Called to Courage – Details, episodes & analysis

Do you feel like your voice has been lost? Overwhelmed by giants that seem impossible to face? You’re not alone.

Welcome to Called to Courage, a podcast where Christians speak up about hurt, betrayal, and injustice. Through raw, long-form conversations, we share stories of faith, resilience, and the courage to stand for truth—whether in church, school, work, or home. If you’ve ever felt silenced, this is your call to courage.

-----


Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

"Speaking out is different than speaking up, right? Speaking up is saying, 'Hey, this is not right. What is happening here?' And speaking out is saying to all of you, 'Here's a word of caution for you. Please take note of what has happened. How can you protect your family differently than I was able to protect mine?'"

My name is Linsey Hammon. I'm your host and that quote is from this episode where I share an overview of why the Called to Courage Podcast exists.

I'm a wife, mom, learner, reader, helper, introvert, child life specialist, grief counselor, encourager, and Christian who never imagined members of my immediate family would be mistreated and abused in the church we called home for 14 years. I never dreamed those damaging experiences would lead me to also become an advocate, speaker, ambassador, shepherd, nonprofit leader, and podcaster in the space of spiritual abuse. 

Yet, here we are. I'm glad you're here too.

-----

I am not endorsing any church on this podcast, but this is the link to the message I reference in the episode: Shoreline City Dallas, July 28, 2024

Scripture References: 
2 Chronicles 20:1-30 - The one who speaks does, in fact, have a name: Jahaziel, son of Zechariah (v. 14)

Isaiah 61:1-3

-----

Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

"Well, for a while, I just tried to ignore it and I just kept going on with everything. I mean, obviously it hurt my feelings that these are things that pastors were talking about to other pastors behind my back." - Isabel

This is episode one in the series my family members' stories of spiritual abuse in the church where we were active members for fourteen years.

In this episode, Isabel bravely shares her experience of being gossiped about by her youth pastor as an adolescent. Together, we discuss nepotism, pastoral lying, misuse of spiritual authority, and holding others accountable.

-----


Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

It’s one thing for the shepherd not to go after the one, it’s a different thing entirely for the shepherd to intentionally push one of the lambs out and then turn the rest of the flock against it.

This is episode three in the series highlighting my family members' stories of spiritual abuse in the church where we were active members for fourteen years.

In this episode, Grace boldly shares her experience of being manipulated, isolated, and abandoned by multiple people at the church in which she grew up. Grace's story demonstrates the many forms spiritual abuse takes and the long-term consequences of such dreadful experiences.  

-----


Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

This is episode two in the series highlighting my family members' stories of spiritual abuse in the church where we were active members for fourteen years.

In this episode, Tom shares his experience of being used and abused as a church volunteer in the youth ministry, until he was suddenly dismissed from his role without cause. This story is difficult to tell and frustrating to listen to, because Tom never does get an answer about what happened. We could have named this episode "When Youth Pastors Lie Part 2," but why when we could write a title that was longer and more descriptive.

Scripture References (from Bible.com):

Mark 10:14 (ESV) - But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."

Proverbs 18:17 (ESV) - The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Ephesians 5:31 (ESV) - Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

Romans 12:18 (ESV) - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

-----


Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

In August 2024, Linsey Hammon met with three pastors and the HR manager at the church where her familly had been harmed, manipulated, and silenced. In this bonus episode, you will hear a portion of that meeting.

Linsey addresses three comments her family had heard following the email she sent and she draws some parallels between the church and the hospital setting. At the end of this clip, Linsey asks this group of pastors directly if her family was targeted. 

-----

Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

**Note: I apologize in advance for the sections of audio that are a little bit wonky. I had my Bible on one side of me and my journal on the other, and this affected my ability to speak directly into the microphone at times. Rookie mistake.

In this Bonus Episode, Linsey Hammon discusses Acts 16:35-40 and the way God used these scriptures in her life to plant seeds of courage.

Scripture References:

• Acts 16:35-40
• Romans 12:17-19

-----

Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

"There are people who are out there being hurt and walking out of church and never coming back because that's what we have been led to believe church looks like." - Linsey Hammon

In this episode, Linsey Hammon, the founder of Called to Courage, sits down with her husband and daughters to debrief the final communications and interactions with the executive pastors at the church where Tom, Grace, and Isabel experienced harm and spiritual abuse. As a family, they explore a variety of topics, including Matthew 18, the responsibilities of church leadership, discernment, and spiritual leadership. 

This family episode is part one of two.

Scripture References:
Matthew 18:15-19
Romans 12:17-19
1 Timothy 5:19-20
Proverbs 18:15-17
Mark 5:25-34
Matthew 14:15-21

-----

Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

(00:00:00) Start
(00:01:07) Welcome Back
(00:02:17) Asking Questions
(00:11:40) Favoritism
(00:21:03) Manipulation
(00:30:54) Silencing
(00:40:10) Gaslighting
(00:46:20) Common Gaslighting Phrases
(00:55:59) Encouragement for Others

What if the things we’ve accepted as “normal” in church culture are actually red flags pointing to something potentially dangerous?

In this episode of Called to Courage, we take an unflinching look at patterns that often go unnoticed—or are even praised—in faith communities, yet quietly signal a toxic or harmful environment. From silencing questions to controlling leadership, these warning signs deserve to be named. Because recognizing the patterns of peril is often the first step toward healing, truth, and courage. If you've ever sensed something was off but couldn't quite put your finger on it, this episode will give you language—and permission—to believe what you've seen and trust your discernment.

This family episode is part two of two. Listen to part one here: https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/65263399/download.mp3

-----

Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.

Does Jesus care more for people or systems? What does it mean to embody both fierce justice and tender mercy? How can followers of Christ discern when to extend grace—and when to overturn tables?​

In this episode, we explore John 2:13-16, where Jesus boldly overturns the tables in the temple courts—a powerful act of standing against systems that exploit God's people. We reflect on the striking detail that Jesus took time to craft a whip, considering what He may have been contemplating as He prepared to confront injustice with deliberate, righteous anger. Throughout the conversation, we examine how Jesus embodied both fierce opposition to corrupt systems and tender compassion toward individuals. Along the way, we touch on the purpose of the Socratic Method to help us think critically, ask bold questions, and courageously pursue truth in a world that often prefers silence.​ 

Our guest today is Summer Hoover. Summer is a homeschooling mom of two and has been married to her first love for twenty years. Being a military wife took her on many adventures, teaching her resilience, flexibility, and the importance of building a strong family foundation wherever life leads. Now settled, she pours her heart into raising and educating her children, and creating a home filled with faith and laughter. She’s passionate about truth, discipleship, and taking every idea and putting it up to the light of Scripture.

If you've ever wrestled with how to balance grace and boldness this episode is for you.

-----

From this episode:

• Scripture Reference: John 2:13-16
• Socratic Method - This is not an endorsement of Saint Leo University, we just found their website offered a simple explanation of the Socratic Method.
• Diane Langberg - "Jesus was not crucified for our systems." (22:15)

-----

Submit your Story: Do you have a story that could be a good fit for the Called to Courage Podcast? If so, use this link to submit your story for consideration!

Inquiries: podcast@called2courage.org

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/called-to-courage--6506224/support.