Book 4, Episode 5: When Retirement Feels Like a Wilderness
This week on the Circle 31 Podcast, Melissa introduces us to someone very close to her heart — her best friend, Denise Hammond. After running a vibrant farm camp for over 16 years, Denise made the difficult decision to retire. But what she didn’t expect was the identity crisis, depression, and loneliness that followed.In this honest and powerful conversation, Denise opens up about what it’s been like to transition from a full calendar to a quiet house — and how God met her there. Whether you’re in a season of retirement, transition, or simply asking “what now?” Denise’s story is proof that God is never finished writing your story.You’ll hear:How to let God make an impact in your life before you try to make one for Him.What retirement really feels like — the good, the hard, and the unexpected.Three ways to glorify God even when your days look very different than before.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.This is the final episode in our series on Five Mere Christians — but the conversation isn’t over! Don’t forget to RSVP in Mighty Networks for our live Beyond the Pages event with Jordan and Kaleigh, happening tomorrow!Not a Circle 31 Book Club member yet? Join for free so you don’t miss out. Already in? Log in here to connect with others, and share what this book and podcast series has meant to you.Book club is better when we do it together. Grab your copy of Five Mere Christians, and let’s keep growing.The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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Book 4, Episode 4: Trusting God in Transition
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast, Ellen and Melissa are joined by Ellen’s friend Anna Johnson for a vulnerable and hope-filled conversation about transition, disappointment, and redefining success. From music production to missions work to public school teaching, Anna’s story is full of twists and turns. Through it all, she’s learning what it really means to trust God when the future is unclear.If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next step, or questioning where God is in your current season, this episode is for you.You’ll hear:How to redefine success as listening for God and doing what He says.Why your identity matters more to God than your résumé.Encouragement to rest, even when things feel uncertain or undone.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Reading along in Five Mere Christians? This week we’re learning from the life of C.S. Lewis — a man whose story reminds us that God can use even our detours for His glory.If you’re not a Circle 31 Book Club member, join for free to be part of the conversation. Already in? Log in here, and let us know what part of Anna’s story resonated most with you.Don’t forget to grab your copy of Five Mere Christians — we’re almost to the end!The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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Book 4, Episode 3: Finding Purpose Outside of Ministry
This week on the Circle 31 Podcast, Ellen and Melissa catch up with their friend and former Proverbs 31 teammate Jess Collazo. Jess recently transitioned from a ministry job to a more traditional workplace setting — and she's sharing what it looks like to carry God’s presence into a job that doesn’t come with a Bible verse in the mission statement.With wisdom, warmth, and humor, Jess reminds us that glorifying God isn’t about our job title — it’s about how we show up. Whether you work in a ministry, a school, a corporate office, or your own living room, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged to be faithful right where you are.You’ll hear:How Jess is learning to let God use her without having to say a word.What it looks like to carry purpose into a “secular” workplace.A freeing reminder for anyone who’s ever tied their identity to achievement.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Not a member of Circle 31 Book Club yet? Join for free to access our online community, watch teaching videos, and follow along as we read Five Mere Christians together. Already a member? Log in here, and share your favorite takeaway from this episode.Book club is better with a book in hand. Grab your copy of Five Mere Christians, and keep reading with us!The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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Book 4, Episode 2: Glorifying God in the Trenches of Motherhood
This week on the Circle 31 Podcast, Ellen and Melissa are joined by Ellen’s longtime friend Brooke Swift for a tender and honest conversation about glorifying God through the work of motherhood. As a stay-at-home mom to three little ones (with one on the way), Brooke shares what it’s like to follow Jesus in a season that is deeply personal, often unseen, and sometimes overwhelming.Brooke’s story reminds us that God is present in every diaper change, every napless afternoon, and every sacrifice made for the good of another. Whether you’re in the thick of early motherhood, walking alongside someone who is, or simply wondering how to find meaning in the mundane, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it looks like to say, “My life for yours.”You’ll hear:Why Brooke’s journey into stay-at-home motherhood taught her more about Jesus than seminary ever could. The way sacrifice in motherhood reflects the gospel — not in perfection but in presence.Encouragement from Melissa for moms who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the daily grind.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Not a member of Circle 31 Book Club yet? We don’t want to read without you! Join for free to access our online community, watch teaching videos, and dig into Five Mere Christians alongside us. Already a member? Log in here, and let us know your favorite moment from this week’s episode.Book club is way more fun when you’ve got the book! Grab your copy of Five Mere Christians, and follow along with us.The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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Book 4, Episode 1: What Makes Work Sacred? A Conversation With the Authors of Five Mere Christians
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast, we’re kicking off the month with Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox, authors of our August Circle 31 Book Club pick, Five Mere Christians. From stories about preschool PE and chicken restaurant uniforms to deep theological truths, this episode sets the tone for our monthlong conversation about glorifying God in our everyday work — paid or unpaid.You’ll hear: How redefining work (yes, even laundry and dog walks!) can reshape the way you see your purpose.What makes work sacred — and why Jesus spent most of His adult life doing carpentry.The surprisingly freeing truth about God’s plan. (Spoiler: He doesn’t need you … He wants you!)Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Not a member of Circle 31 Book Club yet? Join for free today at circle31.org to access our online community, connect with others reading along, and watch exclusive teaching videos.Already a member? Head to community.circle31.org to log in, listen, and share your favorite takeaway from this week’s episode.Need your book? Grab your copy of Five Mere Christians through the Proverbs 31 Bookstore.The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Sometimes you just need a reminder that everyone else is trying to figure things out — just like you! That’s where Circle 31 Podcast comes in. Here you’ll be both challenged and encouraged by women who are eager to make real progress alongside each other.
Join Ellen and Kendra, your book club hosts (and friends!), as they chat with authors and other experts about topics that spark curiosity and help us grow in our faith. Think of this podcast as a book club on the go — perfect for your commute or while you work at your desk. Remember, good things happen when we grow, and there’s so much good waiting for us as we read together, learn from one another, and chat about the current book club pick. Let’s get started.
New Zealand