The story we tell ourselves: Recent Episodes
The Salvation Army | Rebekah McNeilly
The story we tell ourselves is a podcast about the narratives we create, live, grieve, and hope by. Every two weeks we have a new guest bring their expertise on topics such as emotionally healthy spirituality, burnout in ministry, deconstructing and reconstructing faith and church leadership in a politically charged environment. We address the tensions we face in ministry and in life as women, leaders, Salvationists and most importantly as followers of Jesus. Song cover written and performed by Hannah McNeilly.
So pleased to welcome Major Deana Zelinsky onto the podcast. She shares with us about the changes CFOT has undergone in the last few years, the challenges of officership, and God's call and faithfulness in it all. I really enjoyed speaking with Deana, and I was encouraged by what she shared!
Thankful for Helen and her ministry around childlessness and infertility. This is such a painful journey that impacts women all over the world. Talking about it honestly and vulnerably is a small antidote, and I'm so thankful Helen agreed to share her story and point to God's goodness even in the suffering. This episode is worth listening to for anyone struggling through unanswered prayers, whatever they might be.
Check out her website and support network here: https://rinnah.ca/infertility/infertility-journey/
Part 2 is here! We received such wonderful feedback on the first part of this discussion. Discussing the implications of how we read women in scripture is important, no matter where you find yourself theologically on this topic. If you enjoyed this book club format and there's a book you would love to know more about from a conversational perspective, let us know! We love hearing from you and sharing content that resonates.
Thanks again, Laura, for having this conversation with me!
I am very excited about this PART ONE of a two part episode with my friend Laura! In a 'book club' style, we discuss Beth Allison Barr's book 'The Making of Biblical Womanhood.' This was such an interesting conversation that continues to impact my thinking today. We split up our conversation into two parts, the second half will come out in two weeks!
If you are a Christian women in ministry, a married or single woman, this is a really important conversation to have. We discuss the historical context out of which female subordination as as gospel truth emerges, some of the 'wrong ideas' that have seeped into our theology, and some hopeful encouragement around God's high view of women. Hope you enjoy!
So thankful to have Dr. Aimee Patterson from The Ethics Centre back for a second time to discuss her new book, 'Suffering Well and Suffering With: Reclaiming Marks of Christian identity.'
Aimee's honesty, gentleness and thoughtful compassion is inspiring and thought-provoking. She walks us through her journey with brain cancer and the deep suffering she encountered throughout that time. This book is also full of biblical insights and wisdom. We discuss the book of Job, collective suffering, individual suffering and some practical ways we can walk with those who are currently suffering.
If the Christmas season brings pain and suffering for you or loved ones, this might be the right episode for you this December.
I had the joy of chatting with one of my favorite people, Christina Pearo, about women in the workplace-- and we devolved into a thought provoking discussion on church, theology, the role of the bible in our faith communities and the fruit of the spirit. I'm very thankful for Christina's insights and perspective!
Ellen Duffield shares some incredibly insightful and biblically rooted reflections from her recent book, 'The Brave Way' which touches on church hurts, unity and the ways our churches may fall short on this.
Ingrid shares about her personal experience of profound exhaustion, angst and burnout as well as her now current work in soul care and walking alongside others.
How is the health of your church?
On this episode I have Majors Brian and Glenda Bishop joining me to discuss all things Natural Church Development. It was a real joy to discuss church strengths, how to grow your leaders and and healthy discipleship practices, some of my favorite topics right now! I left challenged, inspired and interested in the ways my church can continue to grow and flourish in this season.
If you are a pastor, church leader, or just take an interest in the health of your church (especially if you are experiencing some burnout!) this episode will be a hopeful and practical tool for you.
One year of podcast guests! What a gift. In this episode we catch up with three returning guests, Major Jennifer Reid, Major Krista Andrews and Captain Crystal Porter. This short updates are full of hope and excitement.
Happy almost Mother's day! We have a special mother's day release this week with Major Brenda Allen and her daughter Rebekah Tillsley. These are both women I deeply respect and admire. They share wisdom about parenting, and some practical yet inspiring ways we can bring God into the simple day-to-day moments with kids.
