226. When People Feel Safe Enough to Be Honest with Jennifer VanCleve

What happens when a church becomes a place where people feel safe enough to be honest?

In this coaching episode, Laura talks with Jennifer VanCleve, a campus pastor at StoneBridge Christian Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Jennifer shares how care has been growing in her church through small groups, recovery ministries, grief support, mental health conversations, and a deep desire to help people feel seen, known, and loved.

Together, Laura and Jennifer explore how churches can create safe spaces for honest stories, support people walking through grief, addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges, and equip more leaders to step into care with confidence.

This conversation is especially helpful for churches asking how to build a culture of care that is relational, compassionate, and sustainable.

Quotes

“We have to remember grace abounds and love abounds.”

Jennifer VanCleve

“That’s what a church can be when people are loved unconditionally.”

Jennifer VanCleve

“Care ministry isn’t designed to be cookie-cutter to the church down the street.”

Laura Howe

“When people feel seen, known, and loved, care begins to take root.”