Connect with Jennifer Spivey

Jennifer Spivey
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

As of Tuesday April 14, I am returning to my weekly blog at https://jenniferwspivey.org and my weekly podcast here. I'll be speaking with y'all and recording my thoughts on life, leadership, ministry and transition – I'm excited to connect with you! Blogs will post on Tuesdays at 10:00am EST, and podcasts will post on Thursdays at 10:00am EST. Come along with me on the journey, friend!

  1. 5d ago

    Stop Doing Ministry Alone!

    Christian Leadership Collaboration: The Catch Is Too Big for One Boat | Stop Doing Ministry AloneWhat if the next step in your calling isn't doing more yourself, but inviting someone else into the work?As women in ministry leadership, we can feel responsible for carrying every detail, developing every skill, and figuring everything out on our own. But what if God never intended for us to carry the entire assignment alone?In Luke 5, Jesus fills the fishermen's nets with an extraordinary catch. When their nets begin to break, they signal to their partners in another boat to come and help. And what happens next? Both boats are filled with fish!In this message, we'll explore what this story teaches us about Christian leadership collaboration, overcoming comparison, building healthy relationships, and recognizing the gifts God has placed in the people around us.In this video, we'll talk about:Why having a calling doesn't mean you need every skill to fulfill it.How pride, fear, insecurity, and control can keep us from asking for help.Why healthy ministry relationships should be built before we need them.How to respond when someone else is doing something similar to what God has called us to do.Why collaboration strengthens ministry instead of diminishing our individual contributions.Practical steps for identifying the people who could help us fulfill our assignments—and recognizing where we can help others.Someone else's obedience doesn't cancel yours. You can celebrate another woman's work while remaining faithful to your own assignment.Sometimes the answer isn't a bigger boat. It's more boats.You are responsible for your obedience, not for being the only person God uses.🌿 CONNECT WITH CONNECT MENTORING NETWORKConnect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring, biblical encouragement, and practical resources.Explore our resources and membership:https://www.connectmentoringnetwork.org/Subscribe to the Jennifer W. Spivey YouTube channel for more biblical encouragement and practical conversations about ministry, leadership, and calling:https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferWSpivey#ConnectMentoringNetwork #ChristianLeadership #WomenInMinistry #MinistryCollaboration #ChristianMentoring #LeadershipDevelopment

  2. Oct 22

    Stop Waiting - Let's Go!

    God Called You. Now Do It! | Stop Waiting and Take the Next StepGod has entrusted you with gifts, wisdom, experience, and influence for a reason. So what are you waiting for?Sometimes we spend so much time waiting for the perfect circumstances, more confidence, or one more confirmation that we miss the opportunity God has already placed in front of us.In this message, we explore what it means to faithfully steward what God has given us, take the next step in obedience, and recognize that we were never meant to do ministry alone.Through the examples of Nehemiah, the fishermen in Luke 5, the parable of the talents, and Paul's encouragement to Timothy, we'll discover that faithful stewardship involves action, collaboration, and multiplication.In this video, we'll explore:Why we can't let waiting for perfect circumstances keep us from obeying God.What it means to steward our gifts rather than simply admire them.Why collaboration is essential to a healthy, fruitful ministry.How investing in others multiplies the impact of our calling.Why we don't have to carry the harvest alone.Sometimes the answer isn't a bigger boat. It's more boats.What God has invested in you is a stewardship, not a trophy. You don't lose your calling by helping someone else fulfill theirs. We are not competing for the harvest. We are working together to bring it in.God called you. Now do it—and don't do it alone.🌿 CONNECT WITH CONNECT MENTORING NETWORKConnect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring.Explore mentoring, resources, and opportunities to connect:https://www.connectmentoringnetwork.org/Subscribe to the channel for more encouragement and practical resources for women in ministry:https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferWSpivey #ConnectMentoringNetwork #WomenInMinistry #ChristianLeadership #Mentoring #FaithfulStewardship #MinistryLeadership

  3. Oct 15

    You are in Training!

