interlínc : Maximizing Music and Media in Youth Ministry

From your involvement with the Revolve Tour, what are the major themes that you hear from the girls?
Self-esteem and identity are the most major issues. And those play themselves out in many different ways. They are searching for validation and acceptance and many are seeking that through relationships with boys. But they are also searching for significance. They want to know how to really live for God in this generation.

How have you been able to you use struggles from your past?
I struggled with an eating disorder for several years. I know how it feels to see yourself as not-enough, un-lovely, and un-accepted. I know how it feels to work so hard to fit in, trying constantly to achieve perfection. But my real pain met the real God and it forever changed my life. Being completely honest and authentic with the girls and letting them see the real me has yielded some really awesome results.

Now that you are a mother of twin girls, how has this changed your outlook on ministry?
It has given me an even greater passion for what I do. With the platform God has given me, I have this incredible moment in time to affect this culture and help to shape this generation. That is so humbling and something I take very seriously. This generation will grow up and become the role models that my daughters look to. And I want to be a part of shaping the world they will grow up in.

How would you encourage Youth Workers in regards to ministry to teenage girls in their local church?
First and foremost, BE REAL. Kids don’t expect their youth pastor/leader to be the perfect Christian. But they are desperate to see what real faith looks like. Talk about your struggles and be honest. Authenticity is the key. Talk about the “tough stuff”. Ask the hard questions. Let them know that they have a place where they can be themselves and won’t be judged. When I was struggling with my eating disorder, it was so important for me to have someone I could tell. Create that kind of safe place for these teenage girls. Make sure you have godly women involved who can set the example.

Tell us about The Home Foundation and how you got involved with such a powerful organization that is changing the lives of girls around the world.
I actually started the foundation in 2005, after I returned from a trip to India. I actually learned about Human Trafficking from a television show, which led me to research the topic and eventually led me to India. Slavery still exists today; it’s just in a form that most of us are not aware of. They say that today, upwards of 20 million children have been sold, the majority of them sexually exploited and forced into prostitution. And it is happening in this country as well. 40,000 documented cases of girls that were sold in our towns and communities just last year. 1 mile from the front door of my suburban house in Nashville, they broke up a brothel with 15 girls under the age of 12.

It’s happening everywhere. But we are raising awareness and building an army of people who are standing up and saying “no more”. I am not the hero. Those organizations who are on the front lines, fighting to rescue these girls, they are the heroes, and the home foundation raises funds to support the missing. Last year we built 2 orphanages and this year we have started a college-internship program. And are sending our first 3 college interns to India this summer for a 10-week program. www.thehomefoundation.net.

What do you hope the music of your new album will do for others?
“Relentless”—the album’s title—means to be unyielding, unbending, and adamant. Those words can totally have a negative connotation but if you think about it, they also completely describe God’s constant and unwavering love for us. I want to be relentless in my pursuit of Christ, and as a result of that, relentlessly pursue the hearts of those who are spiritually empty. I hope this music will motivate others to do the same.

What’s the story behind your song titled, “Make A Way”?
Brittany is a 17 yr old girl that I met at The Revolve Tour. She had been given a modeling contract at 17, moved to New York, met a guy online who came to her apartment and raped her. She was hurt; she was lost and completely broken. After she moved back home, her mom “dragged” her to Revolve. She heard my story. She heard about Jesus in such a real way for the first time, and it changed her life. Hearing her testimony reminded me that the gospel and grace of Jesus is as relevant today as it ever has been. And regardless of your story, who you are or where you’ve been, or whether you’re 17, 35 or 60, He will always make a way.