Pastor – Teacher – Writer – Shenaniganologian
…I equip people to know and love God’s Word living victoriously released from fear and knowing their true identity in Christ.
It took me a while to write that simple statement. It’s rooted in reality – it was very literally the Word of God that brought me out and healed me and enabled – still enabling! – me to know who I am and have hope for my own future.
As a pastor and teacher, I am always excited to point women to what I found. I want to help women see the reality of how God can change their lives and equip them to be strong…an “eschet chayil” – woman of valor.
Who am I?
…a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother…but above all that, I’m a Christian who has come to see that only in the truth of who God is can I ever fully be satisfied. That realization is what inspires me, drives me, and gives me not only hope but a compelling need to connect with others so they can know that hope for themselves.
I Am: disciple of Christ on military time – a Molinist, apologist, teacher, and pastor who loves her husband, grown son, books, wine & cheese, movies, and all things avocado.
My Story: You can listen to “Unexpected Hope” where I share how God restored me and my marriage after years of depression, substance abuse, and shame. I realize how we tend to see the smiles and assume that the lives behind them must be so much better, happier, and more satisfying than our own…but my story wasn’t like that. My story is a lot more like yours than you might imagine.
I was a traditional elementary classroom teacher and enjoyed seasons where I led MOPS groups, children’s choir, and ran summer camps. In 2010, I retired from tha traditional classroom model and founded a unique educational program for homeschool families called “Eureka!” We partnered with families who wanted to homeschool but also wanted the support of professional educators as well as a community where their children could thrive. I continue to teach today but have transitioned from Eureka to full-time writer and pastor where I now teach through Bible studies, mentoring, and small-groups.
My Church: I am a full-time pastor on staff at La Mirada Christian Church – a Bible-centered community of real folks who want to just love Jesus, His Word, and share that with others. One thing I love about our church is that we are a distinct community amongst churches that seem to be inspirational TED talk style “sermons” sandwiched between a light show and concert. La Mirada Church has remained committed to simplicity, authenticity, and above all – honoring God’s Word. Questions about women as pastors? Read this.
My Mission: to point people to Jesus.
I have a distinct passion for redeeming women’s Bible “studies” from the typically emotion-based “What does this verse mean to you?” format by writing and teaching exegetically through every book of the Bible.
I know we can and should be well-armed with God’s Word for more than what it can “do for me.” I teach to get people thinking, digging, and reconsidering with the goal that they would actually know the truth about God and be armed to live passionately, taking the calling of Christ personally and seriously.
What do I teach?
Now I teach through the Bible: I’ve written and created video lesson studies through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Luke, Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter and more. I blog here, podcast at “Dwelling Richly,” and update video teaching on YouTube.
You’ll see that I teach in many ways…Bible studies, wellness, art, cooking, music, and more.
I hope you’ll stay and find encouragement as you read and connect, but above all, that you will truly know God and let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Eyes on Him,
Jennifer
Pastoral Care – contact me if you need prayer or pastoral care. Use the Contact link at the top of this page or email Jennifer@jennifergrichmond.com
Listen to part one of my story in this message “Restored.” It’s easy to imagine that the smile you see, the joy, or confidence must come with a simple story – my smile, joy, and confidence come in spite of my story and through the grace and strength of Jesus Christ. Adultery, addiction, and abuse…all plagued my marriage…in this message, you’ll hear our raw and true story and how God restored me, my husband, and our marriage.
In part two of my story, “Satisfied,” I share honestly about my personal struggles with resentment and pornography and how God reached my heart and showed me how to find true and lasting satisfaction in Him.
