EPISODE DESCRIPTION

What happens to a church when the quietest voices finally get heard? In this conversation, Kaley Ihfe explores the transformative power of listening—especially to those who rarely speak up. Drawing from family dynamics, church leadership, Broadway Church of Christ’s journey of expanding women’s roles, and her work with Lavish Hope, Kaley reflects on why intentional hearing matters for relationships, ministry, and the health of the body of Christ. She shares stories of overlooked giftedness, the beauty and pain uncovered through listening sessions, and the deep impact of creating space for ministers’ wives to be seen. Grounded in the example of Jesus, who consistently noticed those on the margins, this episode invites leaders to slow down, pay attention, and cultivate a community where every voice is valued.

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Kaley Ihfe serves as the Director of Lavish HOPE ministries. She has a B.S. in Communications, an MEd in School Counseling, and an MA in Christian Ministry and is certified in the Enneagram Spectrum Training through Dr. Jerry Wagner. She has had a variety of jobs - all people oriented: at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, in Pflugerville ISD, and at Abilene Christian University. She has served alongside her husband, Karl Ihfe, in ministry for 26 years first in Austin and currently in Lubbock. Kaley is passionate about teaching scripture and being an active part of her community. She teaches adult Bible classes, writes Bible study curriculum, and speaks at retreats. She and Karl have a son in graduate school at Wichita State University and a daughter at Lipscomb. You can email Kaley at Kaley@lavishhope.org or catch her on Instagram @lavishhope.hn

Heart of the Conversation

This conversation is about hearing the unheard—the quiet voices in families, churches, and ministries whose gifts, perspectives, and experiences often go unnoticed. Kaley Ihfe shares her experiences with how intentional listening builds genuine relationships, strengthens congregational life, empowers overlooked members, and aligns with the way of Jesus, who consistently paid attention to those on the margins.

Key ideas discussed include

• Listening to quiet voices Kaley describes how in family gatherings, some people naturally dominate conversation while others need intentional invitation. She connects this dynamic to church life, where quieter members often hold valuable perspectives.

• Theological grounding for hearing others She emphasizes Paul’s teaching that every member of the body has gifts, and ignoring quieter voices means losing essential contributions.

• Leadership that empowers Churches thrive when leaders create structures that invite participation, broaden who gets asked to serve, and intentionally listen to diverse voices.

• The impact of listening during change Kaley shares insights from Broadway’s process of expanding women’s roles, including both gratitude and pain expressed during interviews and listening sessions.

• Lavish Hope and ministers’ wives She explains how ministers’ wives often feel unseen, and how Lavish Hope provides space for them to be known, valued, and supported.

• Jesus’ example Kaley highlights how Jesus surrounded himself with diverse people and consistently paid attention to those on the margins—an example the church must emulate.

Resources

• Oneness in Christ: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Initial Oneness in Christ: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Initial Experiences Leading in Public Worship at Broadway Church of Experiences Leading in Public Worship at Broadway Church of Christ (2021)

• A Oneness Study Story: The Experiences of Elders and Staff in A Oneness Study Story: The Experiences of Elders and Staff in Leading Change for the Inclusion of Women in Public Worship Leading Change for the Inclusion of Women in Public Worship Roles (2022)

What if the rituals we repeat—at home, in worship, and in community—are shaping us far more than we realize? In this conversation, longtime minister George Welty shares how encountering liturgy for the first time reshaped his understanding of spiritual practices. A surprising but brief experience as a consultant for an Episcopal church in transition provided him with a new perspective on how liturgy, ritual, and intentional worship planning form people into the likeness of Christ. Whether through memorized prayers in daily practice or cycling through the Christian calendar year to year, repetition and ritual are a subtle yet powerful resource for growing in the likeness of Christ.

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George Welty has spent thirty years serving as a teacher, coach, minister, photographer, storyteller, and spiritual director, with a deep heart for ministry and formation. He is a D.Min. student at Lipscomb University and is passionate about exploring the beauty of God’s story and inviting the curious into the adventure of faith.

Whether in workplaces, churches, or families conflict can become a catalyst for healing and growth when approached with humility, courage, and learned communication skills. In this episode, communication expert and evangelist Amanda Box says that conflict isn’t the problem; our lack of skill, avoidance, and defensiveness are. She offers a hopeful, practical vision: with intentional training, vulnerability, and persistence, even long broken relationships can experience genuine healing.

Key ideas discussed include:

• Conflict is inevitable—but not inherently toxic. What makes conflict harmful is our lack of skill and our tendency to avoid discomfort.
• Humility and courage are essential. Humility means acknowledging your contribution; courage means entering the room unarmed and vulnerable.
• Avoidance is the real enemy. People often quit jobs or leave churches rather than face uncomfortable conversations.
• Defensiveness derails everything. Under stress, most adults revert to the emotional maturity of a 12 year old.
• Communication is a physical skill. It must be practiced, not merely understood intellectually.
• Language matters. Words like “contribution” instead of “fault” change the emotional landscape.
• Healing is possible. Even deeply damaged relationships can be restored when both parties engage sincerely.
• Church conflict is uniquely complex. Spiritual expectations and relational closeness raise the stakes.
• Training should happen before crisis. Like athletics, communication skills must be developed long before the “game.”

Books Recommended

• Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen
• Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

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As the self-appointed communication evangelist, Amanda Box coaches people on all things communication as president of Box Communication, Inc. Amanda served Meadowbrook Church of Christ in Jackson, Mississippi in two different roles for 11 years as children’s minister and connections minister. As connections minister, she worked with ministry leaders, small groups, and new members. Other career adventures include all things communication. Amanda has consulted with business and industry for over 20 years to equip people with improved communication skills in critical areas such as conflict, presentation skills and team building. Additionally, Amanda was a full-time college professor for 10 years and spent four years as the public relations professional for a non-profit. Amanda earned her undergraduate degree in communication from Freed-Hardeman University in 1991 and a master’s degree in communication from Mississippi College in 1993. Amanda and her husband Chuck live in Austin, Texas.