Between Sundays with The Chandlers

Man, today’s episode is rich. I’m sitting down with Dr. Michelle Bowman—an educator, leader, and sister in Christ who has walked through the fire and come out on the other side with her joy still. Her story? It’s not the cleaned-up version. It’s real. Ten years of struggle, a marriage that ended in heartbreak, and a journey back into the family of faith, not with shame but with strength.

What you’ll hear in Michelle is the kind of resilience that only comes from walking with Jesus through deep pain. From idolizing marriage to embracing her calling as a spiritual mother, she’s living proof that you can lose everything the world calls secure and still gain something far better—belonging, joy, and purpose in Christ.

If you've ever felt like your story disqualifies you, let this be a holy disruption. There’s healing here, and it starts by stepping into the light. Keep your eyes up.

In This Episode

• [02:00] - Walking Through Divorce & Letting Go of Identity
• [04:30] - Coming Home to TVC: A Story of Community & Welcome
• [08:00] - Serving in Singleness: From Family Legacy to Faithful Presence
• [10:45] - Can You Love Jesus and Not the Church?
• [14:30] - The Cost and Freedom of Being a Single Woman in the Church
• [17:45] - Seeing God's Goodness in Unexpected Seasons
• [21:30] - Spiritual Motherhood & Nurturing the Body of Christ
• [25:45] - Lifelong Encouragers: Family, Faithful Friends & SSR Sisters
• [28:15] - A Heart for Missions: Finding Purpose on the Field
• [30:00] - Rhythms That Keep Her Anchored: Serving, Studying, and Scripture
• [33:00] - To the One Feeling Shame: What Michelle Wants You to Hear
• [40:00] - A Final Word on Grace, Courage, and Coming Home Again

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Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Colleen Searcy and Ryan Wester for a really honest, meaningful conversation about calling, faith, and what it looks like to lead in the local church as a woman.

Colleen grew up in a home shaped by deep faith. Her grandfather didn’t just teach her the Apostles' Creed—he lived it. From early on, she was being discipled, not just taught. Her story is one of steady formation in the gospel. Ryan’s journey, on the other hand, is very different. She came from a background marked by pain and dysfunction, and yet God broke in with redeeming grace, drawing her out of darkness and into life and ministry.

Their stories are so different, but both are powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness—and of how He calls women into ministry through all kinds of paths. We dig into some of the challenges women face in ministry—especially in places where their gifts haven’t always been recognized or encouraged. Colleen and Ryan talk about how discipleship and spiritual friendship helped them navigate that space and step into their calling with clarity and courage.

I want the Church to be a place that sees the gifts God’s given His daughters and cheers them on as they lead, teach, disciple, and serve the church. Because when women walk in their Spirit-given calling, the whole body flourishes.

This conversation reminded me—again—that the Spirit of God is doing something beautiful in and through the lives of women at The Village and beyond. And I’m grateful I get to witness it.

• (00:14) – How Jesus Found Us and Called Us In
• (09:13) – When Ministry Finds You in the Most Unexpected Places
• (12:53) – Discipled Into a Calling
• (26:03) – Doing Ministry Side by Side Without the Weirdness
• (37:03) – Cheering Her On
• (41:21) – Let Her Teach, Lead, and Build the Church

• Women in Ministry (Condensed)
• Women in Ministry (Full Version)

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Danny Spencer, a long-time member of The Village Church, as he shares his powerful story of healing and hope. Raised in a home marked by addiction and loss, Danny carried deep wounds into adulthood—even as he built a successful banking career. Behind the scenes, alcohol was quietly undoing everything.

At his lowest point, Danny found his way into a 12-step meeting and soon after, into the community at Highland Village First Baptist Church. It was there that God began a radical work of redemption. Through the support of people like Ida Stump and a faithful home group, Danny’s life began to change—his sobriety took hold, and his faith deepened.

