBA from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. He also co-leads an intentional interim pastoral ministry and is currently serving a church as lead pastor through a season of transition since August 2023. Robert serves as Chairman of the Board for Adult and Teen Challenge of Dallas, on the Board of Directors for Assemblies of God Credit Union, is the Founding Chair of the Spanish advanced degree program for Global University, on the Teacher Education Supervisory Board at SAGU, and was just nominated to serve on the board for the National Association of Church Business Administrators. Robert and his wife, Haley, have been married for 25 years and have four children, one son-in-love, two dogs, and one grandson! He is an avid golfer, loves traveling with his family, and playing Monopoly.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Robert Miller:Email: rmiller@northtexas.agWeb: churchloanfund.agFeatured:Give LTS a Rating + Review!Life on Loneliness Island Blog SeriesMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, host Bridgette Tomlin and her guest Crystal Williams tackle the "modest is hottest" mantra, talk about what true modesty actually is, how to teach the generation behind us more about it, and what the risks and rewards are in speaking truth when it's easier to remain silent. Is modesty just about how long your shorts are, or how low-cut your blouse is? What does modesty of the heart look like? Take a listen and pass this crucial conversation along to another momma, youth pastor, women's ministries leader, or young adult you're leading.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Crystal is a happy wife and the mother of two vibrant, highly imaginative children. She likes to refer to herself as the “Williams Home Engineer”. She is the homeschool teacher to her children and her passions include transforming mundane moments into magical experiences. Crystal adores everything “Southern”, as is evident in her personality, her humble character and her “Old Soul” charm. Her home is where she's most comfortable; however, where she thrives is in her ability to lift spirits and bring hope to whomever she encounters.Although Crystal has faced numerous, difficult challenges throughout her life, God has proven Himself faithful through it all. Her life and those of her beautiful family are the evidence of God's hand upon them. They are walking miracles. Crystal is full of faith and this is expressed through her fervency in worship towards God. All of this coupled with a lifetime of serving in ministry and the gifts in which she walks, gives Crystal the unique disposition to minister in a way which encourages, challenges and simply softens hearts.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Crystal Williams:IG: @crystal_firey_williamsEmail: crystalfireywilliams@gmail.comFeatured:Give LTS a Rating + Review!Life on Loneliness Island Blog SeriesMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

When you're suffering, when someone you love is suffering, when it seems the evil in the world is thriving or excelling, it just doesn't make sense that God would not intervene right now and make it all right. What do you do when Jesus delays? But more importantly, how do you reconcile WHY Jesus delays? This episode of #letstalksanctuary features host Bridgette Tomlin as she digs deeper into Jesus's delay in healing Lazarus--the delay of a highly anticipated miracle. ------------------------------------------------------------------Featured: Let's Connect | June 2024Sanctuary on FacebookLife on Loneliness Island Blog SeriesMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

You may have heard the slogan, “Behind every good man is a better woman”. Good men can be even greater men when challenged to become that. It is within the power of every woman to champion the greatness and potential she sees in the man she knows and loves, especially and most importantly her husband and the sons she is raising.It is widely known that men and women are vastly different in the ways their brains function, what is most important to them, how they manage their emotions, what makes them angry, what makes them feel happy, fulfilled, and successful, and so much more. How can women champion their husbands forward to meet their full potential and, ultimately, fulfill the call of God on their lives—vocationally, personally, and relationally? In today's episode we welcome Neil Kennedy of FiveStar Man to educate, inspire, and encourage the listener as we head into Father's Day weekend.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Neil Kennedy is a renowned author of 14 books, speaker, and founder of FivestarMan.com, ChampionUniversity, and The Daily Champion. FivestarMan is an international men's movement dedicated to empowering men with the message of Biblical/Authentic manhood. Neil and his wife, Kay, affectionally known as Kaytie Girl, have three married children with eight grandchildren. They reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Connect with Today's Guest, Neil:Email: Neil@FivestarMan.comFacebook: @neil.kennedyInstagram: @neilkennedyFeatured: Let's Connect | June 2024Sanctuary on FacebookLife on Loneliness Island Blog SeriesMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

There is a growing, almost staggering uptick in women who are serving in vocational ministry or on the mission field who are not married. And yet very few conversations are centered in the ministry world around what it looks like to be single in the local church, much less single in the ministry community space. So, that's why today's guest Kelly Reed and host Bridgette Tomlin are attempting to pull back the curtains and shed a little light on this very important subject. They'll discuss the obstacles still standing in the way of single women in ministry, the challenges when divorce enters the picture, the differences for single women vs married women, and so much more. Take a listen, whether you're married or single as this conversation will stimulate further conversation in your own ministry and church circles.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kelly Reed is the Worship Pastor at The Bridge Bricktown Campus in Oklahoma City and Mom to Bennett (11) and Gemma (7).  Along with her passion for worship, Kelly carries a desire to help other women realize that their worth and value are established in God. She loves spending time with her family, hanging out with friends, or getting lost in a good book or TV show. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Kelly Reed:Email: kelly@wearethebridge.churchFacebook: Kelly ReedInstagram: @itskellyreedFeatured: Let's Connect | June 2024Contact Host Bridgette TomlinWhen God Doesn't Fix It [Laura Story]It's Not Supposed to Be This Way [Lysa Terkeurst]Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Even those beyond the church's four walls recognize that being labeled with a "Jezebel Spirit" is not a good thing. But often this term is thrown around flippantly, and even more often, it is thrown around without an understanding of its true meaning according to Scripture. What is a Jezebel spirit? In today's episode we welcome guest Susan Vandenheuvel to discuss the origin of this term, what it truly means, and how and when to properly use it. But even more importantly, this conversation is designed to draw attention to a common ploy of the enemy used against those in spiritual leadership. This is a powerful wakeup call, greatly needed for all followers of Christ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Susan Vandenheuvel is a speaker, five-time author, and pastor who has filled various roles within her church and community, including the federal and state prison settings. She is also the creator and founder of She Rises MN and hosts an annual women's conference. Susan's story of redemption has helped many find hope, healing, freedom, and the unfailing love of Jesus. Susan is also the host of the She Connects Podcast, where she connects with women in the online space. Her writing has been featured multiple times on the BibleGateway Blogger Grid and her ministry has been featured in Resilience Magazine, Ilona TV, and Alli Worthington's Women Worth Following as making a difference in the world. When Susan isn't speaking, writing, or recording, you can find her chasing her three adorable grandchildren, working in her flower garden, or floating across the lake in her kayak. She and her husband live in Central MN. Connect with today's guest, Susan Vandenheuvel:Website: www.sherisesmn.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.vandenheuvel.90/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_vandenheuvel/Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/susan_vandenheuvelShe Connects Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-connects/id1508048601Featured: Let's Retreat Registration is Open!Let's Connect | June 2024She Connects PodcastMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

