SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: BRENDA PALMER

HI BRENDA, WELCOME TO YOUNG AND SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HONORING OUR INVITATION TODAY. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU TODAY, AND WE ARE HOPING TO LEARN A LOT FROM YOU AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRE A LOT OF BELIEVERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW OUR MINISTRY. YOU ARE A YOUNG PERSON WHO IS DEEPLY INVOLVED IN MINISTRY. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR SPECIFIC CALL TO MINISTRY? DO YOU THINK GOD IS USING OR HAS DIRECTED YOU TO MINISTER TO A SPECIFIC GROUP OF PEOPLE/INDIVIDUALS, AND HAS HE REVEALED A SPECIFIC MESSAGE, HEALING, OR INSPIRATION THAT YOU ARE MEANT TO SPREAD THROUGH YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST?

What an incredible honor it is to be here today.When I reflect on my calling in ministry,I truly believe it’s about being known by God, knowing God intimately,and sharing that relationship with others.My life,in many ways, carries a message that’s about obedience and surrender—an invitation for others to encounter God in the same way.

I also want to show that following Jesus doesn’t mean sacrificing joy or fun. You can live fully,engaging with the culture around you without compromising your values.I hope that my life makes people curious, that they see something different in me and want to know what it is, creating moments to share my faith in spaces that may otherwise be closed off to Jesus.

I see this as a unique gift from God—a personality that draws people in, an anointing that ultimately leads them to Christ. In this season, I’ve also come to appreciate authenticity as a real gift, one I’m grateful to share whether I’m preaching, speaking on a podcast, or just going live on social media. It’s an honor to be able to stand in these spaces and say,“What sets my life apart is Jesus, and my complete surrender to Him.”

AND THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS AND PLATFORMS IN WHICH YOU SHARE YOUR FAITH JOURNEY AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS. WE KNOW YOU ARE A PASTOR AT ONE CHURCH; YOU ARE ALSO IN PODCASTING (THE SAME ROOM, LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE WITH BRENDA PALMER) AND YOUTUBE. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO REMAIN OBEDIENT AND ALIGNED WITH GOD’S CALL IN YOUR LIFE WHILE ALSO NAVIGATING AND UTILIZING THESE DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO SPREAD FAITH-BASED MESSAGES?

As a traveling minister of the gospel,a podcaster, and a YouTube content creator, I feel that everything I do is guided by obedience—and it’s that same obedience that sustains it.My influence and following have grown directly as a result of this commitment.None of the things I’m blessed to do now were part of my original plan.I actually started out in production; I moved to LA with dreams of becoming a TV producer in the entertainment industry.But in an unexpected turn of obedience,I found myself in this faith-centered,influencer space, preaching and sharing the message of Jesus.

People often ask me about my strategy—how I grew my following so quickly, from being relatively unknown to having a presence on nearly every platform. I tell them it’s simply the fruit of obedience.For instance, one video I posted on TikTok went viral,not because I planned it that way, but because I felt led to post it. It’s a constant reminder that God’s call, not my own ambition,drives everything I do. Left to my own preferences, I’d rather be behind the scenes, out of the spotlight.

But with the influence I’ve been given comes pressure—a weight that only surrendering to God can help me manage. So I would say obedience doesn’t just keep me on course; it’s the very reason I’m here, doing what I do

YOU ARE ALSO SOMEONE WHO IS VERY VULNERABLE. YOU HAVE SHARED A LOT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY OF FAITH, YOUR SINGLENESS, AND NAVIGATING LIFE. HOW DID YOU GET TO A POINT WHERE YOU COULD BE SO VULNERABLE? IS VULNERABILITY SOMETHING YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO DO, AND IF NOT, HOW DID YOU GROW INTO IT?

It’s interesting that you use the word “vulnerable.”If my friends were to describe me,they’d say I’m very transparent, but they’d also say I’m not always vulnerable. This year, as I’m about to turn 34,I’ve finally begun to understand the difference.I’ve always been transparent—I’m comfortable sharing what’s happening in my life and how I’m navigating it.But vulnerability goes deeper; it’s about expressing how those experiences make me feel, and that’s something I’ve only recently embraced.

In a way, my transparency and my new journey into vulnerability both feel like results of obedience. Honestly,I wouldn’t be doing any of this without God leading me to it.What encourages me to keep saying “yes” is seeing how it impacts others—how it creates a space for them to be transparent and vulnerable,to bring hidden areas into the light where God can begin to heal. My story, with all its highs and lows, has become a source offreedom for others.That’s what keeps me stepping forward, even when it feels raw.

I’ve learned that we grow into vulnerability by choosing it, again and again. Sometimes, we’re blessed to see how our willingness to be vulnerable bears fruit. It’s freeing to reach a place where I don’t worry about what others think. My highest goal is to honor God. If He’s asking me to open my heart, even if it feels exposing, then I’ll do it every time.

