A Pastor's Take on the Church, Power, + Accountability

In this episode, Amanda Davison sits down with Pastor Ian Simpkins to discuss how to recognize unhealthy leadership in the church, the importance of humility and accountability among leaders, and how the church can better reflect the heart of Jesus through love and community. They explore red flags, the significance of living out the gospel, and practical ways to foster genuine belonging.Grab Ian's new book, Every Table an Altar, here: https://iansimkins.com/every-table-an-altarFollow Ian on Instagram, here: https://www.instagram.com/iansimkins/SIGN UP for Amanda’s Friday Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theamandadavisonFOLLOW Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/SHOP on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theamandadavison?ccs_id=db86b309-316f-42c6-945e-ba9325724e8aSupport the show

In this episode, Amanda Davison talks with Kate Willsey about the impact of church culture on women, spiritual bypassing, coercive control, and how to reconnect with our true selves and bodies in faith. They explore how fear, shame, and control influence spiritual and emotional health, offering insights for healing and wholeness.FOLLOW Kate Willesey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katewillsey/Check out Kate's website, here: https://katewillsey.com/FOLLOW Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/ SIGN UP for Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theamandadavison SHOP on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theamandadavison?ccs_id=db86b309-316f-42c6-945e-ba9325724e8aSome topics covered in this episode include:Impact of church culture on women's trust and expressionSpiritual bypassing and its effects on emotional healthDistinguishing church hurt from people hurtUnderstanding coercive control versus biblical submissionThe importance of body awareness and self-trust in faithHealing from spiritual anxiety and OCDTheological perspectives on sin, goodness, and identityPractical steps for reconnecting with oneself in faithThe role of community and accountability in healingChallenging harmful messages about shame and control00:00 Introduction to the conversation02:00 Bridging psychology and spirituality06:17 Church hurt versus people hurt15:42 Coercive control versus biblical submission35:48 Why women fear trusting themselves50:23 The role of sin and goodness in identity55:32 Using faith as avoidance59:12 The depth of theology and the bodySupport the show

In this episode I chat about the deep human desire for safety, honesty, and authenticity, especially in faith and relationships. She shares personal experiences and biblical insights to encourage women to seek safety with God and become safe spaces for others. Oh—and how does this relate to Lindsay Clancy?Support the show

Amber Smith shares her profound journey through grief after losing her son, River, and how her faith helped her find hope and purpose in suffering. This episode offers deep insights into trusting God amid pain, the process of healing, and the transformative power of faith.Grab Amber's book, here: https://a.co/d/00nho32wFOLLOW on Instagram  /   https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/SIGN UP for Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theama...SHOP on Amazon: https://a.co/d/00QKtsI8Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amber Smith's story of loss and hope00:27 Amber shares her journey of losing her son River00:46 The healing power of faith after tragedy02:30 Living with hope after grief03:42 Wrestling with questions of God's goodness in suffering04:36 Seeking God through scripture and prayer05:45 How grief has changed Amber and her perspective07:24 Understanding God's sovereignty and purpose in pain10:08 River as an idol and finding fulfillment in God11:22 God's preparation before tragedy strikes12:31 Beacons of hope in the midst of suffering14:18 Praying for healing and difficult decisions in organ donation15:11 Encouragement for those stuck in despair17:34 How grief has transformed Amber and her husband19:43 The hope of eternal life and God's plan of redemption21:01 Final thoughts and encouragement to trust God in sufferingSupport the show

In this episode, Monica DiCristina shares insights on the importance of naming our pain, understanding our pain narratives, and coming home to ourselves to find healing and freedom in Christ.Monica's website: monicadicristina.comMonica's Instagram: @monicadicristinaFOLLOW Amanda on Instagram: @theamandadavison  SIGN UP for Amanda's Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theama...SHOP Amanda's Amazon: https://a.co/d/00QKtsI8Monica DiCristina is a therapist in Atlanta, where she runs a private practice serving individuals and couples. She became a therapist after one changed her life. Monica shares therapeutic content through her Still Becoming podcast, newsletter, speaking, and her book, that is being translated into 9 different languages: Your Pain Has a Name: A Therapist’s Invitation to Understanding Your Story and Sorting Out Who You Are From What Hurts.We dive into:The importance of naming pain for healingHow pain stories shape our identityCuriosity as a tool for self-discoveryThe role of faith in processing painSharing pain and the risk of invalidationUnwinding identity from painComing home to oneself in ChristChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Context02:08 Why Naming Our Pain Is Crucial03:19 Examples of Pain Stories and Their Impact04:10 How to Name Your Pain and Its Significance05:01 Curiosity as a Key to Self-Understanding06:27 Recognizing and Naming Childhood Pain07:44 The Impact of Not Naming Pain09:08 Honesty and Safety in Facing Pain10:13 Pain as a Namer, Not a Definer11:21 Sharing Pain and Its Challenges12:43 Christian Culture and Pain14:15 Jesus and the Model of Suffering15:12 Unwinding Identity from Pain16:24 The Process of Healing and Self-Discovery17:23 Pain as Experience, Not Identity18:48 Living Beyond Pain in Christ21:20 Coming Home to Yourself22:28 The Goal of Knowing God and Ourselves23:15 Encouragement to Practice Self-Discovery and HealingSupport the show