There's a lot of talk these days about church hurt. People who have been hurt or disappointed by spiritual leaders, spiritual leaders who have been hurt by those they are called to lead. How can someone in spiritual leadership maintain a heart that is tender to those he or she is leading, and simultaneously protect against chronic injury from the saints? Today's guest Ashley Earwood has had her own share of church hurt and joins host Bridgette Tomlin to reveal how the Holy Spirit has trained her to cultivate tough skin with a tender heart.--------------------------------------------------------------------------A church girl at heart, Ashley has volunteered in just about every area of the church you can imagine and has faithfully served alongside her husband in full-time pastoral ministry for the past 15 years. She currently serves full-time as part of the Senior Leadership Team at Bear Creek Church in Lodi, California where she also leads the Women's Ministry. She's about to celebrate 5 years of ONE Conference, a local women's conference she founded & hosts, centered around the topic of Biblical unity. She's been married to her college sweetheart, Paul, for 20 years and they have three spunky children, ranging in ages 10-15. A self-proclaimed 'reluctant pastor's wife' herself, Ashley has a heart to encourage ministry wives and is passionate about encouraging & equipping ALL women to find their place and run their race within the Body of Christ. Connect with today's guest, Ashley Earwood:IG:  @ashleyearwood_Featured:Let's Retreat Registration is OPEN!Let's Connect | Widows Online CommunityMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

In today's episode host Bridgette Tomlin welcomes Casey Gibbons of Mothergood to return to the podcast and talk about S-E-X. How do we talk to our children, teens, and young adults about God's plan for sexuality? In the midst of a gender identity crisis, how should today's ministry leaders and parents broach these otherwise touchy subjects according to God's Word? Casey, mother of six, offers sound counsel with practical tools on how to start the conversation, and keep it going in an effort to raise up a generation of Christ-followers who understand how to please God in every area of their lives.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Casey Gibbons is all about leading people to Jesus within the home and in the local church. She is an author/speaker and a homeschooling mother to her six creative children. Casey serves alongside her husband, Scotty, as Lead Pastors in Oklahoma City and in their extra time they enjoy speaking on the topics of marriage and family. Fun Fact: Casey loves taking a power nap and eating dark chocolate in the afternoons. Connect with today's guest, Casey Gibbons:IG:  @Mothergood.usFB: @Mothergood.usWeb:  scottygibbons.comBONUS: Casey's daughter Candice Gibbons is an Oxford University graduate and recently released her first two books for teen girls. Please checkout IG @authorCandiceGibbons, website candicegibbons.com. Featured:Let's Retreat Registration is OPEN!Let's Connect | Widows Online CommunityMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

While there are many seasons in the life of a ministry wife, undoubtedly there are seasons where it may feel like she's silently bleeding--isolated with no one who seems to understand the life she leads. In this episode, host Bridgette Tomlin welcomes her guest Jan McIntyre to share candidly about her own journey as a ministry wife, the nudge from the Holy Spirit to create community for ministry wives, and the practical decisions she's made to break out of isolation and shake off the sabotage that can come with church hurt. You'll be encouraged by her sweet, southern spirit and the tenacity with which she has forged through challenging times to love and serve Jesus faithfully.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jan McIntyre is an ordained minister and a short term missionary. She is married to her best friend, Tim. They serve as the pastors of Marion Oaks Assembly of God in Ocala, FL and have been there for 19 years. They have two precious daughters and three beautiful granddaughters. Jan is the founder of Silently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor's Wife, an online ministry for pastors' wives. Jan's motto is “Love God, love people.”Connect with today's featured guest, Jan McIntyre:Facebook:  Silently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor's WifeSilently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor's WidowSilently Bleeding: Hope for the Retired Pastor's WifeSilently Bleeding: Hope for the Broken Hearted (for abused & or abandoned pastors' wives)Web:  silentlybleeding.comPodcast: Silently Bleeding | Apple, Google Play, and SpotifyYouTube: Silently Bleeding: Hope for the Pastor's WifeRadio: WNWR The Word in Philadelphia, PA [7:15 PM | Sat]Featured:Let's Retreat Registration is NOW OPEN for FIRST-TIME GUESTS!Find Sanctuary on FacebookFind Sanctuary on InstagramMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

