What is your biggest challenge?
The main challenge for me is feeling like I am not keeping up with all the people in my life. I am a people person and I love to sit and talk with people. Unfortunately, the reality in my life at this season is that I don't have the time to do that as much as I like to do. Most people are actually very gracious and they realize the pace we keep, but at times it's a challenge knowing that I may disappoint some people due to the time constraints I have. I have to give it to the Lord and He is good about putting people in my heart at various times to remind me to jot them a note or email - or plan a get together just to stay in touch. I do believe that we are engaged in the priorities the Lord has set before us - our family and the ministry. In my case, writing is a big part of what God has called me to do. It takes lots of time to write and that means lots of alone time. I am not an "alone time" person - I get charged being with people, but it's not exactly condusive to writing...so I try to find the balance between fulfilling the mission God has given me and setting aside time to have fun with people. I think I have a good balance - but like most women, I am challenged by not being able to 'be all things to all people'. Then again...I am not God...so I guess I don't have to worry about that, right?!
What refreshes you?
Time with the Lord. That's the number one thing that refreshes me...reading the Bible and hearing God speak to my heart is like honey to my soul. I also love to sing...in private! When I can sing songs from my heart to the Lord and when I can put in a worship CD that hits my heart it's a good day! Time with my people is number three! Mini-dates with my husband...dinner, a chat, cappucinno's and snuggling in for a video night - refreshing! Hanging out with my kids - shopping, skiing, laying in the sun...you get the idea...wonderful! And of course, any time I can sit in a Starbucks and chat about life and God-stuff or go shopping with my mom, sisters or a God-knit girlfriend...it's refreshing. Laughing is definitely number three! When I can get into a good laugh with family, staff or friends...it's a beautiful thing.
What kind of music do you like?
My all-time favorite music is anointed, heartfelt worship music. When it comes to praise and worship music...I really like all genres. Like most people, for me the bottom line is - the anointing...if the words and melody hit my heart and take me to "the place with God" - I love it. It's very subjective. I really like Hillsongs stuff...because it's so full of heart and genuine love for God. Reuben Morgan, Newsboys and Passion are full of God's heart. I love the oldies too...2nd Chapter of Acts and Keith Green. I also like a lot of CD's that are coming out of worshipping churches - they are fresh and full of life. My favorite "fire me up" music is funk! I don't know why, but I love funk music, techno stuff. Grand Funk Railroad, Motown, Aretha, Sly and the Family Stone, UB40, Kirk Franklin...they fire me up, make me happy and get my adrenaline going! On the other extreme, I really like melancholy music too...like some Sarah Maclaughlin, Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow type songs keep me connected to the heart of lost people.
How do you balance being a wife, mother, minister?
This is also a huge challenge. I have not perfected it. I am sure I have failed at this balancing act many times. There are seasons...and thank God for His mercy and grace to help! I have lived on a little phrase, "grace for the pace" - that's what sustains me, His grace enlarges my capacity and enables me to function in all the roles I am called to fulfill. I truly believe that the only way to juggle things is through leaning on, tapping into and trusting in God's grace and empowerment. The bottom line is living for an Audience of One...if Jesus is pleased with my heart, actions and lifestyle...then I am confident that my husband, kids, friends, church and ministry stuff will be just fine! Fortunately, God has given me an amazing husband with a huge servant's heart and four of the best kids on the planet...so by His grace we are functioning in all He's called us to do.
What is the best way to get in touch with you and do you read and respond to every email?
The best way to get in touch with me is via email. I appreciate the time people take to jot a note, and I do my best to answer each email. When I am not able to write back or when I think one of my associates could better respond to an email, I will ask them to help me out and jot you back.
Can I speak to you and get personal advice or mentoring?
I would love to sit down and chat with everyone but unfortunately, at this season of my life with the demands of being a wife, mom, helping my husband, writing and speaking requires most of the time I have. Therefore, this does not allow time in my schedule for any type of personal mentoring program. I believe that the way I can best mentor others, in addition to helping my husband pastor VFC, is through public speaking and writing books, Bible studies, newspaper columns and articles on this website. The other thing I really recommend - if you feel a call to ministry and want personal mentoring to be a part of what God is doing in and through VFC - is to attend our EPIC School of Ministry or other Bible School of your choice.
How can we invite you to speak at our conference or women's event?
If you'd like booking information or availability just email MichelleSnow@kvfc.org.
Can I listen to your messages online?
Yes...we have two options. You can listen to the audio or video version of our sermons via the BJM website. You can also subscribe to our podcast through iTunes by clicking here. Once you are in iTunes, just click on podcasts and search for Beth Jones Ministries for the latest messages.
What books have you written?
Getting A Grip On The Basics - Series of 6 Bible Study Workbooks
Bite Sized Bible Studies - Series of 6 Bible Study Workbooks
The Question Minibooks - Series of 10 Minibooks
How can I order your books, Bible studies, tapes and ministry materials?
Just contact our ministry through the Online Store or call our toll-free number, We offer quantity discounts on all of our books. You may also contact your local Family Christian Stores, Mardell Stores, Barnes & Noble, Border Books or Amazon.com
What books and Bible study tools do you use to study the Bible?
Versions of the Bible - King James, New King James, Amplified and Message are the main Bibles I use. I use the NIV as well. I like the PC Study Bible - it's a great computer Bible study program and user friendly for those of us who are not Greek scholars. Study Bibles - In addition to the computer programs mentioned, I used The Spirit-Filled Study Bible, edited by Jack Hayford, and The Dakes Anotated Study Bible, edited by Dakes and the NIV Study Bible. All are loaded with rich notes. Strong's Concordance - with Greek and Hebrew dictionary. Naves Topical Bible, Smith's Bible Dictionary, Wuest Word Studies, and other study tools.
Where is the church you and your husband pastor located?
Valley Family Church is located @ 995 Romence Road, Portage, MI 49024. Phone, 269.324.5599. Weekend Services: Saturday @ 5pm and 7pm and Sunday @ 9am and 11am
