The Female Church Leaders Podcast

FCLP 38 | How to Know When It's Time to Move a Volunteer to a Staff Role

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this insightful leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole tackles one of the hardest calls in ministry leadership: knowing when a volunteer role is ready to become a staff role. She walks through three specific symptoms that signal a shift is due, plus how to leverage unpaid staff roles when budgets are tight.

You'll gain a way to tell whether someone is ready to lead a team, not just do the tasks, what actually separates an unpaid staff role from being a committed volunteer, and a simple next step for evaluating a role you've been questioning.

This week I'm teaching The Competency Gap Live Training live - register here!

TIMESTAMPS

03:57 – Volunteer vs. staff: it's about expectations, not pay
04:02 – Symptom 1: role has outgrown volunteer capacity
05:11 – Symptom 2: high volunteer leadership turnover
06:18 – Symptom 3: role is holding back other ministries
11:21 – Acts 6: the biblical model for delegating ministry
13:22 – Resources: Stewardship Case guide & upcoming training

Resources mentioned:

Make Your Stewardship Case; www.kadicole.com/stewardship

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 37 | The 5 Biggest Mistakes Women Make When Asking Their Church to Invest in Them

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this relevant leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores why advocating for your own development can feel more complicated than advocating for everyone else’s. Drawing from conversations with senior pastors and executive leaders, she identifies five common mistakes women make when asking their church to invest in their growth.

You’ll gain practical insight into approaching development as stewardship, making a stronger case for investment, and navigating the conversation in a way that honors both your leadership growth and the church you serve.

This week I'm teaching The Competency Gap Live Training live - register here!

TIMESTAMPS

01:48 – Mistake #1: Waiting for someone else to invest in your growth

04:23 – Mistake #2: Not showing how your development benefits the church

06:11 – Mistake #3: Not preparing to make it an easy yes

07:21 – Mistake #4: Failing to be honest and honoring

08:29 – Mistake #5: Assuming a full yes is the only good answer

11:13 – Resource: Make Your Stewardship Case & Closing the Leadership Gap cohort

Resources mentioned:

Make Your Stewardship Case; www.kadicole.com/stewardship

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 36 | How to Handle Yourself in a Leadership Meeting

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this practical leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores an often-overlooked part of growing your influence: how you show up in the room with other leaders. She unpacks why what we intend to communicate and what others experience can be very different — especially when we're working hard to fit in or prove ourselves.

You'll gain a simple READY framework for reading the room, engaging relationally, arriving prepared, delivering value, and supporting team decisions — so you can contribute as a mature, trusted member of the leadership team.

TIMESTAMPS

00:47 – Why some strong female leaders get held back from promotion

06:05 – The 5-step READY framework overview

06:17 – R – Read the room

07:08 – E – Engage relationally

08:46 – A – Arrive prepared

09:43 – D – Deliver value

10:41 – Y – Yield to the decision

Resources mentioned:

The Competency Gap Quiz; thecompetencygapquiz.scoreapp.com

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 35 | You May Know How to Get Things Done. But Can You Cast Vision Yet?

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this strategic leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores why the skills that make you effective at one level of leadership aren't always the ones you need for the next. For many female church leaders, implementation is a well-developed muscle — but growing influence also requires the ability to cast compelling vision.

You'll gain a practical framework for communicating the WHAT and WHY, learn to distinguish vision from strategy, and strengthen your ability to help people see a preferred future they want to help create.

TIMESTAMPS

00:50 - Two leadership muscles: implementation vs. vision casting

01:46 - Why you need both working together

03:07 - The multi-site trap: mistaking strategy for vision

04:50 - Start with Why: connecting to purpose

05:59 - The past-present-future framework

08:58 - Nehemiah's vision cast in scripture

Resources mentioned:

The Competency Gap Quiz; thecompetencygapquiz.scoreapp.com

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 34 | Leading Moms Series: 4 Strategies for the New School Year

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this timely leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole returns to the Leading Moms series with four practical strategies for navigating the transition into a new school and ministry year. Drawing from her own experience as a working mom and ministry leader, she shares lessons that shaped how she approached this demanding season.

You'll gain practical ideas for planning around what matters most, adjusting family responsibilities as seasons change, and creating space to embrace both motherhood and leadership as important parts of God's transforming work in your life.