While we don't want to believe it, public perception or image definitely matter. As a general rule, there are two camps, perhaps three, within the ministerial community when it comes to public persona. One ascribes to that of the Influencer in every way--focusing on high fashion, promoting all their latest finds on social media, maybe they're in the extreme fitness realm. And then there are those in the camp who deem attention to such things as vain, self-serving, prideful, and even deflecting attention away from Christ altogether. And among those in the middle are those who are giving it their best shot, while others are battling that legendary battle of self-value to the point of even loathing the mirror. Today's featured guest Maranda Rains, a bi-vocational pastor's wife and personal stylist, comes on board to school us on how to effectively tend to our public perception without pride, but also with grace, holiness, and an attitude that pleases the Lord. She might bring a perspective that challenges your own, but take a listen with an open mind, a surrendered heart, and a desire to hear some fun and fresh ideas about spring fashion!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Maranda Rains resides in Tyler, TX with her husband Paul of 22 years, daughters Bella Gray and Bristol Fay, plus two white fur people, Casper and Cotton. Maranda has enjoyed a 23-year career as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant/Sales Director. She has had the privilege to drive 14 free cars, earn copious amounts of diamonds, travel around the world, and lead women of excellence. However, her most treasured gifts have been the valuable friendships she has collected along the way.Maranda enjoys volunteering for organizations in her community, and mostly serving at her church, Lakeview Community Church, where she and her husband serve as lead pastors while also working in secular fields outside the church.During college and as a former Miss Northeast Texas USA and Miss East Texas USA, Maranda's passion for style and fashion drew her into the closets of friends to help boost their confidence and excitement to look and feel their very best. She's still having a blast even 25+ years later.Connect with today's featured guest, Maranda Rains:Facebook:  Maranda's Closet ClientsFacebook:  @maranda.rainsInstagram: @marandarainsFeatured:Let's Retreat Registration is NOW OPEN for FIRST-TIME GUESTS!Find Sanctuary on FacebookFind Sanctuary on InstagramMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Bridgette Tomlin, your host, welcomed her husband Chresten Tomlin to the podcast for Episode 78! In our most recent episode, Episode 77, we featured the incomparable Pam King and dug into her insights about the combo of marriage and ministry. This week we want to come at the same topic but from a slightly different angle. Chresten and Bridgette recently celebrated their 26th anniversary of marriage and ministry. In this episode they share a little bit of their own love story and journey, as well as some of the lessons they either learned early in on in their marriage and ministry journey or wish they would have learned earlier! You'll enjoy their candor, up-front honesty, and recognize that somebody out there may have walked some of the same roads on which you find yourself today.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reverend Chresten Tomlin has been involved in full-time preaching and music evangelism for the past 26 years. His travels have taken him across the nation and around the world, ministering in concerts, special services, and revival meetings. Having been raised in the fire of Pentecost, Chresten knows the value of living a Spirit-led life. God has placed a call upon him and his wife to bridge the generational gap, which will propel the Church into the future.  Chresten is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He combines a passionate burden for the lost and a fervent hunger for holiness to produce powerful, Pentecostal preaching. His message drives home basic principles for living the overcoming, joy-filled Christian life. Chresten is also a soulful singer who produces powerful and anointed Gospel music. His repertoire covers everything from black Gospel to southern Gospel and everything in between! This couple's desire is to raise up a new generation of Pentecostals, filled with the Spirit and driven by conviction. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Chresten Tomlin:Facebook: @tomlinministriesSite:  www.ctministries.comEmail:  ctministries98@gmail.comFeatured:Hear more from Chresten on #letstalksanctuary [Ep 7, 8, 42, 55]Marriage + Ministry Podcast Episodes [Ep 7, 8, 32, 36, 55, 77]Learn about Let's Connect.The Love List by Drs. Les & Leslie ParrottMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Throughout the month of February we will feature content that focuses on the dynamic of marriage + ministry. First up, we welcome Sanctuary lead team member Pam King back to the podcast as she shares about the TOP THREE areas of concern for many married couples, especially those who serve in leadership. You'll draw loads of wisdom from her 45+ years of marriage and ministry experience, find out why sex in marriage is so important, walk away with practical tools you can actually use, and learn how she and her husband Jim keep their marriage operating a peak performance, regardless of the season they're in.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Born into a pastor's home, Pam King has been in full time ministry her entire life. Alongside her husband, Jim, Pam has traveled around the world in ministry for over 40 years in missionary evangelism. Their ministry has taken them around the world with Ukraine and Israel as their primary focus. They have been involved in mobilizing pastors, Bible school students and lay people in various endeavors. They have lead scores of ministry teams from local churches across America on international crusades and conferences to Russia, Ukraine and China. Their ministry, Awaking Hope, has started or sponsored over 300 Bible schools in video format and over 200 new churches in the nations of Ukraine, Russia, Romania, China, Kyrgyzstan and Israel. One of the most fulfilling endeavors of their ministry has been House of Joy Orphanage that the Kings established in 1995 in Kahovka, Ukraine.Jim and Pam love teaching on marriage and family as they see this as a great need in the Body of Christ today and especially among ministry couples and families. Ministry can bring challenges even to the strongest of marriages.After her love and passion for God, her husband and her children are the love of Pam's life. Pam finds great joy in fulfilling the call that God has placed on her life as a wife, mother, and minister. She has a passion to encourage people to live to their full potential and to live out their God-given purpose.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Pam King:Facebook: @awakinghopeInstagram: @awaking_hopeSite:  www.awakinghope.comFeatured:Marriage + Ministry Podcast Episodes [Ep 7, 8, 32, 36, 55]Featured ScripturesLearn about Let's Connect.The Love List by Drs. Les & Leslie ParrottMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Understanding who we are, what our strengths and weaknesses are, how we communicate, but then also all of the above about the people we are working with can help diffuse a lot of tension or unnecessary conflict when you're working on a pastoral staff, a lead team, or even in your marriage. In this episode we welcome guest Vanessa McGee of McGee, Inc to educate us about the value of knowing yourself well, and then being able to identify and appreciate differences in others. You'll love Vanessa's sense of humor, her willingness to shoot straight, and perhaps identify with her own experience of being married to her total opposite!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vanessa McGee has a passion to inspire and encourage others to discover and value the way that they have been uniquely formed and fashioned by God. Having worked with churches, non-profits and businesses for over 25 years, she understands the blessings and unique challenges that each of these types of environments bring. She has a diversified background, having worked in the areas of lay counseling, individual coaching, conference speaking and teaching within the local church. Vanessa has a distinctive style of speaking, utilizing humor and real life experience. This combination is sure to leave you laughing and entertained, but most importantly, challenged to go and live out God's purpose for your life and celebrate who you were created you to be! Vanessa has been married to her husband Robby for 38 years, and is known as Sessa to her three amazing grandkids. She was born and raised in Texas, and currently resides in Frisco, Texas where she can almost always be found with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other!--------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest, Vanessa McGee:Facebook: Vanessa McNeel McGeeInstagram: @vanmcgeeWebsite: www.mcgeeinc.comFeatured:                                                                                      Share Sanctuary!InstagramFacebookSanctuary SiteLearn about Let's Retreat.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

We are launching Season Four of Let's Talk with Sanctuary today & welcome a return visit with our friend, Sheila Harper of SaveOne. As we sit in the first month of the year 2024, the very definition of identity is up for grabs. In the past, the term ‘identity' meant your name, your job, your role in a family or a business, how you were known as a human. In years past, jokes were made about having “an identity crisis”. But we are undoubtedly in one of the greatest identity crises the world has ever seen.How does this identity crisis affect the 21st century woman in ministry and leadership? How does this impact the next generation? And what does God say about the subject of identity? You'll draw immeasurable wisdom & be better equipped to shape the next generation on the other side of this insightful conversation with LTS host Bridgette Tomlin & her guest Sheila Harper. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sheila Harper is the Founder and President of SaveOne, a global outreach ministry helping men, women, & families recover after abortion. She holds a Master's degree in Biblical counseling, is a certified mental health coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors, & is the author of 10 books. Her first book, SaveOne-A Guide to Emotional Healing after Abortion, has been translated & distributed in 23 languages.SaveOne currently has close to 400 chapters in 27 countries. Sheila has traveled the world speaking on the topic of abortion recovery, as well as training abortion recovery leaders. After enduring seven years of personal anguish over choosing abortion, she  found restoration & forgiveness through Jesus Christ.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guest:Sheila Harper [Episodes 5, 38]Linktree:  @saveoneFeatured:Share Sanctuary!InstagramFacebookSanctuary SiteLearn about Let's Retreat.What does God say about your identity?Eph 2:10 | You are a masterpiece. Gen 1:27 | You're created in HIS IMAGE! 1 Pet 2:9 | You're part of a royal family. Col 3:12 | He chose you.Eph 1:11 | You have an inheritance.Gal 3:26| You're a child of God. Eph 2:8 | You're saved by His grace.John 15:15 | You're God's friend.Is 49:16 | You're engraved on the palm of His hand. Ps 139:14 | You're wonderfully made.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Justin Lynn of Justin Lynn Music. Learn how you can capitalize on all Justin can do for your small business, church, or ministry by clicking here!

