Welcome to the relaunch of Priority NOW Podcast—now Priority Podcast—a space created for Christian women who are ready to step into freedom, healing, and purpose.

In this powerful introductory episode, host Carmen Halsey-Mengini is joined by Amy Donathan, Carla Powderly, and Leslie Davis—three experienced counselors and coaches with a shared passion: helping women leverage their life experiences for the sake of the Kingdom. Together, they unpack the heart behind this podcast relaunch and the deep need for practical, Christ-centered tools that meet women right in the middle of real life.

This conversation sets the tone for what’s ahead—honest discussions about shame, comparison, grief, lies we believe, and the barriers that keep us stuck. With warmth, wisdom, and truth, these women remind us that nothing is beyond redemption, healing is possible, and we were never meant to walk alone.

God can use your story—even the painful parts—for His glory and the good of others

There is a difference between guilt (“I did something bad”) and shame (“I am something bad”)—and freedom begins when we recognize it

Healing often happens in community—through people willing to step into your story and walk alongside you

Many of the struggles we face (comparison, lies, burnout) quietly keep us from living out our calling

True transformation requires more than inspiration—it requires practical tools and intentional action

Replacing lies with God’s truth is essential for lasting freedom

Nothing is beyond hope—through Christ, even what feels broken can be restored

“They triumphed… by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” — Revelation 12:11

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” — Galatians 5:1

“I was blind, but now I see.” — John 9:25

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Carmen Halsey-Mengini IBSA.org

Amy Donathan Hope and Healing Life Coach

Carla Powderly Carla Powderly Therapy

Leslie Davis The Vision-Driven Marriage

What is one area of your life where shame, comparison, or a lie has kept you quiet or stuck?

Bring that gently before the Lord today. Ask Him to replace it with His truth—and consider who He might be inviting you to walk alongside, or whom He’s inviting to walk with you.

Freedom isn’t just possible—it’s promised. And you don’t have to get there alone.

MUSIC CREDIT

Good Mood by AurbanniAudio

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Today we continue the conversation with Jennifer Smith about what we can do after the Priority Conference is over to continue to draw closer to God and each other.  There is always something we can do to serve God until we draw our last breath.  Jennifer shares some ideas on how we can be on mission right where we are.  She encourages us to see the mission field in a broader light.  What if your mission field is the church down the street that needs help with Vacation Bible School?  Or what if a church plant in your local association needs help with music or set up?  These examples are just a few ways God opens opportunities for us to serve on mission right where we are.

Carmen reminds us that creating a culture of evangelism starts with each one of us.  We are reminded to walk in obedience and listen when God is speaking to us.  When we work together in a spirit of cooperation, it isn't for our own glory, but God gets the glory!  

Priority Now Podcast is hosted by Carmen Halsey and produced by Pat Scarbrough.

Jennifer Smith joins us today at the table to have a conversation that touches on many aspects of our daily walk with Christ.  Jennifer is from Jacksonville Illinois and attends Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.  She has spent a significant part of her life serving on mission both here and abroad.  She currently is serving as the Chaplain Coordinator for Disaster Relief.  

During our conversation today you will hear Jennifer share how she learned the value of community through the professional opportunities she experienced in foreign countries.  She was able to serve on the mission field as part of those communities while learning their cultures and sharing the love of Christ.  Jennifer also serves the Illinois Baptist Women community through Priority by encouraging us with prayer prompts and leading breakout sessions.

Through our conversation today we hear about the importance of obedience.  There is an opportunity for every woman listening to join in the fellowship of Christ and serving on whatever mission field God has placed you in if you follow God's prompting in obedience.  There is joy in serving together and Carmen reminds us that we are better together.  We hope that you listen to our conversation with fresh ears and then apply that to what God is telling you so you can follow in obedience.

Carmen Halsey is the host of our podcast and today our podcast producer Pat Scarbrough joins the conversation as well.

