HI, I'M RACHEL
When I studied theology in college, I felt a closeness to God I had never experienced before. I was finally beginning to understand him on a deeper level. During that time, lingering questions were finally answered, and I hope to help others understand the Bible better so they can grow closer to God. I firmly believe we never stop learning unless we choose to, and I hope to never stop being a student of the bible. ​
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Currently, I have authored and published my first book, Bad Reviews, created a line of Church Notes, and a kid's theology activity book
called Discovering the Bible. When I'm not writing, I love to read, go to the beach, and puzzle. I like to keep busy with my husband, Josh, and our Corgi, Waffles.
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If you have any questions you want to be answered or just want to say hi, please reach out so we can connect!
WHAT MINISTRY LOOKS LIKE (TO ME):
Writing
If there is something I have learned over this past year, it is how fortunate I am to wake up and do what I love every day. Over the past 8 years of following my calling into full-time ministry, I have been able to expand my writing skills. I am so grateful for all the opportunities to write devotions, sermons, curricula, and now books! Every day I pray that God exposes and uses my talents for him, and writing is something I have come to love.
Preaching
Preaching is one of those talents that can't really improve until you practice. Don't get me wrong the lessons I learned through school, books and mentors helped incredibly but it wasn't until I preached in front of a real congregation that I learned what it was truly like.
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I will always remember the first time I was asked to preach a full 25-30 minute sermon at a local church. I talked so fast that it only lasted 18 mins and ended early due to a man sneezing 27 times in two minutes. The sneezing managed to distract everyone, including me and I honestly don't know if anyone even noticed I stopped talking. I now laugh every time I think about it, but it certainly did not feel funny at the time. The point is you're going to have experiences that you'll learn and grow from that may not feel good at the moment.
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Now, I love being able to articulate the gospel to people in a practical way they will understand...and know how to grab people's attention back in case it's allergy season.
Teaching NextGen
I think this is where I am supposed to say teaching kids is a dream and your Sundays will be filled with sunshine and rainbows. But after one kid cries the whole time, another runs into a wall and another says church is dumb you may feel a little discouraged. Kids ministry is hard because you don't see the fruits of the ministry right away, in fact, you may not see it for years or at all.
However, let me assure you of something, I learned from another leader this year, children are not the future of the church; they are the church. What you are doing is making a difference in the lives of those whom Jesus made specific time for in his ministry.
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It takes a special kind of person to be able to teach the Bible to little ones in a way they can relate to. God has given YOU those talents for a reason. They are going to pick their nose, ask questions that have nothing to do with the lesson, and ask for a snack 10 times but every week they have a godly teacher like you to help build their spiritual foundation. Don't be discouraged and don't be afraid to ask for help.
