In this episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe and Rebecca Bailey kick off the new year by introducing prayer as a foundational care strategy within a holistic care ministry. They unpack how prayer fits into six core care pillars and explore why prayer should be more than informal or assumed.

It deserves thoughtful structure, training, and follow-through. From understanding different types of prayer to building clear systems for prayer requests, follow-up, confidentiality, and team support, this conversation offers both theological grounding and practical guidance for churches that want prayer to be an intentional, trustworthy entry point into care.

Quotes
“Prayer is the most accessible entry point into caring for your congregation — and that’s exactly why it needs intention.” –Laura Howe
“If we don’t provide training and conversation around prayer, we assume everyone knows how to pray — and we miss a lot.” –Rebecca Bailey
“Prayer ministry is not a gossip chain, and it’s not a substitute for pastoral or professional care. It’s an intentional way to enter someone’s life in a tender moment.” –Laura Howe
“Different lived experiences shape how people pray — and that’s what helps others feel seen, heard, and understood.” –Rebecca Bailey
“When prayer requests go unanswered, it can quietly reinforce stories of shame, rejection, or not belonging.” –Laura Howe

Resources
Care Ministry Cohort

Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

Today, Laura Howe speaks with Dr. Chris Adams, Executive Director of the Mental Health and the Church Initiative at Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology. They dive into the essential practices of healthy caregiving within ministry, highlighting how care leaders can show up with empathy and wisdom without carrying the full emotional weight of others. Chris shares his personal journey from pastoral ministry to clinical psychology, offering practical insights on boundaries, supervision, and cultivating emotional and spiritual resilience in leadership.

Quotes

• “I didn’t have the skills to not carry people’s pain.” – Chris Adams
• “I believe in equipping people to be the church—what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” – Chris Adams
• “Our own woundedness can drive our ministry if we’re not aware.” – Chris Adams
• “God is not glorified by burned-out leaders.” – Laura Howe
• “If you don’t have a biblical understanding of boundaries, the need will drive your ministry.” – Chris Adams

Resources

• Mercy Multiplied
• Boundaries by Cloud & Townsend
• Care Ministry Cohort

Connect with Hope Made Strong

Website: HopeMadeStrong.org

Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

In the final week of the Advent series, Laura and Rebecca explore the theme of love…not just the love we offer others, but the radical invitation to receive love ourselves. They reflect on the vulnerability of love, the five needs for Christian connection, and how community becomes the soil where love is planted and grown. This episode brings a practical and deeply spiritual close to the Advent journey, reminding leaders that God's love flows to us before it flows through us.

Quotes

• "We love because God first loved us—and that truth changes how we show up for others." — Rebecca Bailey
• "Love isn’t about doing more. It’s about being known and embraced—even in our mess." — Laura Howe
• "The five needs for Christian connection are prayer, authenticity, adventure, laughter, and service. These bond us in love." — Rebecca Bailey
• "Leaders often focus on being loving—but accepting love is just as sacred." — Laura Howe
• "A cord of three strands isn’t quickly broken—and community gives strength in tension." — Rebecca Bailey
  
  

Resources

• Advent Guide
• Care Ministry Cohort
  
  

Connect with Hope Made Strong

Website: HopeMadeStrong.org

Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube