When She Leads

When She Leads

When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth. With over 30 years of ministry experience and a degree in biblical studies, Brenda is uniquely qualified to train and guide the next generation of women leaders in the church. Co-hosts include Rosemary Cady, Kelly Bell, and Krista Fox, each bringing their collective experiences, research, victories, and failures to consider and discuss a range of topics from a biblical and practical perspective. Have a topic for the show? Share it with us at whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com!

Jesus Through the Eyes of Women - Rebecca McLaughlin - WSL West Coast Conference 2024
When She LeadsNovember 05, 2025
93
01:08:10156.06 MB

Jesus Through the Eyes of Women - Rebecca McLaughlin - WSL West Coast Conference 2024

In this episode, join renowned author and scholar Rebecca McLaughlin as she speaks at the WSL West Coast Conference 2024. She explores the pivotal role women played in Jesus’s ministry, revealing how their faith and courage illuminate deeper truths about the gospel. Rebecca is the award-winning auth...

Ageism In Ministry
When She LeadsOctober 15, 2025
92
00:30:3328.28 MB

Ageism In Ministry

In this episode, Brenda, Janie, and Janice explore the often-overlooked issue of ageism in the church and why older women continue to play a vital role in ministry and community life. This conversation highlights the biblical and practical importance of intergenerational relationships, showing how e...

Ministry Life: Exhausted and Overwhelmed
When She LeadsOctober 02, 202500:42:2839.3 MB

Ministry Life: Exhausted and Overwhelmed

Serving in women’s ministry is a calling filled with joy, but it can also leave us exhausted and stretched thin. In this episode, Brenda, Christy, and Grace talk honestly about the weight of expectations, the creep of fatigue, and the struggle to balance service with rest. Together we’ll explore how...

An Interview with Cicely Corry: How Gen Z is Spiritual but not Religious
When She LeadsSeptember 16, 202500:48:59112.14 MB

An Interview with Cicely Corry: How Gen Z is Spiritual but not Religious

Today, Brenda sits down with Cicely Corry to explore why Gen Z is showing a greater spiritual openness than previous generations, even as women are leaving the church at higher rates than men for the first time in decades. They delve into the cultural forces and personal experiences fueling this cha...

An Interview with Robin Gunn
When She LeadsSeptember 02, 2025x
89
00:48:24110.81 MB

An Interview with Robin Gunn

Join Brenda Leavenworth as she interviews celebrated author Robin Gunn about her life, writing, and the inspiration behind her beloved books. Robin reflects on her most impactful books, shares stories from her writing journey, and discusses how she weaves biblical truth into narratives that speak to...

An Interview with Irene Bernheisel: Camp Alandale - Where Abused Children Find Hope & Healing In Jesus Christ
When She LeadsAugust 17, 2025x
88
00:30:0768.97 MB

An Interview with Irene Bernheisel: Camp Alandale - Where Abused Children Find Hope & Healing In Jesus Christ

Listen in as Kelly sits down with Irene Berheisal, director of Camp Alandale, for a candid conversation about her role, leadership, and experiences. Camp Alandale’s mission statement is “to introduce more and more abused children to the life changing and healing reality of Jesus Christ and equip the...

The Pastor’s Wife and Staff Dynamics
When She LeadsAugust 01, 2025x
87
00:36:1883.09 MB

The Pastor’s Wife and Staff Dynamics

Join us as Brenda, Kelly, and Rosemary discuss some of the unique dynamics of being a pastor's wife and how that can affect relationships with other staff members of the church. They explore some topics such as authority, friendship boundaries, and navigating your role when you're neither boss nor e...

What Leaders Do When Tragedy Strikes the Church?
When She LeadsJuly 15, 2025x
86
00:40:2037.33 MB

What Leaders Do When Tragedy Strikes the Church?

In this podcast, Brenda and Krista addresses the difficult reality that women in ministry will inevitably face seasons of profound loss and crisis within their congregations, from sudden deaths to community tragedies. They offer biblical wisdom and guidance for leading through difficulties, building...

