Southern Soul Chats

Hosted by Dr. Miranda Ferguson

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Southern Soul Chats with Dr. Miranda Ferguson is a source of inspiration and guidance for spiritual growth for believers seeking to deepen their walk with God. In each episode, we explore the profound dimensions of Christian life, from cultivating a closer relationship with Jesus Christ to understanding biblical teachings in a modern context. Our discussions cover a wide range of topics, including faith, prayer, scripture, relationships, and navigating life's challenges with unwavering trust. Through thoughtful conversations, expert insights, and personal stories, our podcast aims to empower listeners to step forward in their faith authentically and passionately.

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60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 10154 min

Out of the Depths

In this powerful part 1 episode of Southern Soul Chats, we sit down with Ben Bland, whose life is a testimony to the transforming grace of God.Ben openly shares his journey—once identifying as a homosexual and now living a life redeemed by the grace of Christ. Through a radical encounter with God, Ben’s story took a turn that only the gospel could write.Today, Ben travels around the world proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ, sharing how God pursued his heart, transformed his identity, and called him to proclaim the gospel. His testimony reminds us that no life is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that true freedom is found in surrender to Christ.Join us as we hear Ben’s honest, powerful story and the hope that comes when Jesus changes everything.Biblical Rooting: Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”Show Resources:Follow Ben Bland’s journey on Facebook at Ben Bland https://www.facebook.com/thetwistedstem(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

June 1, 2026Episode 1001 hr 8 min

Called to More: Women, Scripture, and the Church’s Future

This week, Dr. Allison Barr, professor and author at Baylor, joins us to explore the often-debated topic of women in ministry. With wisdom, scholarship, and a deep love for the Church, Dr. Barr helps us look at Scripture and history with fresh eyes, uncovering how women have always been a vital part of God’s work.In this episode, Dr. Barr walks us through the challenges, misconceptions, and encouragements that come with this conversation, sharing both her research and her heart for equipping the Body of Christ.If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible really says about women in ministry—or how we can approach this conversation with grace and truth—this episode is for you.Biblical Rooting: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28Show Resources:The Making of a Biblical Womanhood https://a.co/d/0q8fhPYThe Blue Parakeet https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310538920?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_8J5WGCDN19Q511M4NTGQ_1&bestFormat=true (Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry: https://a.co/d/3EmGdeE

May 18, 2026Episode 991 hr 13 min

Knowledge vs. Wisdom

That’s a wrap! Wow — it’s the season finale of Southern Soul Chats season Faithfully Funded! Thank you so much for joining us this season. In this episode, we explore the difference between knowledge and wisdom — and why understanding both is key to stewarding money, making wise decisions, and living faithfully. We recap the season’s highlights, from early money beliefs and stewardship to generosity, debt, taxes, and leaving a legacy.We hope this season has given you fresh perspectives on how God is speaking into your finances and life. Remember, knowledge without wisdom can leave us stuck, but God-centered wisdom transforms how we steward resources, make decisions, and impact the next generation. Make sure to be back in two weeks for our Summer series, Stories of Faith, where we hear firsthand how God is moving in everyday lives.Biblical Rooting: James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.””Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)The Good and Beautiful God, (Smith)Margin, (Swenson)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

May 4, 2026Episode 981 hr 4 min

Estate Planning & Leaving a Legacy

In this episode of our Faithfully Funded series, we explore estate planning and the deeper meaning of leaving a legacy. It’s not just about money — it’s about raising the next generation to be wise stewards, including them in decisions, and modeling faith-filled generosity.We define what estate planning and legacy truly mean, and discuss the spiritual side of legacy — how our choices, values, and guidance can impact our children and grandchildren for years to come. This episode offers practical insights for creating plans that honor God, protect your family, and leave a lasting mark on both hearts and resources.Biblical Rooting: Proverbs 13:22 — “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)The Good and Beautiful God, (Smith)Margin, (Swenson)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

April 20, 2026Episode 971 hr 23 min

Hot Topics: Money Matters That Matter

In this episode of our season of Faithfully Funded, we tackle some of the most pressing financial topics facing families today — from inflation and rising costs of college to insurance, budgeting, and beyond. Miranda explores the questions and concerns that are on everyone’s mind, helping listeners understand how these trends impact daily life and long-term planning.Matt joins with his unique perspective, drawing from his framework on the Five Uses of Money and providing practical insights for navigating uncertainty while keeping God at the center. Together, they discuss how to make informed, faith-filled decisions that honor God, protect your family, and prepare for the future with confidence and purpose.Biblical Rooting: Proverbs 21:5 — “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

April 6, 2026Episode 961 hr 23 min

Taxes: A Kingdom Perspective

In this episode of our Faithfully Funded series, we explore taxes — a topic that often brings stress, confusion, or even frustration — through a biblical and practical lens. Miranda dives into how God calls us to faithful stewardship of all He entrusts to us, including what we owe to the government. Matt shares his unique perspective, highlighting how paying taxes responsibly can actually create freedoms and opportunities, allowing us to participate in the systems that support our communities while honoring God with our resources.Together, we unpack common misconceptions, explore the spiritual principles behind obedience and generosity, and offer practical guidance for managing taxes with clarity, integrity, and peace. This episode reminds us that financial faithfulness isn’t just about saving or giving—it’s about living wisely in every area God entrusts to us.Biblical Rooting: Romans 13:6–7 (ESV) “For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

