Donna Gaines joins us to share her wisdom and what she believes are the five essential traits of a leader. She talks about leading with humility, faithfulness, and a heart fully surrendered to Jesus. Donna also offers practical wisdom on resisting comparison, choosing not to be offended, and becoming women who speak life and build others up. She closes with a powerful reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5 to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks, even in difficult seasons. This conversation is full of encouragement for women leading in any capacity.

LINKS

Spiritual Authority book 

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness book 

Gospel Way Catechism book 

Good to Great book

Lifeway Women Academy 

Devoted Bible study

Ministry to Women book 

RECOMMENDED: Listen to this past episode of Marked with Donna on building biblical literacy and the importance of volunteering in your community. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Donna Gaines on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

In this episode, we sit down with Marian Jordan Ellis to talk about the importance of community in women’s ministry. Marian shares why leaders can’t thrive in isolation, how discipleship strengthens the church, and the practices that help women connect beyond surface level. She also reflects on what it looks like to lead while still needing genuine friendship.

We touch on seasons of loneliness, navigating resistance with grace, and overcoming comparison in leadership. It’s a hope-filled conversation for anyone committed to cultivating authentic connection among women!

LINKS

Anchored Bible study 

This Redeemed Life 

Together Bible study

Emily Dean episode 

Amy-Jo Girardier episode

RECOMMENDED: Get to know Marian Jordan Ellis on the Lifeway Women Blog.

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Marian Jordan Ellis on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

Angie and Alicia sit down with author and prayer leader Leighann McCoy to talk about what it really looks like to weave prayer into your life and ministry. Leighann has walked with the Lord through both joys and deep challenges, and she brings a warm, grounded perspective that helps make prayer feel accessible. If you’ve ever struggled to know where to start or how to help the women you lead grow in this area, you’ll find this encouragement and practical wisdom so helpful.

LINKS:

Leighann McCoy Podcast

Perfecting the Art of Parenting Your Prodigal course

When You Pray Bible study

Encountering God Bible study 

Forum Prayer

RECOMMENDED: Listen to the When You Pray series on Marked. Start with this episode featuring a conversation with Jackie Hill Perry and Jen Wilkin. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Leighann McCoy on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

Today our conversation is with Amy-Jo Girardier to talk about discipling Gen Z and Gen Alpha in a rapidly changing world. Amy-Jo brings both encouragement and practical wisdom as she shares what she’s seeing in young women today and how the church can step toward them with intentionality, truth, and hope.

LINKS:

"What I Wish You Knew About My Generation" Lifeway Women Blog series

Authentic Love Bible Study

James Bible Study

The Cost of Discipleship

My Utmost for His Highest

McCrindle research

"Every Generation Asks: What Do I Have to Offer" webinar

Key Questions:

Builders: How can you anchor us in the faith stories of God's faithfulness?  

Boomers: How can you help us play together in harmony toward God’s mission?  

Gen X: How can we resource you as you balance everything, and how can we invite you into being the air traffic controllers at church? 

Millennial: How can we walk with you in purpose and meaning?  

Gen Z: How can we give you a voice here?  

Gen Alpha: How can we walk alongside you so you don’t just know about God but truly experience Him and share that experience with others?  

RECOMMENDED: Read Amy-Jo's advice on how to start a mentorship environment at church. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Amy-Jo Girardier on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

Kelly King and Tina Boesch share how incorporating missions—both locally and globally—can help women live out their faith. From practical ways to serve through prayer and giving, to powerful stories of God’s provision around the world, this episode reminds us that missions isn’t just one part of ministry—it’s part of our spiritual DNA. 

LINKS
Ministry to Women
Alive
Catherine Renfro's episode
Prayer resources
Send Relief
WMU: WorldCrafts
Being Elisabeth Elliot
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot
Katharine Barnwell
10 Women Who Changed the World

RECOMMENDED: Danny Akin's episode. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

What does leadership look like for women in ministry today? Hosts Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong talk with Jen Wilkin about discipleship, theology, and what it means for men and women to serve alongside each other in the family of God. 

Jen shares insight on how growing in biblical literacy shapes our leadership, how to navigate ministry opportunities wisely, and how we can age well while serving faithfully. This conversation will encourage any woman who wants to lead well, stay grounded in Scripture, and use her gifts for God’s glory.

LINKS: 

Lifeway Women Academy 

In the Word 

The Way of Wisdom Bible Study

Deep Discipleship 

Knowing Faith Podcast 

More resources from Jen Wilkin

From Strength to Strength book

RECOMMENDED: Watch our conversation on YouTube with Jen on God's revelation. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Jen Wilkin on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

In this episode, we dive into the heart of community in women’s ministry with Emily Dean. From the biblical foundation of fellowship to practical ways to create connections, we explore why community is essential, how vulnerability fosters deeper relationships, and creative strategies to help women engage meaningfully in your ministry. Whether it’s mentoring, icebreakers, or intentional small group gatherings, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you connect, grow, and support one another.

LINKS FOR FURTHER LEARNING

Women Leading Well 

Together Bible Study

Devoted Bible Study

Friends and Sisters Bible Study

From Cliques to Community podcast episode with Alicia Wong 

100 Icebreaker Questions for Your Small Group

Lifeway Women's Leadership Forum

RECOMMENDED: Listen to this episode on Heaven with Jennifer Rothschild. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

Catherine Renfro, national director of women’s evangelism at the North American Mission Board, shares how evangelism became a passion in her life and reminds us that sharing our faith doesn’t have to be complicated: it’s one person sharing good news with another. 

We discuss why evangelism and discipleship go hand in hand, how to overcome fear when sharing your faith, and practical ways to weave evangelism naturally into women’s ministry gatherings. From dinner conversations and neighborhood connections to everyday encounters, this conversation will encourage you to live out and talk about your faith wherever God places you.

LINKS FOR FURTHER LEARNING

Hope, Hurt, and Healing: Experiencing Jesus in the Wake of Suicide 

Free NAMB eBook: Women in the Mission of God 

Everyday Evangelism 

Evangelism and Missions 

3 Circles Evangelism Kit from NAMB

RECOMMENDED: Catch up on this season of Marked and watch or listen to Kandi Gallaty's episode on discipleship.

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Catherine Renfro on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

Angie and Alicia are joined by Kandi Gallaty, author, pastor’s wife, and passionate disciple-maker at Long Hollow Church. She shares how her own walk with God led her to invest in discipling women.

They talk about what discipleship looks like—how to engage with the Bible instead of just reading it, why prayer and Scripture memory are essential disciplines, and how small groups can transform both individuals and the church. 

LINKS FOR FURTHER LEARNING:
The Practice of Prayer
Disciple Her
The Bible in a Year
Foundations
Lifeway Women's Leadership Forum
Spiritual Warfare in the Glass House
Evidence Not Seen

RECOMMENDED: Get to know Kandi on our blog. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Kandi Gallaty on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

Welcome to Season 11 of Marked! We’re kicking off a brand new season with a fresh focus: Grounded and Growing.

Last season, we explored the Essentials of the Faith. This season, we’re moving into the practicals—the everyday ministry moments where theology meets life. Whether you serve in women’s ministry or simply lead faithfully in your home or community, these conversations are for you.

Angie Elkins is joined by Alicia Wong, women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway, stepping in as this season’s co-host. Andrea Lennon, director of women’s ministry at Lifeway is our first guest. Together, they introduce this season’s theme and unpack the five pillars of ministry inspired by Kelly King’s book Ministry to Women.

LINKS FOR FURTHER LEARNING:

Lifeway Women's Leadership Forum

Lifeway Women Events

Lifeway Women Bible Studies

Ministry to Women Book

RECOMMENDED: Catch up on Season 10 and listen to this episode with Mary Wiley talking about the essentials of the faith. 

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong. 

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.