In this conversation, we explore the healing power of Gospel community, the beauty of restored relationships, and the truth that no one is ever too far gone. If you or someone you love is struggling, Danny’s story will point you to hope, healing, and the One who breaks every chain.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• From Rock Bottom to Redemption
• God’s Faithfulness in the Mess
• Breaking Chains in Community
• Healing That Only Jesus Brings

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

Air Doctor

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Leadership under pressure is no joke. Pastors Leonce Crump and Joby Martin open up about the weight of responsibility—when betrayal, exhaustion, and doubt threaten to take you out. Leonce shares about seasons of heartbreak that nearly broke him, and Joby talks about burnout, even in a thriving ministry. This isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about leaning into Jesus when you’re running on empty.

What keeps you in the fight? Joby almost walked away from ministry, ready to sell caskets instead—until his wife nudged him to give it one more shot. Matt shares about hitting a wall, realizing he was leading from fumes instead of fresh conviction. And Leonce? He found renewal not just in faith, but in reconnecting with the outdoors and rediscovering the things that replenish his soul.

How do you stay grounded in public life? These guys talk about balancing leadership with raising kids, protecting their families from unfair expectations, and keeping their faith real. If you’re feeling worn out or wondering how to keep going, this conversation is for you.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Pastoral Leaders Discuss Resilience and Overcoming
• Leaders Embrace Growth and Restoration
• Navigating Public Life and Family Pressure
• Balancing Ministry and Family Life
• Ministry Shift

GUEST RESOURCES

Joby Martin

Leonce Crump

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

Air Doctor

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Family life is messy—loud, exhausting, and often overwhelming. But the everyday moments—car rides, meals, bedtime—can be sacred opportunities to point our kids to Jesus.

This week on the Overcomers Podcast, I sit down with Adam Griffin, author and host of the Family Discipleship Podcast, to talk about leading our families in grace, not perfection. Adam shares his struggles with impatience and how embracing our weaknesses can deepen our parenting.

We unpack simple but powerful practices—like the driveway prayer to reset before stepping inside, the sacredness of family meals, and the importance of consistency in shaping faith. And in a world where screens are discipling our kids faster than we are, Adam offers wisdom on keeping them engaged, guarding their hearts, and staying united as parents.

You don’t have to be a perfect parent—just present, humble, and faithful.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Parenting Challenges and Cultivating Humility
• Serving and Loving Imperfectly
• Home Formation Through Routines and Milestones
• Fostering Family Connection Through Communication
• Navigating Different Parenting Philosophies
• Navigating Technological Challenges in Parenting
• Parenting with Community

GUEST RESOURCES

Family Discipleship Podcast

Family Discipleship Book

Adam's Forthcoming Book

Follow Adam

Follow Family Discipleship Podcast

FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:

Instagram | Youtube | Website | Newsletter

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

Aqua Tru

Having safe, clean water is the last thing you want to worry about, but unfortunately, According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why we love our AquaTru water filter. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing.

The Overcomers listeners can receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code “OVERCOMERS“ at checkout. AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Overcomers. In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Zember, whose journey with Jesus shows the messy, beautiful reality of sanctification. Growing up in a Christian home in Southern California, Kim had some transformative encounters with Jesus, but her path hasn’t always been straightforward.

We dive into the challenges Kim faced growing up—especially her early view of God as this authoritative figure, which led to a legalistic way of thinking. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to understanding who we are in Christ, and for Kim, the journey wasn’t a straight line. We talk about the moments that shook her understanding of herself, her faith, and her sexuality—especially navigating feelings and desires she had that seemed counter to who she believed she truly was.

This episode is a reminder that God’s love and grace are bigger than our struggles, and no matter where we are, we can always turn toward Him. Join us for an honest, powerful conversation about faith, identity, and transformation.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Navigating Gender Identity and Relationships
• The Struggle With Self-Identity and Faith
• Encountering God's Healing and Love
• Embracing Imperfection and God’s Grace Through Relational Faith
• Finding Grace and Growth

GUEST RESOURCES

Kim Zember’s Website

Follow Kim

Buy Kim’s Book

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Americans take about 20,000 breaths a day and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. AirDoctor is the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to.