March 23, 2026Episode 951 hr 20 min

Debt: The Invisible Burden

In this episode, we take an honest look at debt—why it feels heavy, how it shapes our decisions, and what God desires for us in the middle of it. Debt reaches far beyond numbers on a page; it affects our peace, relationships, and sense of freedom. This week Matt will be helping us understand debt as a choice with real consequences but not a hopeless condition. Together, Miranda and Matt will explore common patterns like avoidance, anxiety, and isolation, and point to the truth that God calls us toward freedom, wisdom, and healthy stewardship. Whether you're dealing with debt or trying to avoid it, this conversation offers grace, practical insight, and hope.Biblical Rooting: Proverbs 22:7 — “The borrower is slave to the lender.”Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

March 9, 2026Episode 9459 min

When Spending Speaks

In this episode of our Faithfully Funded series, we’re digging into one of the most revealing areas of our financial lives: spending. Every dollar we release tells a story — it reflects our priorities, our beliefs, and the posture of our hearts. Spending isn’t just a transaction; it’s a witness to what we value most.We’ll explore what it means to spend with purpose — not out of impulse, pressure, or emotion, but with intention and clarity. Matt will walk us through the Five Uses of Money and help us understand where spending fits into a faithful framework that honors God.A major theme of this episode is spending as worship. When our choices reflect Jesus — His character, His compassion, His wisdom, and His way of living — our spending becomes more than practical. It becomes spiritual. When our spending reflects Jesus, it becomes worship.We talk about the importance of living in balance, avoiding extremes, and choosing habits that support the life God is shaping in us. This episode invites listeners to look closely at their spending patterns through a faith-filled lens, asking:Does my spending look like Jesus? Am I shaping my spending, or is it shaping me?Biblical Rooting: Colossians 3:17“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

February 23, 2026Episode 9311 hr 32 min

Saving — Prepared, Not Paralyzed

In this episode of our Faithfully Funded series, we explore what it means to be prepared — not paralyzed — when it comes to saving and investing. These two areas often bring up fear, pressure, or even guilt, but today we’ll discover how God invites us into wisdom, not worry. Saving isn’t about hoarding or trying to control the future; it’s about faithful preparation and honoring what God has entrusted to us.We’ll revisit Matt’s framework, the Five Uses of Money — give, save, spend, debt, and taxes — and focus on how saving fits into a healthy, God-centered approach to finances. Through real conversations and practical insights, we’ll talk about why saving is an act of stewardship, how investing can be done with purpose, and how to avoid letting fear drive our financial decisions.This episode is all about aligning our preparation with trust, remembering this key truth:“Saving is how we respect the future, not how we fear it.”Biblical Rooting: Proverbs 21:20“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)

February 9, 2026Episode 921 hr 19 min

Cash & Generosity

In this episode of our Faithfully Funded series, we take a closer look at cash, generosity, and the heart behind giving. We talk about how money in our hands becomes a tool — not just for meeting needs, but for reflecting the character of God. Together, we explore what it means to give freely, why generosity is deeply connected to trust, and how living open-handed can reshape the way we think about financial security. This episode is all about shifting from a mindset of holding tightly to one of faithfully releasing what God has placed in our care.Biblical Rooting: 2 Corinthians 9:7"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."Show Resources:The Bible (NET Version)The Two Sides of Every Dollar, (Miller) https://tinyurl.com/MMillerAmazonGod & Money, (Cortines & Baumer)All the Teachings of Jesus, (Lockyer)Managing God's Money, (Alcorn)Neither Poverty Nor Riches (Blomberg)Simple Money, Rich Life (Lotich)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Alcorn)(Please note: We may share links to external resources for your convenience. However, this does not imply full endorsement of the entire site, author, or organization. The views expressed may differ from our own.)Your Support Matters:This podcast is a branch of Stepping Forward Ministries, a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the unwavering truths of God’s Word to teach, equip, and empower people to step forward in their relationship with Christ. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is through this podcast! To learn more about us, visit www.steppingfwd.org.Want to connect, support, or take a step of faith? Whether you have a story to share, want to sponsor our podcast, support the mission, or learn how to follow Jesus—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s put faith into action together!👉 Click here to connect with us. Don’t forget to add us on your social media accounts! You can find us at @steppingfwdministries across all platforms!Disclaimer:Southern Soul Chats and Stepping Forward Ministries are not a church, pastoral authority, or licensed counseling service. While we aim to equip and encourage you through biblical truth and personal testimonies, all content shared is for spiritual encouragement and educational purposes only. By listening, you acknowledge that you engage with this content voluntarily and accept full responsibility for how you apply it in your life.

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