In this episode, Ben Herr shares his personal journey of faith and how he encountered Jesus in a transformative way at the age of 18. He discusses the foundation of his faith growing up in a conservative Baptist family and the pivotal moments of his life that solidified his relationship with Jesus. Ben is honest about the challenges he has faced in his marriage and as a father, and how God used these experiences to shape him into a more loving and selfless person. His story is one that will remind you of the miracles we still wait for and how to keep hope in the midst of that waiting—even when it is so painful. We know you will love Ben’s story and will be so inspired by his faith and steadfast hope in Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

* Ben’s encounter with Jesus on a hiking trip transformed his life and led him to pursue full-time ministry.

* The importance of self-reflection and examining our own brokenness in order to grow and change.

* The power of sacrificial love in marriage and parenting, and how it can truly transform relationships.

* The journey of navigating a child's decision to walk away from faith and the importance of remaining hopeful and steadfast in prayer.

* The role of Scripture in guiding and transforming our lives, and the importance of daily seeking God through prayer and meditation.

Ben Herr has dedicated his life to serving young people. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a BS in Finance, Ben found his calling in youth ministry during his time as a Young Life volunteer. He joined Young Life staff in 1984, serving in various leadership roles until 2008, including managing the development of Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch.

Married to Judy since 1984 and father to three daughters, Ben continued his commitment to community service as the Executive Director of the Master’s Plan Foundation from 2008 to 2020 and as a volunteer with Young Life. Currently, he helps lead a college ministry at George Fox University and serves on the board of Safe Families for Children in Portland. Ben and Judy now live in Dundee, close to their family and grandchildren.

To connect with Ben, email us at [email protected] and we will connect you!

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In this episode, co-hosts Erin and Ramonita dive deep into their personal ministry journeys, sharing the highs and lows of their experiences serving in the church. They touch upon the critical importance of maintaining a strong connection with God amidst the demands of ministry and open up about their struggles with burnout. Throughout the conversation, they dissect the pressures of performing versus serving from a genuine place, setting realistic expectations for themselves, and the essential role of encouraging leadership in fostering a healthy ministry environment.

Erin and Ramonita also highlight the pivotal reason behind their commitment to ministry—Jesus. They provide practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of church service, emphasizing that true ministry extends beyond official titles and into daily acts of kindness and connection with everyone we incounter. Join Erin and Ramonita as they offer insights and encouragement for anyone involved in or contemplating church ministry, highlighting that the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about communal contribution.

Key Takeaways:

* Intimacy Over Performance:** Ministry should spring from a deep, personal relationship with Christ, not from a desire to perform or impress others.

* Recognize Your Season:** Understanding and accepting the fluctuating capacities we have in different life stages can help manage expectations and prevent burnout.

* Ministry Everywhere:** Serving God isn't confined to structured church roles; it encompasses all forms of interactions and relationships in our daily lives.

* Stay Rooted in Your 'Why':** It’s vital to continually recall the core of our faith—Jesus—to avoid being disillusioned by the imperfections of human-led institutions.

* Be Solution-Focused:** Actively seeking ways to contribute to the betterment of the church can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and service.

In this episode, Berm Dorante shares his journey of resilience and the healing power of worship and community. From his early encounters with church and music in Kansas City to his move to Jacksonville, Florida, Berm found peace and refuge in his faith and in worship music. He discovered his talent and passion for singing in eighth grade, which ignited his love for leading worship. Throughout his journey, Berm experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which prompted him to reevaluate his approach and focus on personal healing and growth. He shares his experiences of working in ministry, the complexities of faith, and the importance of forgiveness and seeking God's will in his life. This is an episode that will speak to all who have experienced the beauty and the brokenness that can be found in ministry & church—and yet the hope that is still found in Christ in the midst of it all when we put our focus back where it belongs. We can’t wait for you to hear Berm’s story and be encouraged to keep going in your faith!

Key Takeaways:

* Berm's early encounters with church and music in Kansas City laid the foundation for his deep connection to his faith and his love for worship.

* Worship became a refuge for Berm during challenging times in his life, and he found peace and healing through music and the presence of God.

* Berm's passion for worship led him to pursue ministry and attend a ministry school, where he learned valuable skills in leading worship and serving others.

* He experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which taught him the importance of setting boundaries and seeking God's will above all else.

* Berm's journey in worship has been transformative, and he has witnessed the power of worship to bring healing, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of forgiveness and faith.

