Finding Peace in the Busiest Seasons with Erica Heaps | Episode 155
Today Erica Heaps is joining us, and her story is one you don’t want to miss. Erica, along with her husband, has just stepped into a brand new role as the pastor’s family at Peninsula Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia.
In this episode, Erica opens up about the incredible journey that led her and her husband to ministry, their transition into church leadership, and how they balance it all while raising four young children. From meeting online to serving the Lord in their community, Erica’s story is full of faith, fun, and an inspiring example of what it means to fully commit to God’s plan.
Listen to the Episode
In this conversation on the Pastor’s Wife Live podcast, Erica Heaps shares her beautiful journey of becoming a pastor’s wife and the incredible transition into their new life as leaders of Peninsula Baptist Church. Her story is one of faith, family, and the remarkable way God has guided her and her husband through life’s twists and turns.
The Heaps Family Story
Erica and her husband, both from different backgrounds, came together in a way only God could orchestrate. “We actually met online,” Erica shares with a smile, dispelling the romantic clichés of meeting in a grocery store or on an airplane. They connected online and went on their first date just a week later. From there, they started a life together in Virginia Beach, where they would eventually begin a family and, later, embrace the calling to ministry.
Her husband, who didn’t grow up in the church, experienced a profound transformation in his faith in 2018, fully committing to God. Erica speaks with great admiration for him, recounting his journey of becoming a strong spiritual leader for their family. It was a journey marked by faith and a radical change in how they lived their lives—moving from living for the world to living fully for God.
Becoming a Pastor’s Family
Erica and her family have recently transitioned into being the pastor’s family at Peninsula Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia. This wasn’t just a new role for her husband; it was a family affair. Erica emphasizes the joy of working together as a family in ministry: “It’s fun when you’re serving amongst family and people who love serving as well.”
With their four young children—Brody (8), Judge (4), Olympus (2), and Symphony (5 months)—the Heaps are embracing the busy, often chaotic, but deeply fulfilling life of ministry. Their mornings are carefully structured, with Erica waking up early to spend time with God, ensuring she is spiritually prepared for the day ahead. Even with the challenges of traveling an hour or more to church, they maintain a sense of excitement and purpose, knowing they are doing God’s work.
Facing the Challenges
Erica is refreshingly honest about the challenges of being a pastor’s wife, especially with young children. Yet, her focus on joy and purpose shines through. She emphasizes that while it may seem overwhelming, God provides the strength to handle it all. “I know the days are long, but the years are short,” she reflects, understanding that these busy times are also precious.
One of the biggest surprises for her in this new role has been how much work goes into being a pastor’s family behind the scenes. “There’s still a lot to take care of at home,” she shares, from visiting church members to organizing events, all while balancing her husband’s full-time job outside the church. Still, she views it all as a part of their mission and takes it in stride.
The Joy of Service
One of the highlights of their ministry has been the creative ways they’ve connected with their community. Erica talks about an exciting new project—a lemonade stand drive-thru to bring people to the church. “We just want people to know we’re here,” she says with enthusiasm. These fun, engaging activities reflect her husband’s visionary leadership and their shared desire to make a difference.
Through it all, Erica remains focused on keeping her family connected to God. She starts every morning with her children in prayer and Bible study, ensuring that faith is the cornerstone of their daily lives. She also emphasizes the importance of being a good example for her children, teaching them the joy of serving God while being patient and loving toward them.
Conclusion
Erica Heaps’ journey as a pastor’s wife is a testament to the power of faith and the joy that comes from following God’s call. Her story is not just about ministry, but about family, community, and living a life full of purpose. As she continues to grow in her role, Erica is a wonderful example of how embracing God’s plan can lead to a life filled with fun, love, and unwavering faith.