Interview With Debbie Martis - CEO of Rebirth Homes - Local Home for Trafficked Women
When She LeadsJuly 03, 202500:30:2928.22 MB

Interview With Debbie Martis - CEO of Rebirth Homes - Local Home for Trafficked Women

In this episode, Kelly interviews Debbie Martis, founder and CEO of Rebirth Homes, an anti-trafficking organization dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking. Since 2013, Rebirth Homes has provided safe housing and comprehensive care through a two-year program designed to address the sp...

How Do I Overcome Feeling Inadequate?
When She LeadsJune 19, 2025x
51
00:38:0335.22 MB

How Do I Overcome Feeling Inadequate?

In this episode, Brenda and Krista explore the common struggle of feeling unqualified or insufficient in ministry work, examining how God uses weaknesses and perceived inadequacies as vessels for His strength and glory. They go over some practical strategies for silencing the inner critic, embracing...

The Pastor’s Wife and Marriage in the Public Eye
When She LeadsJune 03, 2025x
37
00:54:1750.24 MB

The Pastor’s Wife and Marriage in the Public Eye

Join us as Brenda, Christy, and Rosemary discuss the unique blessings and demands of being in the role of the pastor's wife. They address how their marriages have become part of their public ministry and different ways they maintain balance between their personal relationships and the expectatio...

Top 5 Church Laws Every Leader Should Know
When She LeadsMay 15, 2025x
80
00:43:4340.46 MB

Top 5 Church Laws Every Leader Should Know

Join us as Brenda and Shirley unpack five crucial church laws that can save your ministry from headaches and heartaches. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this conversation will equip you with the practical knowledge you need to protect your congregation while fulfilling your ca...

How Children can be Church Leaders Today
When She LeadsMay 02, 2025x
79
00:35:2781.18 MB

How Children can be Church Leaders Today

In this episode, Brenda is joined by Tami Peña, Children's Ministry Director at Reliance Church, to talk through helpful directives and procedures that can help foster inter-generational discipleship in our ministries. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humili...

Serving When Married to a Non-Believer
When She LeadsApril 15, 2025x
78
00:42:0296.23 MB

Serving When Married to a Non-Believer

In this episode, Brenda, Gloria, and Kristie offer biblical encouragement and prayerful wisdom for women faithfully serving in their church while married to an unbelieving spouse, showing how to honor both their ministry calling and marriage covenant with grace. We pray that this conversation encour...

Nuts and Bolts of Women’s Bible Study
When She LeadsApril 01, 2025x
77
00:47:1543.73 MB

Nuts and Bolts of Women’s Bible Study

In this episode, Brenda, Rosemary and Kelly explore practical strategies for creating meaningful women's Bible study groups that foster both spiritual growth and authentic community connections. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the f...

Should we Establish Boundaries in Ministry?
When She LeadsMarch 15, 2025x
76
00:45:3342.17 MB

Should we Establish Boundaries in Ministry?

In this episode, Brenda, Rosemary and Christy Duff talk through the complications, nuances, joys, and balance of establishing boundaries in ministry. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. ---- Wh...

What Can Leaders Expect From Their Volunteers?
When She LeadsMarch 01, 2025x
75
00:36:4083.95 MB

What Can Leaders Expect From Their Volunteers?

In this episode, Brenda and Kelly sit down with Gia Lucid to talk about cultivating a healthy culture for church volunteers and what you can reasonably expect from those giving their time in service to ministry. We pray that this interview encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transpa...

An Interview with Janice Orate - Transitional Ministry
When She LeadsFebruary 17, 2025x
74
00:39:2836.53 MB

An Interview with Janice Orate - Transitional Ministry

In this episode, Brenda sits down with Janice Orate to talk through her years serving her church community and preparing to transition ministry leadership as the Lord leads. Janice, alongside her husband Jim, have faithfully served their community and ministry at CC Rancho Cucamonga for 40+ years. W...

