Joey & Jenna: Excited to Serve

View the video introducing the Woestmans and the articles Joey & Jenna: A Passion to Serve and Joey & Jenna: Gifted to Serve

Bible College.  Moving . Marriage.  Moving Again. Seminary.  And now…? 
“I am SO excited to finally be settled and not always wondering where we’ll be when this baby is born,” said Jenna.  “We really want to be back in the mid-west to raise our family.  And yet, God’s taken such good care of us at every turn of this journey, we’re sure He’s got it all worked out.”

It’s been quite a journey for Joey and Jenna, and they’re eager to minister at Faith Church.  “I’m so excited to be a candidate for y’all,” said Joey (obviously having learned more than theology at seminary in Texas!)  “You take youth ministry seriously. That's evident simply from the extensive nature of the search process, but also from the programs and people involved.” 

Joey and Jenna desire to be part of an outreach-focused community of believers.  This passion began with Jenna growing up in a church that sent its own people around the globe.  She participated in several cross-cultural ministry trips – to Turkey, Slovakia, Mexico and China.  Thinking that God may be calling them to ministry overseas, Joey and Jenna spent time teaching English in China several years ago.  The experience confirmed that they felt God calling them to ministry in the local church, but also solidified their commitment to take the gospel to the nations.  In addition to Faith’s missions emphasis, they also appreciate Faith’s focus on local multi-cultural ministry.  “We’re so impressed with how Faith has reached out to its immediate community and is embracing people from all backgrounds,” said Joey.

Another aspect that excites the Woestmans is Faith’s affiliation with the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA).  “The EFCA appeals to me because it is a denomination that is comfortable with what it believes, yet charitable to those who disagree. Some churches know exactly what they believe, but are harsh toward those who disagree.  Others are gracious to all, but don’t seem to think doctrine is important.  The EFCA seems to grasp the balance between standing firm on important doctrines and giving grace on the rest.”

Joey also appreciates the wisdom in Faith’s leaders.  He is grateful for pastors who have many years of church leadership and the lay leaders he’s met who display gracious and discerning spirits.  “I’m excited to be mentored by great leaders who are steps ahead of me on my journey to know God.”

The Search Team is Excited!

After four months, the members of the Search Team (Brad Smith, Chair; Jonathan Baker, Robert Carmer, Lori LeBlanc, Tom Macy, Kelly Martin, Jenna Pinkston, and Mark Tomlin) are excited to have a candidate.  “After reviewing more than 100 applications, I was amazed at the pool of well-qualified individuals we interviewed,” said Brad Smith.  “We have listened to teaching samples, read philosophies of ministry, and interviewed potential candidates as well as references. Joey Woestman was our unanimous choice.” After a thorough interview, Joey also was unanimously recommended by the Elder Executive Board.

"I’'ve been blessed over the past 30 years to work with a variety of gifted staff, including nine different student ministry pastors and associate staff," said Pastor Tom Macy. "After interacting with that many youth pastors, I've seen the gifts and abilities needed to be successful in ministry, and I believe Joey Woestman excels in these qualities. Joey will be a great fit for Faith Church and will lead, not only our students, but our whole church family in effective ministry. Joey impresses me with his passion for God and ministry, his theological and biblical foundations, gifts, contagious personality, cultural relevance, and vision for student ministry.  In bringing Joey and Jenna to Faith, God has gifted us with a very special couple.””

“Joey’s teaching videos impressed me,” said parent and youth staff Mark Tomlin. “I loved how he took truth from the Word of God and, using examples that the kids could relate to, made the message clear and applicable to their lives.” 

Student Robert Carmer agrees.  “Joey is able to take ideas from Scripture and present them in ways that are very applicable and real.  He wants to see teenagers take their faith seriously. Oh yeah, and he wants to move to Indiana!” 

Youth volunteers Lori LeBlanc and Jonathan Baker also are excited by Joey’s candidacy.  “What I love about Joey is his energy and his passion to see students live out their faith in Jesus," said Lori.  “I also like that Joey sees youth as being an important part of the larger church body and has a desire to see all generations investing in them.”  

Jonathan Baker also sees Jenna as a vital part of Joey’s ministry.  “Jenna is real and authentic and will easily relate to our girls and young women. As we have gotten to know them, we’ve seen that Joey and Jenna model Christ's love in their marriage through good times and bad.”  Jonathan also is impressed by Joey’s passion to reach out to students who do not yet know Jesus.  “Joey has excellent interpersonal skills and is a genuine and approachable person who truly values and loves people,” he said.  “He desires to build relationships in order to reach those that are lost and grow Christian kids into mature young adults.”