The “Ministry &” podcast is a series of authentic conversations hosted by Mike Edmisten and Heather Walton about lament, endurance, and hope in ministry contexts. Each episode features ministry leaders from diverse backgrounds and roles sharing their own stories; offering a place of community.
Ministry & Endurance | When the Church Is Afraid to Talk About It: Sexual Addiction
· 55:13
A sexual addiction specialist (Sue Moore) shares her heart for helping churches confront sexual brokenness with truth, grace, and compassion, creating spaces where people can stop hiding and begin pursuing genuine freedom and restoration.
Ministry & Integrity | Faithfulness Is Worth More Than Success: A Ministry Leader's Story (S02E03)
· 55:30
Success can be a powerful temptation, especially when compromising your integrity promises greater influence, larger opportunities, and significant financial reward.In this episode of Ministry &, Jon Ralls shares the challenges of launching a nonprofit media organization dedicated to helping churches and ministries communicate the gospel more effectively.Faced with the opportunity to earn substantial income at the expense of the trust placed in him, he had to decide what mattered more: financial success or faithfulness to his mission.This conversation explores why integrity is one of a leader'
Ministry & Transformation | From Tradition to Transformation: A Pastor's Journey of Changing Hearts (S02E02)
· 57:54
In this episode of Ministry &, a pastor (Frank Geohringer) reflects on the years it took for God to transform both his congregation and his own heart. What began as a ministry marked by tradition, resistance, and frustration became a story of patience, sanctification, and lasting spiritual renewal.
Ministry & Pain | Experiencing Racism in the Church: A Pastor on Grace, Growth, and Reconciliation (S02E01)
· 55:00
What does it look like to pursue reconciliation when you've personally experienced hurt?In this episode of Ministry &, a pastor shares his experiences with racism in the church, the lessons he has learned along the way, and why he believes Christians are called to a higher standard of grace, humility, and unity.Rather than focusing solely on the failures of others, he reflects honestly on his own shortcomings while challenging the church to pursue genuine reconciliation rooted in the gospel. This conversation explores accountability, forgiveness, leadership, and the ongoing work of becoming th
Episode 0111 - Ministry & Season One Recap
· 51:28
The hosts, Heather and Mike sit down with producer Jonathan Burian to talk about season one of the Ministry & podcast. They'll talk about the origins of the podcast, how they came up with the name and their favorite moments from the first season.
Episode 0110 - Ministry & Lament | Faith in the Breaking: A Pastor’s Story of Loss, Suffering, and Hope
· 1:12:37
In the midst of overwhelming circumstances, Matt wrestled with grief, identity, and calling. Yet through it all, his faith in the Lord remained steady. This conversation is an honest look at suffering, endurance, and what it means to stay faithful when everything around you seems to fall apart.His story is a powerful reminder that while roles may change and seasons may break us, God’s presence and purpose remain.
Episode 0109 - Ministry & Detours | When Support Breaks Down: A Missionary’s Story of Provision and Return
· 57:43
A missionary shares the painful experience of betrayal by a sending agency and the unexpected detour that followed. In this honest conversation, they reflect on hurt, trust, and how God remained faithful—providing, restoring, and ultimately sending them back to the mission field. A story of calling that endured beyond disappointment and a reminder that detours are never outside God’s purposes.
Episode 0108 - Ministry & God's Plan | From Career to Calling: Leaving Security to Pursue Ministry
· 49:00
Kris, serving as a ministry volunteer, shares how God called him out of a secure career in the secular marketplace, and into the unknown world of ministry.In this episode, Kris reflects on the tension of leaving stability, trusting God’s plan, and discovering that true calling often requires surrender. His story is a powerful reminder that obedience to God is worth the risk.
Episode 0107 - Ministry & Frustration | Leading Through Disunity and Restoring the Church
· 40:33
A ministry leader, David Vaughan, shares how confronting disunity head-on despite deep frustration, became the turning point God used to heal a divided church and restore unity.
Episode 0106 - Ministry & Disappointment | Calling vs. Assignment: Enduring Opposition in Ministry
· 58:50
A ministry leader, John, shares his experience of enduring a season where parts of his church actively undermined his leadership and resisted efforts to grow and unify the congregation. In the midst of discouragement, he learned a defining lesson: your calling is not the same as your assignment, and when an assignment fails, it does not define your identity.