Show notes
In this powerful episode of the HER Podcast, host Kristin Sampson sits down with Matt and Leah Heupel to explore their journey in marriage and ministry. From their first date at KFC to raising faithful children and serving the Woodlawn Church of Christ, this conversation offers honest insight, real-life struggles, and the blessings that come with commitment to each other and the Lord.Leah opens up about never wanting to marry a minister, stepping out of her comfort zone to teach women’s classes, and the challenges of parenting while working full-time. Matt shares his calling into ministry, how he balances family and leadership, and why authenticity matters more than appearances.✅ Whether you're in ministry, marriage, or just need encouragement—this episode will inspire you to stay faithful, stay real, and stay together.🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations with ministers and their families.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro to the HER Podcast00:43 – Meet Matt & Leah Heupel01:13 – How They Met & Their KFC Connection02:35 – The Rook Game Sundays & First Kiss Story03:53 – Matt’s Ministry at Woodlawn (20 Years!)05:17 – Leah’s Career Journey & Insurance Role06:15 – Leah’s Reluctance to Marry a Minister07:27 – Teaching a Ladies’ Class for the First Time08:36 – Leah’s Church Background & Bible Knowledge10:33 – Matt’s Unexpected Call into Ministry11:50 – Leah’s View on Being a Minister’s Wife12:58 – The Cost of Ministry on Their Dream Life14:13 – Navigating Hard Years in Preaching Life15:45 – Hobbies They Share (Naps & TV Time!)17:03 – Balancing Family, Friends, and Ministry18:07 – Parenting Reflections & Lessons Learned19:48 – Leah’s Sacrifices & Support21:00 – Praising Their Kids’ Character22:14 – Favorite Church Activities & Fellowship23:31 – The Importance of Downtime Together24:42 – Marriage as a Partnership in Every Way27:06 – Special Trip to Tahoe & Hawaii Memories28:57 – 20-Year Anniversary Celebration at Church30:19 – Realness in Ministry: Breaking the Pedestal31:38 – Learning from Older Church Members33:50 – Building Lasting Bonds Through Hospitality35:10 – Why Transparency Strengthens the Church36:33 – Different Parenting Styles: Grace & Truth38:33 – Their Approach to Raising Older Kids39:46 – Family Legacy: A Surprise Pregnancy Story41:01 – A Family Connection Through Car Sales42:16 – What They Learned from Extended Family43:39 – Final Advice: Pray Together & Slow Down45:00 – Closing Words: Support, Forgiveness & Grace🔑 Keywords:Matt Heupel, Leah Heupel, Woodlawn Church of Christ, Christian marriage, minister's wife, HER Podcast, Kristin Sampson, marriage and ministry, real ministry life, Church of Christ couple, family and faith, parenting in ministry, preacher family, Christian parenting, women in the church, Church fellowship, faith journey📣 Hashtags:#HERPodcast #MattHeupel #LeahHeupel #ChristianMarriage #ChurchOfChrist #MinistryLife #FaithAndFamily #MinistersWife #MarriageGoals #WoodlawnChurch #ParentingInFaith #RealTalkMinistry #FaithOverFear