Enjoy!
Lt. Col Wanda Vincent shares about her major research paper relating to coaching and her own experience in leadership development. It's interesting to understand the way we relegate men and women to certain leadership styles-- and the way we can improve that!
We are thankful and happy to share the recent Salvationist Podcast episode with Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women's Ministries.
This episode is full of inspiring and challenging reflections from Commissioner Rosalie's over 47 years of ministry experience. It is not one to miss!
Here is a link to the Salvationist Podcast: https://salvationist.ca/articles/salvationist-podcast-commissioner-rosalie-peddle/
Friday, March 3rd 2023 is World Day of Prayer. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Executive Director of the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada, Catherine MacKeil, and speak about the roots of WICC, her personal journey of prayer amidst trial, and what brings her hope!
Meisha is AMAZING! She is such a voice of truth
and hope for women in any season of grief-- whether that's grief at a desire to be married that goes unfulfilled, grief while waiting and longing for a child, or grief at the loss of a dearly loved one. She speaks candidly about God's unfailing presence in those moments.
Meisha launched her own podcast TODAY, it's called 'My Single Story' and you can find it here! Go check it out and support her!
We are kicking off February with a pre-Valentines day episode! Michelle is the founder and director of Miss Apples Matchmaking and The Christian Singles Hub. Michelle brings challenges and encouragements for singles and married alike. Lots of interesting food for thought here!
We are so thrilled to have Rosy Keane on the podcast to kick of 2023! Rosy is the Spiritual Life Secretary in Australia, a student of the word, and a brilliant spoken word artist and teacher!
We cover a LOT in this episode-- but mainly we look to disrupt some of those misunderstandings we have around common biblical narratives, specifically featuring women.
In this episode Major Sandra Budden kindly walks us through some of her personal journey to discovering the spiritual disciplines. I find this to be such a hopeful conversation, and one the spurred me closer to Jesus.
Ruth Chou Simons is the author of a number of stunningly illustrated and encouraging devotionals. She is inspiring -- and delightful! -- to talk to. I hope this episode challenges you to really dig into why we celebrate Christmas, and not get swept up in cultural ideas for the season. We can intentionally prepare Him room!
We have a special podcast release today in honor of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Crystal Lavallee is a young Metis leader and Founder as well as National Director of I Am Compelled (IAC). IAC provides in-school learning experiences for students that bring to life past heroes who were compelled to do great things for others.
Crystal is truly an inspiration! This episode is short but so honest, hopeful and important. I hope you can take time today to reflect on the importance of reconciliation, and to learn from Crystal.
"I know Jesus and the gospels wasn't responsible for the destruction of our people, it was the institution, it was the church." (Crystal Lavallee)
We have so much to learn, and a lot of work left to do.
Dr. Janet Munn joins us today with decades of experience as an officer and as an advocate for women and social justice. She was the first ever female principal at the training college in the USA eastern territory, and the director of the International Social Justice Commission more recently. Janet speaks succinctly on the progress we have made as an army towards gender equity-- and the significant work we have left to do.
Major Krista Andrews, corps officer at Richmond Hill Community Church joins me today to discuss what church might look like in a post-COVID world. We talk about four pillars we build our church on, and we refer to Francis Chan's 'Letters to the Church.' It is a challenging yet profoundly hopeful conversation.
In this episode Dr. Aimee Patterson joins us to speak about suffering as followers of Jesus. How do we suffer well? How do we see others who are suffering, and not give in to simple or easy answers to try and comfort them?
Captain Barb Stanley joins us today to discuss calling, sealed orders, and the way purpose brings a profound meaning to our daily lives. In a time where we are all craving wellness and 'shalom' these ideas and practical insights are so necessary.
Welcome to The Story we tell ourselves! This is our podcast trailer, a conversation with the Territorial President for Women's Ministries, Commissioner Tracey Tidd, and the Assistant to the President for Women's Ministries, Major Jennifer Reid. We discuss the relevance and future of ministry to women in the Salvation Army, dreams for this podcast and the value we think it has!