Women’s Ministry Without a “Platform,” with Amanda Kassian

In this social media age, it’s easy to believe the lie that ministry needs to be public—but your home contains all the space needed for your ministry platform. In this episode of Grounded with guest Amanda Kassian, you’ll be inspired to bring the hope of Jesus to your front porch. Don’t just sit on the sidelines: learn how to use your gifts for the glory of God.

Connect with Amanda

Instagram: @amanda_kassian
Instagram: @seenministry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seenministry
Website: www.seenministry.com

Episode Notes

• Leader Connection website.
• “How to Cultivate Community in Your Women’s Ministry” blog post by Christina Fox.
• “Philosophy of Women’s Ministry in the Church” message from Susan Hunt.

----------------

Dannah Gresh: Hey friend, Dannah Gresh here. Welcome to Grounded.  In this age of Christian influencers, whatever that means, do you ever feel like you aren't an influencer? 

I mean, social media blasts these hyped-up supersize conferences and all those super produced reels coming our way every day. Well, it's easy to believe the lie: that ministry needs to be very public and always expanding to have value. 

Well, today we're going to knock that lie between the eyes because your home contains all the space needed for your ministry platform. In fact, I believe that space is becoming more and more important. 

In the last blog he wrote before his death, Pastor Tim Keller challenged believers to bring Jesus to their front porch, he claimed, and I really do see this happening, that fewer and fewer people who need the Lord will walk into traditional church buildings and larger gatherings in the coming weeks, months,and years. But they will stop on your front porch for a glass of lemonade. And there, you and I can serve up the living water of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In today's episode, we're going to delve into the beauty of serving women right where you are from your home. Amanda Kassian is with us. She's the founder of Seen Ministry. It's a citywide women's outreach that hosts gatherings to equip and empower women to live for Jesus Christ. But it all started in our living room. 

We’ll share not just one tool but an entire toolbox of resources for women who desire to be leaders in their neighborhoods, churches, and communities. Is that you? Well, we are about to change your world, friend. 

Now, if you don't think yourself a leader, no worries, because God does. He's got someone for you to mentor and lead. I'm wondering, what could God be starting in your living room or your front porch? I'm gonna encourage you to just stir up some lemonade and sit with me and Portia Collins for a while. 

We're gonna kick off some good news as we always do on Grounded. Portia, do you have some good news about women's ministry? I hear you have something that's about one of our Grounded sisters doing stuff in her own home? 

7:18 - Good News (with Portia)

Portia Collins: Yes, I am so excited to share. If you are a frequent Grounded viewer, you probably have heard us mention this name a time or two: Roshanda Smith. Roshanda is a faithful Grounded sister who probably hasn't missed an episode of Grounded since we started.

This summer we aired an episode on New Age practices creeping into the Church. By the way, if you missed that, we will drop a link to that episode in the episode notes and in the chat. You can go back and check it out. But our friend Roshanda did tune in for that conversation and was so impacted that she decided to host a summer women's Bible study right in her home, where Shonda invited a few young adult women to come and watch that episode and to discuss with her. 

Roshanda had no clue just how much of an impact that this would have on the young ladies. Listen to what Roshanda reported. 

“We watched the Grounded episode on New Age creeping into the Church. The conviction was evident. They prayed to live it daily and pledged to go to God first, instead of Enneagram or social media. Please pray for them as they have all recommitted their lives to Christ and want to live more for Him.” 

Praise God. Wow, what a powerful testimony. It's stories like these that remind us of the incredible impact of our Grounded community by simply sharing an episode. Opening her home for discussion with Roshanda has played a pivotal role in reigniting a passion for Christ in the hearts of these young women. And you know what? We think that some good news.

Dannah: Indeed, Portia girl, you know that when I see the faces of teenage girls being influenced for Jesus, my heart is stirred. So, good job, Roshanda. Thanks for being a part of our Grounded community. 

9:56 - Grounded with God's People (with Amanda Kassian)

Well, it's time to get grounded with God's people. And as promised, we have Amanda Kassian with us. She's a wife, a mother. She hails from Canada, where she leads a city-wide ministry. She has a heart to help women in her community truly see God. Welcome back to Grounded dear friend, Amanda. 

Amanda Kassian: Hello. Thanks for having me.

Dannah: Even though it's spring here in the lower states, as you call it, isn't that what you call it? Aye? No, that's the Alaska people. But you know, you kind of live in Alaska. You just had three feet of snow. Like, we're ready for crocuses and daffodils. And you're up there in the snow.