If I could encourage anyone who feels hesitant to step into vulnerability because God is leading them there, I’d say,trust Him with your heart. If He’s the one guiding you, He’ll handle every feeling of exposure and rawness. I remember a moment on my podcast where God called me to share something deeply personal. As soon as they called “cut,” I curled up on the sofa and just wept. I felt so exposed, like God had laid my heart bare in front of everyone who’d ever watch. But I realized people needed to know my journey wasn’t flawless. They needed to see that I fall short,that I make mistakes, and that disappointing God is a real struggle for me too.

Moments like those remind me how essential it is for people to see the real, imperfect parts of our faith journey.If I only presented perfection,how could others recognize my need for God—and ultimately, their own? Vulnerability, when led by God,offers safety and healing. It’s not just freedom for others but also for me. I’ve experienced deep healing and deliverance by sharing my story.Scripture reminds us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.Vulnerability can bring freedom to us and to those on the other side of it. Trust God with your story, and watch what He does in and through you.

 

HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY OF SINGLENESS BEEN? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AND GOD THROUGH THIS SEASON OF WAITING IN YOUR LIFE? WOULD YOU SAY YOUR SINGLENESS HAS BEEN TOO LONG, AND HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE WHO IS ALSO IN THE SAME SEASON AND IS FEELING DISCOURAGED TO KEEP TRUSTING GOD?

Singleness.I’ve come to redefine it according to Scripture, where we are not just single but undivided. Being undivided means we have a unique capacity to be wholly devoted to God while we wait on what He has planned—whether that leads to marriage or a lifelong calling of undivided devotion. This redefinition is a powerful reminder that singleness is sacred. It’s a time for us to be completely committed to Christ.

There was a time I thought I’d never be a pastor—especially not while single. I even said,“I’ll never do it unless I’m married.” But God shifted that, and here I am as a traveling minister, sometimes serving in pastoral or senior leadership roles, all as a single woman. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my journey as a single woman is not by accident; it’s to show women that our calling isn’t conditional on marriage or a partner. We can fully say “yes” to God and live fulfilling lives in our purpose without needing marriage to validate that calling.While I desire marriage, my ultimate desire is to please God.

And because of that, I’ve learned to embrace and value this season of my life. I’m not waiting for God to “get me out of” singleness; I’m living in it fully and seeing its beauty. By saying “yes” to God without holding out for a spouse, I’ve accomplished things beyond what I imagined. Singleness has given me the freedom to follow God’s call wherever it leads, without the considerations thatcome with family commitments.

In the past few years, for example, I left my job and became a nomad, traveling as a modern-day missionary. I didn’t have to worry about relocating a family or adjusting for a spouse’s needs. I had the freedom to obey God without hesitation, to experience His provision and care as both Father and Provider.

To others in this season, I’d say: trust God with the season you’re in. Your “now” is a gift, as sacred as marriage. Both singleness and marriage hold beauty and value, but singleness is often overlooked as a powerful season of purpose. Sometimes, we see it as a waiting room, counting down to when marriage will arrive. But if it lasts longer than expected, it can start to feel like a prison sentence. Embrace singleness as a season of purpose, not just of waiting. It’s a time to live with intention, pursue your calling, and experience the fullness of God’s plans for you.

Romans 8:25 reminds us to wait patiently and confidently for what we hope for. So, let’s live with that same confidence—knowing God will fulfill what He has promised in His time. Show up fully in this season, steward it faithfully, and treat it with the same care as you would a season of marriage.

YOU ARE A PASTOR’S KID, AND IT IS NOT VERY OFTEN THAT YOU SEE PKS CONTINUE TO FOLLOW MINISTRY. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN FOR YOU, AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR PARENTS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE USING IN YOUR MINISTRY?

Growing up as a pastor’s kid (PK) actually made me hesitant to pursue anything in ministry because I experienced burnout early on. My parents started a church when I was 14, and as the oldest, I was involved in everything. I handled the audio, managed the slides for worship, created the playlists, helped lead the youth ministry, and even oversaw the dance ministry. I was constantly serving, and eventually, I hit a point where I felt completely exhausted and didn’t want anything to do with ministry.

The thing that really disheartened me wasn’t my parents being pastors—it was seeing how much they sacrificed, only for people to sometimes walk away, blame them, or dismiss their efforts. I got a behind-the-scenes view of ministry and saw the toll it took on them, and I’d been around so many different church environments—Baptist, Apostolic, Non-denominational, Methodist. After all those experiences, I was convinced ministry wasn’t for me.But there’s a verse that says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” That’s exactly how my life unfolded. All those years of ministry experience were actually preparing me for a future in ministry—even when I had other plans.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from my parents is dedication and perseverance. They’ve always been devoted, not just to ministry but to truly serving God’s people, nmatter the role. Wherever they served, they were all in.Most of my parents’ ministry years were bi-vocational; they both worked full-time jobs while serving. My mom was always a leader in her own right, whether running her own business or managing others, and my dad worked the same job for over 30 years before eventually serving as a school security guard.

