myPlace Podcast
Finding your PLACE in life and ministry! We want to help you get to know yourself and how God has created you. We'll help you look at yourself holistically through the lens of personality, spiritual gifts, abilities, passion, and life experiences and see how they work together in helping you be the person God designed you to be. We want you to know how you can be successful in your relationships, in your ministry, and in your career.
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EP116: Hear the Story: Coaching People Through PLACE
11/09/2026
EP116: Hear the Story: Coaching People Through PLACE
Jesus asked people a lot of questions, often more than He gave answers. In this episode of the My Place Podcast, Mary McSwain and her dad, Jay McSwain, talk about coaching and why it matters when you're helping people find their place in the church. Jay starts by explaining how coaching is different from counseling, consulting and mentoring. Then they talk about why coaching matters in a church: you can't really guide someone from a sheet of paper. You have to hear their story. Jay tells about a young couple who looked like the perfect fit for a serving role. After hearing their story, he realized they needed their church to pour into them for a season. Mary adds that for some people, the right place for now is being served, not taking on one more commitment. They also cover: - How coaching "pumps the blood" through the PLACE process - What coaching taught Mary about the PLACE tool itself - Where to start if you want to become a PLACE connection coach - Questions to keep in your toolbox for a coaching session - How to use those same questions to coach yourself The assessment isn't meant to tell you who you are. It's meant to help you put into words who God already made you to be. Whether you're a church leader, a future coach, or someone who wants to understand how God has wired and gifted you, this conversation is for you.
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EP115: How a Coffee Shop Can Make a Kingdom Impact | With Stephen Martin (Farmhouse Coffee)
08/15/2026
EP115: How a Coffee Shop Can Make a Kingdom Impact | With Stephen Martin (Farmhouse Coffee)
Mary sits down with founder and owner of Farmhouse Coffee in North Georgia to discuss how God moved through its inception, and how the shops became more than just places to serve coffee. Curious to know your spiritual gifts? Download our FREE app to find out yours today! https://placeministries.org/spiritual-gifts-app/ Hashtags: #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #Coffee #PLACEProfile #LetGoAndTrustGod #GodUsesYou #ChristianGrowth #ScriptureAndPersonality #DiscModel #KnowYourself #BiblePersonalities #FaithOverControl
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EP114: Where Does God Want Me?
08/07/2026
EP114: Where Does God Want Me?
In a culture obsessed with self-discovery and reinvention, how does the Bible define who we truly are? In this episode, we explore what Scripture says about identity and how it contrasts with the ever-changing definitions offered by the world. We’ll dive into why the desire for identity runs so deep, how our God-given design and spiritual gifts shape who we are, and how the enemy works to distort our sense of self. If you've ever wrestled with questions like “Who am I?” or “What was I made for?”—this conversation is for you. Do you know your spiritual gifts? Download our app to take our FREE Spiritual Gifts Assessment https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myspiri... -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #ChristianPodcaster
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EP113: Summer Series Recap | The One Thing Every Bible Character Had in Common
07/31/2026
EP113: Summer Series Recap | The One Thing Every Bible Character Had in Common
What do Pharaoh, Peter, Barnabas, Moses, and Doubting Thomas all have in common? More than you might think. In this wrap-up episode, Mary and Jay close out the summer series with a recap of every character they explored, and one surprising thread that ran through all of them. Spoiler: it is control. Every personality type, in its own way, has a version of the same underlying drive. For some it is controlling a situation to reach a goal. For others it is controlling people's perception of them, or maintaining harmony in a group, or needing all the details before they can take a step of faith. Different personality, same root struggle. Mary and Jay also talk about what stood out in how God interacted with each of them, including how practical and tangible he was, giving Elijah a nap and a meal, letting Thomas touch the scars, turning Moses's staff into a serpent, and why that matters for the way he might be meeting us in our everyday lives too. If you have been following along this summer, this episode is a great way to bring it all together. If you are just tuning in, consider this your invitation to go back through the archives and find the people you relate to most. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… Hashtags: #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #SummerSeriesRecap #PLACEProfile #BibleCharacterStudy #PersonalityAndFaith #LetGoAndTrustGod #GodUsesYou #MaryAndJay #ChristianGrowth #ScriptureAndPersonality #DiscModel #KnowYourself #BiblePersonalities #FaithOverControl