TIMESTAMPS

00:48 - Leading Moms series: back-to-school edition

02:02 - Lessons from the Gifted to Lead conference

04:16 - Strategy 1: School calendar as a "big rock"

08:02 - Strategy 2: Ask your kids what matters most

09:47 - Strategy 3: Rethink outsourcing this year

12:05 - Strategy 4: Reset from summer to school-year mode

Resources mentioned:

The Competency Gap Quiz; thecompetencygapquiz.scoreapp.com

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 33 | The Difference Between Evaluating People and Evaluating Ministry

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this encouraging leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores one of the most overlooked skills in healthy ministry: evaluation. Drawing from two very different ministry cultures, she unpacks why many leaders either avoid honest evaluation or unintentionally create fear around it, and how both extremes limit long-term ministry health.

You'll gain practical insight into separating people from programs, creating a culture that celebrates and evaluates well, and using honest feedback to strengthen your ministry without discouraging the people who serve in it.

TIMESTAMPS

01:02 - Two unhealthy ministry cultures: fear of critique vs. denial through over-celebration

02:33 - The importance of healthy, honest evaluation (not personal feedback)

02:54 - Challenges of evaluation with volunteer teams

05:39 - Distinguishing between celebration (morale) and evaluation (effectiveness)

06:47 - Practical steps: Separate meetings for celebration and evaluation

06:59 - Key questions for celebration and evaluation meetings

Resources mentioned:

The Competency Gap Quiz: thecompetencygapquiz.scoreapp.com

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 32 | The 3 Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make with Spiritual Gifts

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this strategic leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole concludes the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by highlighting three common mistakes that can unintentionally limit both people and ministry. Rather than simply filling roles, this episode reframes leadership as the intentional work of discovering, developing, and stewarding the gifts God has placed within His people.

You'll gain practical insight into how spiritual gifts differ from personality and talent, how to recognize gifts in unexpected people, and how small leadership shifts can create a culture where both people and the Kingdom flourish.

TIMESTAMPS

02:12 - The purpose of ministry: using ministry to build people, not just fill roles

02:35 - Leadership Mistake #1: Prioritizing personality assessments over spiritual gifts

03:56 - Leadership Mistake #2: Confusing natural talents with spiritual gifts

06:14 - Leadership Mistake #3: Overlooking spiritual gifts in unexpected people

09:35 - Practical action steps: discovering and developing spiritual gifts in yourself and your team

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 31 | When Trying Harder Isn't Always the Answer (Spiritual Gifts: Tongues, Interpretation & Wisdom)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this grounding leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole concludes the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring three gifts that remind us leadership isn't only about strategy and stewardship—it's also about dependence on the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Tongues, and Interpretation. This episode offers a thoughtful framework for recognizing when faithful leadership has done all it can do and it's time to seek God's direction in a deeper way.

You'll gain practical insight into how these gifts function, why they matter for healthy ministry, and how they help leaders discern when a challenge requires more than simply trying harder.

TIMESTAMPS

01:15 - When leadership requires more than better strategy

01:28 - Don't spiritualize manageable things

02:27 - The gift of wisdom explained

03:29 - Where the gift of wisdom shows up in ministry

05:11 - Developing people with the gift of wisdom

05:56 - The gifts of tongues and interpretation introduced

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 30 | Why Great Communicators Aren't Necessarily Great Teachers (Spiritual Gifts: Prophecy & Teaching)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this clarifying leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two gifts that shape how God's truth transforms people: Teaching and Prophecy. This episode unpacks the difference between communicating well, helping people truly learn, and leading others to respond faithfully to God's truth.

You'll gain practical insight into how these gifts function, why they're often misunderstood, and how to develop people who strengthen both biblical understanding and spiritual discernment within your ministry.

TIMESTAMPS

01:58 - Understanding the spiritual gift of teaching

03:34 - Teaching vs. transferring information - what really matters

04:23 - Women and teaching in different church contexts

06:04 - Introduction to the gift of prophecy

07:06 - Prophecy as a spectrum of truth-telling

07:48 - Characteristics of people with the gift of prophecy

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 29 | Why People Can Attend for Years and Still Feel Unknown (Spiritual Gifts: Mercy & Shepherding)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this thoughtful leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores two spiritual gifts that quietly shape the health of every ministry: Mercy and Shepherding. While these gifts often work behind the scenes, they play a vital role in helping people feel seen, cared for, connected, and supported over time.

This episode helps female church leaders recognize the difference between caring for tasks and caring for people. You'll learn how to identify these gifts on your team, why they are often undervalued, and how developing them can strengthen discipleship, belonging, and long-term ministry health.

