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

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FAQs about The Care Ministry Podcast:

How many episodes does The Care Ministry Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 208 episodes available.

The Care Ministry Podcast episodes:

July 03, 2025186: From Chaos to Clarity: Organizing Church Care with CareNote
In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with Donnell Wyche, long-time pastor and software developer, to explore how technology can support and expand care ministry. Donnell shares his journey from analog prayer cards to building CareNote, a care management platform that turns compassion into action. Together, they discuss the importance of being seen, the challenges of care follow-up, and the potential for technology to empower both staff and volunteers in offering holistic care. Whether you're a solo pastor or part of a large team, this episode is packed with practical insight and heart for sustainable, impactful care.

Quotes
Donnell Wyche:
“CareNote helps you take the compassion that you have as a care provider and turn it into action.”
Laura Howe:
“You don’t have to meet every need, but what a church needs to do is foster belonging, purpose, and hope.”
Donnell Wyche:
“People aren’t calling for care, but they’re still asking for it in the little disclosures they make. And being seen is the beginning of feeling loved.”
Donnell Wyche:
“We’re not just collecting data—we’re enabling pastoral touchpoints that matter, like remembering a birthday or celebrating a rehab milestone.”
Laura Howe:
“This is the sticky part of church that keeps people connected—care is the Gospel.”

Resources
CareNote.app
Register for the Church Mental Health Summit
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
53min
June 26, 2025185: Creating Dignified Care: Lessons from the Field with Tricia Marble
In this podcast episode, Trisha Marble shares her journey in care ministry at Seven Rivers Church in Florida.
She discusses the challenges of bridging generational gaps within the church, the importance of community engagement, and the systems in place to support care ministry. In this conversation, the speakers explore the challenges and opportunities in care ministry, particularly focusing on bridging the generational gap between older and younger community members.
They discuss the importance of intentional care, understanding the needs of the elderly, and the value of community engagement. The conversation also highlights the wisdom gained from experience in care ministry and the significance of building supportive networks among care ministers.

Quotes
"It's okay to not have all the answers."
"We want to care well by being well."
"Care always happens in relationship."

Resources
Church Mental Health Summit
Care Ministry Collective
Coaching Application
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
1h 2min
June 12, 2025184: When the Plate is Too Full: Boundaries, Delegation, and Self-Care in Ministry
“Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without rest.” In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe and Rebecca Bailey explore the challenges ministry leaders face when trying to juggle too many responsibilities. They unpack the "What’s on Your Plate?" exercise, a practical tool that reveals just how overwhelmed we often are and guides leaders in setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and avoiding burnout. With wisdom and vulnerability, they offer encouragement for ministry leaders to care for themselves while faithfully serving others.

Quotes
“We tend to take on what’s not ours to carry, and it’s exhausting.”
– Rebecca Bailey
“Sometimes the hardest part is admitting you can’t do it all.”
– Laura Howe
“Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without rest.”
– Rebecca Bailey

Resources
What’s on Your Plate
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
39min
June 05, 2025183. RelateStrong: Creating Safe and Connected Church Communities with Dee Dee Mayer
In this insightful episode, Laura sits down with Dee Dee Mayer from the Boone Center for the Family. Dee Dee is a community leader, and she shares about the journey of launching and sustaining a care ministry in the local church. Dee Dee shares candidly about the challenges of burnout, the joy of building relational connections, and the pivotal role of volunteers in creating a culture of care. Together, they reflect on the importance of boundaries, spiritual strength, and not doing ministry alone. Tune in to hear practical tips and heartfelt wisdom for anyone passionate about supporting others while staying healthy themselves.

Quotes
Dee Dee: “If God calls you to something, He will equip you. But that doesn't mean you do it alone.”
Laura: “We often confuse helping with fixing, but true support means walking alongside—not taking over.”
Dee Dee: “The people who show up with willing hearts are often the ones God uses most.”
Laura: “Healthy boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges that protect relationships and energy.”
Dee Dee: “You don’t have to be the expert, just present and prayerful.”

Resources
RelateStrong workshop
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
51min
May 29, 2025182: Saying Yes to the Hard Thing: How Amy Hughes Turned a Calling Into Community Impact
In this episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe talks with Amy Hughes about the journey of hosting a Church Mental Health Summit at her church in Saratoga Springs, New York. Amy shares her experiences, lessons learned, and the surprising connections that made the event so impactful. From building community partnerships to encouraging difficult conversations about mental health, Amy’s insights are a powerful reminder of the church’s role in fostering healing and hope.

Quotes
Amy Hughes: "I have never had anyone say to me, 'We wish you hadn't done that.' In general, the feedback is very positive."
Laura Howe: "If we don't step outside our comfort zones, we miss out on incredible moments."
Amy Hughes: "You cannot do this alone. Gather a team of like-minded people who believe in what you're trying to do."
Laura Howe: "It's vulnerable, uncomfortable, and a lot of work, but the impact is worth every bit of effort."
Amy Hughes: "Don't assign yourself a single job on the day of the event except to host. It allows you to actually connect with people."