    You are being trained for greater works. Welcome to the final episode of our Preparing for Greater Works series! Over the last several weeks, we’ve talked about seeking the Lord early, seeking Him continually, remaining humble and teachable, and understanding that the enemy has limits—but God does not. Now, we bring the series together with one final truth: Preparation matters. John 14:12 tells us that those who believe in Christ will do the works He did—and even greater works. But if we want to carry greater responsibility, we must also be willing to submit to the preparation required. In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’ll talk about: • Having an expectation for God to use you without losing your humility• Recognizing the gifts God has placed within you• Why greater works require greater preparation• Finding people who can help develop the gifts within you• Understanding and expecting growing pains• Receiving correction in love• Celebrating the gifts and opportunities of others• Refusing comparison and unnecessary offense• Looking back at difficult seasons and recognizing God’s training process• Trusting that God may be developing something in you before He develops something through you You may not fully understand the training while you’re in it. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t preparing you. Stay in the process. Remain faithful. Keep growing. For additional resources to help you grow in ministry and in your life with Christ, visit Connect Mentoring Network. You can download individual resources based on what you need right now, or become a member and receive access to the full resource library. Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need this reminder! #ConnectPodcast #GreaterWorks #PreparingForGreaterWorks #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #WomenInMinistry

  4. Oct 8

    God Has No Limits! (but the devil does)

    The devil has limits. But God does not. Welcome to Part Four of our Preparing for Greater Works series! So far, we’ve talked about seeking the Lord early, seeking Him continually, and the importance of submission and teachability. Today, we’re talking about a truth that can change the way we look at the difficulties and spiritual battles we face: The enemy may be powerful—but he is not all-powerful. In Judges 6:3–4, Israel’s enemies were able to come against them “as far as Gaza.” There was an “as far as.” There was a limit. And your enemy has an “as far as,” too. In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’ll talk about: • Why the enemy has limits• What an “as far as” can teach us about spiritual opposition• Why we shouldn’t depend on the limits of the enemy but on the Holy Spirit• What Psalm 91 teaches us when circumstances around us feel overwhelming• Why our Source is the Lord—not our job, ministry, resources, or circumstances• The limitless nature of God• Why we should stop measuring God by the size of our problems• What it means to remain dependent on the One who has no limits Whatever you are facing today may be bigger than you. But it is not bigger than God. If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need this reminder! For additional resources to help you grow in ministry and in your life with Christ, visit Connect Mentoring Network. You can download individual resources or become a member and receive access to the full resource library. Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org #ConnectPodcast #TheDevilHasLimits #PreparingForGreaterWorks #ChristianPodcast #ChristianFaith #FaithOverFear #WomenInMinistry

  5. Oct 1

    You Don't Have to Know Everything

    You don’t know what you don’t know. To be honest? Neither do I. Welcome to Part Three of our Preparing for Greater Works series! In Part One, we talked about seeking the Lord early. In Part Two, we talked about seeking Him continually. Now, we’re talking about something that is essential if we want to continue growing and preparing for whatever God has ahead of us: Submission and teachability. Following God doesn’t always mean we understand everything He is doing. Abraham did not know how his story would end when he set out in obedience. But he knew God. There is a difference between understanding everything God is doing and trusting the One who is doing it. In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’ll talk about: • Why submission doesn’t always require complete understanding• What Abraham can teach us about obedience and trust• How Saul exchanged God’s wisdom for his own reasoning• Why we don’t always know what is at stake• The fragrance we carry into the lives and spaces around us• Why humility means recognizing that we still have something to learn• How godly counsel and correction can help prepare us for greater responsibility• The difference between independence and maturity One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is remaining teachable. You don’t have to know everything. But you do need to know the One who does. If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need this conversation! For additional resources to help you grow in ministry and in your life with Christ, visit Connect Mentoring Network. You can download individual resources or become a member and receive access to the full resource library. Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org #ConnectPodcast #SubmissionAndTeachability #PreparingForGreaterWorks #ChristianPodcast #WomenInMinistry #ChristianLeadership #SpiritualGrowth

  6. Sep 24

    How Long Do You Have to Seek the Lord?

    How long should we seek the Lord? Until He comes. Welcome to Part Two of our Preparing for Greater Works series! In our first conversation, we talked about the importance of seeking the Lord early. We don’t want to wait until a crisis comes to seek Him. We want His presence to be our daily rhythm rather than our emergency response. But seeking Him early is only the beginning. In this episode of the Connect Podcast, we’re talking about why we need to seek the Lord continually. Hosea 10:12 says, “It is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” We don’t seek Him for a season and then assume we have arrived. We don’t seek Him until the crisis is over and then return to doing things in our own strength. A relationship with Christ is not a one-and-done experience. It is continual. It is daily. It is ongoing. In this episode, we’ll talk about: • Why yesterday’s encounter cannot replace today’s pursuit• What the Israelites and daily manna can teach us about dependence on God• Why we can’t simply repeat yesterday’s strategies and expect them to carry us forward• The danger of becoming spiritually independent• What it means to seek the Lord until He comes• Why fresh dependence and continued communion matter Yesterday’s encounter may have been powerful, and we should be grateful for everything God has done. But today is a new day. And we still need Him. If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need this reminder! For additional resources to help you grow in ministry and in your life with Christ, visit Connect Mentoring Network. You can download individual resources or become a member and receive access to the full resource library. Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org #ConnectPodcast #SeekTheLordContinually #PreparingForGreaterWorks #ChristianPodcast #WomenInMinistry #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney

  7. Sep 17

    Seek the Lord Early - Don't Wait for a Crisis!