TIMESTAMPS

1:58 - Understanding the gift of mercy

2:58 - How mercy reflects the heart of Jesus

3:26 - Challenges of measuring mercy ministry

5:11 - Supporting those with the gift of mercy

5:52 - Understanding the gift of pastor/shepherd

6:32 - Biblical imagery of shepherding

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 28 | Why Some People Feel Like They're Failing at Leadership (Spiritual Gifts: Knowledge & Leadership)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this practical leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two highly valued, but often misunderstood, gifts: Knowledge and Leadership. This episode examines how some people help keep ministries anchored in biblical truth while others naturally create direction, alignment, and momentum.

You'll gain a clearer understanding of how these gifts function, why leadership is not the standard for spiritual maturity, and how to identify and develop people who strengthen both the theological foundation and future direction of your ministry.

TIMESTAMPS

0:47 - People problems vs. systems problems

1:49 - The gift of knowledge and biblical insight

3:24 - How the gift of knowledge can be misunderstood

5:40 - The gift of leadership explained

6:56 - Leadership as a spiritual gift vs. cultural expectation

7:23 - How leadership expectations differ for men and women

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 27 | Why Some Ministries Feel Like Family - and Others Don't (Spiritual Gifts: Hospitality & Intercession)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this important leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two gifts that often operate quietly but shape the health of a ministry in profound ways: Hospitality and Intercession. This episode helps leaders recognize the difference between cultural expectations and spiritual gifting while uncovering why some ministries naturally foster deeper connection and support than others.

You’ll gain practical insight into how these gifts strengthen belonging, provide spiritual covering, and create healthier ministry environments where people feel connected to both one another and to God.

TIMESTAMPS

1:50 - Understanding the spiritual gift of hospitality

3:17 - Hospitality creates belonging, not just events

4:36 - Common confusions about hospitality and women's roles

6:09 - Introduction to the gift of prayer/intercession

6:58 - How intercessors experience prayer differently

8:23 - The spiritual dimension of ministry leadership

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 26 | Why Not Everyone Wants to Lead - and Why That Matters (Spiritual Gifts: Healing/Miracles & Helps)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this relevant leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two gifts that are often misunderstood in very different ways: Healing & Miracles and Helps & Service. This episode challenges common assumptions about influence, contribution, and what healthy ministry leadership actually looks like.

You'll gain perspective on how these gifts strengthen the Church, why some of the most impactful people are often overlooked, and how leaders can better recognize, develop, and steward the people God has already entrusted to their care.

TIMESTAMPS

02:12 - Overview of spiritual gifts of healing and miracles

03:15 - How to recognize someone with the gift of healing

4:01 - Healing spiritual gifts operate in specific moments

5:32 - Learning to hold outcomes with open hands

6:53 - The gift of helps and service explained

7:15 - Identifying people who genuinely enjoy serving

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 25 | The Difference Between Faith and Overfunctioning (Spiritual Gifts: Faith & Giving)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this thoughtful leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two often-misunderstood gifts: faith and giving. This episode unpacks the difference between biblical faith and overfunctioning, while also reframing how leaders think about generosity, provision, and financial stewardship in the Church.

You’ll gain perspective on how these gifts strengthen ministry momentum, why they can create tension for leaders, and how understanding them more clearly can expand both trust and leadership effectiveness.

TIMESTAMPS

1:49 - Understanding the spiritual gift of faith

3:15 - How to identify people with the gift of faith on your team

4:30 - The difference between biblical faith and magical thinking

5:51 - Warning signs of over-functioning disguised as faith

7:49 - The spiritual gift of giving explained

8:29 - Why the gift of giving is often misunderstood in church culture

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 24 | Why People Stay Stuck – and How to Help Them Move (Spiritual Gifts: Encouragement & Evangelism)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this encouraging leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two gifts that shape spiritual movement in two different ways: encouragement and evangelism. This episode offers a framework for understanding why people may feel supported but stay stuck, and why some ministries struggle to reach new people consistently.

You’ll gain fresh insight into how these gifts strengthen discipleship, expand outreach, and help leaders recognize where spiritual momentum may already be forming within their teams.