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EP112: Moses and Thomas | What Happens When You Ask God the Hard Questions
07/24/2026
EP112: Moses and Thomas | What Happens When You Ask God the Hard Questions
Did you know that one of the most quoted verses in all of Scripture, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," came from a question that Thomas asked? In this final episode of the MyPlace summer series, Mary and Jay close out the character study with two men who had a lot of questions, a lot of doubt, and a lot of fear, and yet God still chose them anyway. Moses and Thomas lived thousands of years apart but shared the same detail-oriented, inquisitive personality style. They both wrestled with insecurity, leaned into doubt when the details were unclear, and at times let their "what ifs" almost talk them out of saying yes to God. But they also asked questions that gave the rest of us some of the greatest clarity Scripture has to offer. Mary and Jay walk through what made their questions a strength, when curiosity crosses into criticism, why humility taken too far becomes insecurity, and how God responded to both men with a combination of gentleness, detail, and a firm nudge in the right direction. And if you have ever felt like you are not qualified enough, not articulate enough, or too full of doubt to be used by God, Moses and Thomas are your people. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #MosesAndThomas #PLACEProfile #SummerSeries #BibleCharacterStudy #CPersonality #DarkSidesOfPersonality #FaithAndDoubt #DoubtingThomas #GodUsesYou #MaryAndJay #ChristianGrowth #ScriptureAndPersonality #AskGodYourQuestions
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EP111: Aaron and Peter | When the Need to Be Liked Becomes the Thing That Gets You
07/17/2026
EP111: Aaron and Peter | When the Need to Be Liked Becomes the Thing That Gets You
One helped build a golden calf. The other denied Jesus around a campfire. Two men, hundreds of years apart, stumbling in surprisingly similar ways. In this episode of the MyPLACE Podcast summer series, Mary and Jay look at the lives of Aaron and Peter, two extroverted, articulate, people-oriented leaders who had every reason to stand firm, and still caved to the crowd. They dig into the difference between wanting recognition and wanting acceptance, why the same strength that got Peter out of the boat also let the waves take his focus off of Jesus, and how Aaron's ability to draw people in became a need to keep people happy at all costs. They also make a really interesting distinction between how Aaron and Peter's compromises looked the same on the outside but were driven by very different things on the inside, and why God cares more about the motive than the mistake. And then there is the part that might be the most encouraging of all. God did not shelve either of them. Aaron still became the priest. Peter still birthed the church. God uses broken, fallible, people-pleasing people, and that is good news for all of us. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #AaronAndPeter #PLACEProfile #SummerSeries #BibleCharacterStudy #IPersonality #DarkSidesOfPersonality #FaithAndPersonality #GodUsesYou #ProgressNotPerfection #MaryAndJay #ChristianGrowth #ScriptureAndPersonality #BrokenAndRedeemed
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EP109: Abraham and Barnabas | The Quiet Strength Behind the Big Stories
07/03/2026
EP109: Abraham and Barnabas | The Quiet Strength Behind the Big Stories
Not everyone in Scripture had the biggest personality in the room. But that does not mean God did not use them in some of the biggest ways. In this episode of the MyPLACE summer series, Mary and Jay explore the lives of Abraham and Barnabas, two men from very different eras who shared a steady, peacemaking personality style, and some surprising shared struggles as well. They were mediators, second-chance givers, and loyal supporters who often stepped aside so others could shine. But that same go-with-the-flow nature that made them so steady could also make them passive when they needed to speak up, and cause them to compromise their convictions to keep the peace. Jay and Mary walk through some of the most overlooked moments in both of their stories, from Abraham trying to please both Sarah and Hagar at once, to Barnabas quietly slipping to the wrong side of the table in Galatians 2 just to avoid causing conflict. They also talk about what made Barnabas's role in Paul's story so critical, and why none of Paul's ministry might have happened without him. If you have ever felt like your personality is too quiet or too behind the scenes to be used by God in a significant way, this episode is for you. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-…