Amanda: Yeah, my husband wasn't too happy this morning. It's also trash day. So he had to pull the garbage can out into the end of the road. Yeah, we're still dealing with winter here. 

Dannah: Someday I want to get up there to the beautiful area where you live, Amanda. I want to come to your living room, because I hear great things happen there. So, take us back a few years to when God was starting something really special there. What happened?

Amanda: You know, a few years ago, but even in my teens, I always felt a calling to lead women. When I was playing volleyball at age eighteen, I was starting Bible studies in my living room, and I didn't know what I was doing. But I just felt the Lord leading me in that direction and just fostering a place where women can feel safe and talk about God's Word. We're simply opening our Bibles and talking about and discussing what it means and who God is. 

Dannah: So, and then what's with living in Canada. 

Amanda: So, I'm actually from Texas. It took a while for me to get adjusted here for a number of reasons. But it got to a point where I noticed a need for young adult ministries. For about four-and-a-half years, I hosted a Bible study in my home for young adult single women. And by year four, I couldn't fit everybody in my living room anymore. 

Dannah: I love that.

Amanda: The biggest observation was women are hungry to know God's Word. And that kind of set the trajectory for hosting larger gatherings. 

Dannah: So before you knew it, instead of your home, your’re meeting at a local church, and then before you know it, it has a name. How did it all unfold?

Amanda: God laid this on my heart one day when I was just sitting in church. My guts sank, because I am actually an introvert. And thinking of doing large gatherings, or leading anything, or leading people at that capacity of what I had in my head, was very terrifying. I actually spent about eight-and-a-half months praying. I only told my husband about what God had laid on my heart. 

And through a series of affirmations from friends and people who had dreams and things, that affirmed the call. I was ready to take the next step in sharing this idea with close friends that I wanted to have on my team. And at that point, when they were like we're in, I was like, “You trust me with this? Like, I don't feel like I'm ready to do this.” 

We started before COVID, and 2019 just doing evening gatherings, which all sold out in the first year. We had our last gathering, which in Canada, this is a big deal, because women's conferences are not a thing here. And for our last gathering before COVID hit, we had over 400 women. 

And then this last conference we've had, we're now moving to a full-day conference model. We've had Erin come up and speak the last two years, and it's been incredible to see. We're growing; we're continuing to grow. I always feel like I'm stretched more than what I can take. So, it's a good place to be. It keeps me dependent. 

Dannah: Oh, I love that. Amanda, I love hearing you say that. You're an introvert; it's not natural for you to want to be in front to lead. But so many times when God asks us to do something, it is against our natural talents, abilities, and personality so that He really can be glorified. It can be all about Him. 

Tell us about how He has showed up. Tell us about maybe one woman whose life was changed maybe in your living room or maybe at one of these events. I love hearing stories of God's freedom.

Amanda: I continue to get messages of the fruit of what God is doing through our ministry. One specifically . . . So, we host large conferences in the fall, and then we do weekly Bible studies in the spring. They're multi-generational. We have women in their early twenties, to their seventies, eighties coming to our events. 

Dannah: Love it. 

Amanda: There is a woman in her sixties. This last year we taught specifically on how to study the Bible. So, we're equipping women with the basic spiritual disciplines. She came up to me and said, “I've been in church my whole life. I have never learned how to study the Bible.” And she just looked at me and she said, “I've always done Bible studies. I've always done my workbooks, but I've never actually opened the Bible to study the context, to study how the Old Testament relates to the New Testament, how it all reflects the story of redemption and restoration, and this absolutely wrecked me. 

And even from our conference in the fall, I continue to get messages, because all of our messages are streamed on our podcast. This is encouraging and equipping and bringing women to healing through these messages of truth and freedom in Christ. 

So, it's been really cool to see. I feel young, and I feel I don't feel young. I'm younger than I feel like a lot of the Christian influencers out there. And so, when older women are encouraging me to keep going, that's been a really big blessing.

Dannah: It really is. Have there been older women who've spoken into your life? And as you've gotten to the new stage of growth, and you've said, I don't know how to do this, you've gotten advice. Anybody specific?

Amanda: My mother-in-law, Mary Kassian. 

Dannah: Your mother-in-law, Mary Kassian. All right. Yes. But I think my point and the question is, “I feel like I'm in over my head. Sometimes I always I'm asking my mom. I'm asking Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. I have the privilege of of knowing her as a friend. Sometimes I'm asking Mary Kassian how do I do this? It's so important to know that you don't have to have it all figured out. Right?”