TIMESTAMPS

01:43 - Building spiritual courage in others

02:07 - How to recognize someone with the gift of encouragement

03:30 - When encouragement gets off track

04:48 - What happens when this gift is missing from your team

05:46 - The gift of evangelism: Moving people toward faith

06:14 - How to recognize someone with the gift of evangelism

Resources mentioned:

• The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 23 | Why New Ideas Don’t Last – and How to Build Them Well (Spiritual Gifts: Apostleship & Discernment)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this strategic leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by exploring two gifts that shape how teams move and make decisions: apostleship and discernment. This episode offers a framework for understanding why some teams struggle to sustain momentum, while others hesitate to move forward at all.

You’ll gain insight into how these often misunderstood gifts strengthen innovation, sharpen people's decisions, and help leaders build healthier teams by recognizing and developing what God has already placed within them.

TIMESTAMPS

00:47 - Two common team leadership problems: starting too much vs. not moving

01:41 - Understanding the Gift of Apostleship

02:01 - Characteristics of apostleship gift

03:06 - Tensions with apostleship gift

04:44 - Understanding the Gift of Discernment

04:57 - Characteristics of discernment: sensing what's hidden

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 22 | Why Things Aren’t Getting Done – and How to Fix It (Spiritual Gifts: Administration)

Mon, 25 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this clarifying leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole continues the Spiritual Gifts Summer Series by showing how spiritual gifts assessments can become powerful tools for developing the people on your team. This episode also introduces the spiritual gift of administration and why it is often misunderstood, undervalued, and essential for healthy team leadership.

You’ll gain fresh insight into how leaders can identify gifts more intentionally, create opportunities for growth, and recognize where the gift of administration strengthens clarity, execution, and long-term ministry effectiveness.

TIMESTAMPS

00:57 - Why your team’s growth feels slower than it should

01:13 - Using spiritual gift assessments as leadership tools

03:52 - Focus on top three gifts for development

04:40 - Creating opportunities to test and observe gifts

05:34 - Understanding the gift of administration

05:58 - Signs you're missing administration on your team

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts
Free Spiritual Gift Assessment: Giftstest.com

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 21 | Why Your Team Isn’t Growing - and What Needs to Change (Spiritual Gifts Intro)

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this insightful leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole kicks off a summer series on spiritual gifts by exploring a common reason teams stop growing: leaders often develop people without understanding how God has actually gifted them. This episode introduces a biblical framework for moving beyond managing roles to developing people for lasting impact.

You’ll gain fresh insight into how spiritual gifts shape team development, strengthen collaboration, and expand leadership capacity—while setting the stage for the weeks ahead as we explore specific gifts and how to lead them well.

TIMESTAMPS

00:51 - The leadership pattern: investing without seeing growth

03:08 - Why spiritual gifts matter more than assessments

03:30 - Spiritual gifts vs. natural talents

04:52 - Two purposes of spiritual gifts: glorify God and build others

06:33 - Two ways God uses spiritual gifts

08:20 - Different gifts, same body

Resources mentioned:

The Spiritual Gifts Leadership Toolkit: kadicole.com/spiritualgifts
Free Spiritual Gift Assessment: Giftstest.com

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 20 | Discipling vs. Leading – Why Confusing Them Is Slowing Your Team Down

Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this strategic leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole introduces a simple but powerful distinction that brings clarity to a common source of tension in ministry: the difference between discipleship and leadership. While both are essential, they operate from different expectations and responsibilities.

This episode helps female church leaders recognize where misalignment may be creating confusion on their teams and offers a framework for leading with greater clarity. You’ll gain language for navigating conversations more effectively and building healthier cultures where both discipleship and leadership function as they were designed.

TIMESTAMPS

0:47 - Sarah's story: confusion about church staff expectations

1:42 - The discipleship bucket: belonging and equality in Christ

1:44 - The leadership bucket: privilege, responsibility, and stewardship

3:36 - Discipleship vs leadership explained

3:41 - How leadership builds on discipleship foundation

4:29 - Understanding church hurt

Resources mentioned;

Emerging Trends in Leadership Development - kadicole.com/trends

Podcast: FCLP 14 | How Female Church Leaders Can Step Into Spiritual Authority Wisely

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 19 | How to Use Summer to Recruit New Volunteers

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this practical leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole reframes a common ministry challenge: the summer slowdown. While many leaders brace for inconsistency and gaps, this season can actually become a strategic opportunity to expand your team and invite new people into meaningful roles.

This episode helps female church leaders shift from a maintenance mindset to a more intentional approach to summer engagement. You’ll discover how simple adjustments in structure, communication, and expectations can lower barriers to entry and create new pathways for people to serve. Instead of losing momentum, you can build stronger teams, develop new leaders, and move into the fall with greater capacity and energy.