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

What if the key to true success is embracing your vulnerabilities? In today’s episode of the Overcomers Podcast, the tables turn—Lauren Chandler interviews me about a season of deep transformation. We’ll unpack my journey from external success in ministry to confronting the internal struggles I couldn’t ignore anymore. I was emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, and hiding behind humor and problem-solving. That’s when I decided to get help and began working with a counselor who challenged my approach to life.

The road wasn’t easy. Jack, the counselor, pushed me to face uncomfortable truths, confront my defense mechanisms, and dive deep into the emotional wounds I’d been avoiding. This wasn’t about fixing problems—it was about learning to engage in real relationships, especially with my family. That shift from trying to fix everything to truly connecting has changed the way I minister and live.

This conversation is about embracing change, having the courage to grow, and facing the most guarded parts of your inner self. If you’ve been feeling stuck, or know there’s more growth ahead, I hope you find strength and Christian courage from this conversation.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 2015 And The Realization I Needed Help
• Discovering Deep Hurt and Healing
• The Turning Point in Re-Discovering My Identity
• How Solitude Has Helped Me With Soul Integration

FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:

Instagram | Youtube | Website | Newsletter

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Having safe, clean water is the last thing you want to worry about, but unfortunately, According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why we love our AquaTru water filter. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing.

The Overcomers listeners can receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code “OVERCOMERS“ at checkout. AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

On this episode, I sit down with two of my closest friends, Josh and Trevor, to reflect on insights from a 90-year Harvard study on adult development, highlighting the essential role of deep, reliable friendships—what we refer to as a "King's Table" or "3 am friends." 

Throughout our discussion, we underscore the significance of vulnerability in building lasting male friendships. Intentionality and proximity are key to forming connections that stand the test of time, from everyday commitments to sharing life’s highs and lows. By embracing vulnerability, we transform surface level friendships into profound relationships.

There’s a distinct difference between invited and forced vulnerability. And my call to you is to embrace the courage required to be open and find the depth and beauty that follows. The world needs men who are courageous in all aspects of their lives, but particularly in courageously exploring and exposing the underlying narratives, whatever they are, that we all believe at times. I hope you are encouraged and challenged to be who God has created and called you to be.

Topics Discussed

• Importance of Male Friendships and Proximity
• Building Deep Relationships Through Vulnerability
• Forced Vulnerability vs. Invited Vulnerability
• Unpacking Shame and Vulnerability
• Unpacking Pain and Purpose
• Encouraging Men Towards Vulnerability and Adventure

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

As I wrap up this season, I want to neatly summarize what this season was about. Whether it was walking through the four Horseman of the apocalypse, interviews, question and answers, the whole point was to highlight how true overcoming is not tied to mere personal effort or any treasure of this world, but arises from deep, heartfelt worship, rooted in the confidence of Jesus' reign and rule. This worship brings strength, courage, and gratitude, that can transform our responses to adversity, infusing our hearts with gratitude and confidence.

My prayer has been and will continue to be that you are reminded that God has called you, specifically you, within the grand narrative of God's story to walk in the confidence that Jesus has come and will come again. And when you fully surrender to His rule and reign in your life, you have the power to overcome life's challenges.

Instagram | Youtube | Website | Newsletter

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com and using my promo code OVERCOMERS for 30 days free.

Logos

Logos is a powerful Bible study platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, and more—all from your computer, tablet, or phone., and for a limited time listeners of The Overcomers podcasts can get an exclusive discount plus additional free books, just visit Logos.com/overcomers to learn more.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

On this episode of The Overcomers I tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about suffering and God's love. Questions like why bad things happen to good people, why doesn't God answer prayer, and others. All with the aim of confronting the lies that will lead people to dark spaces with the truths of scripture.

My prayer is that through this series you will discover and be reminded of the hope and courage available to overcome life's challenges through the finished work of Christ. 

Instagram | Youtube | Website | Newsletter

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com and using my promo code OVERCOMERS for 30 days free.

Logos

Logos is a powerful Bible study platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, and more—all from your computer, tablet, or phone., and for a limited time listeners of The Overcomers podcasts can get an exclusive discount plus additional free books, just visit Logos.com/overcomers to learn more.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]