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EP108: King Saul vs. King David | Same Personality, Same Spotlight, Different Hearts
06/26/2026
EP108: King Saul vs. King David | Same Personality, Same Spotlight, Different Hearts
In this episode of the MyPLACE Podcast summer series, Mary and Jay dig into the lives of King Saul and King David, two imperfect, impulsive, charismatic leaders who both had what it took but made very different choices with what they were given. They walk through their shared strengths, like the ability to draw people in, inspire loyalty, and lead with confidence, and their shared dark sides, like impulsiveness, jealousy, the need for people's approval, and using charm to manipulate. From Saul hurling a spear at his own son to David trying to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, these are not polished heroes. They are broken people, and that is exactly what makes their stories so relatable. But the question that matters is not whether they stumbled. It is what they did after. One evaded responsibility and hardened his heart. The other fell at God's feet and stayed there. And that made all the difference. If you have ever felt like your highs are high and your lows are low, or you have ever had to sit with consequences you brought on yourself, this episode was made for you. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #PLACEProfile #PharaohandPaul #BibleCharacterStudy #PersonalityAndFaith #DPersonality #TransformationStory #FaithAndLeadership #SurrenderToGod #MaryAndJay #SummerSeries #ChristianGrowth #ScriptureAndPersonality #RoadToDamascus
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EP107: Pharaoh vs. Paul | Same Personality, Different Endings
06/19/2026
EP107: Pharaoh vs. Paul | Same Personality, Different Endings
What do an ancient Egyptian king and the Apostle Paul have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Mary and Jay kick off a new summer series, a character study of people in Scripture, starting with two men who lived 1,500 years apart but shared the same driven, take-charge personality style. Pharaoh and Paul were both bold, task-focused, never-give-up leaders who were not afraid to oppose anyone who got in their way. But one's life ended in tragedy, and the other's ended in transformation. So what made the difference? Jay and Mary walk through their shared strengths, their shared struggles, and the moment when confidence tips over into control, when drive becomes destruction, and when "I did it my way" starts working against you. They also talk about how God uniquely got Paul's attention on the road to Damascus, and the surprising marker of Paul's transformation at the end of his life. Whether you are a driven, take-charge personality or you know someone who is, this episode will help you see both the power and the danger of that wiring, and what it looks like when it gets fully surrendered to God. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #PLACEProfile #PharaohandPaul #BibleCharacterStudy #PersonalityAndFaith #DPersonality #TransformationStory #FaithAndLeadership #SurrenderToGod #MaryAndJay #SummerSeries #ChristianGrowth #ScriptureAndPersonality #RoadToDamascus
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EP106: You Are God's Masterpiece
06/12/2026
EP106: You Are God's Masterpiece
What if the word Scripture uses to describe you is the same word we get "poem" from in English? In this episode, Mary and Jay unpack one of the foundational verses of the PLACE tool, Ephesians 2:10, and what it truly means to be God's handiwork, His masterpiece. They explore why so many people struggle to believe that about themselves, how comparison and insecurity are some of the oldest tactics the enemy uses to steal your contentment, and why struggling to believe who God says you are can actually keep you from doing what God made you to do. Jay also shares a real story of how a man who showed up late to lead a group, because he had just gotten engaged, became one of the most passionate and gifted leaders in a ministry years later. Because when you know your handiwork, you know where to show up. Whether you are still figuring out your purpose or just need a reminder of who God says you are, this conversation will encourage you to believe it and pursue it. #Ephesians210 #GodsHandiwork #YouAreHisMasterpiece #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #PLACEProfile #IdentityInChrist #PurposeAndFaith #FaithAndIdentity #KnowYourPurpose #GodMadeYouOnPurpose #ChristianGrowth #MaryAndJay #DiscoverYourPurpose #BibleStudy The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-…
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EP105: What's Draining Your Passion?
06/05/2026
EP105: What's Draining Your Passion?
