Épisodes

  • Church Mothers: Becoming A Church Mother with Yana Jenay

    Church Mothers: Becoming A Church Mother with Yana Jenay
    Jun 18 2025
    In this final episode of the Church Mother series, Elizabeth and Yana explore the story of Dorcas from Acts 9, emphasizing her impact on her community through acts of service and faithfulness. The conversation highlights the journey of transformation that occurs in both the disciple and the one being discipled, and the joy found in serving others. They end by encouraging listeners to take the first step in discipleship and to remember that God will be with them along the way.
    Main Topics:
    • Dorcas's life exemplified service and faithfulness.
    • Discipleship occurs in everyday life, not just structured settings.
    • Consistency and faithfulness are crucial in discipleship.
    • The journey of discipleship is long and requires patience.
    • Transformation happens on both sides of the discipleship relationship.
    • God promises to be with us in the journey—so take the first step.
    Reflection Question:
    Reflecting on Dorcas' legacy, what visible evidence of faithfulness will your community or family point to as they celebrate your lifeGuest BioLearn more about Yana by visiting www.yanajenay.com or @yanajenay on IG.
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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    40 min
  • Church Mothers: Parenting with Susan Seay

    Church Mothers: Parenting with Susan Seay
    Jun 11 2025
    Elizabeth talks with Susan Seay about the real challenges of motherhood today—from social media pressure to unrealistic expectations. Susan shares wisdom from raising seven kids, reminding moms to depend on God daily, pursue authentic community, and embrace grace over perfection. She also introduces her new devotional designed to help moms connect with God in the middle of a busy life.
    Main Topics:
    • Faithfulness in motherhood requires community/a support system
    • Let go of perfection and live dependent on God’s grace
    • A few quiet moments with God can shift your whole day.
    • Comparison robs us of the opportunity to appreciate what God is doing in and through us.
    • Keep dreaming, God’s purpose for you is not limited to just motherhood.
    Reflection Question:
    How has the content you regularly consume shaped your expectations of what faithful parenting should look like? Are those expectations realistic or unrealistic?
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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    45 min
  • Church Mothers: Abigail’s Wisdom

    Church Mothers: Abigail’s Wisdom
    Jun 4 2025
    What does it look like to live wisely when you’re surrounded by foolishness, anger, or drama you didn’t create? In this episode, we turn to Abigail—a woman whose wisdom calmed a crisis and redirected the futures of two powerful men. Her story in 1 Samuel 25 shows us how godly wisdom protects, preserves, and points us back to the Lord.
    Main Topics:
    • Wisdom acts with discernment in moments of tension
    • Godly wisdom helps seek the best interests of others.
    • Wisdom is bold and peaceable—not passive or reactive
    • We are regularly given opportunities to be wise peacemakers in the face of relationship chaos or difficulty
    Reflection Question:
    Where in your life do you need to embody the wisdom of Abigail? Or, where are you tempted to respond reactively instead of asking God for wisdom?
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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    25 min
  • Church Mothers: Marriage & Dating with Melody Fabien

    Church Mothers: Marriage & Dating with Melody Fabien
    May 28 2025
    In this episode, Melody Fabien shares her powerful love story and the spiritual journey that led her and her husband CD into marriage ministry. She offers wisdom on what makes marriages last—emphasizing communication, vulnerability, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Melody also speaks to dating couples about red flags, non-negotiables, and the importance of personal growth, accountability, and community. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, this episode will help you reflect on how God uses relationships to grow us in Christlikeness.

    Main Topics:
    • What makes marriages last—and why some don’t
    • The biggest blind spots Christian couples face
    • Practical questions dating couples should ask
    • How spiritual maturity shows up in marriage
    • Encouragement and tools for couples at every stage
    Guest Bio:
    You can learn more about Melody by visiting cdandmelody.com

    Recommended Resources:
    • Domestic Violence Website (Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233))
    • Family Life Weekend To Remember
    • Tim Keller, The Meaning of Marriage
    Reflection Question:
    How is God using your relationships to grow you into Christlikeness?

