We know we’re called to love our neighbors… but what happens when it feels awkward, inconvenient, or intimidating? In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Amy-Jo Girardier—mom, women’s minister, author, and ministry wife—for an honest conversation about the tension behind the words, “I know I should engage my neighbors, but…”

Together, they talk about the real barriers that keep ministry wives from stepping into meaningful relationships: busy schedules, fear of rejection, uncertainty about what to say, and the pressure to “do it right.” Amy-Jo shares practical encouragement for living out your faith in everyday spaces and reminds listeners that loving your neighbor doesn’t require a perfect strategy—just your availability and obedience.

Their conversation highlights a simple but powerful initiative Amy-Jo started: a neighborhood prayer box. What began as a small step of faith became a bridge for connection, opening doors to deeper conversations and creating opportunities to pray for and serve others in tangible ways. If you’ve ever felt stuck between conviction and hesitation when it comes to community engagement, this episode will help you see that faithfulness often looks like small, intentional acts of love right where God has placed you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Amy-Jo Girardier:

• Why engaging our neighbors can feel intimidating (even when we know we “should”)
• Common barriers that keep ministry wives from building local relationships
• How everyday faithfulness can open doors for gospel conversations
• Why loving your neighbor begins with presence, not perfection
• And more!

Connect with Amy-Jo
Instagram // Lifeway Bible Studies
*For info and pictures of her neighborhood prayer box, search #prayerboxgatewayvillage on Instagram.

Connect with Amy
Facebook // Instagram // Podcast

Connect with NAMB
Facebook // Instagram

For many ministry wives, time in the Word can quietly shift from a life-giving invitation into a heavy obligation. In the first episode of season eight, host Amy Petersen welcomes Kelly Needham—Bible teacher, author, and fellow ministry wife—for an honest conversation about Bible study, identity, and the pressure of our spiritual “shoulds.”

Kelly shares from her own faith journey and introduces her Bible study, See for Yourself: How to Study Your Bible with Confidence and Joy. Together, Amy and Kelly talk about how shame, comparison, and performance often creep into our relationship with Scripture—and how the gospel gently calls us back to grace.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or discouraged when it comes to spending time in the Word, this episode will remind you that God’s delight in you is not earned by your quiet time. The Bible was never meant to be a checklist—it’s an invitation to know Jesus, no matter your season of life.

• Why the Bible was never meant to be a spiritual “should”
• How shame and comparison impact our approach to Scripture
• Why identity in Christ matters more than spiritual productivity
• How to approach Bible study with curiosity, flexibility, and grace
• And more!

• See for Yourself: How to Study Your Bible with Confidence and Joy by Kelly Needham
• Friend-ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion
• Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough
• Clearly Podcast
• JimmyAndKelly.com

Connect with Kelly
Instagram // Website // Teach Equip

Connect with Amy
Facebook // Instagram // Podcast

Connect with NAMB
Facebook // Instagram

Ministry life often pulls us in many directions—serving others, leading faithfully, and juggling family responsibilities. But what about our own walk with Jesus? How do we keep our devotional life fresh and alive when ministry itself can leave us weary?

In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Gayle Rogers Foster—daughter of the late Adrian Rogers and author of In His Footsteps: A 90-Day Devotional to Enjoy Jesus Daily. Gayle shares her personal story of growing up in a ministry family, navigating seasons of busyness, and learning the joy of abiding with Christ.

With wisdom, honesty, and humor, Gayle encourages ministry wives to embrace margin, surrender what we cling to, and resist the temptation to simply “power through.” She reminds us that keeping our devotional lives vibrant isn’t about doing more—it’s about living with open hands, listening to the Spirit, and making space for God’s voice in the everyday.

• Why ministry wives can struggle with spending time with God while serving Him
• How Gayle’s upbringing shaped her faith and the lessons she’s carried into adulthood
• The story behind her devotional In His Footsteps and how God called her to write it
• How to release what you’re holding onto and walk in daily surrender
• Practical ways to keep your quiet time fresh in every season of life

Whether you feel spiritually “stuck” or simply need encouragement to keep going, this conversation will refresh your soul and remind you that God meets us in the quiet places.

• In His Footsteps: A 90-Day Devotional to Enjoy Jesus Daily (Featuring Daily Words of Wisdom from Adrian Rogers) by Gayle Rogers Foster
• Love Worth Finding
• Opportunity Leadership by Roger Parrott

Connect with Gayle
Facebook // Instagram // Website

Connect with Amy
Facebook // Instagram // Podcast

Connect with NAMB
Facebook // Instagram