Resources
https://www.newtownroad.org/
Apply to become a Summit host
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
40min
May 22, 2025181: Origin Stories, Care Gaps, and Coaching Wins
In this episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe and Rebecca Bailey share their “origin story” as friends and colleagues, reflecting on how their connection has shaped their work in the mental health and ministry space. They discuss their experiences at the Church Mental Health Summit, the origins of their coaching partnership, and the power of building authentic, supportive connections within ministry. Whether you’re a church leader, caregiver, or just passionate about helping others, this episode provides an inside look at how shared vision and collaboration can create impactful change.

Quotes
Laura Howe: "We can't deny that supporting others has an impact on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. We feel it all the time."
Laura Howe: "If you're passionate about helping others, you're not alone. We just need to find our people."
Laura Howe: "Even small connections can lead to meaningful impact when we work together in ministry."

Resources
Care Ministry Cohort
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
38min
May 08, 2025180: Mobilizing Your Care Team with Spiritual First Aid With Jamie Aten of Spiritual First Aid
In this insightful episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe reconnects with Dr. Jamie Aten, co-founder of Spiritual First Aid, to explore how churches can become powerful sources of hope and healing through lay-led care. Jamie unpacks the research-backed “BLESS CPR” model, shares stories from disaster relief to church-based recovery, and outlines how Spiritual First Aid is equipping everyday people with tools to meet spiritual and emotional needs. Whether you're a ministry leader or someone with a heart for others, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see your role in care ministry in a whole new light.

Quotes
"Most people are way more equipped to care than they realize." – Jamie Aten
"We've overclinicalized care—sometimes the most powerful thing is just showing up." – Laura Howe
"The church is full of peer supporters—we're just not calling them that." – Laura Howe
"If you can press play and lead a small group, you can run a Spiritual First Aid workshop." – Jamie Aten
"Presence says more than words ever could." – Jamie Aten

Resources
Spiritual First Aid
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
38min
May 01, 2025179:What Churches Get Right (and Wrong) About Mental Health Outreach with Seth Perry
In this powerful episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with Pastor Seth Perry to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with a deeply personal and hopeful conversation. Seth shares his journey through bipolar disorder, addiction, and recovery, ultimately leading him back to faith and into pastoral ministry. Together, they discuss the intersection of mental health and ministry, how the church can create safe spaces for those struggling, and the upcoming launch of Seth’s innovative app designed to support mental wellness in faith communities. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about integrating authentic mental health support within the Church.

Quotes
"I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 17... I left the church for 12 years." – Pastor Seth Perry
"There is incredible hope in the church being a safe space for mental health conversations." – Laura Howe
"My calling into ministry was born from my recovery—it was like being rebuilt from the inside out." – Pastor Seth Perry
"Mental Health Sunday is not just a day—it’s an invitation for churches to be places of healing and hope." – Laura Howe

Resources
ourstigma.com
Mental Health Sunday toolkit
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
53min
April 24, 2025178: Coaching with Care: Bringing Clarity to Care Ministry in Transition
In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with Hilary Spears, Director of Care at The Journey West County in St. Louis. Hilary shares the unique journey of her church—transitioning from a multi-site model to an independent congregation—and how that shift has impacted care ministry. With deep roots in counseling and a growing lay care team, Hilary brings wisdom and vulnerability as she navigates big-picture strategy while handling real-time needs. They discuss everything from normalizing mental health in church, developing sustainable care systems, building a thriving Deacon team, and the delicate balance of working in ministry while also working on it. If you’re building or refining your church’s care ministry, this episode is full of relatable challenges, practical tips, and thoughtful encouragement.

Quotes
Hilary Spears:
“It kind of feels like we’re building the airplane while it’s in the air.”
Laura Howe:
“Care ministry grows at the speed of relationship.”
Hilary Spears:
“We’ve done a great job of normalizing counseling. The stigma around mental health really doesn’t exist in our church anymore.”
Hilary Spears:
“I can’t have everything perfectly set and then provide care—I have to do both at the same time.”
Laura Howe:
“Not every church needs to do it all. Care ministry should reflect the unique people, vision, and resources of your church.”

Resources
Sample Care Protocol
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
52min
April 10, 2025177: More Than a Sermon: How to Host a Mental Health Sunday That Breaks the Stigma
“Hosting a Mental Health Sunday isn’t about being experts—it’s about being open.” In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura and Rebecca dive into a topic that’s close to their hearts—mental health in the church. This time, the focus is all about hosting a meaningful Mental Health Sunday. From common hesitations to creative, hope-filled ideas, the episode offers a fresh perspective on how churches can approach mental health with compassion and confidence. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your approach, this one’s full of practical encouragement.

Quotes
Laura Howe:
“Mental health is interwoven in all that we talk about, even if we haven’t named it directly.”
Rebecca Bailey:
“People are looking for solutions to get rid of mental health like it’s a problem to be solved, but it’s really about coming alongside people.”
Rebecca Bailey:
“Mental health conversations don’t always have to be heavy—they can be holy.”
Laura Howe:
“Hosting a Mental Health Sunday isn’t about being experts—it’s about being open.”

Resources
Mental Health Sunday
People can access featured authors and speakers through our CAN or USA Amazon store. As an affiliate, Hope Made Strong earns from qualifying purchases.

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
...more
42min

FAQs about The Care Ministry Podcast:

How many episodes does The Care Ministry Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 208 episodes available.

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