TIMESTAMPS

02:06 - Reframing summer as a strategic opportunity

02:11 - 10 strategies for summer ministry success

02:46 - Lowering barriers: adjusting structure for participation

03:41 - Creating clear, short-term serving opportunities

04:41 - Smarter recruitment: meeting immediate needs & availability

05:37 - Events, training & first steps to serve

06:34 - Building what lasts: relationships, retention & finishing well

Resources mentioned;

Emerging Trends in Leadership Development - kadicole.com/trends

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 18 | Why Summer Changes Everything - and How to Lead Moms Well (Leading Moms Series)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this timely leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole highlights a seasonal leadership challenge many churches overlook: how summer impacts the capacity of moms on your team. While ministry often builds momentum after Easter, shifting family rhythms – especially for parents – can quietly reshape energy, focus, and availability.

This episode helps leaders anticipate those changes with intention and offers five practical leadership adjustments that support both ministry effectiveness and family health. Instead of reacting to tension mid-season, you’ll learn how thoughtful planning, clear communication, and shared expectations can create a culture where both leaders and their families are set up to thrive.

TIMESTAMPS

00:53 - Introducing the Leading Moms Series

02:33 - Understanding the mental load

03:08 - Why summer intensifies cognitive labor

04:45 - Three common pitfalls when leading moms

06:30 - Five proactive leadership strategies

09:50 - Initiate conversations early

Resources mentioned;

Emerging Trends in Leadership Development - kadicole.com/trends

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 17 | Why You Keep Second-Guessing Your Leadership - The Likability Trap

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this insightful leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores a common tension many women experience as their leadership grows: the internal pressure to balance being liked with being respected. While this dynamic is rarely stated out loud, it often shapes how decisions are made, how clearly leaders communicate, and how fully they step into their calling.

This episode helps female church leaders recognize when the desire for approval is quietly influencing their leadership and offers a healthier framework for navigating relational expectations without shrinking their authority. You’ll gain perspective on how this tension shows up in ministry environments and how anchoring your leadership in calling - rather than approval - creates clarity, confidence, and long-term impact.

TIMESTAMPS

01:17 - The Likability Trap: choosing between being liked or respected

01:50 - How men and women experience leadership growth differently

05:55 - Why The Likability Trap shows up strongly in church environments

09:20 - Kadi's personal story: 360 feedback

09:15 - Not every challenge is The Likability Trap

12:05 - Practical steps to navigate The Likability Trap

Resources mentioned;

Emerging Trends in Leadership Development - kadicole.com/trends

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 16 | Why Motivation Dips – and How to Rebuild It

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this clarifying episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole unpacks a common but often misunderstood experience in ministry: the quiet loss of motivation. While it can feel personal or unpredictable, research shows that motivation follows patterns – and when those patterns are disrupted, energy and engagement begin to fade.

This episode helps female church leaders understand what’s actually happening beneath disengagement, both in themselves and in their teams. Through a simple framework of four core drivers – meaning, ownership, progress, and connection – you’ll learn how to recognize early signs of motivational decline and make small leadership adjustments that restore energy and momentum.

TIMESTAMPS

01:40 - Defining motivation

02:21 - Self-Determination Theory

03:24 - Element 1: Meaning

03:52 - Element 2: Ownership

04:20 - Element 3: Progress

04:47 - Element 4: Connection

06:06 - Losing motivation in higher leadership

Resources mentioned;

Emerging Trends in Leadership Development - kadicole.com/trends

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 15 | Invisible Labor: Why You’re Tired and What To Do About It

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this research-based leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores a hidden dynamic that quietly drains many ministry leaders: invisible labor. Research shows women often carry a disproportionate amount of relational and emotional work - mentoring others, smoothing conflict, remembering details, and caring for team culture.

This episode helps female church leaders recognize when invisible ministry work is happening and offers four leadership shifts that create healthier, more sustainable cultures. Instead of one person carrying the relational load, you’ll learn how mature leadership multiplies care across the entire team.

TIMESTAMPS

01:02 - What is invisible labor and why women carry more

01:30 - How invisible labor shows up in church leadership

02:41 - Shift #1: Learn to recognize invisible labor

05:07 - Shift #2: Discern which invisible work should continue

06:20 - Shift #3: Resist the pressure to carry it for everyone

07:40 - Shift #4: From carrying culture to building culture

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 14 | How Female Church Leaders Can Step Into Spiritual Authority Wisely

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this clarifying episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores a quiet tension many female church leaders carry: the difference between caretaking and spiritual leadership. While many women are deeply committed to serving and caring for others, uncertainty about spiritual authority can sometimes hold leaders back from stepping fully into the ministry moments God places in front of them.

