The Leighann McCoy Podcast

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The Leighann McCoy Podcast episodes

October 06Is It My Turn Yet?
Leighann McCoy reflects on prayer as an actual conversation with God, then asks a hard question: when prayer feels unanswered, is God waiting on us? This episode focuses on what can block the flow of prayer and how to respond when silence or distance shows up.
In this episode, Leighann McCoy shares:
Prayer is meant to be a dialogue with God, not a one-sided monologue or a performance.
God is approachable, unlike people who seem too busy, powerful, or unavailable to meet with us.
Unanswered prayer can leave us wondering whether the issue is spiritual distance, hidden sin, or unresolved bitterness.
Prayer is about relationship first, not just getting things from God.
Scripture presents God as the provider and believers as the needy ones:
2 Peter 1:3
Philippians 4:19
Psalm 23:1
John 15:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
Leighann identifies two main hindrances to prayer:
Unconfessed sin
Bitterness and unforgiveness
Isaiah 59:1-2 and Psalm 66:18 are used to show how cherished sin can separate us from God in practice.
Psalm 139:23-24 is offered as a way to ask God to search the heart and expose hidden sin.
First John 1:9 is emphasized as the promise of forgiveness and cleansing when sin is confessed.
Mark 11:25 and Ephesians 4:26-27 are used to show why forgiveness matters in prayer and why bitterness gives ground to the enemy.
The practical response is to confess, forgive, release people from your personal “hook,” and trust God with justice and healing.
26 min
September 22What Makes Prayer Work?
What Makes Prayer Work
Prayer does not work the way we often think it does. In this solo teaching, Leighann McCoy explains why Jesus centered prayer on abiding in him and his words, and how praying God’s promises changes both our confidence and our experience of God’s presence. The main focus is practical and devotional: trusting God’s character, praying scripture back to him, and learning how to recognize his faithfulness.
Key topics
Leighann McCoy teaches that prayer works through abiding in Jesus, drawing from John 15:7 and the idea of letting God’s words abide in us.
She contrasts God’s character with the “tenacious neighbor” and the “persistent widow” parables, stressing that God is not reluctant or unjust.
In this episode, she argues that praying Scripture is powerful because it aligns our requests with God’s promises and his own words.
She points to Jeremiah 1:12 as a foundational promise: God watches over his word to perform it.
She says God’s character is the foundation of trust, and cites Andrew Murray on cultivating a trustful attitude toward God rather than treating promises like formulas.
She walks through Old Testament history as evidence that God is faithful, honest, reliable, and consistent in fulfilling what he says.
She highlights the fulfillment of more than 300 Old Testament prophecies in Jesus, including Peter Stoner’s mathematical illustration about the improbability of fulfilling just eight by chance.
She explains that praying God’s promises ushers in God’s presence, because those promises originate in his mind and heart and are returned to him in prayer.
She gives three practical steps for making promises “work” in prayer: embrace an all or nothing mindset, be surrendered and satisfied, and cultivate gratitude.
She closes by saying God keeps his promises the moment he makes them, and that faith means holding on to God, not merely to the promises themselves.

Feel free to reach out to Mikel at [email protected] if you would like some prayer cards!
22 min
September 08Why Doesn't Prayer Work the Way I Thought It Would?
Leighann McCoy walks through two of Jesus’ parables on prayer in Luke 11 and Luke 18 to show why prayer often feels slower, harder, and stranger than we expect. This Bible-study style teaching explores persistence, trust, and learning to pray with confidence in God’s goodness rather than frustration at His timing.
Key topics
Prayer does not fail because we ask for too much, but because we often pray from a small, earthly perspective while God is working on a much larger scale.
Leighann connects Psalm 23 to the idea that God’s answer may be far bigger than the request, resulting in a cup that “runs over” rather than merely meeting the minimum need.
She explains the parable of the persistent neighbor in Luke 11:5–13, emphasizing that Jesus is not comparing God to a reluctant neighbor but to the opposite of one.
“How much more?” becomes the central takeaway from Jesus’ teaching, showing God as eager to give good gifts to His children.
Leighann shares a deeply personal testimony about praying for her daughter Michael over many years, using Zephaniah 3:17 as an anchor while waiting through heartbreak, abuse, and restoration.
She then turns to Luke 18:1–8, where the persistent widow and unjust judge reinforce the same lesson: keep praying, and do not give up.
Prayer is not pleading against God’s reluctance, but learning to trust His wisdom and timing.
God is not a vending machine and is more interested in forming the person who prays than merely dispensing answers.
The closing emphasis is on living in the “waiting room” with faith, confidence, and hope, believing that God’s promises are yes in Christ even before they visibly arrive.
Get the freebie
Want to strengthen your prayer life? Download Leighann’s free resource:
5 Ways to Pray Like a Warrior, Not a Wimp Click Here
Join the Leighann McCoy community
For exclusive content and deeper study, join the online Leighann McCoy community. Members receive access to:
The Collective of Mikel’s story
Private podcast episodes
Live Bible studies
Exclusive encouragement and teaching
A community of people growing together in faith
Join the online community here:

Join Community Click Here
39 min
August 31Forgiveness 101.5
Forgiveness 101.5: Navigating God’s Expectations and Our Responsibilities
In this episode, Leighann McCoy explores the biblical principles of forgiveness, emphasizing its internal and external dimensions. She discusses how true forgiveness requires humility, internal reconciliation with God, and proactive external effort, ultimately leading to reconciliation and living out the love of Christ in a fractured world.
Key topics
The biblical stance on unconditional forgiveness: God expects us to forgive when asked but not unconditionally in the sense that offense does not matter
The difference between mercy (deservingness) and grace (undeserved gift) in forgiveness
The costs of forgiveness: relinquishing vengeance, humility, and emotional debt
The internal dimension of forgiveness: repairing our relationship with God and wresting with injustice internally
The three-dimensional model of forgiveness: vertical (upward with God), internal (in our hearts), and horizontal (toward others)
The importance of internal work before offering external forgiveness: forgiving from inside the heart and trusting God to handle justice
The external process: actively seeking reconciliation through courageous conversations as prescribed in Matthew 18 and Luke 17
The goal of forgiveness: reconciliation, reflecting Christ’s ministry of reconciliation and the beauty of a unified community of faith
The conditional nature of God's forgiveness: repentance and faith are essential
The ongoing consequences of sin, even after forgiveness: exemplified in the life of King David
The definition of biblical forgiveness: graciously pardoning others and asking for forgiveness when necessary
39 min
July 24Forgiveness 101
In this episode, Leighann McCoy takes us on an in-depth journey through the biblical perspective on forgiveness. Drawing from her personal studies, teaching, and reflection, she explores what it truly means to forgive and seek forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of living a heart aligned with God's design for reconciliation.
Main Topics Covered:
The biblical foundation of forgiveness and its importance in relationships
The difference between saying "I'm sorry" and extending forgiveness
Scriptures that teach us how to seek and offer forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24, James 5:16, Luke 19:8, Romans 12:18, and others)
The necessity of immediate action in reconciliation and the dangers of harboring bitterness
The concept of God's complete and unconditional forgiveness, available to all who repent and believe
How living in the fruit of the Spirit makes forgiveness natural and evident (Galatians 5:22-23)
The role of hell and God's justice, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the enormity of Christ's sacrifice
Personal testimony of salvation and God's mercy

Special Note:

In the upcoming private episode, Leighann shares personal insights into her forgiveness journey and her practical walk with Jesus. Subscribe to access the full message.

Forgiveness Notes Download Here
58 min
June 04 Women of Faith: Press through Opposition and Into Your Divine Calling
In a powerful episode, Leighann McCoy shares her personal journey of ministry, breaking barriers, and standing firm in her calling despite cultural and denominational resistance. She reveals how answering God's call transformed her life, her church, and the lives of countless women eager to serve boldly—whether in leadership or behind the scenes.

You’ll discover the real meaning of spiritual warfare in today’s church, how to navigate societal constructs that limit women, and why authentic faith often requires defying tradition. Leighann shares stories from her decades of leadership, including launching ministries, confronting bias in the SBC, and how women can thrive by standing courageously in their gifts. She explains why God’s design for men and women creates a harmonious balance—one that empowers women to lead in ways that reflect His glory, even when the world tries to silence them.

We break down:
• Why many churches miss out on divine potential when women are sidelined and how barriers are often man-made.
• The importance of responding to God’s call—regardless of societal pressures or denominational doctrine.
• Practical ways women can support each other in leadership roles, from the church pulpit to everyday life.
• The significance of trusting God’s order in the home and church, and how it’s designed to foster flourishing for all His children.