Despite the fact that Sanctuary, our ministry for ministry wives, was launched by an annual event we host call Let's Retreat, we have never done an entire episode on what it is, why it's important, who should go, all the things. So, today we are talking about Let's Retreat! And in order to do this episode justice, we had to introduce you to so many of our dear friends at Sanctuary who serve on the Let's Retreat team, as well as one of our favorite Let's Retreat guests. Today we are welcoming a few of the key players who make this two-day, two-night retreat as impactful as it is. You are in for a treat! Let's Talk about Let's Retreat. Proceed with caution: On the other side of this conversation, you'll be ready to register for 2024's events!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's featured guests:Lisa Goins [Episodes 1, 29, 63]IG: @lisajgoinsFacebook: Lisa Freeman GoinsPam King [Episodes 7, 8, 25, 26, 49]IG:  @pamkingFacebook: Pam KingMaranda RainsIG:  @marandarainsFacebook: Maranda RainsBridgette Tomlin [Featured Episodes 42, 44, 61]IG:  @bridgiecarolFacebook:  Bridgette Greene TomlinKelly Woods [Episodes 6, 60]IG:  @kellyewoods Facebook: Kelly Grizzle WoodsFeatured:Share Sanctuary!InstagramFacebookSanctuary SiteLearn about Let's Retreat.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Whether you're actively engaged in leading a women's ministry, personally involved in a local church women's ministry, or simply a woman yourself, let me encourage you to lean into this content. And to our male listeners who are married, or even pastoring women, this is gonna be a great resource for you, as well. Today we welcome women's ministries expert Ashley Simmons of Coastal Church (Daphne, AL) to share her heart for women's ministries, why it's all the more important for the 21st-century church, and the practical tools every women's ministries director needs to form a lead team, facilitate discipleship and so much more!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ashley Simmons lives in Fairhope, AL and serves on staff at Coastal Church in Daphne, AL as the Counseling Coordinator and Women's Director. She is a mom to Cole (21), a Pre-Med student in his senior year at Mississippi College and Kennedy (20), who is serving on a worship internship at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. She celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary this summer with her wonderful husband Tim who also serves at Coastal Church as the executive pastor. Tim and Ashley have been in ministry for 25 years.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Ashley Simmons:Ashley Simmons | Instagram | FacebookFeatured:Share Sanctuary!InstagramFacebookSanctuary SiteLearn about Let's Retreat.Ashley Simmons' episode: Episode 36 "Married to Strength + Weakness"Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

In the case of a tapestry, it starts as an idea. The weaver gathers the raw materials and the tools to work, prepares them, weaves them, and tamps them. Slowly, bit by bit, an image starts to appear; however, it's not until completion that the designer's vision is apparent.Randy Valimont wasn't sure what to make of the raw materials of his life. At first, he couldn't see how anything beautiful could be woven from some of the threads that made up his life:  a birth mother who abandoned him without looking at his face and birth father who didn't even know he existed. However, in the hands of his heavenly Father, the Master Weaver, he saw the threads of his adoptive family's unwavering support and his own faith, natural talents, training, and perseverance intersect into an intricately woven tapestry.Author Jelly Valimont, widow of the late Dr. Randy Valimont, joins host Bridgette Tomlin to share his beautifully broken adoption story, the lessons she has learned in widowhood, and hope for women who are navigating to find their place in the work of the ministry.------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jelly Valimont is the widow of Dr. Randy Valimont, former pastor of Griffin First Assembly (GFA), an Encounter Life Network church. She was born in McMinnville, Tennessee into the home of a pastor and spent her PK life growing up in a Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. While attending Southeastern University, she met and married the love of her life, Randy Valimont. The couple served in various ministerial roles in Arkansas and Georgia. In 1993, Randy and Jelly relocated to Griffin, Georgia, where Jelly continues to live. During their time in Griffin, Jelly has been involved in the local church in women's ministry, Celebration Choir, worship teams, and the ministry of costumes. She was also an administrative consultant for GFA during Dr. Valimont's tenure.Jelly has been used by God to speak in the local church and at conferences throughout the United States and internationally. She has written two books: I Have Issues and Tapestry: a Story of Adoption, Acceptance, and Destiny. Jelly's heart's cry is to do the will of the Father, wherever and whatever that might be, to bring souls into the Kingdom, and to facilitate spiritual health and well-being to the Body of Christ. If she can do it while laughing, so much the better!------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Jelly Valimont:Instagram: @jellyvalimontFacebook: @jelly.jordan.valimontEmail: jelly@valimontministries.orgPurchase the Books: www.valimontministries.orgFeatured:August Let's Connect EventsSeptember 2023 EpisodesWomen's MinistriesLet's Talk about Let's Retreat!Sanctuary Social | Monday MythbustersMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

All of us have experiences, tough moments, hopefully some great memories, through the evolution from childhood to adolescence, and on into young adulthood. It can be tough growing up! But children being raised in today's culture are facing challenges that previous generations may have never encountered, especially at the ages that our children are being required to address them. In today's conversation, guest Casey Gibbons of Mothergood.us will bring us fresh insights and timely reminders as we launch into a new school year as parents, pastors, coaches, and mentors.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Casey Gibbons loves leading people to Jesus in the local church and strengthening others in marriage and family life! She has six creative children in the elementary, junior high, high school, and college ages and serves alongside her husband Scotty as Lead Pastors at Peoples Church in the OKC Metro area.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Casey Gibbons:Personal Instagram: @CaseyGibbonsPersonal Facebook: @Casey.Gibbons7Mothergood IG: @mothergood.us Mothergood Facebook: @mothergood.us-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Featured:Next up>>Jelly Valimont's new book, Tapestry: A Story of Adoption, Acceptance, and DestinyLet's Connect August'23 eventsSanctuary Book Club InfoLTS Episodes featuring Casey Gibbons or Parenting:  Ep 4, 12, 21, 28, 31, 50, 53, 59Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Often times grief is exclusively defined as the loss of a friend or loved one to death. But there's actually a form of grief that comes when someone hasn't died, but something has died. You feel a sense of loss. Perhaps it's the death of a dream, the loss of a friendship, or your expectations have been shattered. Licensed professional counselor and pastor's wife Karen Blandino joins us at Let's Talk with Sanctuary today to talk about what ambiguous grief is, how to recognize it, and what steps to take forward to move through this unique journey of grief.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Karen Blandino is a pastor's wife, mother and LPC. She holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from TCU and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from UTA. She and her husband planted 7 City Church in the cultural arts district of Fort Worth, Texas where they serve as lead pastors. Karen has spent the last 20 years in education and counseling. In addition, she and her husband Stephen have been in full-time ministry for 30 years. With this combined experience, she works with people in diverse situations including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and ministry or spiritual hurts.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Karen Blandino:Email: karen@karenblandino.comPhone: 817.213.6224Website: karenblandino.comFacebook:  @karenblandinocounselingInstagram:  @blandino_counseling-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Featured:Sanctuary Virtual Book Club Meeting | September 14, 2023 | 7pm CSTLet's Connect August'23 eventsSanctuary Book Club InfoLTS Episodes on Grief (Ep 52, 51, 33, 18, 17, 5)Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Today we welcome author Kelly Balarie to Let's Talk with Sanctuary as we launch Quarter Three of the Sanctuary Book Club. This quarter's featured book is Kelly's latest book, Take Every Thought Captive. Regardless of how long you've been serving God or leading in a ministerial role, managing your own personal thought life requires lifelong diligence and a refresher course in the 'how-to's' now and again. We also talk about how to handle all the "triggered" people in your day-to-day! You'll be drawn in by Kelly's passion on this subject and be inspired to pick up the book, absorb its content, and then join the virtual book club meeting on Thursday, September 14. Learn more meeting details here.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kelly Balarie is the author of Fear Fighting, Battle Ready, and Rest Now. When speaking at women's conferences around the nation, Kelly delights in joining hands with women as they go through life's ups and downs. To see marriages restored, hope recovered, and prayers of faith lifted up to a God on the move are some of her greatest joys. Beyond this, Kelly has led spiritual growth Bible study groups and has been seen on TODAY, The 700 Club, Crosswalk.com, iBelieve.com, and (in)courage. Her work has also been featured by Relevant and Today's Christian Woman. She lives with her husband and two kiddos on the East Coast.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Kelly Balarie:Instagram: @kellybalarieTwitter: @kellybalarieBlog:  https://www.purposefulfaith.com/Book Site:  https://www.itakethoughtscaptive.com/----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Featured:Sanctuary Virtual Book Club Meeting | September 14, 2023 | 7pm CSTLet's Connect August'23 eventsSanctuary Book Club InfoMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