This episode explains the difference between organizational authority and spiritual authority, why every believer carries authority given by Christ, and how leaders can begin practicing spiritual leadership with wisdom and confidence. You’ll also hear a powerful ministry story that reframes how leaders can equip others to step into moments of prayer, encouragement, and discipleship.

TIMESTAMPS

02:15 - The difference between caretaking and spiritual leadership

04:30 - Organizational authority vs. spiritual authority

08:20 - Priesthood of all believers

10:40 - Unintentionally giving away our spiritual authority

13:25 - Two common concerns women leaders face

15:10 - A challenge for Easter weekend

Resources mentioned:

Theological Cheat Sheet - kadicole.com/theological

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 13 | How to Lead Easter Well: Pacing the Event, Your Team, and Yourself

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this timely leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole shares a healthier way to approach one of the most intense seasons in church life: Easter. Instead of treating major ministry moments like a sprint, she explains why leaders should think of them more like a marathon relay.

You’ll learn three simple pacing strategies that help leaders navigate big ministry seasons with greater clarity and sustainability: pacing the event, pacing your team, and pacing yourself. These small leadership adjustments can protect your energy, strengthen your team, and help you fully experience the beauty of what God is doing during meaningful moments like Easter.

TIMESTAMPS

02:15 - Why Easter season feels so intense

03:45 - What Research says about Easter and leader fatigue

07:30 - Three ways to pace easter well

08:00 - Pace the event: Think in seasons, not days

12:00 - Pace your team: Leading with healthy rhythms

13:30 - Why appreciation should be planned early

Resources mentioned:

Theological Cheat Sheet - kadicole.com/theological

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 12 | Why Women Are Using AI Less Than Men

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this practical leadership conversation, Kadi Cole explores a quiet technology gap that could shape the future of ministry leadership. Research shows women are currently using AI tools significantly less than men in professional environments - and that difference may affect your leadership capacity for years to come.

This episode explains what AI actually is in simple terms, addresses the ethical conflict many women feel about using it, and offers practical ways to begin using these tools wisely. You’ll learn how AI can function like administrative support - helping organize ideas, draft documents, and reclaim time - while you remain fully responsible for discernment, leadership, and final decisions.

TIMESTAMPS

02:15 - Women using AI 25% less than men

03:45 - Why AI can feel like an integrity issue

06:20 - What is AI?

09:10 - Is using AI cheating?

11:30 - Leaning In Early: The Hidden Figures Lesson

16:00 - How to use AI: The 10-80-10 delegation method

19:20 - What to be careful about using AI

Resources mentioned:

Podcast: FCLP 3 | Delegating Without Micromanaging Using 10-80-10

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 11 | Why Titles Matter More Than We Think

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this thoughtful leadership episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores why titles aren’t about status but about clarity. When title, responsibility, and authority are misaligned, confusion quietly grows. When they align, teams function more effectively and trust deepens.

You’ll learn what titles actually communicate, how scale affects naming decisions, and how to approach conversations about title alignment with humility and wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered whether titles really matter in ministry leadership, this episode will help you think about them in a more strategic and healthy way.

TIMESTAMPS

02:15 - Why titles matter

04:30 - How titles provide clarity

06:45 - Scale matters: leading 10 vs. 400

08:20 - Church works different than the Marketplace

10:00 - The "Pastor" & “Director” title debate

12:15 - Motivation: pride or church health

Resources mentioned:

Theological Cheat Sheet - kadicole.com/theological

Book: Developing Female Leaders Book

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 10 | How to Use Feedback to Your Advantage (Even When It Feels Risky)

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this skill-building episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole unpacks why feedback feels risky - and why avoiding it quietly limits leadership growth. Drawing from research and personal experience, she explains how specific, forward-facing feedback accelerates competency and builds lasting confidence.

You’ll learn how to ask for actionable input without undermining yourself, how to evaluate performance with sober judgment instead of emotion, and how to give feedback that strengthens others using simple, practical language. If you want to grow beyond instinct and into intentional development, this episode gives you tools you can apply immediately.