The stakes are high—oppressive traditions have held back churches and silenced gifted women for generations, hindering kingdom impact. But a fresh movement is rising, where women step into their God-ordained roles with confidence and joy, igniting revival from within. If you’re a woman feeling called to lead, teach, or serve, this episode is your rallying cry.

Leighann McCoy, a prolific author and veteran minister, shares candid insights rooted in her unwavering faith and decades of experience. She’s known for her leadership in non-denominational and SBC circles, tirelessly advocating for women’s voice in the church.

Whether you’re a young woman questioning your purpose, a church leader wrestling with tradition, or anyone passionate about seeing history rewritten—this episode is your inspiring call to action. Answer God’s call with boldness—because when women rise, the church and the kingdom of God flourish like never before.
25 min
May 21Take Me Deeper
In this episode, Leighann McCoy explores the profound significance of spiritual waters in our walk with Jesus, emphasizing prayer, trust, and spiritual warfare. She shares personal stories, worship insights, and the power of intercession that can transform lives and strengthen faith.
Main Topics:
The meaning of "deep waters" in faith and trials
How worship songs like "Oceans" reflect spiritual surrender
Trusting God’s definition of “good” amid challenges
The importance of community and corporate prayer
Personal testimonies of spiritual warfare and intercessory prayer
The Holy Spirit’s role in praying and interceding for us
Practical tips for practicing stillness and listening in prayer
The power of parental and intercessory prayer in spiritual protection
Resources & Links:
Romans 8:28 - The Bible
Proverbs 3:5-6 - The Bible
Relaxed Bible Study by Megan Fate Marshman
Jesus People Podcast: Rion Swigelar Interview
30 min
May 07 Camp Imago Dei
This episode shares a heartfelt journey through childhood camping memories, spiritual milestones, and the inspiring vision for a new summer camp experience led by Leighann McCoy. Get ready to be inspired to create meaningful, faith-based activities for young girls.
Note: Registration closes once camp is full — limited to 20 girls per week. Early bird rate available until May 15. Sign up now to secure your spot!
https://www.leighannmccoy.com/imago-dei-camp-2026
For questions, feel free to email [email protected].
46 min
April 24Vertical Work: Forgiveness
Embark on a heartfelt journey through biblical principles of forgiveness as discussed by Leighann McCoy. Learn how biblical forgiveness differs from therapeutic forgiveness, the importance of humility, and the vital role of reconciliation in the Christian life.
In this episode:
Leighann shares her personal experiences with forgiveness and how her understanding has evolved
The biblical foundation for forgiveness from Matthew 6 and 18
Differences between therapeutic forgiveness and biblical forgiveness
The importance of repentance, grace, and reconciliation
Vertical work: inner healing through humility, justice, and God's righteousness
Horizontal work: forgiving others and the role of reconciliation in relationships
The significance of humility and bitterness in the forgiveness journey
Practical steps for practicing biblical forgiveness and reconciliation
Announcement of the Imago Day Camp for girls in grades 4-7

Visit our community page to stay connected! Don't miss out on the private podcasts!
Check out our Girls Camp Imago Dei Camp for girls who have completed 4th - 7th grade at the end of this school year! HERE
40 min
April 16Rethinking Biblical Forgiveness with Teasi Cannon
Rethinking Biblical Forgiveness: Insights from Teasi Cannon
Explore the true biblical understanding of forgiveness with Teasi Cannon, a seasoned author, speaker, and biblical scholar. This episode challenges modern misconceptions by grounding forgiveness in Scripture, emphasizing repentance, relationship, and God's model of grace.
In this episode:
Teasi Cannon's background and journey to biblical forgiveness
The difference between secular and biblical forgiveness
Forgiveness as a relational, covenant promise
The importance of repentance in biblical forgiveness
How forgiveness reflects God's character and gospel message
The dangers of secular, self-focused forgiveness models
The command to forgive in Matthew 18 and Jesus' teachings
The conditionality of God's forgiveness and biblical examples
Practical steps for walking in biblical forgiveness today
The community and reconciliation components of forgiveness
Resources & Links:
Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Bronze
Teasi Cannon's Website
Special Note:

Join our private community for exclusive insights, deeper dives, and interactive discussions with Leighann and Teasi Cannon. Visit our community page to stay connected!
56 min

About The Leighann McCoy Podcast

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Hosted by Leighann McCoy, a Christian author, speaker, and pastor’s wife, the podcast offers heartfelt guidance on topics such as prayer, spiritual warfare, parenting adult children, and what it means to be a “church lady” in today’s increasingly post‑Christian world .

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