Amanda: One of the questions that I got when I was presenting the idea of Seen Ministry to other people, I got a question that was hard. I had to think about it for a while. And that was, “How are you going to measure success of this ministry?” And I think the world will say, “Numbers.” You know, that's going to show us that this is successful. But that's never been it for me. I said on our first gathering, “If we get ten people that show up, that's great.” 

Because the greatest measure of success is being obedient to God. If He calls you to it, we never know what's on the other side of our “yes.” That's what I encourage women who want to step out into leadership or who want to take that next step but they're fearful. You never know what's on the other side of your “yes” to God and what He can do with that.

Dannah: Amen. I love the name of your ministry Seen Ministry, why did you select that name?

Amanda: This was this was laid on my heart just one day in church. I've never been drawn to that word specifically, but it happened sitting in the pews on a Sunday. God laid it on my heart, and I prayed about it. I heard somebody say once that our greatest power and passions stem from our deepest pain. 

You know my story and what I have been through. I've had a lot of abandonment and neglect in my childhood and also in my adult years with different things. And so, the comfort that our God is El Roi, that He is a God who sees, really stems from that Scripture in Genesis with the story of Hagar in Genesis 16:13. 

She says she was exiled from her community and with her child, and God saw her when she felt absolutely abandoned and neglected. Genesis 16:13 says she named the Lord who spoke to her, the God who sees. For she said, “Have I really seen here the one who sees me?” With our ministry, there's two things at play that we want to encourage women: a) Yes, you are seen by God in all ways, even when you're misunderstood, even when you're fearful, all of our thoughts are perceived from afar by God. 

But we also can see Him. So a lot of what we do is, how can we enlighten women's eyes to understand who God is and know Him better? So, that's where that name comes from.

Dannah: I love it. I think there's probably someone listening right now, who has been struggling to feel seen, and how good it feels to know that God sees her.

Do you still minister to women in your living room, Amanda?

Amanda: That is the majority of what I do. And you know, you were talking about influencers and all of that. I struggle with that so much. I think that's the introvert side of me too. Because even if you go to my SeenMinistry page on social media, I've had so many people say why don't you show your face more? Because I truly believe the meat of my ministry in my call is on my couch, like ministering to women. You know, I've had a few emails and responsibilities and things that I've had to attend to last week. 

But all-day Thursday, I had somebody on my couch in the morning, and then I had somebody at my home for six hours who really needed help and counsel and encouragement. A lot of what I do is unseen by anybody else in the world. 

Dannah: Wow. 

Amanda: It's seen by God, and I know that brings glory to Him. It doesn't have to be in front of an audience. A lot of what I do is still in my living room. 

Dannah: That’s beautiful. What advice do you have for someone who's feeling a calling to open her living room or her front porch or backyard to minister to women?

Amanda: I think of this phrase when women are feeling like they're not equipped: God equips the called. Again, I go back to that phrase of, you never know what's on the other side of your “yes” to God. 

There's so many times where I have thought in my life, I can't do this. I can't do this. This is too much. I'll have those moments where I'm looking at what God has done because of my obedience to add to what He's asked me to do. Sometimes you see the fruit and sometimes it takes years to see the fruit. But I encourage women to take that step to do it prayerfully

I do believe that prayer is the foundation, but there are situations where decisions have to be quicker. But to rely on God to continue to abide, to know that apart from Him, you can do nothing. But to take that step of obedience and to walk in dependence on the Holy Spirit, to lead you to whatever He's asking you to do. 

Dannah: I love that. Thanks. That's great encouragement. Amanda, thanks for being with us today on Grounded.

Amanda: Thanks for having me.

Dannah: That was Amanda Kassian, the founder of Seen Ministry. She's encouraging you to minister right where you are in your own home. 

Have you ever been to one of those events and it's time where the leader is about to pass out words of gratitude along with armfuls of flowers to say thanks to everyone who made it happen. Well, the apostle Paul did that. It mattered a whole lot. We're going to find out why as Portia gets us grounded in God's Word.

24:06 - Grounded in God's Word (with Portia)

Portia: Thanks, Dannah. I am super excited about this passage today. So if you have your Bibles nearby, turn with me to Roman 16. I want to show you something that is truly fascinating. In fact, as you read along, we're going to hear a lot of names. But I want you to try to count the number of women Paul thanks in this passage. All right. So here we go. 

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also.

Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 

Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 

Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 

Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.”

