The Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
Ministry Leaders and their families live in a “glass house”—an environment where they are left vulnerable to the stress of ministry, the criticism of others, and feel the spotlight on their personal weaknesses. Lifeway's "The Glass House" is a space where ministry leaders will shed light on the challenges they often don't feel permission to talk about. Listeners who work in the trenches of church life will feel seen and gain tools to navigate ministry and life. Those who live outside this "glass house" will better understand what it's like to dwell there. Join Ben and Lynley Mandrell for these shockingly confessional—yet redemptive—conversations.
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83. Our Biggest Mistakes with the Stephens, Cains and Dances
11/13/2023
83. Our Biggest Mistakes with the Stephens, Cains and Dances
Ministry is complex and making mistakes is inevitable. On today’s show Ben and Lynley sit down with three ministry couples who are transparent about their biggest mistakes they’ve made and learned from over the years. Jarrett and Debbie Stephens, Corey and Melody Caine, and Mark and Janet Dance share with us how they have navigated the challenges of ministries and what they have learned on the other side of some of their biggest mistakes! Learning from leaders who have gone before us is a gift! We will forever be grateful for the ministry couples who enter the glass house with us and share their stories! Mentions: - Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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82. The Only Woman at the Table with Robert and Tasha Calvert
11/06/2023
82. The Only Woman at the Table with Robert and Tasha Calvert
Church staffs are inundated with male leadership. On ministry nights or get togethers where spouses are included, husbands of women on staff can easily feel like the odd man out. On today’s show Ben and Lynley explore the complexities of this dynamic with Robert and Tasha Calvert. Robert and Tasha Calvert have been married for over 20 years, together they share four daughters and two sons-in-law, and live in Texas. Robert has had an extensive career in the technology industry, currently working for Microsoft. Tasha is the women’s minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Robert and Tasha’s gift to this episode is their transparency. You will hear how they struggled for years to learn one another, how their balance of each another is their strength through church conflict, and how they navigate the challenges of Tasha working in a dominant male environment. We hope this episode helps you as you lead and serve alongside your partner! Mentions: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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81. How to Lose a Pastor in 10 Years with Lisa Whittle
10/23/2023
81. How to Lose a Pastor in 10 Years with Lisa Whittle
When a pastor or ministry leader falls, it impacts the entire family and community. Walking through a tragedy like this is difficult for everyone. Today’s guest has walked this road firsthand as a daughter of a pastor who had a very public fall from their church ministry position. Lisa Whittle shares with us how her father’s actions and the reaction from the church community deeply impacted her faith and relationship with the local church. Lisa is the best-selling author of 9 books and several Bible studies, including Jesus Over Everything and The Hard Good. She is a sought-out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom-line approach. She is the founder of online communities: Ministry Strong for ministry leaders and Called Creatives for writers and speakers, and host of the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. She’s a wife, mom, lover of laughter, good food, and The Bible. As we broke down a few points from Lisa’s article, How to Lose a Pastor in 10 Years, our prayer is that through this conversation we grow in compassion and grace. Our prayer is that we think twice next time we forward an article or respond to a text. May we be people that surround and support those in need of grace because of the overwhelming amount of grace our Father has given to us. Mentions: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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80. Our Biggest Mistakes featuring Ed and Kathy Litton & Tyler Litton
10/16/2023
80. Our Biggest Mistakes featuring Ed and Kathy Litton & Tyler Litton
All of us, including pastors and pastor’s families, need God’s grace every day. The question is not whether we will fail, but where will we turn when we do? On today’s episode Ben and Lynley have a candid conversation with Dr. Ed and Kathy Litton as they share their unique challenges and the mistakes they made in pastoral ministry. Ed and Kathy Litton live in Mobile, Alabama where Ed pastors Redemption Church. Kathy is the Director of Planter Spouse Development at the Send Network. Both lives took unexpected twists as they lost their former spouses in car accidents. Ed and Kathy share 6 grown children and 12 grandchildren. Ed and Kathy are transparent in their parenting struggles and a personal, yet very public, failure. The Littons provide keen insights and a living example of staying close to the heart of Christ, in whom “there is no condemnation” (Romans 8:1).
