About Kristen 

Hi friends, in case you are wondering who I am, let me tell you a little bit about myself.  

So, I am a small town girl, having grown up in the Appalachian mountains in Northeast New Jersey.  To be a exact, I spent the first 18 years of my life in Sparta NJ, while spending almost all of my summers with my grandparents in Williamsburg, VA.  From 18 until my early thirties, I lived in Virginia, mostly in the D.C. area, and now for the last part of my life, I have lived all over – Vancouver B.C., the Seattle area, north of Boston, the Bay Area, and now Southwestern Ohio for the last 6 years!

When it comes to my interests, I am a lover of all things Scottish, all kinds of animals, God’s beautiful creation (especially rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and the oceanside), painting, photography, music, other cultures (especially Asian and Middle Eastern), and travel.  I am also a lover of Jesus and His Kingdom.

While I once worked in the areas of environmental consulting and alternative dispute resolution (I have degrees both in Biology and International Peace & Conflict Resolution and wrote a Master’s paper on the theology of creation-care), currently I work as a pastor.

I have spent the past 19 years working as a youth and young adult pastor, Christian mediator, church planter, spiritual director, and Anglican deacon and presbyter.  Over the years, my one friend has teasingly and lovingly called me a “mystic activist” since I am a person who equally loves engaging with deep and contemplative spirituality as well as thinking about issues of mission and justice.  While I love working with all people, I have a particular love for young adults, internationals, pastors and pastors-in-training, and those seeking a place of deeper intimacy with the Lord.

Call

Each of us is given a call by God.  My call began to take shape after I went on short-term mission to China directly after college, and has been in the process of refinement ever since.  My call is simply to call seekers of Jesus and believers to a deepening faith in God, a call which forms the foundation of this Website, as well as my life of ministry.  This call to a deepening faith includes:

• Knowing how much God loves us;

• Growing in self-knowledge and in the Fruit of the Spirit;

• Becoming more like Jesus;

• Growing in knowledge of our Triune God and His redemptive plans for the world and finding deepening intimacy with Him; and

• Being empowered to serve God and others, passionately spreading the Gospel in our world through both word and acts of mercy, love, and justice.

Ministries

I am the Associate Pastor of Formational Discipleship at The Mission Cincinnati and a Spiritual Director with Coracle.  I will also occasionally be available to individuals and churches for spiritual direction, one-on-one mentoring, retreats (speaking and leading), conflict resolution/mediation, vocational discernment, and teaching/training.  If you are interested in getting in contact with me, you can reach me at rev.k.yates@gmail.com.

Training

While there are many things that I am grateful for – most importantly, my family and friends – I am particularly grateful for my ministry training over the years , including my MDiv from Regent College in Vancouver B.C., my MTS from Wesley Theological Seminary, my liturgical training from Nashotah House, my Spiritual Direction Certificate from Selah, my certificate in Healthy Rhythms Coaching, and my ordination in the Anglican Church  (in which I have been ordained since 2009). I am also grateful to have just begun a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation for leaders at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

I am also thankful for my time as a C.S. Lewis Institute Fellow, my training in Biblical peacemaking from the Institute of Christian Conciliation, my training as a Stephen Minister, and my participation in a Gravity Leadership cohort.  I have gained great insights from these organizations, and I hope that I may share some of these insights with you here on this site.  Most importantly, I look forward to doing what I love most in ministry – journeying along with others as they seek to follow in the Way of Jesus.

Beliefs and Values

To read more about me, including my beliefs,  theological influences, and values (including a video of me talking about these values), and my available ministries, read My Beliefs, Values, and Ministries.

Sermons and Articles

I preach somewhat regularly at the Mission Cincinnati. I also write articles for this Website on occasion. Interested in reading/listening to my sermons and articles? Then go here.

Resume

If you are interested in knowing more of my ministry background, you can find my resume here.

Once again, thanks for stopping by! – The Rev. Kristen Yates