Internal Team Values
When She LeadsFebruary 01, 2025x
73
00:42:5839.76 MB

Internal Team Values

In this episode, Brenda is joined by Shirley Ruiz and Gloria Scholten to discuss the internal team values they've helped to facilitate at Reliance Church. Both Shirley and Gloria serve on the women's ministry board at Reliance Church. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to le...

Live Q&A
When She LeadsJanuary 18, 2025x
72
00:50:2846.7 MB

Live Q&A

In this episode, Brenda, Krista, Rosemary and Kelly continue answering questions they received from the West Coast Conference from October 2024. We pray that we all approach questions of faith, ministry, and life with curiosity and humility as we seek the face of Christ. We also pray that this con...

Navigating Change in Ministry
When She LeadsJanuary 01, 2025x
71
00:36:0233.35 MB

Navigating Change in Ministry

In this episode, Brenda, Krista, and Kelly talk through their experiences of walking through minor and major changes in ministry. Learning to trust the guidance of the Lord builds patience, dependance and self-control in Him. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with h...

West Coast Conference '24 - Jesus Through the Eyes of Women - Live Q&A
When She LeadsDecember 16, 2024x
70
00:58:4554.37 MB

West Coast Conference '24 - Jesus Through the Eyes of Women - Live Q&A

In this episode, When She Leads Hosts Brenda, Kelly, Rosemary, and Krista sat around the table at the recent West Coast Conference in Murrieta, CA to answer questions asked from the conference attendees. We pray that this interview encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency ...

An Interview with Wendy Zahorjanski - Hard is Only Half of the Story - From Small Town Girl to Missionary in Serbia
When She LeadsDecember 01, 2024x
69
00:36:2733.74 MB

An Interview with Wendy Zahorjanski - Hard is Only Half of the Story - From Small Town Girl to Missionary in Serbia

In this episode, Brenda sits down with Wendy Zahorjanski to talk about her life story and the writing of her book, her calling to serve Jesus as a missionary, and the continued work that she and her husband, Danny are doing with their church community in the city of Kragujevac. Wendy is an author ...

When is the Right Time to Step Out in Faith?
When She LeadsNovember 15, 2024x
68
00:40:3237.52 MB

When is the Right Time to Step Out in Faith?

In this episode, Brenda, Krista, and Kelly talk through their experiences of stepping out in faith. Learning to trust the guidance of the Lord builds patience, dependance and self-control in Him. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by th...

How Should we Handle Spiritual Warfare?
When She LeadsNovember 01, 2024x
67
00:39:3636.65 MB

How Should we Handle Spiritual Warfare?

In this episode, Brenda, Rosemary, and Kelly talk through their various experiences of handling and combatting spiritual warfare. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. ---- When She Leads i...

WSL Ireland Conference 2023 - Rachel Neglia - Insecurity in Ministry
When She LeadsOctober 15, 2024x
66
00:38:2635.58 MB

WSL Ireland Conference 2023 - Rachel Neglia - Insecurity in Ministry

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Cork, Ireland from 2023. This episode was from a main session teaching from Rachel Neglia on "Insecurity in Ministry". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transpa...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Rosemary Cady - Creating and Sustaining Ministry Culture
When She LeadsOctober 01, 2024x
64
00:47:4144.13 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Rosemary Cady - Creating and Sustaining Ministry Culture

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Rosemary Cady on "Creating and Sustaining Ministry Culture". We pray that this conversation encourages you to conti...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Sonia Trujillo - Teaching the Bible
When She LeadsSeptember 17, 2024x
63
00:59:3955.22 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Sonia Trujillo - Teaching the Bible

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Sonia Trujillo on "Teaching the Bible." We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Christy Duff - Navigating Unplanned Rest
When She LeadsSeptember 01, 2024x
62
00:54:3250.48 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Christy Duff - Navigating Unplanned Rest

