The Care Ministry Podcast

By Laura Howe

Building a culture of care in your church can feel as complex as the people you serve. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Laura Howe offers listeners practical resources and actionable strategies to... more

5

1515 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The Care Ministry Podcast:

How many episodes does The Care Ministry Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 203 episodes available.

The Care Ministry Podcast episodes:

November 27, 2025201. Advent Series for Care Leaders: Hope in the In-Between
In this special Advent episode, Laura and Rebecca introduce a new free resource designed to help ministry leaders slow down, reflect, and find restoration during the hectic holiday season. This Advent series centers on nurturing leaders through the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. With daily breath prayers, scripture readings, hymn reflections, and photo prompts, this guide offers a meaningful way to tend to your own soul. Whether done alone or with your team, this is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the faithfulness of God.

Quotes
"God’s refreshment is for leaders too. We are invited to the table, not just setting it for others." — Rebecca Bailey
"Hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s trust that God is already at work—even when we can’t see it." — Rebecca Bailey
"It’s hard to pull myself out of the frenzy, but restoration is possible and available if I pause." — Laura Howe
"This Advent guide is not passive. It's an invitation to actively invite the Holy Spirit to work within us." — Rebecca Bailey
"When we’re frantic, we lose sight of the hope of Christ. But breath can bring us back to God's nearness." — Laura Howe

Resources
Advent Guide
Care Ministry Cohort
US Amazon Store
CAN Amazon Store

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
29min
November 13, 2025200: When You’re Ready for a Fresh Start: Rediscovering Your Why in Care Ministry
Today, Laura sits down with therapist and ministry leader Rebecca to talk about what it looks like to integrate professional care and pastoral support in the church. They discuss the importance of psychological safety, how to cultivate healing environments in ministry, and why a strengths-based approach matters when building a culture of care. Their conversation highlights the blend of clinical insight and spiritual wisdom needed to lead well in caregiving roles.

Quotes
"Caregiving is not about having all the answers, it's about showing up consistently with compassion." — Laura Howe
"We heal in community. Isolation may protect us short-term, but connection restores us." — Rebecca Bailey
"When we assume we must fix people, we miss the opportunity to empower them." — Laura Howe
"A trauma-informed church is not a therapy session; it’s a place where people feel safe to bring their whole selves." — Rebecca Bailey
"We can't pour from an empty cup. Caring for ourselves is an act of stewardship." — Laura Howe

Resources
Care Ministry Cohort

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
36min
November 06, 2025199: You Can Build a Sustainable Care Ministry. Here’s How
Today, Laura Howe pulls back the curtain on the Care Ministry Cohort, a five-month mastermind designed to equip ministry leaders with the tools and community they need to build sustainable care ministries. Laura shares her heart for church leaders who are overwhelmed by the needs of their congregation and unsure of where to begin. Listeners get a sneak peek into the four core modules of the cohort and receive practical tips to start building a care framework today, whether or not they join. If you’re passionate about supporting your church without burning out, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real next steps.

Quotes
"You know your church wants to care better. Every church does. But the how is often the hurdle." – Laura Howe
"We don't need more programs. We need sustainable systems of care that don't burn out our leaders.” – Laura Howe
"If you're tired, stretched thin, and unsure where to start, you're not alone—and you're not without support." – Laura Howe
"Building a care ministry isn't about doing more—it's about doing the right things, with the right people, at the right pace." – Laura Howe

Resources
Care Ministry Cohort
Contact Hope Made Strong

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
28min
October 30, 2025198: Thinking About Hosting a Summit? Here’s What We Learned from NAYBA Australia
Today, Laura Howe sits down with James Harris, Head of Strategic Initiatives at NAYBA Australia, to explore how churches can respond to today’s mental health crisis, not by doing more, but by leaning into their identity as places of belonging and healing. They reflect on the success of Australia’s Church Mental Health Summit, the inspiring legacy of St. Dymphna, and innovative tools like social prescribing. This episode is a powerful reminder that churches aren’t just spiritual spaces…they’re untapped engines of community care.

