Donna Gaines joins us to share her wisdom and what she believes are the five essential traits of a leader. She talks about leading with humility, faithfulness, and a heart fully surrendered to Jesus. Donna also offers practical wisdom on resisting comparison, choosing not to be offended, and becoming women who speak life and build others up. She closes with a powerful reminder from 1 Thessalonians 5 to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks, even in difficult seasons. This conversation is full of encouragement for women leading in any capacity.

LINKS

Spiritual Authority book

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness book

Gospel Way Catechism book

Good to Great book

Lifeway Women Academy

Devoted Bible study

Ministry to Women book

RECOMMENDED: Listen to this past episode of Marked with Donna on building biblical literacy and the importance of volunteering in your community.

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong.

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Donna Gaines on Instagram.

Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua.

Learn more at lifeway.com/angels.

In this episode, we sit down with Marian Jordan Ellis to talk about the importance of community in women’s ministry. Marian shares why leaders can’t thrive in isolation, how discipleship strengthens the church, and the practices that help women connect beyond surface level. She also reflects on what it looks like to lead while still needing genuine friendship.

We touch on seasons of loneliness, navigating resistance with grace, and overcoming comparison in leadership. It’s a hope-filled conversation for anyone committed to cultivating authentic connection among women!

LINKS

Anchored Bible study

This Redeemed Life

Together Bible study

Emily Dean episode

Amy-Jo Girardier episode

RECOMMENDED: Get to know Marian Jordan Ellis on the Lifeway Women Blog.

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong.

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Marian Jordan Ellis on Instagram.

Learn more about the Anchored Bible study at lifeway.com/anchored.

Learn how to celebrate Advent with your whole church at lifeway.com/advent.

Angie and Alicia sit down with author and prayer leader Leighann McCoy to talk about what it really looks like to weave prayer into your life and ministry. Leighann has walked with the Lord through both joys and deep challenges, and she brings a warm, grounded perspective that helps make prayer feel accessible. If you’ve ever struggled to know where to start or how to help the women you lead grow in this area, you’ll find this encouragement and practical wisdom so helpful.

LINKS:

Leighann McCoy Podcast

Perfecting the Art of Parenting Your Prodigal course

When You Pray Bible study

Encountering God Bible study

Forum Prayer

RECOMMENDED: Listen to the When You Pray series on Marked. Start with this episode featuring a conversation with Jackie Hill Perry and Jen Wilkin.

Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Angie Elkins and Alicia Wong.

CONNECT WITH US!
Follow Lifeway Women and Leighann McCoy on Instagram.

Learn more about the Anchored Bible study at lifeway.com/anchored.

Learn how to celebrate Advent with your whole church at lifeway.com/advent.