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Christy Duff on "Navigating Unplanned Rest". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Brenda Leavenworth - Discovering, Developing and Exercising Spiritual Gifts
When She LeadsAugust 15, 2024x
61
00:55:0751.01 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Brenda Leavenworth - Discovering, Developing and Exercising Spiritual Gifts

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Brenda Leavenworth on "Discovering, Developing, and Exercising Spiritual Gifts". We pray that this conver...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Meka Buffington - Faithful not Frazzled
When She LeadsAugust 01, 2024x
60
00:58:1453.89 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Meka Buffington - Faithful not Frazzled

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Meka Buffington on "Faithful not Frazzled". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to ...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Kelly Bell - Battling Insecurities in Ministry
When She LeadsJuly 15, 2024x
59
00:49:5046.12 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Kelly Bell - Battling Insecurities in Ministry

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Kelly Bell on "Battling Insecurities in Ministry". We pray that this conversation encourages you to conti...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Grace Warholic - The Purpose and Priority of Theology
When She LeadsJuly 02, 2024x
58
01:04:1359.43 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Grace Warholic - The Purpose and Priority of Theology

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Grace Warholic on "The Purpose and Priority of Theology". We pray that this conversation encourages you t...

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Krista Fox - The Church's Response to Depression and Suicide
When She LeadsJune 17, 2024x
57
00:34:3732.04 MB

WSL West Coast Conference 2023 - Krista Fox - The Church's Response to Depression and Suicide

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Equipped for a Purpose live event in Murrieta, California from October 2023. This episode was from a breakout session teaching from Krista Fox on "The Church's Response to Depression and Suicide". We pray that this conversation encou...

A Conversation with Rebecca McLaughlin
When She LeadsMay 29, 2024x
56
00:57:0152.77 MB

A Conversation with Rebecca McLaughlin

In this episode, Brenda has a candid and uncut conversation with author and theologian Rebecca McLaughlin about the compelling goodness of Jesus, local church ministry, work-life balance, and Christ’s heart for the larger Church. Rebecca is the author of several notable books including Confronti...

Navigating the Fishbowl Life - Learning to Swim for the Glory of God
When She LeadsMay 15, 2024x
55
00:50:4246.92 MB

Navigating the Fishbowl Life - Learning to Swim for the Glory of God

In this episode, Brenda, Rosemary, and Kelly talk through their various experiences of ministry, work, and family life balance. There are specific challenges when you walk and serve in ministry partnership and leadership. These challenges can create a "fishbowl" experience where you feel l...

Writing Bible Studies
When She LeadsMay 01, 2024x
55
00:36:0682.63 MB

Writing Bible Studies

In this episode, Brenda and Kelly talk through their processes and styles of writing bible study curriculums and tackle these questions: Can anyone write them? What is essential? What are the different styles and what should be the goal? What does the process look like and how do you get started? ...

The Early Tough Lessons in Ministry
When She LeadsApril 15, 2024x
53
00:40:5537.87 MB

The Early Tough Lessons in Ministry

In this episode, Brenda, Rosemary, and Kelly talk through their various experiences of learning valuable and tough lessons early in their respective ministries. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Sp...

Gospel Math
When She LeadsApril 01, 2024x
52
00:47:1443.72 MB

Gospel Math

In this episode, Brenda talks with Faith Wake, Worship Director at Reliance Church, about her recent teaching through 2 Corinthians 8 and “Gospel Math.” They discuss the generosity of God that leads us to be generous to one another, even in the midst of hardship and poverty. We pray that this conv...

The Problem with Perfectionism
When She LeadsMarch 15, 2024x
51
00:34:1431.69 MB

The Problem with Perfectionism

In this episode, Brenda, Kelly, and Rosemary talk through the many problems with seeking, prioritizing or being consumed by perfectionism. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. Resources: ...

