In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse leader, author, and speaker Gena B. McCown. With 30 years in ministry and the marketplace, Gena brings her hard-earned wisdom and unwavering heart for women in the church. We talk about her books, Women's Ministry Purpose, and Still Here and Still Struggling to Serve, and the tension many women feel when called to ministry in spaces where leadership isn’t always welcomed or supported.

Gena’s testimony is raw, honest, and filled with God’s redemptive grace—from growing up in a home where church wasn't discussed, to a revival night that changed her life forever. She reminds us that it’s not about perfection, it’s about surrender. That grace was never something we could earn—and that breath in our lungs means we’ve still got purpose.

Some key takeaways from the episode include:

🕊️ “Forgiveness isn’t about reconciliation—it’s about release.”

📖 “If we were meant to be perfect, Christ wouldn’t have been necessary.”

🔥 “We don’t have time to waste. The Church needs every part of the Body functioning.”

We also dive deep into:

• The barriers women face in the church today

• What it really means to walk in forgiveness

• How freedom comes from laying guilt and shame down for good

• Why her life verse, Deuteronomy 2:3, is pushing her (and all of us) to “go north”

  
  

This is a powerful episode for anyone feeling unseen, stuck, or silenced. Gena’s voice will stir something in your spirit—and remind you that God isn’t done with you yet.

Bio:

Gena McCown has been married for over twenty years, and has three daughters. Born and raised in S. Florida, Gena has served in ministry leadership for over twenty years including: Women's Ministry, Drama Ministry, MOPS Leadership. Gena teaches a Women's Ministry course at Christian Leaders Institute, Grand Rapids Michigan.

Anchor Verses:

Deuteronomy 2:3

Connect with Gena:

Website: https://genabmccown.wixsite.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ftvy2VUm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

IG: https://www.instagram.com/genamccownpsl/

*Hey ladies! Our Anchored in Hope Women’s Workshop is happening September 20th in Canton, Ohio — and it’s going to be a powerful day of worship, teaching, and finding purpose in your pain.

🎟️ Early bird tickets are just $35, and the first 30 people to sign up will get a FREE devotional from Gena McCown anda 4oz Faith in the Fire candle from Crookston Candles — ready for you the day of the event!

Get your ticket now at https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain and come be refreshed. ✨🕊️💖

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this episode of Anchored by the Sword, I’m joined by Naomi Overton—CEO, author, and general editor of Every Woman’s Bible. Naomi’s heart for people shines through every word as she shares her powerful journey of growing up serving in the orphanages of Tijuana, Mexico, and how a rainy day and a little girl’s home changed everything.

From that defining childhood moment to leading global ministries like MOPS and Stonecroft, Naomi walks us through her freedom story—a life marked by reconciliation, restoration, and God’s vision for flourishing. We also dive into the incredible backstory of Every Woman’s Bible—how it came to be, what makes it different, and the worldwide team of women who made it happen.

You’ll hear about:

• Why Ephesians is her anchor

• The power of crossing barriers in Jesus’ name

• How her mission was shaped by love and justice

• What it means to truly embrace every woman

• Why this Bible is both solid in theology and full of invitation

We also talk about how Every Woman’s Bible isn’t just another women’s Bible—it’s an embrace. A place where your story meets God’s story and you’re reminded you belong.

📚 Get your copy of Every Woman’s Bible wherever books are sold—Sam’s Club, Target, independent Christian bookstores like Kern’s in North Canton, and more.

💻 Join the community and find Naomi’s work at www.everywomans-story.com and on Facebook at Every Woman’s Story.

Bio:

Naomi helps organizations and people dream, innovate, and grow. As a three-time CEO of The MomCo by MOPS, Stonecroft Ministries, and now We Are Becoming, she's seen that passion bear fruit.

As National Director of the National Leadership Council, Naomi has also lifted the dreams of World Vision's most generous philanthropists. And she has advanced innovations to lift children and families out of poverty. as Director of Compassion International's Product Strategy and Child Advocacy.

Beyond nonprofits, Naomi has created organizational and people-growth for Fortune 50 companies. She led new product development and go-to-market projects for Apple Computer and Hewlett-Packard Co., and contracted organizations in consumer tech, media, and publishing (the Los Angeles Times, NBC Network, local ABC and CBS affiliate stations, and Tyndale Publishing). In addition, she has served government (Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), biotechnology, and leadership (the Ken Blanchard Company) organizations.

Naomi's fascination with how people become "mission multipliers" drove her doctoral study, winner of Fuller Theological Seminary School of Intercultural Studies' Leadership Award. She focused her UCLA MBA on Intrapreneurship and her Stanford University bachelor's on advancing movements. Through her work with Mission: Leadership, Naomi helps faith-based nonprofits grow impact by engaging fantastic leaders.

Naomi is married to her college sweetheart Frank and says, “My husband is my best advisor, our 4 world-changing kids my astonishment, and flourishing for all, my vision.”

Anchor Verse:

Ephesians 3:19

Connect with Naomi:

Website: https://everywomans-story.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/naomicrameroverton

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomicrameroverton

FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573836635110025

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by author Julie Sunne, who reminds us what it looks like to hold on to hope when life doesn’t look like we imagined. Julie opens up about her journey through five miscarriages, the deep grief that followed, and the unexpected path of parenting a child with disabilities. She shares how her faith, which once felt more like a Sunday habit, was transformed into an anchored trust in the character of God.

Julie’s book, Sometimes I Forget: Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, isn’t just words on a page—it’s a reflection of the battles she’s walked through and the unchanging God who walked with her.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Faith isn’t about transactions—it’s about transformation.

• Grief often rewrites false narratives in our minds, but truth is found in God’s Word.

• Hope is not about what we feel; it’s about who God is.

• Our pain doesn’t disqualify us from purpose—it may be the place purpose begins.

• You are not alone in your sorrow, and God is not absent in your struggle.

Whether you’re navigating grief, feeling like you’ve lost your footing in faith, or simply need a reminder that God is still faithful—you’ll find encouragement in Julie’s story.

Bio:

Julie Sunne writes about finding real hope amid life’s real struggles. Her own struggles include enduring multiple miscarriages and caregiving for her adult daughter who has significant intellectual disabilities. Julie’s writing has been featured in print devotionals by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Guideposts, Celebrate Life magazine, Encouragement for Today (the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ email devotional), several online sites, and on her blog at juliesunne.com. Julie and her husband, David, are parents to three grown sons and a daughter and reside with their daughter in rural northeast Iowa.

Anchor Verses:

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Psalm 27: 13-14

Connect with Julie:

Website: https://juliesunne.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/juliesunne1/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JulieSunne1/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***