    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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    46 min
  • Church Mothers: Leadership with Missie Branch

    Church Mothers: Leadership with Missie Branch
    May 21 2025
    In this episode, Missie Branch joins Elizabeth to share about her journey from working in a flower shop to serving as assistant dean of students for women at a seminary. They explore what true leadership looks like, highlighting the role of mentorship, community, and faithfulness in small things. They also discuss the challenges leaders face, the importance of trusting God, and how every experience shapes us to serve and empower others.
    Main Takeaways:
    • God weaves every part of our story—big and small—into His greater purpose.
    • True leadership begins with humility and a heart to serve.
    • Great leaders create space for others by recognizing potential and investing intentionally.
    • Growth happens when we lean into—not avoid—the challenges of leadership.
    • Leadership can be lonely, so cultivating strong, supportive community is vital.
    • Trusting God is the cornerstone of faithful leadership.
    • Being faithful in the small things prepares us for greater responsibility and influence.
    Guest Bio:
    You can learn more about Missie by visiting missiebranch.com
    Reflection Question:
    How has God used your past experiences to prepare you for what you are doing now?
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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    39 min
  • Church Mothers: Resilience with Cheryl Luke

    Church Mothers: Resilience with Cheryl Luke
    May 14 2025
    In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Luke about what it looks like to walk with God through seasons of deep pain. Cheryl opens up about her journey during 2020—a year that tested her faith and relationships—and how she stayed anchored to truth. We talk about spiritual formation, navigating hurt in community, and learning how to stay with God when life gets hard. This conversation is rich, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone trying to hold on to their faith in the valley.

    Main Takeaways:
    • In hard seasons, lean into—not away from—community, worship, and honest reflection.
    • We tend to cope with pain in various ways, often turning to unhealthy habits instead of God.
    • Healing often begins when we bring our pain into the light with God and safe people.
    • God is always near, even when we feel distant from him.
    Guest Bio:
    Cheryl Luke is a speaker, coach, podcast host, and seminary student pursuing her Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. She’s the visionary behind The Mosaic Life, a nonprofit equipping leaders to live with intention and purpose. With decades of leadership experience, including her role as National Director for Cultural Communities with Celebrate Recovery, Cheryl is known for her ability to foster community, create space for healing, and empower people—especially people of color—through recovery and restoration.

    Reflection Question:
    How might remembering the goodness of God help you be resilient in a valley season?

    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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    39 min
  • Church Mothers: Community with Jill Barlow

    Church Mothers: Community with Jill Barlow
    May 7 2025
    In this episode, Elizabeth talks with Jill Barlow about how intentionality builds meaningful relationships and how community shapes spiritual growth. Jill shares honest reflections on starting over, facing disappointment, and finding hope when connection feels hard—reminding us that community can be a place of deep transformation.
    Main Takeaways:
    • Community requires intentionality, courage, and the willingness to initiate.
    • Disappointment in relationships is common but can be a path to growth and grace.
    • Spiritual formation happens in community, which reflects and refines us.
    • If you are feeling lonely and disconnected, there is still hope for meaningful, family-like community.

    Guest Bio:
    Jill Barlow loves people, talking about theology, and being around a table with friends. Jill received her master's degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and currently serves as the Director of Community & Care at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on the East Side of New York. Jill is passionate about discipleship, mercy and leadership development in the local church. Her writing has been featured in Deeply Rooted Magazine, The Village Church and The Gospel Coalition.
    Reflection Question:
    What is one step you can take towards deeper relationships?
    Recommended Resources
    • Made For People - Justin Earley
    Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast.
    Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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    33 min
  • Church Mothers: Discipleship with Courtney Doctor & Hunter Beless

    Church Mothers: Discipleship with Courtney Doctor & Hunter Beless
    Apr 30 2025
    In this episode, Elizabeth talks with Bible teachers and ministry leaders Courtney Doctor and Hunter Beless about what long-term discipleship looks like in real life. From friendship and mentoring to challenges and biblical wisdom, this conversation is full of insight for anyone wanting to stay faithful in making disciples.

    Main Takeaways:
    • How Courtney and Hunter’s friendship and mentoring relationship began
    • The distinction between mentorship and discipleship
    • Challenges and discouragement in disciple-making—and how to keep going
    • Biblical keys to healthy discipleship relationships
    • Practical encouragement for staying faithful in busy life seasons
    Guest Bios:
    Hunter Beless and Courtney Doctor are passionate Bible teachers who love helping women know and love God more through His Word. Hunter is the founder of Journeywomen and has authored several children's books. Courtney serves as Director of Women’s Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and is the author of From Garden to Glory and several Bible studies. They’re both wives, moms, and ministry leaders who care deeply about making theology accessible and life-giving. Together, they co-authored a new Bible study on Titus—perfectly tying into our discipleship conversation in today’s episode. Want to connect with them? Go to: hunterbeless.com OR courtneydoctor.org

    Reflection Question:
    Who is God calling you to disciple in this season?

    Recommended Resources
    • Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace, Courtney Doctor & Hunter Beless
    • Growing Together, Melissa Kruger
    • Mentoring, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

    Follow Us:
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    46 min