You can love something deeply and still feel completely disconnected from it. In this episode, Mary and Jay dig into what passion actually is, where it comes from, and the people, events, and circumstances that can quietly drain it right out of you. Jay shares real coaching stories including a woman who got recruited for the wrong role because of one powerful event in her life, a man guilted into serving at Vacation Bible School, and an investigative, artistic guy who almost got put on the parking team. These stories show just how easy it is to end up saying yes to all the wrong things and losing your passion in the process. They also talk about the five types of people in your life, the ones who ignite your passion, share it, and the ones who silently drain it, and why knowing the difference matters more than most people realize. If you have been feeling burnt out, disconnected, or like the flame has gone out, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… #GuardYourHeart #PassionAndPurpose #MyPlacePodcast #ChristianPodcast #PLACEProfile #AvoidBurnout #FaithAndPurpose #CheerfulGiver #KnowYourself #SayNoToSayYes #IdentityInChrist #MaryAndJay #ChristianGrowth #DiscoverYourPassion #SpiritualHealth
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EP104: How God Wired You
05/29/2026
EP104: How God Wired You
Have you ever taken a personality assessment and thought, "That's not quite me"? In this episode, Mary and Jay dive into why looking at just one lens, personality, spiritual gifts, or any single element, gives you an incomplete picture of who God made you to be. Jay shares how nearly 30 years of coaching thousands of people taught him that the real insights come not just from the profile in front of you, but from the words people use to tell their own story. From a quiet chair-setter who turned out to be a leader, to a Bible museum that started in a coaching session, these real-life examples show what it looks like when all five PLACE elements work together. Whether you're exploring your own profile, mentoring someone, or leading a church, this episode will help you see how the puzzle pieces of who you are fit together and how to help others see theirs. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… #PLACEProfile #KnowYourself #ChristianPodcast #MyPlacePodcast #SpiritualGifts #PersonalityTest #FaithAndPurpose #ChurchLeadership #DiscoverYourPurpose #GodMadeYou #ChristianGrowth #MinistryTools #IdentityInChrist #MaryAndJay #PodcastEp104
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EP103: The Conversation Every Parent & Student Needs to Have
05/22/2026
EP103: The Conversation Every Parent & Student Needs to Have
How do parents truly understand their kids? How can students discover the purpose God created them for? In this episode of the My Place Podcast, Mary and Jay dive into one of the most impactful experiences they’ve ever hosted: a Parent + Student PLACE Weekend. Through powerful conversations, personality insights, spiritual gifts, and real life stories, they unpack how families can better communicate, encourage, and understand one another. From discovering purpose and calling to learning how to influence rather than control, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for parents, students, church leaders, and anyone wanting to grow in self awareness and relationships. Topics Covered: • Helping students discover purpose and direction • Parenting through influence instead of control • Why validation matters for teenagers • Spiritual gifts and personality insights • Building stronger family communication • Using PLACE as a discipleship tool • How knowing yourself changes relationships #Parenting #ChristianPodcast #Purpose #YouthMinistry #SpiritualGifts #ChristianParenting #SelfDiscovery #FaithBased #ChurchLeadership #ChristianLeadership #PersonalityTypes #Discipleship #TeensAndFaith #PurposeDrivenLife The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-…
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Spiritual Gifts at Your Job?
05/15/2026
Spiritual Gifts at Your Job?
EP102: Jay and Mary sit down to discuss the role spiritual gifts play at work and in your career. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-st... Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-... Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-… -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore
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Episode 101 - Do You Have the Gift of Faith?
05/08/2026
Episode 101 - Do You Have the Gift of Faith?
Jay and Mary sit down to discuss the spiritual gift of faith and the way that God has wired us inidivually for His purpose and plan. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! Take the PLACE assessment! --------------------
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Episode 100 - The Ministry of Presence
05/01/2026
Episode 100 - The Ministry of Presence
What do you say when there's nothing left to say? Sometimes simply being present and being there for someone is the right call for ministry. Jay and Mary dive into this topic and more. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! Take the PLACE assessment! --------------------
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Episode 99 - Sometimes You Need Good Questions, Not New Answers
04/24/2026
Episode 99 - Sometimes You Need Good Questions, Not New Answers
The right questions can leave a powerful impact on someone’s life, but how do you know what to ask or what to listen for? In a world full of zoom meetings, online inventories, and technological connection amidst relational disconnection, Jay and Mary explore why sitting down with people still matters. They dive into what a coaching through the PLACE Assessment can look like - not a scripted process or way to label someone but rather an outlet that leads to one question: what is your purpose? You’ll hear why an assessment is just a tool—not the solution—and how true coaching goes beyond profiles to focus on the person behind them. We also unpack what makes PLACE coaching unique, how to navigate moments when people look to you for answers you may not have, and what anyone—not just “official” coaches—can learn about building better, more meaningful conversations. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! Take the PLACE assessment! --------------------
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Episode 98 - How Do We Bear The Fruits of The Spirit?