    What if seeking the Lord wasn’t simply our emergency response—but our daily rhythm? Welcome to the first episode in our new Preparing for Greater Works series! Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore what it means to prepare for the greater works God may have ahead of us. We’ll talk about seeking the Lord early and continually, submission and teachability, understanding the limits of the enemy and the limitless nature of God, and how God trains and prepares us for greater works. In this episode, we’re beginning with Psalm 63:1: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You.” What does it mean to seek the Lord early? Maybe it means seeking Him early in the morning. But perhaps it also means seeking Him early in the situation—before we are overwhelmed, before the decision becomes urgent, and before the circumstances become impossible. The best time to develop a deep dependence on the Lord is before you find yourself desperately needing direction. When the crisis eventually comes, you won’t be trying to figure out where to find God. You will already be walking with Him. In this episode: • Why we shouldn’t wait for a crisis to seek God • What it means to seek the Lord early • Biblical examples of prompt obedience • Why seeking God is about knowing Him, not simply getting answers • How to make prayer your first response instead of your last resort If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might need this reminder! For additional resources to help you grow in ministry and in your life with Christ, visit Connect Mentoring Network. You can download individual resources or become a member and receive access to the full resource library. Connect Mentoring Network: www.connectmentoringnetwork.org #ConnectPodcast #SeekTheLordEarly #PreparingForGreaterWorks #ChristianPodcast #WomenInMinistry #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney

  8. Sep 11

    Whose Expectations Are You Following?

    What does God actually expect from a pastor’s wife? If you’re a pastor’s wife, you probably don’t have to look very far to find a list of expectations. Some are healthy. Some are reasonable. And some are completely unrealistic.But how do you know the difference? In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Jennifer Spivey talks honestly about the expectations placed on pastor’s wives—and the expectations we often place on ourselves. After years of saying yes to every need, filling ministry positions, serving the church, raising three children, and eventually working full-time, Jennifer found herself exhausted and running on empty. The turning point came when she realized she had become more concerned with meeting everyone else’s expectations than with meeting the expectations of the Father. In this episode, we explore: • Why being married to a pastor does not mean you were hired when your husband was hired • The unrealistic expectation of perfection • How good qualities like dependability and a willingness to serve can become unhealthy • Why “need” does not automatically equal “assignment” • What Jesus teaches us through the story of Lazarus in John 11 • How our willingness to serve can sometimes prevent someone else from stepping into their calling • Learning to say no without guilt • The difference between saying “yes” because God asked and saying “yes” because someone asked • Why leadership sometimes means creating space for someone else to lead • How to decide early what God has actually called you to do • Learning to recognize the voice of the Father above the expectations of others If you’ve ever felt like you needed to be everything to everyone because you’re a pastor’s wife, I hope this conversation reminds you of something important: You do not have to prove your value by how much you accomplish.Not every request is a command.Not every need is an assignment.Not every opportunity is your opportunity. And not every “no” is disobedience. The goal isn’t to become the perfect pastor’s wife.The goal is to become the woman God has called you to be. CONNECT MENTORING NETWORK Connect Mentoring Network exists to support and strengthen women in ministry leadership through intentional, Spirit-led mentoring.Visit connectmentoringnetwork.org to explore our resources, mentoring opportunities, and e-course library. You can purchase individual courses or become a Connect Mentoring Network member and receive access to the full library of resources, including courses on spiritual friendship, ministry transitions, healing from betrayal, leadership, boundaries, hearing God’s voice, and more. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER Subscribe to the Connect Podcast for more conversations about faith, ministry, relationships, leadership, and navigating the seasons of life and ministry with health and purpose. #PastorsWife #PastorsWives #WomenInMinistry #MinistryLife #MinistryLeadership #HealthyMinistry #MinistryBoundaries #ChristianWomen #HearingGodsVoice #MinistryHealth #ConnectMentoringNetwork #PastorsWifeLife #ChristianLeadership

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About

As of Tuesday April 14, I am returning to my weekly blog at https://jenniferwspivey.org and my weekly podcast here. I'll be speaking with y'all and recording my thoughts on life, leadership, ministry and transition – I'm excited to connect with you! Blogs will post on Tuesdays at 10:00am EST, and podcasts will post on Thursdays at 10:00am EST. Come along with me on the journey, friend!

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