Quotes
“There’s so much unmet need in our community and untapped potential in our churches.” — James Harris
“We believe that in doing less, we can be more as the Church.” — James Harris
“Churches don't need to do more. They need to rediscover who they already are.” — Laura Howe
“What if the greatest need in our communities is actually the Church’s greatest strength?” — Laura Howe
“We knew we had all these experts in the room, so we made sure they weren’t just consumers, but participants.” — James Harris

Resources
Apply to be a Summit host
https://www.nayba.org/
The Church & Mental Health in Australia - A Report by NAYBA Australia
[email protected]
Three Mile an Hour God, by Kosuke Koyama
CAN Link - https://amzn.to/4oqlqoy
US Link - https://amzn.to/4hn1uRf

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
48min
October 23, 2025197: Heart for People, Plan for Care: Making Benevolence Sustainable with Shellie Albright
In this episode, Laura Howe sits down with Shelli Albright, Director of Care and Connection at Fortville Christian Church and a graduate of the Care Ministry Cohort. Shelli gives an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to lead a growing care ministry—and the tensions that come with wanting to help everyone while building sustainable systems.
Through a real-life coaching conversation, you’ll hear how Shelli is bringing unity to siloed ministries, developing shared criteria for benevolence decisions, and creating a culture of collaboration both within her church and in the wider community. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just ready to take your next strategic step, this episode offers practical encouragement and a vision for care that’s both compassionate and structured.
Quotes
“We feel like we're just kind of answering the same questions over and over and in the moment. And it just feels very rushed and hurried. So I’m hoping that we can get that more organized and just make the decisions once—have the same criteria—and not have to keep kind of going through this haphazard process.”
— Shelli Albright
“Care ministry can be sacred and structured—it doesn’t have to be chaotic.”
— Laura Howe
“Most care leaders are building ministries on the fly—coaching gives structure to that passion.”
— Laura Howe
“Shelli’s story is a reminder that the presence of complexity doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It often means your church is becoming a trusted source of hope.”
— Laura Howe

Resources
Free Mini-course: Clarify Your Care Ministry
Care Ministry Cohort

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
53min
October 09, 2025196: Church Mental Health Summit: FAQs, Tips, and Must-See Sessions
In today’s episode, Laura Howe is joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Rebecca Bailey to answer all your questions about the Church Mental Health Summit. Together, they share personal stories, lessons from years of caregiving ministry, and how collaboration with others brings exponential impact. Whether you're new to the summit or have been part of the journey from the beginning, this episode will inspire you with behind-the-scenes insights, encouragement for care leaders, and a vision for the future of church mental health support.

Quotes
“When people are seen, heard, and valued—that's where healing begins.” –Rebecca Bailey
“We’re not just hosting an event. We’re building a global movement of care within the church.” –Laura Howe
“The stories shared at the Summit remind us why we do this work. It’s sacred, and it’s deeply needed.” –Rebecca Bailey
“Hope Made Strong exists so no ministry leader feels like they have to carry the weight of care alone.” –Laura Howe
“It's amazing what God can do when we just show up and say yes to caring for others.” –Rebecca Bailey

Resources
Church Mental Health Summit
All Access Pass
Church Bundle

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
41min
October 02, 2025195: Inside the 2025 Church Mental Health Summit: Speaker Previews from Every Track
Get a sneak peek into the 2025 Church Mental Health Summit in this special preview episode! Host Laura Howe introduces you to five powerhouse speakers—one from each of the Summit's five tracks: Community & Compassion-in-Action, Family & Students, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Healing & Recovery, and Spiritual Formation & Caregiving.
With over 50 speakers lined up for this free, global event on October 10, this episode highlights key voices you won’t want to miss. Hear impactful clips from Laura Barringer, Kay Warren, Rev. Wen-Pin Leow, Becky Brown, and Dr. Saru Koirala. Whether you’ve already registered or are just hearing about the summit, this episode will inspire you to engage more deeply in the movement to equip the Church for mental health ministry.

