At the age of fourteen, I was introduced to Jesus and my life has never been the same.
Originally from the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, I am one of four children and the stereotypical first child. As a child, I dreamed of being a ballerina, librarian, Broadway actress, singer, and historian. I even went so far as to cultivate an in-home basement library by cobbling together the books in our house, organizing them with hand-marked labels, and encouraging (i.e. forcing) my siblings to be my patrons. Oh, childhood.
Though interested in Jesus and faith from a young age, I didn’t understand the personal nature of Jesus’ work until - as a freshman in high school - I heard the good news that Jesus had died for ME so that He could introduce eternal life to ME. Sundays quickly became my favorite day of the week as I filled my new study Bible with notes of all that I was learning.
The first class I took in college was a Monday 8:00 am course in Christian Life & Thought. It was on my very first day that I heard such words as “soteriology” and “eschatology” and was immediately smitten. I haven’t looked back since.
God was so good to put cheerleaders along my path. They saw my leadership gifts, my teaching potential, my eagerness to share God’s Word. They told me to look into seminary which, for me, was a place I’d never even considered. Their encouragement eventually landed me in Dallas, TX where I earned my Th.M. after years of hard work. What kept me going were my family, friends, and the fantastic community at Dallas Bible Church who not only helped me experience the local church as family but also gave me a chance to practice this thing we call ministry.
After seminary, prompted by friends who thought I needed to expand my horizons, I created a Match.com profile. Two months later, I met my husband Andrew. We were married 13 months after meeting. Andrew has been my constant encourager and edifier. He has opened my eyes to the beauty of the covenant of marriage and we marvel at God’s goodness to us in bringing us together.
In the last few years, we have welcomed two precious boys, Auburn and Macallan, into our family. They epitomize joy and are gifts I never imagined myself receiving. Though on staff at my church for many years, my most recent position as Women’s Minister has been my favorite. It has stretched and humbled and built my faith in innumerable ways. Mostly, I’ve enjoyed helping women discover the beauty and transformative power of God’s Word. I’ve also had the honor of providing pastoral care to women in the ups and downs of life’s journey - a process which has left me forever changed.
If you are looking for a speaker or writer who can craft Scripture-based messages with relevance, application, and heart, I would be happy to serve alongside you. Life is only found in Jesus Christ and if I can be a small conduit to that life, I would consider it a joy.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Cedarville University
Master of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary
Personality Assessments
Myers Briggs: ENFJ
Enneagram: Type 2
Strengthsfinder Themes: Intellection, Connectedness, Input, Woo, Context
Kristen Pool
Christ-follower. Women’s Minister. Wife to Andrew. Mom to Auburn & Macallan. Aunt to 5 little loves.