We often quote the well-known verse in Revelation 12, stating that “they overcame him (the adversary or Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,…" It is vital as we pray and seek the Lord to intervene in our lives that we make room for the testimony when He answers. As believers, we want to be known for boldly declaring all that God has done and all He is doing so that we can continue to believe He will do greater things in our future. And this is what our ministry wife friend Rhonda Anzivino is here today to do. Take a listen as Rhonda, ministry wife and writer, shares her dynamic perspective of God's divine, sustaining strength in the midst of tragedy.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rhonda Anzivino was raised in a pastor's home in northern Louisiana. Her heart was always for ministry. She and husband Raphael have served in various ministerial roles throughout Louisiana, as well as a church-planting effort just south of Saint Louis, Missouri, a church that is still thriving. In 2014, God brought the couple back to Baton Rouge and today they are lead pastors at Hosanna First Assembly of God. The Anzivino family has also launched an orphanage in Haiti, a partnership with their three adult children and five grandchildren. Rhonda is a speaker and blogs frequently from her site, insecretstrength.com-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Rhonda Anzivino:Email:  rhondavino@gmail.comInstagram: @strengthswhisperFacebook:  @rhonda.anzivino Blog: insecretstrength.com-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Featured:Stop by SanctuaryLet's Retreat | November 2023Subscribe + Stars | Subscribe to Let's Talk with Sanctuary on your preferred podcast app and give us the gift of your rating + review.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

For the Kingdom of God to be sustainable, fulfilling its mission until Jesus comes, every generation must raise up men and women of God who are called to give their lives for His cause. What does it look like for 21st century believers to acknowledge and answer the call of God for full-time ministry, receive training and mentoring, and then be launched into their calling? Elise Wood of Ripple Effect, Inc is passionate about challenging and mentoring young adults to all the above. Young adults and those who love and mentor them should tune in to learn more about the movement that is Ripple Effect.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Elise Wood is a pastor, speaker, writer, and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. In October 2022, Elise and her husband Blare launched Ripple Effect, a nonprofit ministry to serve college-age students who are called to vocational ministry. Elise has almost a decade of experience founding and directing next-generation leadership and ministry training programs in the local church, and she has trained over 100 students called into vocational ministry through those. Elise and Blare were married in 2011, and they have a four-year-old daughter named Jensen Jae. Elise is passionate about seeing people walk in the fullness of the call that God has placed on their lives to go and make disciples of all nations.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Elise Wood:Ripple Effect Site: www.rippleffect.meFacebook:  @elise.gabrielle.woodInstagram: @elisewoodRippleffect IG: @rippleffect.me----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Featured:Stop by SanctuaryLet's Retreat | November 2023Subscribe + Stars | Subscribe to Let's Talk with Sanctuary on your preferred podcast app and give us the gift of your rating + review.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

In today's episode we welcome Pastor Brian Dollar, a 25+ year veteran of ministry to children. Pastor Brian talks about the value of children's ministries, from its foundations in Jesus's earthly ministry to its validity in today's 21st century culture. We ask the questions like "what should pastors know about children's ministries?" and "how do I get more people to volunteer for kid's min?" Every member of the local church needs to hear the profound insight Pastor Brian brings to this growing, invaluable facet of local church ministry for the family and for the communities they serve.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brian began in ministry in 1992 and has served his current church for over 23 years. He is the author of several books: “I Blew It!”, “Kidminnovation”, and “Talk Now And Later.” “Talk Now And Later: How To Lead Kids Through Life's Tough Topics” was the #1 New Release in Amazon's Christian Families category (both in English and Spanish). Outreach Magazine named “Talk Now And Later” their Children's Resource of the Year.Brian founded High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources in 1998, which creates and provides Kids Church Curriculum, Music, Games, Videos, and more to churches around the world. Over 10,000 churches have used High Voltage Kids Ministry materials!Brian and his wife, Cherith, have two amazing children – Ashton (son-in-law, Nick) and Jordan. He loves running, hiking, and watching his favorite sports teams: the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Cowboys!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Brian Dollar:Facebook:  @briandollarPurchase: Talk Now and Later on AmazonTwitter: @briandollar1----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Featured:Find a Let's Connect near you!Catch up on Sanctuary's Book Club for Q2 2023 by listening to the launch review of Jennie Allen's Find Your People in Episode 63.Sanctuary's spring blog series, Hello! I'm the Preacher's WifeGive Let's Talk with Sanctuary a rating + review on your preferred podcast app.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