In this episode, Amanda Davison and Jordan explore the deep issues within the church, including abuse, systemic dysfunction, and the importance of women finding their voice. They discuss how faith can be reconstructed and the need for authentic discipleship and accountability.FOLLOW on Instagram  / https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/SIGN UP for Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theamandadavisonSHOP on Amazon: https://a.co/d/00QKtsI8Jordan Tanksley is a Coach with years of experience helping individuals navigate complex life transitions—from goal setting and entrepreneurship to business expansion. As her coaching practice evolved alongside her Master’s studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she expanded her services to include trauma-informed coaching for individuals navigating or leaving toxic relationships—personally, professionally, and spiritually. Today, this deeply meaningful work forms the core of her practice. You can find her at @reconstructed_faith.Support the show

In this episode, Sheila Gregoire and Amanda Davison explore the harmful lies about gender roles, marriage, and church teachings that impact women's well-being and spiritual growth. They discuss biblical interpretations, the importance of voice and equality, and how to challenge systemic injustices within faith communities.Sheila and Amanda dive into: - Harmful gender roles in church and marriage - Biblical interpretation and misapplication - The importance of women's voices in faith communities - The connection between theology and health outcomes - Challenging patriarchy and systemic injustice in churchFIND SHEILA HERE: https://sheilawraygregoire.com/about-sheila/#FOLLOW on Instagram  / https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/SIGN UP for Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theamandadavisonSHOP on Amazon: https://a.co/d/00QKtsI8Support the show

Toxic teachings can confuse us into believing that enduring pain is a virtue. Many Christian women have been taught to bury their emotions, silencing their true feelings in the name of peace. But it’s time to break free from these harmful beliefs. FOLLOW on Instagram  / https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/SIGN UP for Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theamandadavisonSHOP on Amazon: https://a.co/d/00QKtsI8Suffering doesn’t equal strength. Recognizing our worth means embracing our feelings, not pushing them aside. We’re on a journey to redefine what true love looks like—one that values boundaries and emotions. Are you ready to challenge the status quo?Kris Reece is a counselor, coach, author, and speaker who has spent over 30 years studying toxic relationships professionally, enduring them personally, and discerning them biblically. Today, she helps Christians break free from manipulation, set boundaries that actually stick, and conquer codependency without losing their faith or sanity in the process.Kris is also the author of her latest book Breaking the Narcissist’s Grip, helping readers break free from emotional control and reclaim their God given life from takers.FIND KRIS REECE'S RESOURCES HERE:Grab Kris' new book here.Link to website: www.krisreece.comLink to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris_reece_/Support the show

If you've ever struggled to discern and obey God's voice, this episode is for you!FOLLOW on Instagram  / https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/   SIGN UP for Emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theamandadavisonSHOP on Amazon: https://a.co/d/08AJdsneIn this episode we talk about: Discerning God's voice and guidanceThe role of peace and the Holy Spirit in decision-makingObedience to God's call despite oppositionThe significance of baptism and spiritual leadershipOvercoming fear and religious pressure in faithSupport the show

What if what you’ve been calling obedience… was actually control?FOLLOW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamandadavison/ GROW through weekly emails: https://ministry.myflodesk.com/theama...WATCH on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f87Q8Jpbpl8&list=PLiz_uL6MBQv84IKvQR4XoJ8jW-26-mNO6&index=1SHOP my Amazon: https://a.co/d/05cg5xoQIn this episode, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood topics in Christian culture—obedience—and how it’s often been taught in ways that lead to fear, pressure, and silence instead of freedom.If you’ve ever:felt like you couldn’t question authoritystruggled to speak up without feeling “rebellious”stayed in situations that didn’t feel right because you thought it was “obedience”or felt anxious trying to do everything “right” in your faith...then this episode will help you start making sense of that.We’re breaking down the difference between:obedience vs controlbeing led by the Spirit vs being driven by fearsurrender vs losing your voiceAnd we’re grounding it in Scripture—looking at how Jesus actually invited people into obedience through love, not pressure.Because real obedience doesn’t come from fear.It comes from relationship.✨ You’re allowed to have discernment.✨ You’re allowed to ask questions.✨ And you’re allowed to follow God without losing yourself.John 14:15-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...Romans 8:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...Matthew 11:28-30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...2 Timothy 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...Support the show