Berm Dorante, based in Nashville, TN, is a worship leader and songwriter. He attends church at the Belonging Co. where he volunteers as a youth leader and dedicates his time to encouraging and investn in the next generation. Berm's passion for nurturing faith through music and ministry can be followed through on his social media on Instagram and TikTok at @berm.msc

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This is an episode you will not want to miss because it Come.Union’s very own Erin Olinger!

In this episode, Erin Olinger, co-host of the Come.Union Podcast shares her personal journey of finding validation and worth in the midst of never feeling enough or at times, a little too much. She discusses her struggles with an eating disorder in middle school and how she found healing and hope. Erin also talks about her career in the music industry and the moment she felt called to walk away and pursue a different path into ministry. It was during this time of her life that she finally finds out what it means to take off the mask she has been wearing because she believed she was not enough and starts to see who God says she is. She learns about vulnerability and how sharing her life can also lead to feeling like she was too much for others. In the midst of it all, she shares the importance of recognizing God's voice that says she is enough and learning to believe that God has created her for such an incredible purpose, even if she is not every person’s cup of tea. 

Key Takeaways:

* The importance of having mentors in our life to have support and guidance during the young years of adolescence. 

* Eating disorders are not always about body image but can stem from a desire for control and a fear of not being enough.

* Hearing God's voice and following His leading can bring peace and clarity, even in difficult decisions.

* It's important to recognize and challenge the lies we believe about ourselves and replace them with the truth of God's love and acceptance.

* Hurt people hurt people, but healed people can bring healing to others.

* God's peace doesn't need our circumstances to be in alignment. God's peace can say, 'This feels like it makes no sense, but I'm going to give you peace because it's what I want you to do."

* God's peace is how we can recognize God's voice. It's not always audible, but it brings a deep sense of peace and assurance.

Connect with Erin:

Instagram:@Erincolinger

Email: [email protected]

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S2E10: Searching For Belonging

In this episode, Ramonita and Erin discuss the importance of being authentic and vulnerable in a world that often makes us feel invisible. They reflect on their own experiences of searching for belonging and share how they have learned to embrace their true selves, who God created on purpose, for a purpose. They also explore the concept of fitting in versus belonging and the impact it has on our mental and emotional well-being. Through their personal stories and insights, they inspire listeners to embrace their uniqueness and find their place in the world.

Key Takeaways:

* Belonging is a basic human need, and we are created to find places of belonging.

* Fitting in is about wanting to be a part of something else, while belonging is about being wanted and accepted for who you truly are.

* It is important to know and accept who we are at our core, regardless of societal expectations or pressures.

* Surrounding ourselves with safe and supportive people who accept us for who we are is crucial for our well-being.

* Vulnerability and authenticity are key to building deep and meaningful connections with others.

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Episode 9 features our friend Jana Kelsay and we can’t wait for you to listen. Jana Kelsay is an American-born Chinese woman who grew up in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about supporting marginalized communities and finding ways to make people feel valued, seen, heard, and cared for. Jana has a degree in organizational communications and has worked in various administrative support roles for over 15 years. She is currently building her own virtual administrative services business and is actively involved in volunteering and connecting with her community.

In this episode, Jana shares her journey of navigating the complexities of her identity as an Asian-American. She discusses growing up between two different worlds, feeling invisible, and the impact of cultural assimilation. Jana also talks about her experience of reclaiming her cultural heritage and finding her voice in a world that often overlooked her. She shares personal stories of family struggles, mental health challenges, and the miraculous recovery of her son after a traumatic incident. Through it all, Jana's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the unending journey towards self-discovery.

Key Takeaways:

* Navigating the complexities of identity as an Asian-American can be challenging, especially when caught between two different worlds.

* Reclaiming cultural heritage and finding our voice is a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

* Forgiveness and reconciliation are ongoing processes that require time, understanding, and boundaries.

* Mental health and therapy can play a crucial role in healing, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

* Advocating for marginalized communities and creating spaces of belonging is a powerful way to make a positive impact.

To connect with Jana, follow her on instagram @jkelsay or check out her website www.janakelsay.com

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In season 2, episode 8 of the Come.Union podcast, Ramonita and Erin discuss the powerful quote, "Scars don't bleed, wounds do," shared by their previous guest, Faith Corley. They explore the concept of healing from trauma and how scars serve as reminders of past wounds. They share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of allowing ourselves time to heal and recognizing trauma responses. They also discuss the significance of forgiveness, even when an apology is not received, and the role of safe communities and therapy in the healing process.

