This week we get to know Kirstin Tyner, our Middles Lead, ultimate youth and family camp game designer extraordinaire, wife to Jason and mom to two pretty great teen boys.
What’s your name, where do you live, how long have you been at Roots Church? Kirstin Tyner – Camano Island – Jason and I attended the original church plant meeting many moons ago. But didn’t regularly attend until later, so I always struggle answering the question.
What initially drew you to ministry work? My parents always helped out by volunteering at church youth events when I was growing up. I think I always admired their willingness to help out. I also love doing games and planning activities with my kids, so I started when they started. Youth Group is a great place to play games and do activities. I started working with the Middles group by doing games and getting to know the kids. (My kids have moved into the older group.) I stepped into the teaching role with the Middles group when there was a need for a teacher.
How do you see your role contributing to the larger mission of the church or ministry? We know that the church is the body of believers. The Middles ministry allows this group of kids to come together and talk about heart issues with their peers. They are able to open up and ask questions. They also learn to work together during the games to strategize and communicate as a team. It has been a blessing to watch them grow.
What are your biggest joys and rewards in your ministry work? I enjoy hearing the kids share their insight about the teaching topics. I love when they ask questions. And I enjoy watching them play the silly games.
Can you share a specific example of how you’ve seen your ministry make a difference in someone’s life? I have really enjoyed watching the kids get to know one another better.
What are some of the most challenging or rewarding experiences you’ve had in your ministry work? I enjoy watching the shy kids come out of their shells.
How has your ministry work shaped you personally? I pray for the Spirit to work in the hearts of these kids so that they grow closer to Him. I pray that God grant me words and wisdom as I teach.
How do you see the needs of your community and how do you tailor your ministry to address those needs? I see so many different needs in my role. I find that people need to be listened to. They need to hear that their sin isn’t too much to be forgiven. Or that the sin that has been done to them doesn’t make them any less.
What is your guiding verse or prayer that helps you daily in your personal walk with God and your ministry role? I love Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – When the world gets me down, I remember that Jesus has already defeated this world and in Him I am free. This verse is so powerful for me. I like to pair it with John 10:27 – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. – When I have condemning thoughts, I remember that those are not coming from my beautiful Savior, and I remember to focus on His voice and the incredible promises He makes for those that are gracefully saved by His sacrifice on the cross.
What does your daily walk with God look like and how does that impact your ministry? My daily walk is bumpy. I get in the way of God’s perfection regularly. I have to ask for forgiveness daily. I am so grateful that our God abounds in steadfast love, because I am in constant need of it. His love and forgiveness allow me to encourage others. It helps me to be humble knowing that I need his grace constantly and that His grace is free to everyone over and over and over again. And how incredible it is to have a perfect God that loves us perfectly in our imperfection. That we are not defined by our sin, we are created in the image of an awesome God.
I’m hoping to encourage the church in this. Those who have been called into leadership are bearing fruit so it’s my hope that this will also show the way to bear fruit and to encourage more participation in the body and life of the church.
We thank Kirstin for answering these questions about life and ministry so honestly! Please join us in praying for her ministry through Roots and in the lives of the youth in our church and community!