Today we are joining Carmen at the table with returning guest Jill Finley.  They are joined today by Patty Wysong who serves as a key partner in the Priority Now Blog.  Patty comes to our table from Cornerstone Church in Marion Illinois, and she shares some of her story as a child on the mission field in Ecuador through some wilderness years to arrive right where God intended for her to be.

Patty leads out as the volunteer editor of the Priority Now Blog, and she shares the blog got started and how you can be a part of the writing community.  As part of the annual Priority Conference, there has been a Writer's Workshop that helped develop women writers to use their gift to encourage others and create a culture of evangelism through the written word.  

As the conversation remains focused on how we are called to create a culture of evangelism in our daily lives, we also hear how Jill has a heart for others to hear the Gospel.  

The resources mentioned today include:

Where to find the PriorityNOW Blog , how to subscribe, and how to submit entries to be considered for publication.

Jeff Iorg message to the Southern Baptist Convention can be found here.

Today our table is full with an encouraging conversation about discipleship and evangelism with Jill Finley and Alyssa Merritt.  Jill serves on staff at Bethel in Troy Illinois as recently celebrated her 24th year there.  Alyssa is married to the Family Pastor, and they serve at Tabernacle in Decatur Illinois.  

Today when they sit down with Carmen, you will get to know a little more about Jill and Alyssa while getting a glimpse into their heartbeat for Jesus that is demonstrated through how they serve.  If you have ever thought, "I don't know how to reach the next generation", you should listen to these ladies share not only the importance of reaching others but practical ways that they are putting this into practice.  

Carmen shares about the North American Mission Board evangelism resources that are available.  Coming out of the Priority Conference this year, we have been highlighting this tool.  You can contact Carmen for more information, or you can download it directly from the NAM website.  

We really enjoy sitting at the table and having these conversations and pray that you are enjoying them as well.  

Production note:  Our upload today is audio only.  We want everyone to have access to the podcast without having to search too hard for it, and uploading the video was complicating our desire for that.  We are still going to upload our video version, but it will be featured on our upcoming YouTube channel.  We will release that information this month and you can catch up on the extended video versions of all our podcast episodes.

Jill and Mindy join Carmen at the table today to talk about what it means to be Resourced.  Carmen explains that all our life experiences have been preparing us for what God has planned for us.  God has a plan for you to serve and He will use what you are experiencing to bring glory to His name.  Jill and Mindy both talk about the time they spent waiting for God to direct them to the next thing He had planned for them.  In the midst of all these things, we can't forget the importance of discipleship.  Join us at the table as we discuss resources, discipleship, and so much more.

Resource mentioned in this podcast:

Kristi McLelland

Join Carmen and Jill McNicol at the table today as they discuss the importance of missions and especially teaching missions to children.  You can hear about Mikey and Molly the Mission Kids mascots who travel to encourage kids to be excited about missions.  You can learn more about the Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and Mission Illinois offerings, as well as all the great resources available from Women's Missionary Union. 

Resources listed today:

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Annie Armstrong Offering

Mission Illinois Offering

Sample Curriculum from WMU

Women's Missionary Union Resources

Join us today as we relaunch our weekly podcast.   Together at the table, we will meet some of the volunteers that work behind the scenes in the Priority community.  Carmen is joined today by Jeanette Cloyd and Mindy Dilg.  Listen in as they discuss the importance of cooperation in working together.  You can learn more about the Cooperative Program and how we come together as the Church.  As part of the social media team, Mindy manages and creates most of the content that you see on the social media platforms.  Jeanette is a frequent contributor to the Priority Now Blog as a writer.  

PriorityNOW Blog

Carmen is joined today by Lisa McGee of Galena Park Baptist Church.  Along with serving her church, Lisa is using her occupation as a nurse to serve God in her community.  

Find our more about Faith Community Healthcare:

https://www.ibsa.org/ministry-resources/womens-ministry/

Carmen is joined today by Kara Frankford of Charity Baptist Church in Carlinville.  Kara shares about how God is using her in a small church to reach her community for Christ.  Listen to to the encouraging conversation of how a small rural church is being effective in sharing God's love.

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