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79. Autism in the Glass House with the Quillets
10/09/2023
79. Autism in the Glass House with the Quillets
One third of special needs families say they have left a church because they didn’t feel seen and welcomed, or because there wasn’t a ministry for their child. With 1 in 36 children in the United States being identified with autism, it’s time for the American church to not just welcome families with special needs, but to truly serve them! On today's show Ben and Lynley have a challenging conversation with Tyler and Cathie Quillet on how they have struggled through church life as parents with an autistic son, and how they believe churches can best serve and support all families. Tyler and Cathie are married and have two sons. Tyler is the team leader for the Custom Church Resources and Smallgroup.com team at Lifeway Christian Resources. Cathie is a marriage and family therapist and specializes in walking families through the tough spaces of infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption. Not everyone has to be an expert of autism, but as ministry leaders and Christians, we must be a student of all people so that we can show everyone the love of Christ. We hope today’s episode challenges you to have eyes open to how you can best serve families in need around you! Mentions:
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78. On the Spot with Ben and Lynley- Friendships in Ministry
09/25/2023
78. On the Spot with Ben and Lynley- Friendships in Ministry
True or False: Hiring your friend is a great idea? On today’s show we tackle the conversation of friendships and whether or not you should hire your friends. Friendships can be complicated as it is, so at what cost do you risk the friendship to have the opportunity to work together? Ben and Lynley share personal stories about their own friendships over the years, how the quote “it’s lonely at the top” has played out in their life, and how the needs for friendships are different for men and women. Mentions: Patrick Lencioni book – Listen to where The Mandrell’s discuss Strength to Strength with JD and Veronica Greear (Nikki can you hyper link this?) on The Glass House Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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77. Biggest Mistakes Live from the SBC 2023
09/18/2023
77. Biggest Mistakes Live from the SBC 2023
In today’s episode we have an honest conversation with couples Chris and Libby Philips and Landon and Tara Dowden about their biggest mistakes in ministry. Our guests don’t hold back as they confess to a range of mistakes, including betrayal of a confidence, overcommitment, people-pleasing, and even a fistfight between one of the couples’ own children on the front pew! Life is messy and ministry life is no different. We hope today’s episode encourages you to honestly and compassionately confront your own mistakes, knowing that God’s grace is bigger than our failings. Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to Mentions:
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76. The Spiritual Health of Family with Dr. Heidi Warner
09/11/2023
76. The Spiritual Health of Family with Dr. Heidi Warner
As ministry leaders we know the order of priorities are God, family, church, but we also know that’s not how it always works. Too often our priorities are distorted due to us living outside of our means with our energy, time, and gifts. Overworking ourselves inevitably leads to affecting the overall mental, emotional, and spiritual health of our family. Dr. Heidi Warner graduated with her undergraduate degree in psychology and writing from Indiana Wesleyan University, Indiana in 2002 and her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2009 from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She is passionate about seeing hurting people find healing, hope and freedom from the struggles that hold them back from living life fully. Her commitment to supporting people on their journey through hardships comes from a personal Christian faith and her own journeys through difficult times. In today’s episode Dr. Heidi Warner challenges us to redefine success, grow in the knowledge of our boundaries, and to ask our family the hard questions. This episode is packed with wisdom and practical resources we hope you can use as you strive to honor God with your priorities. Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to Mentions: by Cloud and Townsend - Lysa Terkeurst - Richard Swenson
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75. On the Spot with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
08/28/2023
75. On the Spot with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
In design, it is often said, there should be an unexpected element in every room. We have decided to lean into this rule in podcasting as well and throw in something completely unexpected. We have asked our producer, Angie Elkins, to completely surprise us with questions that we hope will help you get to know us better, provoke you to think about some things that you have not before, and honestly, just laugh along with us. We are calling these episodes, On the Spot with Ben and Lynley, because we have no idea what is coming. Today you will hear us answering random questions, but in upcoming episodes, Angie will be surprising us with topics that we know you, as listeners, want to hear more about. We hope you enjoy these. We would love, as always, to hear what topics you would like to hear more about in these On-the-Spot episodes. Mentioned: with Jane Fonda (Language warning) by Bob Iger Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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74. Our Biggest Mistakes with Nick and Meredith Floyd
08/21/2023
74. Our Biggest Mistakes with Nick and Meredith Floyd