TIMESTAMPS

01:00 - Why we avoid constructive feedback

01:40 - The difference between vague praise and actionable feedback

02:10 - How to ask for specific feedback

06:10 - Using annual performance reviews for growth

07:30 - Giving feedback as a leader

08:45 - Action steps: Ask for and give forward-facing feedback

Resources mentioned:

Theological Cheat Sheet - kadicole.com/theological

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 9 | Sustainability: How to Stay Faithful Without Burning Out

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this refreshing episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole reframes sustainability as faithfulness over time - not self-care as an escape, but stewardship that allows leaders to finish well. As your ministry pace increases, this episode offers a practical framework for protecting energy without lowering commitment.

You’ll learn how to build physical, spiritual, and relational rhythms that prevent burnout before it begins, how to strategically lower the bar when needed, and why doing everything is not the same as obedience. If you want your leadership to last for years - not just for this current season - this episode will help you think differently about how to sustain your leadership for the long haul.

TIMESTAMPS

01:15 - The challenge of increased ministry pace heading into Easter

02:00 - Understanding sustainability as faithfulness over time

02:45 - Humans as renewable but not unlimited resources

04:00 - The true cause of burnout

05:15 - Physical, Spiritual & Relational Sustainability

06:55 - One Action Step Before Easter

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 8 | How to Be Assertive Without Feeling Harsh or Unkind

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this much needed episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole breaks down what healthy, godly assertiveness actually looks like for women in ministry. Instead of choosing between being quiet or forceful, this episode offers a clear framework for leading with truth and love, without apology or over-explaining.

You’ll learn how to recognize passive, aggressive, and assertive communication patterns, why assertiveness is a learnable leadership skill, and how practicing clarity strengthens confidence over time. If you want your leadership voice to feel more aligned, steady, and effective, this episode gives you language you can use right away.

TIMESTAMPS

01:15 - The struggle of calibrating your leadership voice

02:30 - What we're taught NOT to be as female leaders

03:45 - The leadership tension between passivity and aggression

06:20 - Three primary communication styles explained

07:45 - Passive communication and its costs

08:30 - Aggressive communication and its costs

09:15 - Assertive communication: Jesus as the model

Resources mentioned:
Assertiveness Cheat Sheet - kadicole.com/assertiveness

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 7 | The Project Triangle and How To Negotiate Added Demands

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this actionable episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole introduces The Project Triangle - a simple leadership framework for navigating moments when vision expands but capacity doesn’t. You’ll learn how to use time, budget, and quality to clarify expectations and identify tradeoffs before pressure quietly lands on you or your team

This episode equips you with clear language to negotiate added demands without sounding resistant or disengaged. If you want to lead with wisdom, protect your people, and steward energy well in fast-moving ministry environments, this is a skill you’ll use again and again.

TIMESTAMPS

01:15 - The Ministry Leadership Challenge

02:45 - The Project Triangle Explained

04:30 - Why Women Leaders Absorb Costs Personally

06:00 - Practical Examples of Negotiating Added Demands

08:15 - Leading from the Framework Instead of Emotion

Resources mentioned:
Assertiveness Cheat Sheet - kadicole.com/assertiveness

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 6 | Why Volunteers Drift

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this practical episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explains why volunteer disengagement is rarely a motivation issue and almost always a leadership signal. She breaks down the specific conditions that cause volunteers to drift - and how small leadership shifts can make a big difference.

You’ll learn how to lead volunteers with clear expectations, meaningful ownership, healthy assertiveness, and simple follow-up practices that build trust and growth. This episode equips you with practical tools to develop people - not just fill roles - so your teams stay engaged, healthy, and aligned with the mission.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction - Why volunteer leadership is sacred, not secondary

2:30 - Four reasons volunteers disengage

5:15 - The role of assertiveness in volunteer leadership

7:00 - Four practical foundations:

8:45 - Provide clear, simple role descriptions

8:45 - Know your people, not just roles

10:15 - Annual check-ins and clear commitments

12:00 - Use high-attendance seasons (Easter/Christmas) for recruitment

Resources mentioned: Assertiveness Cheat Sheet. Download it at kadicole.com/assertiveness

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 5 | The Broken Rung and Why Your First Opportunity Matters

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this clarifying episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole breaks down why so many capable female leaders feel stuck early in their leadership journey. Drawing on research and ministry experience, she explains the “Broken Rung” - the missing early leadership opportunities that shape long-term growth.