Lots of names, lots of names, but were are you counting? Paul mentions a total of ten women in this passage: Phoebe, Prisca, Mary, Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Persis, Junia, Julia, the mother of Rufus, and the sister of Nereus. He not only acknowledges, but he celebrates the contributions, of these ten women in ministry by taking time to call them by name specifically, noting each one's contributions to his ministry. Paul is sharing a profound truth about the early Christian community. 

Women were not merely participants; they were foundational to its growth and health. 

So, listen, let's take each one of these and kind of dissect them. First there's Phoebe. Phoebe is described as a servant, and she is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Her role was pivotal in serving not just in capacity of, but also as a benefactor and likely a leader within her community. This speaks volumes about the trust and respect the early Church had for women. 

Then we have Prisca or also known as Priscilla, who alongside her husband, Aquila, are mentioned as coworkers in Christ Jesus. Together they risked their lives for Paul. They hosted a church in their home, and they were instrumental in teaching and shaping early Christian theology.

Next we have Mary and Tryphaena and Tryphosa and Persis, all are commended for their hard work in the Lord. This wasn't just a casual or even a common acknowledgement. In a society where women's labor was often unseen and undervalued, Paul makes it a point to highlight their efforts as critical to the community's well-being and growth. 

The last we have Julia and the sister of Nereus, though not much is known about their specific roles.Their inclusion in this list underlines the breadth of women's involvement in the early Church. Their mention signifies that women's contributions, regardless of their nature, were valued and deemed worth mentioning. 

So, what does this passage teach us today? What's my point here? Simple. Women's ministry matters. 

It matters how we connect with and serve women in the Church. It matters not just for women, but it matters for the Church on the whole. The body of Christ is most complete and most effective when all members, including women, are encouraged to use their gifts and are allowed to flourish in their callings. 

So, I hope Paul's words here are an encouragement to you. Don't just sit on the sidelines. Use your gifts. Serve your sisters in Christ, edify the body of Christ, and do it all to the glory of God, amen. 

Dannah: Amen. I love how God's Word affirms and values women. It's beautiful. We matter. Christianity was radically different in the day and age in which the Scripture was written to declare that. 

Also, Portia girl, I gotta say, I do declare that you are now the official reader of all lineages on the Grounded podcast because you did not mess up a single name. That was almost miraculous. 

Portia: Praise God. 

Dannah: A lot of names there. 

All right, if your heart is stirred to serve, ladies, it's time for the good stuff that helps you take this message to the hot pavement of life. We have an entire leader connection division of ministry here at Revive Our Hearts. You can find it at ReviveOurHearts.com/Leaders. There are all kinds of buttons for you to click on, depending on your need. 

Let me just read a few of these buttons. “Start or Grow a Women's Ministry” just click on it, boom, all the tools you need. “Develop as a Leader . . . who doesn't need that? This button, “Lead a Small Group,” “Access Ministry Tools,” and more. So many buttons to click and each one, you click on it, you'll find a plethora of tools just for you in that area. 

I also want to highlight a couple of really neat blog posts on the Revive Our Hearts website. One is called, “How to Cultivate Community in Your Women's Ministry.” We'll put a link to that in the show notes and a podcast by our beloved Susan Hunt, featuring her. It's called “Building Word Driven Women's Ministries.” As you heard Amanda talking today, she wants women in the Word of God. Women are not the solution for the women, the Word of God, and the presence of Jesus Christ is what they need. 

So how do you build a Word-driven women's ministry? Susan Hunt will provide all the encouragement you need on the podcast. That link is in the show notes. 

What a wonderful program. I'm thinking, Portia, of a Scripture that's just in my heart. I think because of the name Seen Ministries. I'm thinking of that. I think it's a psalm where it says, “Keep me as the apple of your eye”(Psalm 17:8). It's a prayer that was prayed by the psalmist to the God of the universe, saying, “Do You see me? And will You keep seeing me?” What I want women to hear in this program today is, “Yes, God sees you. He sees you. He wants to equip you, and He wants to use you. And mostly, He loves you.” 

Portia: Amen, amen. I hope you guys are encouraged. We want you to come back next week. Okay, riddle me this: what is more profitable than silver, better than gold, and more precious than jewels? 

Dannah: You got me.

Portia: If you said wisdom . . .

Dannah: Wisdom! 

Portia: . . . you are absolutely correct. And that is what we'll be talking about next week. Let's wake up with hope together next week on Grounded. 

Dannah: Grounded audio is powered by Skype. Grounded is a listener-supported production of Revive Our Hearts Ministries, calling women to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ. 

*Offers available only during the broadcast of the podcast season.