226. When People Feel Safe Enough to Be Honest with Jennifer VanCleve
What happens when a church becomes a place where people feel safe enough to be honest?
In this coaching episode, Laura talks with Jennifer VanCleve, a campus pastor at StoneBridge Christian Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Jennifer shares how care has been growing in her church through small groups, recovery ministries, grief support, mental health conversations, and a deep desire to help people feel seen, known, and loved.
Together, Laura and Jennifer explore how churches can create safe spaces for honest stories, support people walking through grief, addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges, and equip more leaders to step into care with confidence.
This conversation is especially helpful for churches asking how to build a culture of care that is relational, compassionate, and sustainable.
Quotes
“We have to remember grace abounds and love abounds.”
Jennifer VanCleve
“That’s what a church can be when people are loved unconditionally.”
Jennifer VanCleve
“Care ministry isn’t designed to be cookie-cutter to the church down the street.”
Laura Howe
“When people feel seen, known, and loved, care begins to take root.”
Laura Howe
“We have to start thinking about designing an onboarding strategy for leaders so that they feel supported and not just thrown into the mix.”
Laura Howe
Resources
When Helping Hurts / The Chalmers Center
Slow Kingdom Coming by Kent Annan
Hope Made Strong Care Protocol
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
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