Resources
Church Mental Health Summit

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
32min
September 25, 2025194: Hosting a Watch Party: Turn One Event into Year-Round Volunteer Training.
In this insightful episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with Ruth Brooks, Care Ministry Administrator at Mission Church in Ventura, California. Ruth shares her unexpected journey into care ministry, the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on how churches care for their congregations, and her excitement about hosting a Church Mental Health Summit watch party. The conversation explores how to equip volunteers, create a culture of compassionate care, and redefine church beyond Sunday gatherings. Ruth’s story is one of resilience, faith, and deep compassion—a must-listen for anyone involved in care ministry.

Quotes
“We all have compassion that God gives us…” –Ruth Brooks
“It stripped away everything we put on church to find out that church, at its core, is community.” –Laura Howe
“I want our volunteers to feel confident—even a listening ear can make a huge difference.” –Ruth Brooks
“You don’t have to be a clinician to support someone well—you just need compassion and an attuned ear.” –Laura Howe
“To hear mental health talked about in church without shame or embarrassment—it was healing for so many.” –Ruth Brooks

Resources
Church Mental Health Summit

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
49min
September 11, 2025193: Stop Scrambling, Start Caring: Your 12-Month Ministry Plan
In this episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura and Rebecca walk you through how to create an annual care ministry plan that integrates compassion and support across every layer of your church community.
From identifying seasonal needs to aligning care initiatives with your church calendar and team capacity, this episode gives practical steps for intentional, strategic planning.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to bring more structure to your current efforts, this episode will help you move from reactive support to proactive, sustainable care.

Resources
Church Mental Health Summit
Annual Care Ministry Guide
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, HMS earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
35min
September 04, 2025192: Leading with Presence: Alison Cook on Healing, Boundaries, and the Church
In this powerful episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Alison Cook to explore the role of inner healing in ministry leadership. They discuss how unaddressed pain can hinder our ability to lead well, the difference between spiritual bypassing and true transformation, and how inner healing enhances rather than diminishes spiritual maturity. With practical insights and a trauma-informed lens, this conversation invites ministry leaders to embrace both soul care and Christ-centered growth as vital components of sustainable caregiving.

Quotes
"You can't lead others where you haven't gone yourself." — Dr. Alison Cook
"Inner healing isn’t about navel-gazing; it’s about removing the barriers that keep you from loving others well." — Dr. Alison Cook
"When spiritual growth bypasses emotional health, we risk hurting the very people we’re trying to help." — Dr. Alison Cook
"Care ministry leaders often operate from a place of depletion—healing is not a luxury, it’s a necessity." — Laura Howe
"The Holy Spirit does some of his best work when we slow down enough to listen to what's going on inside." — Dr. Alison Cook

Resources
Alison Cook website
The Best of You podcast
Boundaries for Your Soul
The Best of You
I Shouldn’t Feel This Way
The Attuned Listener course
Access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, HMS earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
45min

FAQs about The Care Ministry Podcast:

How many episodes does The Care Ministry Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 203 episodes available.

More shows like The Care Ministry Podcast

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life by Tim Keller

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

16,002 Listeners

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast by Life.Church

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

10,758 Listeners

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast by Art of Leadership Network

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

2,269 Listeners

BibleProject by BibleProject Podcast

BibleProject

19,297 Listeners

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs by That Sounds Fun Network

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

10,440 Listeners

The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast by Pete Scazzero

The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast

670 Listeners

Theology in the Raw by Theology in the Raw

Theology in the Raw

1,446 Listeners

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick by Michael John Cusick

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

469 Listeners

The Jennie Allen Podcast by Jennie Allen

The Jennie Allen Podcast

6,646 Listeners

The Christine Caine Equip & Empower Podcast by AccessMore

The Christine Caine Equip & Empower Podcast

1,836 Listeners

Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times by A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times

283 Listeners

The Alabaster Jar by Dr. Lynn Cohick

The Alabaster Jar

96 Listeners

John Mark Comer Teachings by Practicing the Way

John Mark Comer Teachings

1,820 Listeners

The Best of You by Dr. Alison Cook

The Best of You

848 Listeners

Therapy and Theology by Lysa TerKeurst

Therapy and Theology

2,006 Listeners