They showed me what it means to be truly committed and passionate.Their example of service and dedication has deeply shaped my own ministry. I genuinely love people and feel called to serve them—not as some distant, unapproachable figure but as someone who’s among them. I want to talk, engage, and connect with people, sometimes more than I should! This drive to be present and passionate about serving others is something I’ve inherited from my family. It’s how I try to live out my ministry, following Jesus’ example of serving and loving people wholeheartedly.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH FAILURE, EITHER IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE, CAREER, OR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS YOUR GREATEST MOMENT OF FAILURE, AND HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO NAVIGATE AND TRUST GOD IN IT?

As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve struggled to handle failure. I’m learning to approach it differently, though, by understanding God’s heart and remembering that my failures don’t define me. God doesn’t see me through my mistakes; He sees my growth and potential. I’m realizing that failure isn’t a dead-end but a learning experience—a way to grow, to gain wisdom, and to expand my capacity as I move forward.

I really don’t like messing up; I prefer to get things right. So, I can be hard on myself, especially when I feel like I’ve fallen short in moments that matter, like standing firm in my values. Even in simple conversations with friends or situations where I’m called to speak up, I can sometimes feel inadequate or worry that I haven’t honored God as well as I’d hoped. Often, this feeling of “failure” happens in my own mind—I’ll find myself thinking, *I could’ve done that better, or I should’ve said this differently.* And God has to remind me to relax, to take the pressure off.

To navigate this, I’ve learned to invite God into my struggle. Sometimes, the fear of failure even keeps me from stepping forward, but one of my favorite lyrics from “Jireh” says, *“I wasn’t holding You up, so I know I can’t let You down.”* That reminder has been freeing. God doesn’t expect me to “hold Him up” or surprise Him with perfection. Even in my shortcomings, He’s teaching, growing, and expanding me.

So, I’m shifting my view of failure and letting God affirm my purpose and gifts, even when things aren’t perfect. God isn’t asking for perfection but for progress and, most importantly, partnership. When I walk closely with Him, I realize that I stumble less, because I’m not carrying the weight alone. I’m following His lead, working within His plan, and in doing that, I’m learning that real success isn’t about never failing—it’s about staying close to Him, trusting His guidance, and allowing His purpose to shape my path.

WHAT KEY PRINCIPLES HAVE YOU LEARNED AND APPLIED IN YOUR VARIOUS TRANSITIONS IN YOUR CALLING, AND HOW HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED GOD’S RELEASE TO THE NEXT ASSIGNMENT?

Here are the key principles I’ve learned during times of transition:

1. Take Your Time: Don’t rush into decisions.
2. Recognize and Submit to God’s Patterns:

While God doesn’t always work the same way, there are often recognizable patterns in my life and journey.I engage in practices like prayer and fasting—not primarily to seek answers, but to focus on my heart’s posture. I ask God to address any feelings like offense, frustration, or anxiety that might cloud my judgment or influence my decisions. Typically, I fast for at least five to seven days to allow God to cleanse my heart of anything that might offend Him. This process helps me hear His voice clearly, without distractions from my emotions.

I’ve noticed that frustration often arises months before a transition, so it’s crucial to ensure that any shift is genuinely a divine instruction rather than a reaction to my feelings. When I sense God is leading me toward a transition, I prioritize having a clear heart, so I can listen for His guidance without interference.

The Bible reminds us to guard our hearts, as our life decisions stem from that place. So, it’s essential to submit my heart to God.Another principle is recognizing how God guides me step by step, where each instruction requires obedience before the next one is revealed. I usually find confirmation only after I commit to moving in the direction I believe God is leading me. Through this process, I start to see the fruits of my obedience, affirming that I’m on the right path.

Learning to discern God’s voice is crucial. It’s about developing the ability to hear Him clearly and act promptly. Trusting God grows with practice; the more I experience His faithfulness, the more I learn to rely on Him. Even when His timing or methods don’t align with my expectations, I can confidently say that God always shows up, even if not in the way I envisioned.

IN TERMS OF YOUR CIRCLE, WHAT KEY PRINCIPLES HAVE YOU ADOPTED TO ENSURE A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT?

Oh, the topic of my circle is really timely for me right now. This year has been quite a journey, and it hasn’t been easy, largely because I didn’t make the best choices regarding who I allowed into my life. I have a solid core group of friends, but my personality drives me to meet new people and expand my social circle. While this isn’t inherently bad, it can become problematic if I don’t see myself clearly.

