Episode 230: Stephanie Horton Interview - How This Pastor's Wife Survived a Preacher-Eating Church

In this episode, we’re sitting down with someone who embodies honesty, resilience, and a whole lot of Jesus — Stephanie Horton. Stephanie has been married to her college sweetheart, Joshua, for sixteen years, and together they’ve served in ministry just as long. They live in Dothan, Alabama, where Joshua pastors Timbers Drive Church. Stephanie homeschools their three kids, teaches English online, and is fueled by good coffee, real conversations, and the belief that everyone carries a story worth telling. One of her favorite quotes comes from Katie Davis Majors: “If one person sees the love of Christ in me, it’s worth every minute.” — and after hearing her today, you’ll see just how deeply she lives that out.

Stephanie opens up about her journey as a pastor’s wife — including the raw truth of walking through a toxic, spiritually abusive church environment. She shares how it all started on day one, how the slow wear of ministry politics took a toll, and ultimately how stepping away brought unexpected freedom, healing, and hope. Through community support, prayer, and a deep trust that God was teaching them every step of the way, Stephanie and her family found their footing again.

This is a vulnerable conversation — full of wisdom, humor (yes, she admits she needs some spending cash and will absolutely buy you coffee), and the kind of honesty that reminds every pastor’s wife: you’re human, your story matters, and there is always hope on the other side.

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STEPHANIE:

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