Orange / the ReThink Group
Kristen Ivy
Kristen Ivy is President and CEO of the ReThink Group/ Orange. She joined the Orange team in 2006 with a bachelor in Education, a Masters of Divinity, and a passion for volunteering in the local church. At Orange, she has played an integral role in launching the middle and high school curriculum, as well as overseeing ongoing development for preschool and children’s resources. Kristen is co-author of over 21 books including It's Personal, Don’t Miss It, and the Phase Guides (an 18-part parenting series). She lives in Cumming, Georgia, with her husband, Matt, and their three children.
What is the ministry challenge keeping you up at night?
Ministry leaders are facing polarization that prevents them from knowing how to move forward in reaching today's families. Ministry has always been difficult, but with increasing economic pressure along with deepening polarities more and more leaders are reaching burnout and leaving ministry. How will the church redefine for a more sustainable future?
What is the greatest hope for God’s work in 2023 you’re dreaming about?
I was raised in conversations about how Christians are called to be counter-cultural, but I believe we may have sometimes misinterpreted what that meant. In a world of increasing fear, anxiety, and hate, I pray that we would become counter-to-that-culture and find that believers are displaying lives characterized by uncommon peace and love. I am hoping that we can begin to see radical Christian unity that will speak louder than any program or campaign.
What is a non-ministry activity that brings you joy and energy?
I enjoy time with my middle-school kids. Our middle child is into theater, so we are finding joy and energy in participating in that community as she discovers more of her unique gifts and talents.
What are the top 1-3 essentials for the Church in America to address to reach those who are spiritually open, but not yet following Jesus?
1. Can the church be a place that displays vulnerability and authenticity?2. Can the church be a place that leads a generation in what it looks like to live both radical grace and justice?3. Will the church adjust priorities to address the decline in youth ministry leaders, and make space for Gen Z to be welcome as participants?