With differing personalities, marital needs, and rhythms of shifting seasons it is inevitable that mistakes are going to be made along the way. We have made plenty of them and today we are excited to sit down with Nick and Meredith Floyd to talk about their biggest mistakes throughout their ministry journey. Nick and Meredith met when they were both attending Liberty University and have been married for almost 20 years. They have four children together and serve at Cross Church Northwest Arkansas. Nick serves as the Senior Pastor and prior to becoming Senior Pastor, Nick had served at Cross Church for 10 years, and was Lead Teaching Pastor and Staff Leader, teaching weekly at the Fayetteville campus. Nick and Meredith shared great advice on humbling ourselves to our families and loving one another in a Christlike way. While mistakes are going to happen, our prayer is that as leaders of our ministries and homes, we allow the Spirit to fill us with his grace and wisdom to continue the journey faithfully. Links: Karen’s Kingsbury’s book: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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73. Reviving Vision in The Glass House
08/14/2023
73. Reviving Vision in The Glass House
As leaders, we can have dreams, hopes, and visions… but only one of those is going to lead our people. Today’s guest is the brilliant Bryan Rose who shares with us exactly what vision is, how we receive it, cast it, and follow through. Whether you’re leading a small, medium, or large church, this episode is for you! Bryan Rose is the Senior Lead Navigator and multisite specialist for Auxano. After serving in a pastoral capacity for 12 years, Bryan now enjoys meeting with church staff and lay leaders in helping them discover their ministry’s vision. His facilitation weaves together a strong strategic style with engaging creativity. Bryan and his wife Kelly live in Nashville with their two children. We know firsthand how overwhelming receiving and casting a vision can be. As you listen you’ll hear five practical steps that you can walk through in creating a vision for your ministry. If you need help, reach out to Bryan at Auxano.com or email us at . You won't regret investing in your future! Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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72. Managing Ministry Change with Steve Cuss
07/17/2023
72. Managing Ministry Change with Steve Cuss
Steve Cuss has become a favorite guest for us here at the Glass House. We decided to share one of our favorite previous episodes with you today that features Steve and some excellent advice on how to manage change in your ministry. We also talk about managing our own anxiety as leaders and at the end of the episode, Steve gave Lynley some unforgettable advice tht we continue to think about and hear from you, our listeners about. Please email us and let us know your thoughts about this episode. We love hearing from you. Steve’s book, Managing Leadership Anxiety is available . Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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71. Forgiveness in the Glass House
07/10/2023
71. Forgiveness in the Glass House
Forgiveness is something we never graduate from. It’s an ongoing process of healing that God is working in our lives. This week, we are sharing a sermon Ben preached at Forest Hills in the Nashville area about his journey with forgiveness. We pray you’ll be challenged by this word & share it with someone who comes to mind as you listen. Mentioned: Episode from the Glass House with RT Kendall is . - the story of Joseph Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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Episode 70: Listener Mail Bag with Adam Mason
07/03/2023
Episode 70: Listener Mail Bag with Adam Mason
One of our favorite things, on the Glass House team, is to hear from you. Today, we’re asking our friend and biblical counselor, Adam Mason to help us answer. We talk about everything from “what’s your favorite game?” to the responsibilities of the pastor’s wife. We discuss how to get along with other staff members and what to do when you think it’s time to leave your church. Thanks for listening and remember to share this episode with a friend. Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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Episode 69: Responding to Your Inner Critic with Phil and Jennifer Rothschild
06/26/2023
Episode 69: Responding to Your Inner Critic with Phil and Jennifer Rothschild
The SBC 2023 wrapped just a couple of weeks ago, and one of the highlights for Team Lifeway is always the special breakfast we host for those attending the SBC. This year, Ben and Lynley invited Phil and Jennifer Rothschild to be their special guest to discuss the importance of making peace with our inner critic. If this is the first time you’ve listened to The Glass House, make sure you are following the podcast on any platform where you’re listening, so you don’t miss a single episode. Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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Episode 68: Navigating Ministry Transitions in the Glass House
06/05/2023
Episode 68: Navigating Ministry Transitions in the Glass House
Recently Lynley was a guest on the Ministry Wives Podcast with host Christine Hoover to discuss how she and Ben navigated their last transition in ministry. When God calls us, it doesn’t always mean the transition will be smooth or easy. Lynley shares with Christine about what went well, what didn’t, and how God’s hand was evident in the transition from being a lead pastor’s wife & children’s director at Storyline Church in Denver, Colorado to Nashville where Ben began to lead Lifeway as the president. Mentioned in the show: Ministry Wives Podcast with Christine Hoover North American Mission Board Church Planting SEND Network The Glass House Episode 1 - The Glass House is Fragile Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks Connect with the Glass House on Instagram Please email us your questions and feedback to
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Episode 67: When You Don't Know What to Do
05/29/2023
Episode 67: When You Don't Know What to Do