Key Takeaways:

* Healing from trauma takes time and should not be rushed. Just like physical wounds, emotional wounds need time to scab, heal, and eventually form scars.

* Scars serve as reminders of past wounds, but they no longer cause pain. They are indications of healing and growth.

* Trauma responses can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, overthinking, or projecting past hurts onto current relationships. Recognizing these responses is crucial for healing and growth.

* Healing can come from various sources, including therapy, safe communities, and the support of loved ones. It is important to find healthy ways to process and heal from past wounds.

* Forgiveness is a personal choice and can be given even when an apology is not received. It allows us to release the burden of holding onto anger and resentment.

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"Scars don't bleed. Wounds bleed." - Faith

Season 2, Episode 7 is with Faith Corley, a former board-certified music therapist and mental health counselor who shares her own story of healing from trauma and heartache she has experienced. Faith opens up about her challenging childhood, the impact of her father's harmful beliefs, and how her view of God was shaped by her family dynamics. Faith also discusses meeting her ex-husband and the abusive relationship that followed in her marriage to him that ultimately lead to divorce. Despite the difficulties she faced, Faith found strength in relationship with Jesus and the support of her community. She gives us a great perspective of what it looks like to heal in the midst of our grief and not lose hope in the process. Faith also shares the journey towards and role of forgiveness and boundaries in her healing process that ultimately lead her to her husband, Alex, with whom she gets to raise their incredible children.

Key Takeaways:

* Discussions about a childhood marked by strained family dynamics and harmful beliefs that shape our view of God.

* Walking into and through an abusive relationship and the feeling being trapped and manipulated.

* Finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship and seek healing through therapy and the support of community.

* Learning the importance of forgiveness and setting boundaries in order to fully heal.

Don’t miss this story of healing through heartache from our sweet friend, Faith! Get ready to be inspired by her wisdom and encouraged by her heart!

Faith is married to her husband, Alex, and is mom to three young boys, ages 3, 6, and 8. She currently teaches music part time at her sons’ school, serves on the board of a local non-profit, and helps lead a group for moms at her church. Faith enjoys yoga, tennis, the beach, making music, reading, speaking Spanish, and traveling. 

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"Our need for control is evidence of our lack of faith." - Ramonita

"Sometimes we have to feel out of control in order to realize that God is in control." - Erin

In episode 6 of Season 2, we discuss the topic of control and how it affects our lives—and the struggles that come with seeking it. We explore the idea that our need for control stems from a desire for safety and security. We also reflect on our own experiences of wrestling with God's plans and the importance of faith in letting go of control. We touch on the concept of controlling the narrative and the impact of social media on our need for control. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of trusting in God's control and finding peace in surrendering to His plans—even when we do not understand them.

Key Takeaways:

* Our need for control is often rooted in a desire for safety and security.

* Wrestling with God's plans is a natural part of our faith journey, but ultimately, choosing obedience and surrender leads to growth and blessings.

* Trying to control the narrative or what others think of us is a futile effort that only leads to anxiety and insecurity.

* Trusting in God's control and letting go of our own need for control brings peace and freedom.

* Social media can exacerbate our need for control, but recognizing that we can't control others' perceptions or opinions is liberating.

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Episode 5 is jam packed with insight and wisdom as we invite Deb Williams to share her inspiring story of faith and obedience. From her unexpected journey to Georgetown University to her having an incredible career at Nike—and then walking away, Deb's story is a testament to the power of listening to God's voice and following His plan—even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. She discusses the importance of trusting God's provision, finding peace in His guidance, and the challenges of silencing other voices for validation. Deb's story serves as a reminder that obedience to God's calling may not always make sense, but it leads to incredible blessings and deeper transformation.

Key Takeaways:

* Trusting God's plan and provision can lead to unexpected blessings and transformation.

* God's voice often speaks in whispers, and His guidance can be discerned through peace and provision.

* Obedience to God's calling may conflict with rational decisions and the opinions of others.

* Wrestling with doubts and uncertainties is a natural part of the faith journey.

* Faith requires surrendering control and trusting that God's plan is greater than our own.

Don’t miss this incredible story of our dear friend, Deb Williams! You will walk away challenged and encouraged, no doubt!

Deb Williams is a brand marketing strategist, storyteller, and creative visionary. She is a double graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Deb's journey has been marked by her commitment to using the power of storytelling to bring about meaningful connections and positive change in the world. She sees stories as a powerful tool to not only connect people but also contribute to the transformation of the world.

To connect with Deb: Follow on instagram @debfayewms

And…

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