You’ll learn how access shapes leadership formation, how to identify the next growth step you need, and how to ask for opportunities that build skill rather than just add responsibility. You’ll also learn why sponsorship - not just mentorship - is essential for developing future leaders and how you can begin creating access for others.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Why female leaders feel “stuck” in leadership

02:15 - The Broken Rung: Why women stall early in church leadership

04:30 - Women in church leadership statistics: Volunteers vs leadership roles

06:45 - Challenging biases about women in leadership

08:20 - Gaining “sober judgment”

10:00 - It's never too late and you haven't missed your moment!

12:15 - How sponsors help more than mentors

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 4 | When Responsibility and Authority Don’t Match

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this practical episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole breaks down what actually happens when leaders carry responsibility without the authority to lead it well. She walks through why unclear roles, decision rights, and expectations are so common in church settings—and how this misalignment quietly drains clarity, energy, and effectiveness.

You’ll learn how to assess whether your responsibility and authority are aligned, how to identify where things have drifted over time, and how to begin clarifying your role without overstepping or backing away. This episode offers concrete language and leadership frameworks that help you lead with greater freedom, confidence, and long-term sustainability.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction: When leadership responsibility and authority don’t match

02:15 - Why this problem exists

05:30 - Leadership principle: Responsibility and authority must be aligned

07:00 - Example: Responsibility without authority

10:45 - Example: Authority without responsibility

13:20 - Action step: Compare your responsibilities vs. your authority

15:00 - How to address misalignment

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 3 | Delegating Without Micromanaging Using 10-80-10

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this encouraging and practical episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole introduces the 10-80-10 delegation framework—a simple, sustainable way to delegate without losing clarity, control, or care for your people. Kadi names the real tension many female church leaders face: the desire to empower others while still personally carrying responsibility for outcomes. With wisdom shaped by years of ministry leadership, she shows how delegation can become an act of discipleship, not just task management. You’ll learn how to lead with confidence, reduce burnout, and develop leaders who grow in ownership and maturity. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about stewarding your leadership so your team, and your church, can thrive.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - The Challenge of Delegation

04:00 - Introducing the 10-80-10 Framework

07:00 - The First 10%: Setting the Stage

09:00 - The Middle 80%: Empowering Others

11:30 - The Final 10%: Ensuring Alignment

13:00 - Overcoming Emotional Traps

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 2 | Competency Builds Confidence

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this grounding episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole explores the often-missed connection between confidence and competency—and why lasting confidence is built through skill, practice, and experience, not self-talk alone. Kadi unpacks the “Missing 33%” of leadership development: the strategic and operational skills that quietly shape credibility, influence, and long-term impact in ministry. If you’ve ever felt unsure of yourself in leadership, this episode will remind you: you’re not behind—you’re building. You’ll walk away with clarity, encouragement, and a practical next step toward becoming the leader God has called you to be.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Why most female leaders aren't waiting for confidence—they're waiting for competence

2:15 - The wrong order: Why confidence comes after skill, not before

5:30 - The "Missing 33%": Strategic and operational skills women aren't being taught

8:45 - A female pastor's breakthrough: When leadership conversations shift from feelings to actual work

12:00 - One action step: Identify a leadership skill to develop this week

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

FCLP 1 | Why Female Leaders Are Essential to the Future of the Church

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

In this kickoff episode of The Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole shares a powerful reminder: you haven’t missed your moment. She unpacks the real reasons female church leaders often feel overlooked or uncertain, and reveals how the future of leadership is shifting in ways that actually fit your God-given strengths.

You’ll gain a clear framework for why female leadership matters today and walk away with practical steps to grow as a leader in this season. If you care deeply about the future of the Church, this podcast was created to help you lead into it - with wisdom, faith, and conviction.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Introduction & encouragement for female leaders

00:42 — Research: Most women lack development, not calling

01:31 — The importance of resources for growth

02:19 — Personal story: Finding your leadership voice

03:21 — The impact of empowered female leadership

04:25 — 3 Steps to grow: Identify gaps, get feedback, ask for support

06:35 — Strength comes from being resourced, not striving

07:09 — Take the Sticky Floor Quiz & final encouragement

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

The Female Church Leader Trailer

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

If God has called you to lead in the Church, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Female Church Leaders Podcast gives you practical tools, biblical wisdom, and honest encouragement to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and joy.

Join host Kadi Cole each week and step into the leadership God has entrusted to you - faithfully, courageously, and with great hope.

Next Steps and Resources:

Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at www.femalechurchleaders.com.
Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit www.closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!