Did you have a hero as a kid that always knew what to do under pressure? Many of us struggle to know what to do and even struggle with anxiety and fear about big decisions at home and work. Ben recently preached at Long Hollow Church, in the Nashville area and shared this message based on Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament in the book of II Chronicles. We thought it was such a timely message for the Glass House listeners, as well. Mentioned in the show: Montana by Keith Dunnavant II Chronicles 20 I Kings 18 The Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds Proverbs 3 Choose Your Own Adventure Books Isaiah 26:3 CSB
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Episode 66: Student Ministry in The Glass House with Ben Trueblood and Brian Preston
05/22/2023
Episode 66: Student Ministry in The Glass House with Ben Trueblood and Brian Preston
Did you know that one of the most undervalued positions inside the church walls is the student pastor? That was a big surprise to Lynley and I when we heard author Steve Cuss say this. So we’ve invited Ben Trueblood, the Director of Student Ministry here at Lifeway, and Brian Preston who serves as the student minister at Battle Creek Church in Oklahoma to talk about what it’s like for today’s current student pastors on the front lines with students today. Connect with the Glass House on Instagram . Please email us your questions at
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Episode 65: Death by Suicide in the Glass House with Jason and Sarah Little
05/15/2023
Episode 65: Death by Suicide in the Glass House with Jason and Sarah Little
The Glass House can often be a fragile place to live, but when ministry couples experience trauma serving in ministry it becomes an extremely tender place to be. Pastors and their wives often deal with families in their churches who are forced to face this tragedy, but what do they do when sudden loss by suicide touches their own family?Today Ben and Lynley invited Jason and Sarah Little to discuss the difficult topic of suicide. This is a very open and honest conversation that could be difficult for some to listen to. Mentioned in the show: Surviving Suicide Loss: Making Your Way Beyond the Ruins book GriefShare Program Romans 8:1 Galatians 6 EMDR Therapy Disappointment With God by Philip Yancey Matthew 11:28 Connect with the Glass House on Instagram . Please email us your questions at
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Episode 64: Adoption in The Glass House with Lange and Jamie Patrick
05/08/2023
Episode 64: Adoption in The Glass House with Lange and Jamie Patrick
So many of you have requested this topic, so today Lynley and I are joined by Lange and Jamie Patrick who are sharing their story in ministry- with fostering and adoption, after having biological children. So many ministry couples find themselves in different places when God speaks to them about expanding their family through foster and adoption. The Patricks’ story will inspire you, as well as lend some valuable insight on how to tackle this inside The Glass House. Mentioned in the show: The Body Keeps The Score book Reach out to the Patricks at [email protected]
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Episode 63: Calling Out the Called with Shane Pruitt
05/01/2023
Episode 63: Calling Out the Called with Shane Pruitt
Pastors are getting older and young adults are drifting away from the vocation of pastoral ministry. These facts have important implications for the future of the church. That’s why we invited Shane Pruitt onto the show today to discuss his newest book, Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership. It makes us wonder about the future church leaders and their places in the church now- just waiting for encouragement ro step into their calling. Shane is such a positive and hopeful voice on this topic and Lynley and I were happy to get the opportunity to have this conversation with him Mentioned in this episode: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram . Please email us your questions at
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Episode 62: The Best Advice Part 3
04/10/2023
Episode 62: The Best Advice Part 3
Over the years, we’ve been give a lot of advice. One of our favorite things to do on the show is to ask our guests to share some of the best advice they’ve been given. Today is the 3rd edition in this special series of episodes. You may have missed some of these episodes of The Glass House, so we’ve linked them below to make it easy for you to listen. Enjoy! Listen to previous guest on The Glass House by clicking their name below: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram . Please email us your questions at
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Episode 61: The Power of Partnership with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
04/03/2023
Episode 61: The Power of Partnership with Ben and Lynley Mandrell
Partnership between spouses in ministry can be a challenge, but it can also produce extremely fruitful rewards. Today, Ben and Lynley are sharing some of their most vulnerable stories of partnership fails and wins. Mentioned in this episode: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram . Please email us your questions at
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Episode 60: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Quit with Mike Minter
03/27/2023
Episode 60: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Quit with Mike Minter
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming our friend, former pastor and new author, Mike Minter. Mike pastored one single church for 48 years in the Washington, D.C. area. We’ve had many requests from pastors and ministry leaders about doing an episode on how you can know when it is time to quit or move on to a new church. Answering the question about when the assignment is finished is so hard. Mike is sharing wisdom on this topic from his new book, Stay The Course. We’d love to hear your feedback at Mentioned in the show: Stay The Course book Connect with the Glass House on Instagram .
