187: Understanding the Helpers – Who’s Who in Mental Health Support
In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe welcomes Rebecca Bailey, a licensed professional counselor and coach for Hope Made Strong, to unpack the unique mental health needs of ministry leaders. With decades of experience in both clinical and church settings, Rebecca shares how leaders can manage the pressures of leadership, recognize signs of burnout, and build rhythms that lead to health and sustainability. This episode provides honest, encouraging insight for anyone serving in a caregiving role in the church.
Quotes
Rebecca Bailey:“The cost of caring is real—and if we’re not intentional, it will catch up to us.”
Laura Howe:“We often underestimate the emotional labor of ministry—it’s not just about what we do, but what we carry.”
Rebecca Bailey:“One of the most spiritual things you can do is take a nap. Rest is holy.”
Laura Howe:“Leaders need space to process their own pain while they hold space for others.”
Rebecca Bailey:“You don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart to seek support. Preventative care is powerful.”
Resources
Church Care Coordinator Job Description
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
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186: From Chaos to Clarity: Organizing Church Care with CareNote
In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with Donnell Wyche, long-time pastor and software developer, to explore how technology can support and expand care ministry. Donnell shares his journey from analog prayer cards to building CareNote, a care management platform that turns compassion into action. Together, they discuss the importance of being seen, the challenges of care follow-up, and the potential for technology to empower both staff and volunteers in offering holistic care. Whether you're a solo pastor or part of a large team, this episode is packed with practical insight and heart for sustainable, impactful care.
Quotes
Donnell Wyche:“CareNote helps you take the compassion that you have as a care provider and turn it into action.”
Laura Howe:“You don’t have to meet every need, but what a church needs to do is foster belonging, purpose, and hope.”
Donnell Wyche:“People aren’t calling for care, but they’re still asking for it in the little disclosures they make. And being seen is the beginning of feeling loved.”
Donnell Wyche:“We’re not just collecting data—we’re enabling pastoral touchpoints that matter, like remembering a birthday or celebrating a rehab milestone.”
Laura Howe:“This is the sticky part of church that keeps people connected—care is the Gospel.”
Resources
CareNote.app
Register for the Church Mental Health Summit
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
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185: Creating Dignified Care: Lessons from the Field with Tricia Marble
In this podcast episode, Trisha Marble shares her journey in care ministry at Seven Rivers Church in Florida.
She discusses the challenges of bridging generational gaps within the church, the importance of community engagement, and the systems in place to support care ministry. In this conversation, the speakers explore the challenges and opportunities in care ministry, particularly focusing on bridging the generational gap between older and younger community members.
They discuss the importance of intentional care, understanding the needs of the elderly, and the value of community engagement. The conversation also highlights the wisdom gained from experience in care ministry and the significance of building supportive networks among care ministers.
Quotes
"It's okay to not have all the answers."
"We want to care well by being well."
"Care always happens in relationship."
Resources
Church Mental Health Summit
Care Ministry Collective
Coaching Application
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
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184: When the Plate is Too Full: Boundaries, Delegation, and Self-Care in Ministry
“Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without rest.” In this episode of The Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe and Rebecca Bailey explore the challenges ministry leaders face when trying to juggle too many responsibilities. They unpack the "What’s on Your Plate?" exercise, a practical tool that reveals just how overwhelmed we often are and guides leaders in setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and avoiding burnout. With wisdom and vulnerability, they offer encouragement for ministry leaders to care for themselves while faithfully serving others.
Quotes
“We tend to take on what’s not ours to carry, and it’s exhausting.” – Rebecca Bailey
“Sometimes the hardest part is admitting you can’t do it all.” – Laura Howe
“Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been strong for too long without rest.” – Rebecca Bailey
Resources
What’s on Your Plate
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
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183. RelateStrong: Creating Safe and Connected Church Communities with Dee Dee Mayer
In this insightful episode, Laura sits down with Dee Dee Mayer from the Boone Center for the Family. Dee Dee is a community leader, and she shares about the journey of launching and sustaining a care ministry in the local church. Dee Dee shares candidly about the challenges of burnout, the joy of building relational connections, and the pivotal role of volunteers in creating a culture of care. Together, they reflect on the importance of boundaries, spiritual strength, and not doing ministry alone. Tune in to hear practical tips and heartfelt wisdom for anyone passionate about supporting others while staying healthy themselves.
Quotes
Dee Dee: “If God calls you to something, He will equip you. But that doesn't mean you do it alone.”
Laura: “We often confuse helping with fixing, but true support means walking alongside—not taking over.”
Dee Dee: “The people who show up with willing hearts are often the ones God uses most.”
Laura: “Healthy boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges that protect relationships and energy.”
Dee Dee: “You don’t have to be the expert, just present and prayerful.”
Resources
RelateStrong workshop
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
Building a culture of care in your church can feel as complex as the people you serve. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Laura Howe offers listeners practical resources and actionable strategies to support leader’s well-being, strengthen volunteer teams and equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to care for your community.
With over 15 years of experience as a community mental health clinician, Laura, founder of Hope Made Strong specializes in Community Development Strategies.
You will be encouraged as you listen to expert guests get real with how they overcame challenges and developed best-practice methods of reaching and caring for your church and community.
If you want to develop a culture of care in your church and support your community without burning out your leaders? This is the podcast for you.
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