When I fail to understand my own value, I inadvertently grant access to those who don’t align with how God sees me.This year, I found myself surrounded by people who weren’t necessarily bad but were misplaced in my life. Just the other day, I jokingly told a friend, “The circle is locked!” That doesn’t mean I can’t be friendly or engage with others—after all, as believers, we are calleto connect and not forsake gathering together. However, I’ve come to realize that I carry a unique anointing that needs to be stewarded, and one way to do that is by limiting who has access to it. This means I can’t be close friends with everyone, and I need to commit to nurturing the anointing God has placed on my life by viewing myself as He does.

There’s a passage in Acts 9 that really resonated with me, where Saul becomes Paul after an encounter with Jesus. When Paul is instructed to go to Damascus, he acknowledges his blindness, and there’s a powerful line that says, “his companions led him to Damascus.” This speaks volumes to me because it highlights the importance of friendships that guide me toward Jesus, especially when I can’t see Him for myself.

I need friends who will challenge me and help me rise to the level God has for me, and that’s a crucial characteristic I look for in my relationships, not just now but for the long haul.Before this year, I had relatively drama-free friendships, but this year has been different. I’ve lost a lot—time, energy, and mental clarity—by trying to manage relationships with people who weren’t meant to be that close to me. However, I’ve seen God restore what I lost in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The caliber of new friends He’s brought into my life has elevated me, inspiring me to reach for goals I hadn’t considered before.

What I’ve realized is that the people I was pursuing in my friendships weren’t bad; they just weren’t at the level God is trying to take me to. While I was trying to move forward, I found myself going backwardSo, my advice is to invite God into your relationships. Whenever you meet someone new and feel drawn to them, ask God for guidance: “Lord, who is this person, and where should they fit in my life?” Some people are assignments that I mistakenly let close to my heart. I’m learning to use wisdom in how I connect with others and to seek God’s direction on where each person belongs in my life. Thank you.

HOW HAVE YOU MORPHED INTO YOUR UNIQUE IDENTITY AND CALLING DESPITE THE AUDIENCE YOU’RE GRADUALLY GAINING?

I often say this: when people compliment me on my authenticity and share how it’s helped them embrace their own, I realize that I truly don’t know how to be anyone other than myself. I think my audience is growing because they see that, no matter where I am—whether in a high-profile setting or just hanging out with Gen Zers—I’m always going to be genuine.That doesn’t mean I show up the same way in every space. Some places call for maturity and seriousness, while others give me the freedom to be lighthearted and unfiltered. To me, that’s wisdom and discernment, insight that comes from the Holy Spirit.

At my core, though, I’m always true to who God created me to be. God made me this way because there are people specifically assigned to my voice, people who need what He’s speaking through me. They can’t recognize the message meant for them if I’m trying to be someone else.I’m becoming more comfortable with how God made me. I know it’s not always accepted, and sometimes that makes me pull back, but I’m learning to fully embrace who God calledme to be. Every space He places me in needs what I uniquely bring, just as I am. So in this season, I’m growing in confidence, trusting in who God has made me and what He’s called me to do.

WHAT DOES BEING YOUNG AND SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED MEAN TO YOU?

I think that being young and spiritually inspired means that even though I am young, I am never too young to be led by the Spirit. And I think, man, the way that we embrace the lives that God desires for us is by being led by the Spirit. It’s the thing that empowers us to live the way that Jesus lived.I’m about to turn 34 this week, but Jesus literally fulfills His purpose at the age of 33, and He starts His ministry at the age of 30. And for some people, that would seem like a young point in their life to give their lives over to Jesus.
And so I think someone who is young and spiritually inspired means, man, they made the decision to say yes to God at the prime of their life and essentially give God the first fruits.

They didn’t wait until they were older to hang it all up. It was like, man, I want to live life in the fullness that God intended by giving Him the best years of my life so that my latter can be greater than the rest.

IN CONCLUSION,WHAT DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE ABOUT GOD ?

I know without a doubt that God is real and Jesus is Lord, and nothing could ever shake that belief. Growing up in church gave me exposure, but it wasn’t until Jesus became truly real to me that everything changed. I went from relying on my parents’ faith to experiencing God for myself, watching Him lift me out of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Now, no matter what I’m going through, I wake up each day able to embrace the joy of the Lord.I’ve come to understand that God’s goodness isn’t tied to my circumstances. He’s good when life is up, and He’s still good when life is down. His consistency and faithfulness are unmatched—even when I fall short.
Ultimately, what I know about God is that He loves me unconditionally.

There’s nothing I could ever do to earn His love or make Him change His mind about me. In response, I choose to give Him my life in return, surrendering and seeking to walk in obedience to Him each day.

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