As we head into Mother's Day weekend, we can't think of a better way to focus our thoughts than to acknowledge the powerful role that women play in shaping the lives of those around us. Today you may be grieving the loss of your own mother or perhaps you're struggling in your role as a momma. Many of our listeners may be disappointed and hurt because their heart's desire is to become a mother, but that hasn't come to fruition just yet. And still, many of you may be relishing in all that God is doing in and through your life and your children. Wherever you're coming from today, you can know that today's story is going to refresh your soul, inspire your faith, and renew your ability to believe that God is the God of miracles. Today's guest Johanna Garrison shares the made-for-a-movie, but real-life story of her own family's journey from war-torn Holland to America. Johanna's heartwarming accounts of her mother's faith in God carried their entire family through multiple tragedies. And as Johanna herself celebrates her first Mother's Day without her sweet Chinese momma, she provides a measure of hope for those who are asking, "If God really loved me, why did this happen?"---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Johanna Garrison has served as a teacher, administrator, conference speaker, and mentor. She is a graduate of Evangel University. In addition, she has partnered with her husband, Alton, in multiple ministry positions including evangelist and pastor, as well as serving with him in his offices of Executive Director of US Missions and Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. The Garrisons have one daughter, Lizette. They reside in SW Missouri. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Johanna Garrison:FB:  @jorijgarrisonPurchase Tangled Destinies on Amazon.com----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Featured:Find a Let's Connect near you!Catch up on Sanctuary's Book Club for Q2 2023 by listening to the launch review of Jennie Allen's Find Your People in Episode 63.Sanctuary's spring blog series, Hello! I'm the Preacher's WifeGive Let's Talk with Sanctuary a rating + review on your preferred podcast app.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Today we are going to visit a topic that has been written about, talked about, prayed about so very often, but it's something we can't possibly write, talk, or pray about enough, and that is the lie of comparison. Church planter + Sanctuary Lead Team member Casey Graves joins the conversation today and openly shares of her own personal struggle with the lie of comparison, why it took her 25 years to discover her own value in God's kingdom work, and why her heart beats for the upcoming generation's victory over comparison and so much more. Let's talk about comparison. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Casey Graves is a pastor's wife, church planter, and momma in the Tulsa, OK area. This year she celebrates 25 years of ministry and marriage. She loves spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters.Casey enjoys the remarkable people she gets to pastor at Foundations Church and leading the FC Women's ministry. She has found God has facilitated healing in her life from hurts in ministry through the process of planting Foundations Church.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Casey Graves:FB:  @caseyboydgravesIG:  @cgraves6Featured LTS Episodes:  Ep 2, Ep 25, Ep 26 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Featured:Give Let's Talk with Sanctuary a rating + review on your preferred podcast app.Let's Talk with Sanctuary | Episode 62 | Grace for the Growth TrackCatch up on Sanctuary's Book Club for Q2 2023 by listening to the launch review of Jennie Allen's Find Your People in Episode 63.Sanctuary's spring blog series, Hello! I'm the Preacher's WifeMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Today we welcome podguest Lisa Goins back to Let's Talk with Sanctuary for the THIRD time (yes, she's one of your favorites!) as we launch Quarter Two of the Sanctuary Book Club. This quarter's featured book is Jennie Allen's most recent bestseller, Find Your People. Join host Bridgette Tomlin and the Sanctuary team in reading this book throughout the quarter, listen to today's podcast review, and then later attend our virtual book club meeting in the month of June. Check out the details at the link below. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lisa is a national speaker and author of the award-winning book, Courageously Uncomfortable: when the real woman you want to be is on the other side of fear. Lisa shares her heart in a motivational way that both encourages and engages others to believe that with Jesus, all things are possible. She is also a business owner, co-lead pastor at Faith Church Tulsa and founder of She Knew Ministries. Lisa is a mom of four and now serves in her most favorite role as JoJo to her two grandbabies.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Lisa Goins:FB:  @lisagoinsauthorWebsite:  www.lisajgoins.comIG:  @lisajgoinsFeatured LTS Episodes:  Ep 29, Ep 1Featured:Give Let's Talk with Sanctuary a rating + review on your preferred podcast app.Catch up on Sanctuary's Book Club for 2023 by listening to the launch review of Carey Nieuwhof's At Your Best in Episode 57.Sanctuary's spring blog series, Hello! I'm the Preacher's WifeSanctuary Book Club Q2 | Featured Book:  Find Your People by Jennie AllenMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Let's Talk host Bridgette Tomlin steps away from the show's typical fare of an interview alongside a featured guest to deliver a timely message to women in ministry of all generations. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sip slowly as you take in the mentorship Bridgette is bringing to the listener, whether you're in your 20s and just getting started in vocational ministry, or if you're proudly waving the banner of Middle Age + More, balancing the roles of active duty and intentional mentor to the generations coming up behind you. She will cover ground of life and growth before social media, the exciting opportunities for today's generation + the hurdles they'll face, and three big things she thinks every woman in ministry should learn and teach to someone else.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about #letstalksanctuary host Bridgette Tomlin by clicking here.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Featured:Sanctuary Let's Retreats 2023 (Registration is NOW OPEN!)Sanctuary Book Club Q2 | Featured Book:  Find Your People by Jennie AllenLTS Episode 44 "Finish the Race" | Bridgette TomlinMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

We have heard so many cliche-phrases throughout the decades about the separation of Church and State that have sent mixed messages to the people of God about what they can and should say in regards to the government of our land. What exactly is the Church's role and responsibility when it comes to political issues? Today's guest Paul Abner helps the listener connect the dots and reclaim the rights of the 21st believer, whether parishioner or pastor.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Paul Abner is the founder of a coalition of faith-based leaders in the state of Oklahoma, an organization called Oklahoma Faith Leaders. OFL was launched in 2018 on the heels of his integral participation in the congressional campaigns, and ultimately election, of conservative leaders in the state of Oklahoma. His history of vocational ministry, with an emphasis on challenging and training students to live a life of sexual purity, has provided a rich network of faith leaders from six conservative religious denominations who unashamedly advocate for public policy that affects Oklahoma's faith community. Oklahoma Faith Leaders played a dominant role in the ending of legal abortion in Oklahoma, making the state the first state to do so. Paul's leadership provides platforms for conservative leaders to stand for Biblical principles, impacting the cities, counties, and ultimately state governances that make up the state of Oklahoma.--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with today's guest, Paul Abner:FB:  @okfaithleadersEmail:  pawtw@sbcglobal.netWebsite:  OklahomaFaithLeaders.comPhone:  405.740.0441Featured:Sanctuary Let's Retreats 2023 (Registration is NOW OPEN!)Sanctuary Book Club Q2 | Featured Book:  Find Your People by Jennie AllenMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

What does worship look like in the life of a 21st century believer? How do we as leaders lead others into worship, in spirit and in truth? What are the contents of a corporate worship gathering? Is it all old stuff? Is it new stuff? So many nooks and crannies we can peek into today! LTS host Bridgette Tomlin brings back ministry wife and worship leader Kelly Woods to rediscover the art of worship.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kelly Grizzle Woods was born and raised in Manassas, Virginia, in a close-knit, Christian family with her older sister, Jo Ann. They traveled in music ministry throughout her childhood and upon graduating high school, Kelly attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. She met Ron Woods in her sophomore year, married him in January of 1989 and together, they have pastored three church communities in Arkansas, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Her greatest joys are her three adult kids---Ryan, and his wife Danya,  Lindsay, and her husband Wes, and Connor, and his wife Abbie. Kelly has served in music + worship ministries in each of the three churches where they've pastored and also enjoys sharing her testimony of God's faithfulness in her life wherever she goes. She's an introvert on some level who has grown somewhat comfortable with being in the spotlight but can quickly refuel in the bliss of solitude, traveling, a great meal, an occasional spa day and, most of all, time with Jesus. In 2018, she set out to finish her Church Ministries degree and graduated from Evangel University in May of 2019. She's embracing and enjoying this empty nest season and finding God as faithful as ever. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Kelly Woods:IG: @kellyewoodsFB:  @kelly.grizzlewoodsTwitter:  @kellyewoodsLet's Talk with Sanctuary | Episode 6Featured:Sanctuary Let's Retreats 2023 (Registration is NOW OPEN!)Sanctuary Let's ConnectMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Buckle up because today we are issuing a clarion call, a challenge, to the women of God across this nation and around the world! Today's guest, Pastor Rochelle Ferguson, and host Bridgette Tomlin unpack what is at stake for our culture, for the Church, for our families, and for the next generation without divine intervention of the saints. It is time to stand up and declare, "Not on my watch". ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rochelle Ferguson is a woman who desires to know God, hear His instructions, obey His voice and exude His joy! Rochelle has been married to Jeff Ferguson for the last 18 years and they have three children – Madelynn (13), Joy (9) and Olivia (6). She and her husband co-pastor First Assembly of God in Henderson, KY and Rochelle is a Presbyter in the Kentucky Ministry Network. She is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, a graduate of Butler University and recently finished her Master's Degree from North Central University with an emphasis on leadership and parenting the next generation. Rochelle's heart's desire is to see families and the church equipped and mobilized to experience revival. Her “Not On My Watch” movement has been established to encourage and challenge parents and ministry leaders to see the next generation passionately following Christ. Rochelle and her husband host “The Deep Rooted” podcast where believers are encouraged to live deep lives in a shallow world.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Rochelle Ferguson:Web:  www.thedeeprooted.comIG: @rochellefergusonFB:  @rochellefergusonPodcast:  The Deep Rooted PodcastFeatured:Sanctuary Let's Retreats 2023 (Registration is NOW OPEN!)Sanctuary Let's ConnectMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

