Life in ministry often means carrying the weight of people’s stories, navigating unexpected challenges, and learning to love well even when it’s costly. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to lead with both strength and tenderness, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with DeenDeen Vedoya—church planter’s wife, mom of three, and women’s ministry leader in Edmonton, Canada. DeenDeen shares her personal journey of church planting, discipleship, and discovering what it means to lead with a heart shaped by Christ’s compassion.

Together, Amy and DeenDeen talk honestly about grief, generosity, and the daily choice to lead people with empathy. You’ll hear practical wisdom on cultivating curiosity, listening well, and letting God’s love flow through you in both ministry and family life.

Whether you’re walking through conflict, caring for others in their suffering, or simply longing to reflect Christ more in your leadership, this conversation will remind you that compassion isn’t weakness—it’s Spirit-filled strength.

• The importance of compassion-driven leadership in ministry and motherhood
• Practical ways to embrace curiosity, empathy, and generosity with others
• How to grieve ministry losses without losing hope
• Encouragement for releasing expectations and trusting in God’s provision
• And more!

Connect with DeenDeen
Instagram // Email

Connect with Amy
Facebook // Instagram // Podcast

Connect with NAMB
Facebook // Instagram

Life in ministry can feel like constant chaos—balancing church responsibilities, family needs, and the everyday mess of raising kids. If you’ve ever felt the tension between ministry demands and motherhood, you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Heather Oldham—ministry wife, mom of five, and church planter’s wife—to talk honestly about parenting kids in the whirlwind of ministry life. Heather shares her personal story of growing up in a pastor’s home, raising her own family in the church planting context, and learning to find calm in the chaos.

Together, Amy and Heather explore practical ways to model peace for your children, stay connected when correction is needed, and cultivate a home where ministry kids feel loved, secure, and part of the mission—not in competition with it.

Whether you’re in the trenches of raising littles, navigating the teen years, or simply craving encouragement in the messiness of ministry, this conversation will remind you: Calm isn’t the absence of chaos—it’s the presence of Christ’s peace.

• How to model emotional regulation in times of high stress
• Practical ways to engage your kids’ hearts through curiosity
• Tips for helping your children name and process their emotions biblically
• Ways to see discipleship happening in the everyday moments
• And more!

• “Raising Church-Planting Kids: Be Their Calm in the Chaos” by Heather Oldham

Connect with Heather
Facebook // Instagram // New Churches Articles

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Facebook // Instagram

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Ministry Wives Podcast! In this episode, host Amy Petersen sits down with Casey Kilgore, a ministry wife of more than 20 years and part of the Send Network team.

Casey opens up about the realities of navigating unexpected ministry shifts, from major transitions in her family’s calling to their bold step into full-time RV living. With honesty and wisdom, she shares what it looks like to trust God’s plan even when it feels uncertain—and how ministry wives can stay rooted in Christ through seasons of change.

Whether you’re walking through a new chapter in your own ministry journey or simply want encouragement as a ministry wife, this conversation will remind you that God is faithful and that you’re not alone.

• Why community support is essential for ministry families
• How trusting God’s plan means stepping into the unknown
• Practical ways to navigate your family’s next steps in ministry and discipleship
• The role of prayer in discerning God’s guidance
• Encouragement for church planting wives serving across the U.S.

• Resources for Church Planting Wives

Connect with Casey
Instagram // Website // Email

Connect with Amy
Facebook // Instagram // Podcast

Connect with NAMB
Facebook // Instagram // Website