Every year in college, I interned with my mom. In my very biased opinion, she was an incredible children’s minister. She was dynamic, strategic, passionate, beloved, and strong. I was earning a degree in elementary education and felt like experience within the church would give me more opportunities to understand kids for my future in education. I had no interest in full-time ministry.
Several times throughout my internship, I recall my mom asking, “Are you sure you don’t want to be in ministry? I feel like God has given you the gifts for it.” To which I quickly replied, “I’m sure that’s a no, Mom.” I wasn’t talented enough, strong enough, or wise enough. I wasn’t enough for such a big role. There was no way I could do what she did.
Right out of college, my life’s dreams were dashed when God closed every door for me to teach. Instead, he led me into corporate jobs—first at a nonprofit for cancer research, then in commercial insurance, then retail, and finally a marketing position for a website startup.
While sitting at a coffee shop working that marketing job, everything changed. What felt like a wave rushed over me, and I heard a voice that did not sound like my own say, “Ivy, I want you in the church.” I was serving in my home church at the time, but instinctively I knew what that meant. It was God’s voice calling me to full-time ministry, and it was time for me to listen and obey. I nervously responded, “Okay, I’ll do it.”
The Call
Twenty-four hours later, an unknown number rang me. I did something very unusual—I answered a call from a number I didn’t recognize. On the other end was the pastor of my church, and he said something like, “Ivy, I have no idea if you are interested, but there is an opportunity in the church. Your name keeps coming to my mind. Would you consider talking about it?” Without a second thought, I took a small step of obedience and said yes.
I interviewed before committees and was voted by the church into the position of Kids Minister. This was the same church where I grew up and where my mom showed me what the incredible work of leading children and families toward Jesus looked like.
I remember my first official day in this new role, walking into my new office. The office was filled with binders my mom had put together. They contained her agendas, notes, and plans. I remember closing the door, getting down on my knees, and crying.
Why me, God? Isn’t there someone better? There are no credentials to my name for this. I have no business being in this role. I don’t have any idea what I’m supposed to do next.
The Faithfulness of God
The voice I heard in that coffee shop responded to me. It’s the same voice that sounds very much like the God in the Bible I’ve spent my life studying.
- You are not here because of what you have done. You are here because of what I have done. (Eph. 2:8–9)
- Your only credential is that I have called you by name. (Is. 43:1)
- I am with you. (Josh. 1:9)
- I am all you need. (2 Cor. 12:9)
- I will not forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
- I will make this good. (Romans 8:28)
Ultimately, it was from that place that I stepped into full-time ministry in 2012. Since then, I have repeatedly had this same dialogue with God. To name a few:
- How can I possibly hold all these details together for this massive event for kids this summer?
- Are You sure I am the right person to walk this family through their child’s cancer diagnosis?
- Will I have the right words to say at this funeral?
- Do I have what it takes to lead kids ministry at this new big church?
Every time, I have found the Lord to be faithful.
Truth To Cling To
Perhaps you are experiencing these same kinds of questions. In moments of uncertainty in ministry, I remind myself of the following truths:
Your calling starts with who you are in Christ — it is never about what you do. In Jesus, you are loved, chosen, and sent. Period. End of sentence.
God gives specific assignments to you. It might be through your gifts, opportunities, relationships, or passions. He places assignments — small or large — in your path. Look for those and step into them.
Calling is not a one-time occurrence — it happens daily. It requires ongoing obedience. Listen to God. Act in faith, not by sight or logic. Most likely, it will feel uncomfortable, hard, or inconvenient.
Faith often feels like choosing obedience over certainty. Take the next right step — you are not going to have the full picture.
The Strength of God
As I look back on 13 years of full-time ministry, the moments that have shaped me most were not the times I felt strong or capable, but the times I became deeply aware of my weakness, my limitations, and my not-enoughness — and watched God’s strength prevail anyway.
I am convinced that every beautiful piece of ministry I have been a part of has never been because of my ability, but because I am his child, because he is in control, and because his plans and purposes always prevail. It has never ultimately rested on me at all.
If you are standing in a place of uncertainty, it is worth trusting the One who is certain.
For more encouragement in Children, Youth, or Family Ministry, join us in Nashville for the 2026 Rooted Conference, October 22-24!
