Today, my conversation is with my dear friend Yancy Wideman Richmond and honestly, it feels so necessary. I think it's because she's shining a light on something that’s often overlooked if you’re not experiencing it firsthand: the kids growing up in the fishbowl of ministry.

Yancy is a worship leader who's been creating music for kids and families for years. But lately, God has put something else on her heart that she couldn't shake… pastor's kids. The ones who sacrifice in ways no one asks them to. The ones who notice when their parent is different on stage than at home. The ones who get overlooked for discipleship because everyone assumes they're fine.

So she's launched Stained Glass Kids: a podcast for and about ministry kids. It's so helpful and needed and it's a case study handed to church leaders on a silver platter about how to better care for their staff families.

In our conversation, Yancy shares some of the wisdom she's already gleaned: Celebrate staff kids for the sacrifice they make. Remember that your staff members are someone's spouse, someone's parent. First-borns often carry pressure in hard seasons even when parents never asked them to. And kids absolutely notice when they're treated differently because of their last name.

This episode is a big bear hug for anyone who grew up in ministry. It's also a necessary conversation for anyone in church leadership who wants to do better.

Yancy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yancynotnancy/
Stained Glass Kids on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stainedglasskids/
The Stained Glass Kids Podcast: http://stainedglasskids.com

Yancy’s book “Sweet Sound: The Power of Discipling Kids in Worship": yancyministries.com/sweetsound

Curriculum to teach the heart of worship: yancyministries.com/heartbeat

Worship for Preteen/elementary ages: kidminworship.com

Worship for young children: yancyministries.com/readysetgo

Live events, family concerts, leading worship: yancyministries.com/events

Today's conversation is with two of my favorite worship leaders, Jenna Nicholson and Zoe Kuhn, and I've been waiting to have this one for a while.

I first met Jenna and Zoe at a book release event I was producing at church, and they closed the night with a song called "New Thing" that absolutely slayed me. I thought it was just the season I was in that made it hit so hard, but turns out every time I hear it, it strikes me just as deeply. If you're in a season of transition, pain, confusion, or well… anything, this song is a balm to the soul.

Today, we’re talking about hidden seasons… the stretches of time when you’re wondering if God’s plan includes your dreams. Jenna shares about the question God keeps asking her: "If this doesn't happen the way you want it to, do you still think I'm good?" We talk about what it’s like to make music in Music City and how the comparison trap can’t rob you of your calling. There’s so much that’s helpful here.

These two exude joy, and this was a refreshing conversation on every level. Go right now and download their music. You won’t be disappointed, and you WILL be blessed.

Jenna and Zoe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjennaandzoe
Jenna and Zoe's Website: https://www.jennaandzoe.com/
Jenna and Zoe's Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jenna-zo%C3%AB/1447015967
Jenna and Zoe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVHhF17oaPtU2fe5cbIh1Xw

Today's conversation is about holding grief and grace at the same time, and how God meets us in crisis moments we never saw coming. My guest is Leah Outten, author of The 16th Year, a memoir about becoming pregnant at 16 and choosing open adoption for her daughter. Leah's story is marked by an unstable childhood and searching for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. But at 16, when she found out she was pregnant, that rock bottom moment became the turning point that drew her to the Lord.

We talk about how God has used her story, helping adoptive parents know how to love their child's birth mom well, and improving adoption relationships across the country. Leah also has a devotional called Flourishing Hope inspired by fireweed, a flower that pops up after forest fires, the first sign of life returning after devastation. That's what her story is. God can regrow a forest and beauty even when everything feels burned down to ashes.

If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy or walking through the aftermath of adoption, Leah reminds us: remember what God has done in your life. If you haven't seen it yet, look to stories like hers. Hold onto hope.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction and Background

05:29 | The Turning Point: Teen Pregnancy and Faith

08:23 | Choosing Open Adoption: A Unique Perspective

11:32 | Navigating Fears and Building Relationships

14:20 | Parenting After Adoption: Lessons Learned

17:31 | Grief and Grace: Holding Both Together

20:32 | The Impact of Sharing Your Story

23:25 | Encouragement for Those in Crisis

26:28 | The Role of Community and Support

29:31 | Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Leah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahoutten/
Leah's Website: leahoutten.com

Leah's Memoir: https://amzn.to/42tE6ew

Leah's Devotional: https://amzn.to/4n69Qyy