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When the Pastor's Wife Isn't Accepted with Mark and Michelle Croston
03/20/2023
When the Pastor's Wife Isn't Accepted with Mark and Michelle Croston
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming Mark and Brenda Croston to the show. Mark serves at Lifeway as the Director for Black Church Ministries, and Brenda is the founder of Simple Truth Ministries, as well as an author, speaker and trainer for Lifeway. When Mark was pastoring, his first wife died of cancer. He and Brenda are sharing their story today of how they both experienced deep grief and loss, what it was like for God to bring them together and how that impacted their church. We’d love to hear your feedback at Mentioned in the show: Connect with the Glass House on Instagram .
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Episode 58: Male and Female Partnership and the Mission of God with Jen Wilkin
03/13/2023
Episode 58: Male and Female Partnership and the Mission of God with Jen Wilkin
Today on The Glass House we’re discussing a hot topic that has been the source of much debate for centuries inside the church. Author, speaker, Bible teacher and podcast host, Jen Wilkin joins us today to lend her insight into this polarizing topic. This episode will not only enlighten you, but give you Biblical resources as you continue to have this conversation with your ministry leaders inside your church community. We’d love to hear your feedback at Mentioned in the show: Genesis 2 You Are A Theologian by Jen Wilkin & JT English Connect with the Glass House on Instagram .
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Episode 57: From Strength to Strength with J.D. and Veronica Greear
03/06/2023
Episode 57: From Strength to Strength with J.D. and Veronica Greear
Today on The Glass House we’re joined by JD and Veronica Greear, the pastor of Summit Church, to unpack a book that JD recommended to Ben recently. This taps into many secret fears that pastors and ministry leaders have about when we reach that second half of life and find the better part of our career over. How do we navigate the massive career shift as life and the path ahead change for each of us? Today’s conversation will be an encouragement to both ministry leaders and spouses as we face these major life transitions. We’d love to hear your feedback at Mentioned in the show: From Strength to Strength, Finding Success,Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Authur C. Brooks Connect with the Glass House on Instagram .
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Episode 56: When Naysayers Come
02/13/2023
Episode 56: When Naysayers Come
We all face criticism, and learning to handle it is one of life’s greatest challenges. But how often have we stopped to think of how critical we can be of others? Ben recently preached at Long Hollow Church, in the Nashville area and shared this message based on a story in the book of Nehemiah. We thought it was such a timely message for the Glass House listeners, as well. We’d love to hear your feedback at Mentioned in the show: by Nicole Zasowski Connect with the Glass House on Instagram .
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Episode 55: The Cost of Unforgiveness with R.T. Kendall
02/06/2023
Episode 55: The Cost of Unforgiveness with R.T. Kendall
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming RT Kendall to discuss a topic that never gets old because it requires a daily practice - total forgiveness. For pastors and those serving in the church, we cannot fully love the people we serve when we keep a record of wrongs. Our prayer is that this conversation will challenge you to search your own heart for those who need total forgiveness. Mentioned in the Show: Send your encouraging stories to [email protected]
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Episode 54: Mental Illness in the Glass House with the Fortenberrys
01/30/2023
Episode 54: Mental Illness in the Glass House with the Fortenberrys
Today on The Glass House, we are welcoming church planters from Jackson, MS, Scott and Candiss Fortenberry, to talk about the issues of mental health in ministry. This topic isn’t an easy conversation because often it comes with shame, loneliness and a lot of questions that don’t have easy answers. We hope today’s show inspires you to break down the walls, create a safe space and be open to this discussion, in your home and in your church. Mentioned in the Show:
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