Waiting seasons can feel like you're stuck at a red light with your engine revving…but sometimes that’s exactly where God builds the muscle you’re going to need later. In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast*, Riverside sits in the host chair as *Melissa Mashburn talks with Tonya Annis — powerhouse leader, international speaker, and 1825 Ministry Director at The Church of Eleven22. Tonya brings over twenty years of next-gen ministry wisdom, and she dives into the raw, real side of waiting seasons: the frustration, the refining, and the surprising confidence that grows when you keep obeying even when nothing seems to be moving. If you’ve ever wondered “Why is this taking so long?” or “Is anything happening behind the scenes?” — this conversation is your sign to stay in the story.

Melissa Mashburn sits down with Tammy Kelly—leader, consultant, and all-around ministry powerhouse. Together they trace Tammy’s rise from volunteer to executive pastor, unpack how spiritual gifts shape confident leadership, and get real about the challenges women face in ministry spaces. It’s an honest, hope-filled conversation about calling, collaboration, and stepping boldly into the roles God’s already prepared.

Whether you’re leading in the spotlight or behind the scenes, this episode gives you encouragement, clarity, and the reminder that you’re not meant to lead alone.

This special holiday episode pulls back the curtain on the real conversations women in ministry are having when the microphones are on and the armor is off. The women of the Ministry Chick Network gather to reflect on a year marked by growth, grit, surrender, and God’s undeniable faithfulness. They talk honestly about what 2025 stretched, what it healed, and what it revealed—personally, spiritually, and vocationally. No highlight reels. No fluff. Just real voices naming where they got stuck, how coaching helped them rewrite limiting narratives, and why community isn’t optional for women carrying ministry weight. You’ll hear stories of breakthrough, moments of holy surrender, and practical wisdom on balancing yes and no without burning everything to the ground. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026 with hope, prayer, and a clear commitment to building stronger support systems for women in ministry who are tired of doing this alone. This episode is part encouragement, part recalibration, and part permission slip to stop carrying what was never yours to hold. If you’re closing out the year exhausted, hopeful, curious, or quietly wondering what God is doing next—this one’s for you.

What if the unfinished parts of your story are where God is doing His most important work? In this episode of The Ministry Chick Network Podcast, Melissa Mashburn talks with Bible teacher, writer, and seminary student Rachael Wade about the power of the “in-process” story. Rachael shares how she’s learned to step into God-given assignments even before they feel complete, the importance of friendship and community, and what it looks like to create your own table when one isn’t offered. Her insights will encourage you to trust God’s faithfulness right where you are. Key Takeaways:

• Why your “in-process” story is powerful and worth sharing

• How to recognize and step into God-given assignments

• The role of friendship and community in growing your confidence

• What it looks like to create space (your own table) for others to flourish