Episode 28: Love’s in Need of Love Today: Divorce, Ministry, and Leading with Love (w/ Rev. Vernon Ware)

Leading with love doesn’t necessarily mean being soft. It means being strong enough to show up, even when it’s hard. Love isn’t always easy. It can hurt. It can feel heavy. But it’s always worth it. When people feel loved, they feel safe. And when they feel safe, they start to heal. 

In this episode, I talk to my pastor and friend, Reverend Vernon Ware, about the power of leading with love, especially in hard seasons like divorce. Reverend Ware shares why love should be at the center of ministry, even when it’s hard or costly. He opens up about his own divorce journey, the challenges of being a pastor, and how showing real love can bring healing. This is a deep, honest talk about faith, leadership, and the kind of support people need from the church.

Song of the week: Love's in Need of Love Today by Stevie Wonder

Topics Covered:

(00:02:11) Introducing our special guest, Rev. Vernon Ware

(00:04:13) Ministry requires love

(00:07:59) What is the cost for love?

(00:10:03) Advertisement: Higher Ground Financial Services

(00:14:30) Covering before correction

(00:21:31) How can churches better support marriages and those facing divorce?

(00:31:18) Why pastors need mental health training

(00:38:45) The cost of ignoring your mental health

(00:44:58) Embrace yourself, the journey, and God

(00:49:08) Connect with Rev. Vernon Ware

Key Takeaways:

"If you do not love, then you haven't done anything.”

Podcast Season Sponsor

Our Season 2 sponsor is Higher Ground Financial Services. Monique Castillo, Founding Owner, is a Financial Advisor with experience in investment portfolio management and health, life, disability and long-term care insurance. To book a complimentary consultation TODAY, go to www.highergroundfs.com. *Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC. Registered address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103.

About Our Guest

Rev. Vernon R. Ware is the Senior Pastor of Faith AME Church in Laurel, MD and a clinically licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in counseling and community engagement. Vernon helps couples and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. He also works with companies, schools, non-profits, and community groups to teach them about mental health and help them improve how they work with others. With degrees in theology, counseling, and accounting, he bridges faith and mental health to inspire lives and strengthen communities. 

Connect with Rev. Ware:

FB (Message in the Music): Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1122525309137612

FB: https://www.facebook.com/vernon.ware

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@messageinthemusic9947

About Your Host

Dr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

Web: https://yournextchapter.co/

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

FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Email: hello@yournextchapter.co