Episode 11

Care Ministry Takeover | The Stuff We Don't Talk About Enough

Published on: 9th April, 2026

Some struggles don't show up on the surface, but they're there. In this episode, Anne Kierce, Pastor of Care, and Alicia Penning, Associate Director of Care, open an honest conversation about the experiences people in our community may keep silent about: mental health, loneliness, and relationship strain. They explore why these topics can feel taboo in church, why depression and anxiety aren't failures of faith, and how to recognize when someone around you, or you yourself, might be hurting. So let's talk about it. Shame thrives in silence, and you were never meant to carry this alone.

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Have questions or topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at podcast@blackhawkchurch.org.

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About the Podcast

Blackhawk Church Next Steps
Welcome to Next Steps, a podcast from Blackhawk Church in Madison, WI. We believe that following Jesus is a lifelong journey, so no matter where you’re at, there’s always a next step to take. Each episode we’ll create space for real conversations—about the questions we wrestle with, the challenges we face, and the hope we find in Jesus. Our goal isn’t to have it all perfectly figured out, but to walk faithfully towards Jesus together.