Pastor Christy Key
Vision of the Church
I believe in the belovedness of all people. I believe God created us to flourish in this life and in our faith. The local church is made up of individual followers of Christ working collectively to live out the Kingdom of God here on earth – bringing God’s mercy and justice to all people.
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Theological Perspective
My theology is rooted in the incarnation of God as Jesus. I believe God’s love and grace is for all people. The Wesleyan principles of both personal and social holiness are important to me personally and in my ministry. I believe God created us to not just exist in this world, but to flourish. A faithful life flourishes by embracing this wild and precious life, working towards justice, loving mercy, and staying in love with God.
Spiritual Disciplines and Study
I spend time daily in prayer and the study of God’s word. I find centering prayer and journaling the Ignatius Examen to be grounding and helpful in living a reflective life. I find listening to worship music and the celebrating of Communion to be good for my soul. I take Sabbath once a week and seek out a silent retreat once a season.
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Education
· M. Div. Luther Seminary
· B.A. Business Management, Univ. of Phoenix
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Ministry and Work Experience
· Cross Winds UMC - Maple Grove (Intern); 2022-present
· Epworth UMC - Minneapolis (Intern); 2021-2022
· Roots & Branches - Anoka (Intern); 2021
· Owner of Keystur Properties, LLC. (2007-2015)
· Account Manager at Real Estate Nation (2007-2009)
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Continuing Education and Training
· MDivX Leadership Co-hort
· Faith + Lead Academy
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Service and Community Involvement
· I have served as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
· I served on the board of Constance Homeschool Co-op.
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Call to Ministry
My call to ministry is rooted in my love of the Bible and wonderment of the Triune God. As a young girl growing up in an evangelical faith community, I never saw women leading. As an adult my own faith developed, and I fell in love with God. The Holy Spirit awakened a desire within me for ministry and a passion for God’s mercy and justice to be known.
Gifts for the Ministry
I am warm, friendly, empathetic, and caring. I am good at building relationships and creating community. I enjoy the work of leadership – strategizing, innovating, collaborating, problem solving, and refining. I enjoy encouraging those I serve and work with. My past managerial and business experience lends well to the business side of ministry. My StrengthsFinder top five are: Relator, Activator, Learner, Consistency, Focus.
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Aspirations for Ministry
I long to help congregations create community that feels safe, creates belonging, and helps people know of their belovedness. I believe each community has unique opportunities to cultivate justice and show God’s mercy. My hope is to create ministry that listens and follows the leading of the Spirit. I am currently a certified candidate seeking Elder’s orders in the United Methodist Church. My hope is to continue on this path towards Word, Order, Sacrament, Service, and Justice and to live out the rest of my career seeking the Spirit’s leading for the church, both locally and globally.
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Passion for Ministry
I am passionate about instilling a love of the Triune God to others. I believe in the power of spiritual practices individually and within community. I am passionate about connecting people to God, to neighbor and to their beloved self. I am called to help individuals and church communities flourish in their faith.
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Leadership Style
I am a relational leader. I care deeply for those I serve and believe in the importance of creating a culture of trust, fueled by joy. I lead with energy and vision.