In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Colleen Searcy and Ryan Wester for a really honest, meaningful conversation about calling, faith, and what it looks like to lead in the local church as a woman.

Colleen grew up in a home shaped by deep faith. Her grandfather didn’t just teach her the Apostles' Creed—he lived it. From early on, she was being discipled, not just taught. Her story is one of steady formation in the gospel. Ryan’s journey, on the other hand, is very different. She came from a background marked by pain and dysfunction, and yet God broke in with redeeming grace, drawing her out of darkness and into life and ministry.

Their stories are so different, but both are powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness—and of how He calls women into ministry through all kinds of paths. We dig into some of the challenges women face in ministry—especially in places where their gifts haven’t always been recognized or encouraged. Colleen and Ryan talk about how discipleship and spiritual friendship helped them navigate that space and step into their calling with clarity and courage.

I want the Church to be a place that sees the gifts God’s given His daughters and cheers them on as they lead, teach, disciple, and serve the church. Because when women walk in their Spirit-given calling, the whole body flourishes.

This conversation reminded me—again—that the Spirit of God is doing something beautiful in and through the lives of women at The Village and beyond. And I’m grateful I get to witness it.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• (00:14) – How Jesus Found Us and Called Us In
• (09:13) – When Ministry Finds You in the Most Unexpected Places
• (12:53) – Discipled Into a Calling
• (26:03) – Doing Ministry Side by Side Without the Weirdness
• (37:03) – Cheering Her On
• (41:21) – Let Her Teach, Lead, and Build the Church

FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:

Instagram | Youtube | Website | Newsletter

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

Air Doctor

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co