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Let’s be real—making and maintaining friendships as a pastor’s wife can be one of the hardest parts of ministry life. Loneliness is real, and finding your people isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially when you’re living in a small town, raising little ones, or trying to navigate the unique role of being the pastor’s wife.

In this episode of The Pastor Wife Life Podcast, I’m joined by Bre Dickson, who’s back to share her journey of learning how to build authentic friendships in the middle of ministry. We talk about expectations, awkward beginnings, the loneliness that sometimes lingers, and the beauty of finding community in surprising places—like with someone decades older than you, or at the gym with toddlers underfoot.

Whether you’re in a season of rich relationships or struggling to connect, Bre’s insight will encourage you to give yourself grace, shift your perspective, and keep looking for the friendships God is preparing just for you.

LINKS WE MENTIONED:

Bre's previous podcast episode

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Listeners of the podcast can receive EARLY ACCESS and a 20% discount through June 2 to the PERFECTING THE ART OF PARENTING YOUR PRODIGAL course by clicking HERE! Use the code EARLY to receive 20% off!

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back a dear friend and longtime voice on the podcast—Leighann McCoy. Leighann is an experienced pastor’s wife, a gifted author, and someone who brings both deep wisdom and refreshing honesty to every conversation. In this episode, she shares about her journey of faith, family, and over 35 years of ministry alongside her husband, Tom, at their Tennessee church before stepping into retirement.

But this conversation goes deeper than ministry milestones. Leighann opens up about her family’s story—including the prodigal paths her three children have taken—and how she’s walked through that pain with grace, hope, and unshakable faith. She also introduces her new course, “Perfecting the Art of Parenting Your Prodigal,” created especially for parents in ministry who need encouragement, tools, and a reminder that they’re not alone.

Whether you’re parenting a prodigal, loving someone through a tough season, or simply seeking hope in the hard places, this episode will speak to your heart.

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CONNECT WITH LEIGHANN

Leighann's website

Leighann on Facebook

Leighann on Instagram

LINKS WE MENTIONED

PERFECTING THE ART OF PARENTING YOUR PRODIGAL course

Leighann's books

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In this episode of The Pastor Wife Life Podcast, Jacque chats with Kristen Cave, a youth pastor’s wife whose story is a beautiful picture of how God prepares and positions us for ministry. Kristen shares how she had always prayed for a ministry partner—and how God answered that prayer in His perfect timing when she met Kevin. Just six weeks after their wedding, they moved to Northern Kentucky and jumped right into youth ministry together. Kristen talks about the early days of ministry life, serving as a team, and trusting God through seasons of change.

Connect with Kaycee

Kaycee's website

Kaycee | Facebook

Kaycee on Instagram

Kaycee on Pinterest

Devotions on Diabetes: A 30-Day Journey to Anchor Your Soul

Kaycee's other books

Links We Mentioned

The Feelings Wheel

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In this episode of The Pastor Wife Life Podcast, Jacque chats with Kristen Cave, a youth pastor’s wife whose story is a beautiful picture of how God prepares and positions us for ministry. Kristen shares how she had always prayed for a ministry partner—and how God answered that prayer in His perfect timing when she met Kevin. Just six weeks after their wedding, they moved to Northern Kentucky and jumped right into youth ministry together. Kristen talks about the early days of ministry life, serving as a team, and trusting God through seasons of change.

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Join the Private Facebook Community

The Pastor Wife Life group on Facebook is a private group just for you! We'd love to connect with you.

Survey for Pastors' Wives

I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

Be A Guest on The Pastor Wife Life

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In this episode of The Pastor Wife Life, Jacque chats with Amber Hays, a Mississippi pastor’s wife with a heart for gospel conversations and a bold story of obedience. Amber and her husband, Gabby, are part of Renovate Church in Cleveland, Mississippi—a college town where God is moving in powerful ways.

Amber shares what it’s like to plant a church from the ground up, how her own life is being shaped through simple, Spirit-led gospel conversations, and how those moments are transforming their town, one student at a time. From the challenges of small-town life to the incredible joy of seeing God work through ordinary people, Amber’s story will both encourage and inspire you.

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The Pastor Wife Life group on Facebook is a private group just for you! We'd love to connect with you.

Survey for Pastors' Wives

I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

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In this episode, Jacque welcomes back Malana Bracht, pastor’s wife and co-author of Holy Spirit, Have Your Way. Malana shares her powerful testimony and the incredible journey she and her husband, Travis, have walked in ministry. From unexpected moves to miraculous provision, Malana's story is a testament to God's faithfulness and the beauty of stepping into His calling.

Key Highlights:

• Malana reflects on her first podcast appearance and updates listeners on life since then, including pastoring a church in Oklahoma City.
• The unique challenges of being a pastor’s wife and embracing God’s call despite personal fears and uncertainties.
• The power of healing from past wounds and how it prepares you for effective ministry.
• Malana’s thoughts on revival, stewarding God’s work, and staying strong during transitional seasons.
• Encouragement for listeners to step boldly into their callings and trust God’s timing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 67: Malana’s First Appearance on The Pastor Wife Life Podcast (linked in the show notes).
• Holy Spirit, Have Your Way by Travis and Malana Bracht (available on Amazon).

Connect with Malana:

• Facebook: Malana Smith Bracht
• Instagram: @malanabracht
• Author Page: Author Malana Bracht
• Church Website: Arise Church OKC

Listener Challenge:
Are you ready to embrace your calling and step into what God has for you? Malana encourages you to seek healing, trust God’s process, and be prepared for the harvest in this season of revival.

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I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

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Ministry life is full of both joys and challenges, and sometimes those challenges come from unexpected places. In this episode, Sarah Hutchinson shares how her faith has carried her through not only the day-to-day demands of being a pastor’s wife but also through one of the most difficult seasons of her life—when her daughter experienced a serious accident.

Her story is one of perseverance, trust in God, and learning to find balance in the midst of it all.

Walking Through the Storm

Sarah’s life was turned upside down when her daughter was involved in a life-altering accident. As she recounted the story, you could hear both the pain and the gratitude in her voice.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced,” Sarah shared. “But it was also when I felt God’s presence the most.”

The accident forced her family to slow down, reassess their priorities, and lean on their faith like never before. It wasn’t easy, but it became a pivotal moment in Sarah’s ministry and personal life.

Finding Balance Amid the Unexpected

Through the challenges that came with her daughter’s recovery, Sarah learned to balance her roles as a mother, a wife, and a pastor’s wife.

“There were days I felt like I was failing at everything,” she admitted. “But God kept reminding me that I didn’t have to do it all on my own. He was with me every step of the way.”

Her story highlights the importance of grace—not just grace from God, but grace for ourselves. Sarah spoke candidly about letting go of the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations and instead focusing on what truly mattered.

Lessons from the Journey

Sarah shared several valuable lessons she learned during this season:

• Trust God’s timing. “Sometimes, things don’t happen the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t in control.”
• Lean on your community. During her daughter’s recovery, Sarah experienced an outpouring of love and support from her church family and friends.

Encouragement for Pastor’s Wives

Sarah’s journey is a reminder that life in ministry is not always predictable, but God is always faithful. She had this encouragement for fellow pastor’s wives:

“Don’t be afraid to let people see your struggles. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that God’s strength shines through.”

CONNECT WITH SARAH
Instagram: Sarahhutch_40
Facebook: Sarah Jan Hutchinson
Email Sarah: [email protected]

LINKS WE MENTIONED
Jennie Allen on Candace Cameron Bure's podcast 
Get Out of Your Head By Jennie Allen

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In this episode, Katie Fordham shares her journey as a pastor's wife navigating ministry challenges and a life-changing Parkinson's diagnosis. Katie opens up about her upbringing, her call to ministry, and the unexpected trials that shaped her faith and reliance on God's provision.

She offers wisdom and encouragement for pastors' wives facing church hurt or chronic illness, and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, gratitude, and community. Katie's story is a powerful testimony of God's unwavering faithfulness in the midst of life's trials.

In This Episode

1. Overcoming Church Hurt:
Katie recounts her experience with church conflict that led to her husband resigning, leaving them without income, insurance, or a home. She describes the deep hurt she felt and the journey toward forgiveness, saying, “Until I could forgive, God wasn’t going to be able to put us in ministry anywhere.”

Her advice to pastors' wives facing similar hurt:

• Seek Help: Turn to your state convention or denominational resources for support.
• Rely on Community: Find a church home that will love you well and help you heal.
• Guard Your Heart: Avoid bitterness, as it can hinder your spiritual growth and ministry.
• Pray Together: Maintain unity with your spouse and seek God’s direction as a team.

2. Living with Parkinson’s Disease:
Katie shares her journey of being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at the age of 36, a diagnosis that affects less than 1% of the population in her demographic. She speaks candidly about the physical and emotional toll of the disease and how God has provided every step of the way.

“If I can name it, I can fight it.” Katie reflects on how naming the diagnosis gave her clarity but also a new level of trust in God’s plan.

Advice for Ministering to Those with Parkinson’s or Chronic Illness:

• Respect Boundaries: Understand physical and emotional limits, like avoiding physical touch during tremors.
• Provide Practical Help: Meals, transportation, and simply being present can be powerful.
• Offer Encouragement: Remind them of hope and gratitude, which can lift their spirits.
• Be Patient: Chronic illness can bring fatigue and mood changes; compassion is key.

Her reminder: “When we find gratitude, we find our purpose. Be thankful in all things.”

3. Encouragement for Pastors’ Wives:

• Trust God’s Plan: Even in uncertainty, God is faithful and provides abundantly.
• Seek Restoration: Whether through forgiveness or sabbaticals, prioritize spiritual and emotional health.
• Be an Advocate: Stand up for your family’s needs and fight for rest when it’s necessary.
• Pray Continuously: Cover your spouse and family in prayer as you navigate ministry challenges.

Connect with Katie

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This is a replay of an episode from 2022, but it's so good I wanted to share it again to inspire you to get ready to celebrate the season!

This week on the podcast we're getting really practical! Stevie Ciske is a master planner of all things (my description, not hers!) and she is sharing how she makes Christmas memories with her family throughout the month of December. The key is PLANNING!

Not only does she share some great ideas, she's given us a few resources (see the links below) to help us do the same in our families. Whether you 're starting simple or ready to jump all in, this episode will help you prepare to make Christmas memories without stressing out!

LINKS WE MENTIONED
Stevie's Advent Planner

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In this episode, Erica opens up about the incredible journey that led her and her husband to ministry, their transition into church leadership, and how they balance it all while raising four young children. From meeting online to serving the Lord in their community, Erica’s story is full of faith, fun, and an inspiring example of what it means to fully commit to God's plan.

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Join the Private Facebook Community

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I would love for you to take a few minutes and fill out the ANONYMOUS survey I created. Your answers will help me make the PWP better!

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