Prodigals
When She LeadsMarch 01, 2024x
50
00:49:1345.55 MB

Prodigals

In this episode, Brenda interviews Krista Fox and her son, Aidan Fox about navigating the tumultuous season of a child walking away from the Lord. Krista and Aidan share their respective experiences, and how compassion, boundaries, grace, and open-handed trust in the Lord can guide prodigals and the...

How Do I Confront a Leader? (Who Has Authority Over Me)
When She LeadsFebruary 15, 2024x
49
00:48:5845.32 MB

How Do I Confront a Leader? (Who Has Authority Over Me)

In this episode, Brenda and Krista talk with Christie Duff (The Garden Fellowship) about how we should approach confrontation and conversation with leaders who have authority over us in ministry. The conversation also covers how we should be accessible, humble, and hospitable when others seek to con...

Children's Ministry Directors
When She LeadsFebruary 01, 2024x
48
00:49:1245.54 MB

Children's Ministry Directors

In this episode, Brenda talks with Tami Peña and Jasmine Boucher about their various experiences, team dynamics, procedures, and processes for overseeing children's ministries and departments. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by t...

Comparisons in Ministry
When She LeadsJanuary 15, 2024x
47
00:34:1131.65 MB

Comparisons in Ministry

In this episode, Brenda, Kelly, and Rosemary discuss the of various forms of comparisons in ministry and if they are beneficial or harmful. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit. ---- When S...

WSL Conference Colorado 2023 - Rosemary Cady - Jesus, Friend of Sinners
When She LeadsJanuary 05, 2024x
46
00:29:4627.55 MB

WSL Conference Colorado 2023 - Rosemary Cady - Jesus, Friend of Sinners

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Breaking New Ground live event in Longmont, Colorado from May 2023. This episode was from a main session teaching from Rosemary Cady on "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with hu...

WSL x Cultivate | Women in Ministry
When She LeadsDecember 15, 2023x
45
00:46:1642.82 MB

WSL x Cultivate | Women in Ministry

In this episode, we are sharing an episode that Brenda and Krista had done with Brian Kelly from the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast. This conversation centers on the contributions that women make in the roles of church planting, the challenges women can face in leadership, and how to better equip...

WSL Conference 2022 - Brenda Leavenworth - Breaking New Ground in our Hearts
When She LeadsDecember 01, 2023x
44
00:43:2440.16 MB

WSL Conference 2022 - Brenda Leavenworth - Breaking New Ground in our Hearts

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Breaking New Ground live event from October 2022. This episode was from a main session taught by Brenda Leavenworth on "Breaking New Ground in our Hearts - Have your Way". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead...

WSL Conference Colorado 2023 - Kelly Bell - Breaking New Ground in our Community
When She LeadsNovember 16, 2023x
43
00:50:0546.36 MB

WSL Conference Colorado 2023 - Kelly Bell - Breaking New Ground in our Community

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Breaking New Ground live event in Longmont, Colorado from May 2023. This episode was from a main session teaching from Kelly Bell on "Breaking New Ground in our Community". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lea...

WSL Conference 2022 - Brenda Leavenworth - Propagating Leadership: Developing Leaders and Servants
When She LeadsNovember 08, 2023x
42
00:59:1367.79 MB

WSL Conference 2022 - Brenda Leavenworth - Propagating Leadership: Developing Leaders and Servants

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Breaking New Ground live event from October 2022. This episode was from a breakout session hosted by Brenda Leavenworth on "Propagating Leadership: Developing Leaders and Servants". We pray that this conversation encourages you to contin...

WSL Conference 2022 - Kelly Bell - Biblical and Social Justice
When She LeadsSeptember 01, 2023x
41
01:02:5258.18 MB

WSL Conference 2022 - Kelly Bell - Biblical and Social Justice

In this episode, we are sharing content from the Breaking New Ground live event from October 2022. This episode was from a breakout session hosted by Kelly Bell on "Social Justice and the Church". We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and trans...