How do you address some of the challenges that come with managing the myriad of tasks, bookkeeping, pastoral duties, and the like when it comes to the church or ministry you're serving? Today's guest, Kacie Frazier of Ministry Brands, is going to help us find a better understanding of technology and how to make it work for you and not against you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kacie Frazier has spent the last 16+ years serving the church in a variety of contexts and roles. From serving in local ministry to equipping the broader Church, she's become an expert on using digital tools to help lead and grow healthy churches. With an MBA from Northeastern State University, Kacie brings dynamic leadership skills, digital savvy, and a genuine heart for the Church. When not helping pastors and churches, Kacie enjoys spending time with her two daughters, screaming at college football games, and frequenting Tulsa's best coffee shops.About Ministry BrandsMinistry Brands has over 25 solutions and services that support more than 90,000 faith-based organizations throughout North America. We provide technology for church administration, worship planning, accounting and financials. Our solutions also include online giving, payment solutions, background screening, websites, live streaming and communications. The Ministry Brands team is made up of passionate professionals who believe in innovation and service to advance missions, drive efficiencies, and build engaged communities. The diverse and real-world experiences of our team members serving their communities enhances our ability to help customers thrive in a digital world and drive our organization forward.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Ministry BrandsLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/ministry-brandsFacebook - @ministrybrandsTwitter - @ministrybrandsWeb - www.ministrybrands.comEpisode Features:Discover Sanctuary's confidential community on Facebook.Carey Nieuwhof's At Your BestLearn more about Sanctuary Let's Retreats.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Let's Talk with Sanctuary is a podcast for women, specifically women in ministry. It's our firm belief at Sanctuary that isolation is the Number One tool that the enemy is using to take down women in leadership. Through this platform Sanctuary's endeavoring to open the conversation with off-limits topics, share some love, laughter, and encouragement, and inspire more authentic conversation among ministry wives. To learn more about Sanctuary, visit our site:  www.sanctuaryministrywives.com/letstalkMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

As we launch into a brand new year, host Bridgette Tomlin is launching a book club for the year 2023. Each quarter she will welcome a guest to discuss the featured book she's reading. In today's episode, we kick off Sanctuary's book club by inviting guest Leann Cherry to discuss Carey Nieuwhof's book, At Your Best. Built into five segments, Carey's best-selling book, At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor, is designed to help every leader escape stress and begin living at a sustainable pace. Bridgette & Leann get real about adrenaline rushes that come with ticking off the to-do list, failures to make family a priority, and so much more.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leann Cherry and her husband Travis have been married and in full-time vocational ministry together for almost 22 years. Leann grew up in the Northeast part of the country in a ministry family and is a third generation pastor. Leann and Travis have two children and have served in pastoral ministry on church staffs in MO, CA, MD, AL, TX, now making Jenks, OK their home for the past seven years. Throughout Leann's years in ministry, she has loved travelling and speaking for women's, girls', and youth events in different seasons, has written curriculum, and has served in a wide variety of roles throughout over two decades of ministry. She currently serves as co-Lead Pastor with her husband at their two-year old church plant in Tulsa.  Leann loves all things Starbucks, ice cream, dark chocolate, Hallmark, holidays, celebrations, travelling, time with family and friends, and believes in taking a photo to document everything! But ultimately, Leann is personally passionate about women knowing their true identity in Christ and experience the full LIFE God has for us all to live! Connect with Leann: Instagram: @leann_cherry_ Facebook: Travis Leann Cherry Web:  www.theconnecting.co Event:  Connecting as One Marriage Retreat | March 24-25, 2023Episode Features:Discover Sanctuary's confidential community on Facebook.Carey Nieuwhof's At Your BestLearn more about Sanctuary Let's Retreats.Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

As we prepare for another new year, it is vital that we spiritually prepare through prayer. How do you know if your prayers are going to be effective? When spiritual wars are waged, how does a believer contend for victory? The subject of prayer is nothing new, but we all could use a refresher course! In this episode, guest Rhonda Rock schools the listener on how to press through tragedy, disappointment, sickness, and spiritual wars to reach the results God's Word has afforded every believer.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reverend Rhonda Rock is an ordained evangelist with the Assemblies of God. Rhonda is also a recently retired State Certified Interpreter for the deaf whose work and ministry has taken her across the nation and to several countries in Central America. Rhonda grew up in a pastor's home and knows firsthand the stress the ministry can have on the family. Additionally, Rhonda battled chronic illness and depression, and was the primary care giver for her husband of 43 years, as he suffered with one serious health issue after another before ultimately going to be with Jesus.Acquainted with suffering, widowhood, and ministry, Rhonda can relate to those who feel marginalized, lonely, and overwhelmed by life's sometimes painful seasons. She can tell you how to find healing and victory on the other side of the valley. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” is more than a life verse; it has become her ministry mantra that calls out to encourage all who long to know the fullness of the Spirit and to experience the transformative power of His healing grace.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest:Rhonda RockFacebook:  Taste & See MinistriesEmail:  Kaye57@cox.netPhone:  918.230.2177Episode Features:Learn more about Sanctuary Let's Retreats!Learn more about Sanctuary Let's Connect events!Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Marriage itself can be beautifully complicated but add in that element that comes with vocational ministry and leadership and things get even more complicated! The truth is: ministry can often become the third spouse in a marriage if we aren't careful. Host Bridgette Tomlin welcomes her husband of 25 years, Chresten, and their pastor friends Greg and Deena Thurstonson to layer the experiences, lessons learned, beautiful bonuses, and wisdom from the multiple decades of marriage and ministry together. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Greg and Deena Thurstonson pioneered Dominion Church in the spring of 1996 with a core group of 30 people. Today the church has over 800 congregants and is continuing to grow. After years of meeting in hotels and shopping centers in and around the Clear Lake area, the church now sits on a beautiful building on 30 acres of property in Dickinson, TX. Pastors Greg & Deena have over 38 years of ministerial experience. Greg now serves as the President of the Alumni Association at his alma mater SAGU, and is committed to seeing the next generation receive a quality Christian higher education. In addition to being a full-time pastor, Greg is a board-certified, faith-based Counselor. He travels as a speaker to various conferences, camps, revivals, and retreats. Closer to home, Pastor Greg loves and serves his community in a variety of ways, including serving on the Diversity Advisory Committee for the League City Chief of Police.His wife Deena is a gifted worship leader and has been sought out to lead worship at camps and conventions, including the South Texas District Council. They have been married over thirty-six years and have two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Morgan, and two grandchildren, Brooklyn and Colt..------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guests:Greg ThurstonsonFacebook: @greg.thurstonsonInstagram:  @gthurst1Web:  www.dominionchurch.orgChresten TomlinFacebook:  @tomlinministriesWeb: www.ctministries.comEpisode Features:Marriage + Ministry (Season 1) episodes with Jim and Pam KingEpisode 7 (Part One)Episode 8 (Part Two)Episode 20 : Leading Your Team with Joy (featuring Greg &  Deena Thurstonson)Learn more about Sanctuary Let's Retreats!Learn more about Sanctuary Let's Connect events!Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

