The Ministry Wife Coach with Kristen Joy

08/31/2026

It was only a one-mile drive. But I will never forget any second of it.

During that short drive - from the church “inquisition” to our temporary country home (a parsonage) - I moved through a wider and more intense range of emotions more quickly than I ever had before, or have in all the years since. (And for those closest to me, you’ll know that’s saying a lot.)

There's just nothing that can quite prepare you for the moments that shatter your life into a “before” and an “after.”

An unwanted church exit can be one of those moments, especially for those who have poured their whole lives into serving God, loving people, and building a life around vocational ministry.

The loss is not “just” a job.

It is a loss that can steal your sense of belonging and community, your sense of security, your identity, and your meaning and purpose and leave behind a wake of shaken souls. There are no adequate words to express the deep, pervasive, and often long-lasting impact of this type of event.

If you have lived through this, you know what I’m talking about. And to you, I want to say: I am so very sorry this happened to you.

You are not alone. If you find yourself longing for support or simply to be with other women who "get it", there are people who want to walk with you.

We would love to have you join us for the next group of Beyond the Shattered Glass, a healing group for women in ministry who've experienced an unwanted church exit.

Kick of is September 13 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please send me a private message.

And if this isn’t your story, but someone came to mind while you were reading, would you consider sharing this with her or sharing the post so it has a better chance of reaching the woman who might benefit from joining us.

08/13/2026

Eeek! It finally arrived!!!!

So great to have a copy IN HAND! (and now I can share it with clients who NEED THIS MESSAGE!!!)

Janyne Jenkins McConnaughey, celebrating this recent birth with you from afar!

08/05/2026

Where are you living life from today?

Wherever it is, may you feel joy- even if in the pockets!

07/23/2026

07/23/2026

Long ago (or what feels that way now) I would have described a "quiet time" as reading of God's Word and prayer. You've probably described it this way, too.

Nowadays, while those are certainly central to Christian faith and not to be abandoned, I've expanded the way I consider connecting with God.

This morning, it was in one of my favorite places every year for one week where my house sits squarely out from several of the flight paths actively used through the one week where our town becomes home to the world's largest airshow, EAA.

This morning, I chose to worship and connect with God through the sounds of airplanes- one of the sounds I love most.

What's one way you love connecting with God that might not be common?

07/11/2026

Help me out - what do you first think of when you see or hear the word, "Power?"

07/07/2026

For seven years, I've worked in coaching and therapist programs that all encourage you to "niche down," to "define your message," to "take a stand."

For anyone who can identify with being a "generalist" you know this is near impossible!

However, if I had to choose one message beyond "You are Delighted In" or "Living Loved Changes Everything" (all messages many have reflected as my personal theme woven throughout my work), I've found it much wider - and deeper - than either of those. My work is really rooted in the idea that every woman (every human!) was created to flourish. When we step into that belief, which takes incredible inner work, it changes the way we see and experience everything.

It is freedom. And, as a Christian, I believe this is the freedom we see so often expressed in Scripture.

It's equally true, though, that this freedom is offered to everyone and anyone as flourishing promotes flourising for others, regardless of religious belief.

It is from this place, that I begin...



https://open.substack.com/pub/kristenhumiston/p/flourish?r=1u2z1n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

06/27/2026

(Random thoughts for Saturday):
Everyday, in some way, shape, or form, I consider the dignity of ALL human lives.

Each. And. Every. Single. One.

This is one of the most foundational pieces for all my work, be it coaching, training, speaking, or, in the therapy room.

Something that saddens me greatly, and I believe the heart of our Father, is that in far too many "Christian" spaces, humans are treated in demoralizing, dismissive, and demanding ways.

Regardless of ________- fill-in-the-blank with whatever, can you find evidence of God's image in the person across from you today?

If so, how will you express that?

(And, before anyone goes and finds the exception to this, I'll note that those who do ALSO frequently purport "yeah, but God's grace is for all" or "God can still redeem anyone", etc. etc. - so...which is it?)

06/18/2026

I started my personal healing journey the moment I was first asked, "Is it ok for you to have needs?"

The question astounded me (it's now one I ask regularly). I was astounded because my knee-jerk reaction at 38 was "no. Not at all. They just get in the way."

While it's years since I've had that reaction to the question, and years of work to move through the layers of answers that come in response to the question, at each new intersection, I find myself wrestling with this old question.

Am I really ok needing what I need? Or do those needs mean I don't fit, I don't belong, I take up too much space, I'm in the way, etc. etc. etc.

Can anyone else relate? (I know you can, because I see this wrestle underlying so many of the interactions I have with other women.)

Today, this whole week, I've been taking intentional time to allow the wrestle as I face another intersection.

I call in my helpers, those who help me think clearly, hear the whispers from my God, who remains my anchor despite the condition of His Body (nothing new under the sun).

And part of those needs is need to make intentional space for seeing beauty.

Even though I don't know you, I know you have this need, too. It's God-designed.

May you also be able to take a few intentional moments to absorb His beauty, goodness, and faithfulness- even in the midst of a very broken world.

It won't always be like this.

Thank My Creator.

06/16/2026

We haven't announced it yet- so I guess you could consider this that- but there's exciting activity going on behind the scenes!

Launch date for the new podcast is approaching- August 3.

Any guesses as to what topic we'll be addressing??!!??