04/10/2026
Episode 98 - How Do We Bear The Fruits of The Spirit?
Could the desires of your flesh talked about in Galatians 5 be reflected in your personality? What then does it mean to put to death those desires, walk in step with the Spirit, and bear the fruits of the Spirit? Through practical examples and honest reflection, Mary and Jay unpack how submitting the natural tendencies of our personality to the Spirit leads to growth, freedom, and a more impactful life. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! Take the PLACE assessment! -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore
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Episode 97 - He is Risen! Which Disciple Are You?
04/03/2026
Episode 97 - He is Risen! Which Disciple Are You?
Everyone responds to crises differently - even the people closest to Jesus. In the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection, the gospels recount many of the responses of those closest to Jesus. In this episode, we look at their real reactions. Could there be evidence for their personality style, and even our own, in the events that transpired that weekend? Their responses don’t just tell their story…they reveal ours. Who’s reactions that week do you relate to most? - Peter’s impulsivity and curiosity - Thomas’ questions and doubt - Mary Magdalene’s loyalty amidst fear -Joseph of Arimathea’s action and initiative Jesus’ responses to them…say something about Him. The Dark Sides of Personality Book: https://placeministries.org/online-store/the-dark-sides-of-personality/ Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/ -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore
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Episode 96 - The Leadership Blindspot: Only Seeing Part of the Picture
03/27/2026
Episode 96 - The Leadership Blindspot: Only Seeing Part of the Picture
What happens when you have an incomplete picture of who you are? In this episode, we explore why effective leadership starts with self-awareness—understanding both your own personality and the personalities of the people you lead. We also discuss why personality alone isn’t enough to truly understand yourself or those around you. As an individual or as a leader, you need a more complete picture that includes your gifts, abilities, and passions to you where you, and those you lead, will thrive. Are You Committed? Book: https://placeministries.org/online-store/are-you-committed-hard-cover/ Learn about our PLACE workshops: https://placeministries.org/finding-your-place-in-gods-church/ Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/
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Episode 95 -THIS Will Develop Your Leadership
03/20/2026
Episode 95 -THIS Will Develop Your Leadership
What tools help leaders lead people well? In this episode, we explore how a tool like PLACE can help leaders ask better questions, grow in self-awareness, and understand how they—and the people they lead—are wired to thrive. We’ll answer questions like - How PLACE can identify what type of leader you may be - How PLACE can expose blind spots and aid in development - How PLACE can help leaders adapt to the people their leading Are You Committed? Book: Learn about our PLACE workshops: Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! Take the PLACE assessment! -------------------- #ChristianPodcast #FaithBasedPodcast #BiblePodcast #GospelPodcast #JesusPodcast #ChristianTalk #ChristianContent #FaithTalk #PodcastForChristians #explore
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Episode 94 - Not Every Pastor is a Shepherd
03/13/2026
Episode 94 - Not Every Pastor is a Shepherd
In this episode, we explore the difference between the spiritual gift of a pastor/shepherd, the role and position of a pastor, and why the distinction matters to the believer. We talk about how shepherds are uniquely person-centered—drawn to protect, guide, and nurture others—and how that gift shows up in everyday believers, not just church staff. We also address a common tension: many serve in pastoral roles without having this specific gift. How can they lead well? And what happens when believers don’t understand their own gifts? Whether you’re in church leadership or simply wondering how God has wired you, this conversation will help you see how your gifts give you direction—not disqualification.
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Episode 93 - This Verse Changed My Life
03/06/2026
Episode 93 - This Verse Changed My Life
It was a verse that changed his life, and could be a game changer in yours as well. In this episode, Jay and Mary unpack the differences between biblical promises and principles. Through the lens of Matthew 16:25, they discuss the dangers of claiming a promise that isn’t yours to claim and neglecting those that are. Discover your spiritual gifts with our brand new Bible study! https://placeministries.org/discover-your-spiritual-gifts-get-started/ Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/ In their conversation, you gain insight into questions like - What’s the difference between a promise and a principle - What’s the danger of reading a promise out a context - How could you experience a promise
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Episode 92 - Before You Hire Anyone...Hear This.
02/27/2026
Episode 92 - Before You Hire Anyone...Hear This.
Take the PLACE assessment! https://placeministries.org/what-you-get-place-online-assessment/ Team dynamics can be tricky to build, and sometimes even harder to maintain. Finding the right fit to add to your staff or volunteer team, can be daunting and directionless without the proper tools and perspectives. In this episode, Mary consults Jay’s insights and experience consulting with churches and individuals on how to know if your potential new team member is a good fit, and if you are a good fit for your potential new team. Whether you’re building a church staff, strengthening a volunteer culture, or considering a new opportunity yourself, this conversation will help you think more clearly about fit, function, and finding the right place to serve.
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Episode 91 - The Keys to Building a Team That Will Thrive (Not Just Survive)
02/26/2026
Episode 91 - The Keys to Building a Team That Will Thrive (Not Just Survive)
What makes a team or staff both healthy AND high-performing, and what are the dangers or prioritizing one over the other? In this episode, Mary and Jay explore the dynamics of teams that will help them thrive, and the ones that barely survive. You’ll hear how tools like PLACE, ongoing coaching conversations, and truly understanding how your people are wired—not just what they can do—can transform morale, engagement, and effectiveness. Because at the end of the day, the mission statement doesn’t accomplish the mission—your people do.
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Episode 90 - What If Your Design Is Proof Of God’s Love?
02/13/2026
Episode 90 - What If Your Design Is Proof Of God’s Love?
In a season centered on love, we turn our attention to its truest source. In this episode, we explore how your unique design is living evidence of God’s love for you. From Scripture’s picture of a God who knows us, forms us, and pursues us, to the way spiritual gifts invite us into abundant life and meaningful purpose, this conversation reminds us that we were not created carelessly. Through stories, Scripture, and decades of ministry experience, we reflect on how being deeply known by God is inseparable from being deeply loved—and how discovering your place can awaken a fresh understanding of both.
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Episode 89 - The Cost of Saying Yes, And When to Say No
02/06/2026
Episode 89 - The Cost of Saying Yes, And When to Say No
The PLACE Workshop: In a culture that’s normalized business and exhaustion, we can often be left feeling overcommitted and, even, burned out. Oftentimes, we attribute this to a crowded calendar, but perhaps your schedule isn’t the problem. In this episode, Mary and Jay explore how the burnout or fatigue you’re experiencing in life may not be due to business but phenomena like the Peter Principle and biblical evidence for internal causes of burnout regardless of external commitments. If you feel overcommitted, exhausted from a filled calendar, or simply out of place where you are, this conversation may help you identify the roots, reasons, and remedies you’ve been looking for.
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Episode 88 - These Obstacles Hurt Your Walk With God
01/31/2026
Episode 88 - These Obstacles Hurt Your Walk With God
As believers, many of us set goals to grow closer to God—but staying consistent can be harder than expected. In this episode, Mary and Jay explore how our personalities can both help and hinder our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Jesus. Through biblical examples and personal stories, they discuss common obstacles like busyness, distraction, tendencies and misplaced priorities, and how God meets each of us uniquely in the way we’re wired. Whether your relationship is characterized by intentionality, spontaneity, both, or neither, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for persevering in your walk with God.
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Episode 87 - Giving Your Passion Direction
01/23/2026
Episode 87 - Giving Your Passion Direction
Your gifts and strengths, while a great asset to you, may not always give you the direction you are looking for in life. There can be so much fulfillment and joy found when you are participating in God’s work and connecting with his people, but it can be hard to know where to start. In this episode, Mary and Jay discuss how you can find the direction and fulfillment you're looking for through the PLACE Assessment. They discuss… • How gifts and strengths don't always provide clear direction • How your abilities, passions, or life experiences can point you in the right direction • Discovering what will energize you and fuel your passions
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Episode 86 - Using Your Gifts Without Losing Your Passion
01/17/2026
Episode 86 - Using Your Gifts Without Losing Your Passion
What happens when you’re not passionate about your passions anymore? Could it be you’re still passionate, but not able to use your gifts to pursue those passions - causing you to feel out of place? In this episode, Mary and Jay discuss how your spiritual gifts often tell you how you will serve, not necessarily where you will serve. Inspired by a recent coaching session Jay had at his church, he shares real life insight on how this understanding can be used in your own life or the lives of those you lead.
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