In February, June, and August of 2022 we welcomed our very own women's ministries expert Kelli Ferguson to Let's Talk and touched on a variety of aspects of ministry to women—everything from the WHY behind it, how to implement discipleship, and then creating and fostering authentic connection among the women you lead and serve. In the finale of this four-part series on ministry to women we welcome a panel of passionate ministers to women who help us determine what the top priorities should be as we ease into a brand new year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guests:Kelli FergusonFacebook: @kelliafergusonInstagram: @kellifergusonEmail: kelli.ferguson@cafrederick.comCyndee OwnbeyWebsite: www.womensministrytoolbox.comFacebook: @womensministrytoolboxFacebook group: @womensministrytoolboxcommunityInstagram: @womensministrytoolboxPodcast: Women's Ministry ToolboxCrystal WilliamsFacebook:  Crystal Firey WilliamsInstagram:  @ crystal_firey_williamsEpisode Features:Episodes featuring Kelli Ferguson & Crystal WilliamsMinistry to Women, Part 1 with Kelli Ferguson | Episode 37Ministry to Women, Part 2 with Kelli Ferguson | Episode 43Ministry to Women, Part 3 with Kelli Ferguson |  Episode 48Building Friendships That Fit with Crystal Williams | Episode 10 The Gift of True Friendship with Crystal Williams | Episode 30Ministry to Women Blog Series at SanctuaryLearn more about Sanctuary's Let's Retreat, a retreat designed for the wives of full-time ministers. Custom Cookies from Cookie BreakCatch up on Sanctuary's recent blog series about Transition.Help us spread the word about Let's Talk with Sanctuary by giving us a rating and a review on your preferred podcast platform!Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

When it comes to parenting resources, you'll find plenty of support for prenatal, newborn, preschool, the daunting 8-year-old and tween transitions, and even life with teens. But what does a mother do when she crosses the finish line, launches her children into adulthood, and is forced to rediscover her own identity beneath the layers of marriage, motherhood, and ministry life? In this episode we welcome Midlife Mindset coach Pamela Henkelman to walk us through the beautiful journey of life just beyond hands-on motherhood. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------With a bright smile and an enthusiastic personality, Pamela lives to encourage women. She has a heart for the forgotten moms: the ones with adult children. She helps them navigate their changing role with their adult children through intimacy with God. She is a Midlife Mindset Coach for Moms, speaker, writer, and podcaster living her best “empty nest” life with her hubby, the pastor. They have five grown kids and two grandsons. For fun, Pamela enjoys deep conversations over coffee, time spent laughing with anyone, and cooking delicious food.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Pamela Henkelman:Instagram: @phenkelmanFacebook: @Pamela HenkelmanWeb: www.pamelahenkelman.comPodcast: The Midlife Momma PodcastEpisode Features:Learn more about Sanctuary's Let's Retreat, a retreat designed for the wives of full-time ministers. Custom Cookies from Cookie BreakCatch up on Sanctuary's recent blog series about Transition.Help us spread the word about Let's Talk with Sanctuary by giving us a rating and a review on your preferred podcast platform!Many thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

Many pastors are trying to carry healing to broken families while their own families are broken. Many pastors' wives are providing counseling for broken marriages while feeling isolated in their own marriages. Many of our missionaries are sacrificially preaching, teaching, and discipling while battling their own personal bouts with depression and questioning God's hand in it all. How does today's ministry family manage to keep moving forward and remaining steady in the ministry while privately healing from significant grief and loss? In today's episode we welcome pastor's wife Rae Johnson as she shares about the ongoing journey of grief that she has traveled for the past decade.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rae Johnson & her husband, Casey, have served side by side in full time ministry for over 17 years. In that time they have served as youth pastors, worship pastors, communication pastors, and are now serving as Associate Pastors at Heritage Church in Wichita Falls, Texas. Rae also took a big step of faith in September of 2014 and began homeschooling their two amazing kids, daughter, Elia, who is now 15 and son, Noah, who is 10, which continues to be one of the most rewarding, albeit very unexpected, God journeys. When not at the church helping coordinate an upcoming event or at home being homeschool mama, you will likely find Rae curled up in a quiet space with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Rae Johnson:Instagram: @thatjohnsonfamilyFacebook: @RaeJohnsonWeb: www.thatjohnsonfamily.comPodcast: Live the Moment PodcastEpisode Features:Simply Sisters is founded upon the premise that women need one another. And out of that need, Simply Sisters has multiplied its impact in many nations throughout the world, modeling what it means to not only love one another but to express it in tangible ways.+Find Sanctuary on Facebook and find a safe haven of support and encouragement for ministry wives, across the nation and around the world.Share Let's Talk with Sanctuary with a fellow ministry leader! Learn more about the podcast at our website, www.sanctuaryministrywives.com/letstalkMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!

The Barna Group of research recently published a study citing that 56% of pastors they polled have considered quitting full-time ministry due to “the immense stress of the job”.  The pressure is stacking on so many leaders who are battling all kinds of personal struggles such as anxiety, depression, mental, emotional, and spiritual fatigue, all the while trying to lead other followers of Christ to victory. In this conversation with licensed counselor Celeste Nichols we discuss the overarching result, as it pertains to mental health, from the past few years' pandemic status, as well as the when, how, and why of professional counseling.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Celeste Nichols is a licensed counselor in the state of Arkansas. She is a wife and mother who grew up as a Pastor's daughter and has experienced pastoral life first-hand. Before becoming a counselor, Celeste spent 14 years working on staff at a church. Celeste has a double masters degree in marriage and family therapy and clinical mental health and is passionate about working with ministry families through counseling. She offers a unique perspective on the beauty and challenges of ministry life.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with today's guest, Celeste Nichols:Web: myrelationshipsolutions.comEmail:  celestenichols@myrelationshipsolutions.comEpisode Features:Simply Sisters is founded upon the premise that women need one another. And out of that need, Simply Sisters has multiplied its impact in many nations throughout the world, modeling what it means to not only love one another but to express it in tangible ways.+Find Sanctuary on Facebook and find a safe haven of support and encouragement for ministry wives, across the nation and around the world.Share Let's Talk with Sanctuary with a fellow ministry leader! Learn more about the podcast at our website, www.sanctuaryministrywives.com/letstalkMany thanks to our host, Bridgette Tomlin, and engineer Lindsey Culp of LC Creative. Learn how you can capitalize on all Lindsey can do for your small business, church, or ministry through her creative solutions of media, video, graphics, and more!