The Lord has used Leslie Bennett and Angela Temples to reach thousands of women throughout their years of ministry, but the most profound works of God they’ve experienced have often happened behind the scenes. In this interview, Leslie and Angela share when they first began learning about the importance of spiritual revival and how God has continued to use it to transform their ministries from the inside out.
As you read their reflections, take time to consider: What is God doing in your heart right now? How might He be inviting you into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Him?
When did God first begin teaching you about the importance of personal spiritual revival, and what difference has it made in your ministry role?
Leslie: Even though it happened sixteen years ago, it’s as clear as if it was yesterday. At the time, I was serving on church staff as a women’s ministry director. One morning as I prayed for revival in the women I served, the Holy Spirit impressed these words upon my heart: “There won’t be revival in the hearts of your women until there’s a revival in you.”
I had a misunderstanding of revival. I thought it meant getting fired up for Jesus. I didn’t know that heart revival begins by being broken and surrendered.
That same day, God dropped into my lap Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival, which I devoured in four weeks. I’d never experienced such free-flowing joy, freedom, and intimacy with God as when I began to apply the principles taught in Seeking Him. Experiencing personal revival is a head-to-toe transformation that continues to impact my ministry today!
Angela: A revived heart is necessary to see significant ministry take place. We can “do ministry,” but if it doesn’t come from a real, personal, and thriving relationship with Christ, it becomes about what we can do rather than what He is doing. I first experienced this when going through the study Experiencing God in 1995. That study opened my eyes and heart to knowing Jesus in a real and personal way.
From that study, the Lord put in my heart a desire to see those around me know Jesus in a real and personal way as well. My heart for those that lead women, whether in church ministry or outside, is that they have a thriving relationship with Jesus that pours over into those they are leading. If I could sit with women all day and hear their stories, my main question would be, “What has the Lord been teaching you?” It’s not about their ministry but the overflow of what Jesus is doing in them!
After years of ministry, what has practically helped you to continue seeking Christ?
Angela: Ministry can easily replace a relationship with Jesus. My commitment thirty years ago was to spend time with the Lord each morning before anything else and to journal. My time isn’t always a mountaintop experience, but it’s about the commitment to the relationship. I also have friends who ask hard questions and who let me be honest with them. Each year I try to plan a spiritual retreat to get away and be still.
Leslie: A few things that have helped me continue seeking Christ in practical ways include . . .
- Choosing a “seeking” lifestyle that treasures the Word and intimacy with the Lord over a successful or fruitful ministry.
- Asking the Spirit to awaken me when (not if!) I drift. If I prioritize anything (even good things) over my relationship with Him, it starts a chain reaction of depending on myself and allowing my heart to become lukewarm toward the One who redeemed me and called me to Himself.
- Reading biographies of women who yielded their lives to serve Jesus at great cost. My sacrifices seem small in comparison to these giants of the faith. (The most recent is Being Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn.)
- Surrounding myself with women who are like-hearted and passionate about pursuing a love relationship with Jesus.
In this season, what excites you most about seeking Jesus and serving Him?
Angela: Even though I’ve watched some ministry leaders stray from the truth, I get excited about what God could do in those who remain. If a few leaders began to take a stand for truth and really live out the gospel, it could influence a family, a church, a community. When I see those with whom I lead encouraging a pastor’s wife to stay in the game, keep loving their husband, and seek Jesus, I believe those efforts might just lead to a revived heart which could lead to a revived nation.
Leslie: Having served in women’s ministry for twenty-five years, I’m focused on legacy. I take seriously my responsibility to prepare the next generation of leaders to grab the baton and run hard using their unique gifts. I learn as much from them as they learn from me. It’s exciting to have a front row seat as God raises up faithful women who will impact the kingdom for years to come.
The Lord has used Seeking Him to impact countless individuals in their walk with Him. Experience the joy of personal revival through this classic 12-week study from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Tim Grissom.