Page 13 - Glory & Grace Issue 5: Thresholds

STAFF FEATURE: JENNIFER KELLER
PAGE 13
In early 2018 Jen Keller remembers thinking, "am I going to hell if we get a divorce?" Not too long after that she found herself pushed over the threshold, forced to reckon with a new identity. "Who am I now, if I'm not a happily married wife?"
Jen describes the next six months as the most difficult time of her life, questioning her faith and the ‘rules’ of faith that came from her early life faith traditions. Having grown up as a Southern Baptist, the legalistic paradigm of life she was expected to fit into was no longer possible. Was she, a divorced woman, even capable of experiencing the "abundant life" that Jesus offers?
Now on the other side of that threshold, Jen was baffled by the undeserved grace that she experienced from her community of friends and colleagues. While her inner thoughts shouted all of the ways she had fallen short, Jen experienced the surprising provision of God that sustained her, though, in Jen's own words, she "did not feel worthy to receive it."
In the summer of 2019, Jen was teaching music, but was searching for more so she posted her resume on a hiring website. Intrigued by her gifts in music and seeing a possible match for KOG's Children's Choir Director role, Pastor Jen gave her a call. As they visited about the possibility of being hired for the church choir position, with hesitation in her voice Jen said, "I need to let you know I'm divorced. Am I still eligible to be considered for leadership in your church?"
It was the "relief of Lutheran grace" that Jen experienced next. Yes, she could serve the LORD by working in the church. Yes, despite her past experiences, she was worthy of love and belonging.
Yes, our community of faith would welcome her leadership because we trust in a God who brings beauty from brokenness - not just in her, but in each of us.
Simultaneously Jen met Josh, who would become her husband and father of their two children, Joanna and Jackson. Now remarried and a mom to two children, Jen thinks back to when she wondered about God's promise for an abundant life. "It's better than I could have ever imagined."
Jen's role at KOG has expanded since that initial hire and now includes serving as the Mission Advancement Coordinator, working to connect people and expand KOG's ministry into the world.
Jen & Josh Keller with children Joanna and newborn Jackson (in the baby wrap)
“Come close to my side,you whose hearts are on the ground, you who are pushed down and worn out, and I will refresh you. Follow my teachings and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest from your troubled thoughts. Walk side by side with me and I will share in your heavy load and make it light.”
~Matthew 11:28-30, First Nations Version of the New Testament