Pastor April Ellis
l. What did you almost do before being called to be a pastor? Lawyer (Employment Law or Civil Law) – I really love how the law functions within society and did not know until I was almost done with my undergrad degree if God would equip me for full time ministry by sending me to Seminary (to preach and teach) or Law School (pro bono work)! Anthropologist – I am totally enthralled by analyzing the impact of things/choices on societies and individuals. I have always had a passion for studying the impact religion, conflict, economics, law /political structures had/have on society. Some of the things I actually did prior to being a pastor are army reserve civilian secretary, corporate meeting planning, adults with special needs caretaker, corporate executive assistance, marketing, sales and marketing analysis, litigation paralegal, legal team secretary, woman’s ministries coordinator, nursery ministries director, children’s ministries director, and an advanced lay speaker.
2. What sports do you play and watch? I love horseback riding most of all but haven’t had the chance to go for years. I grew up with four (4) brothers and have spent the last 19 years with my hubby (Sean) who played just about every sport so I am a great cheerleader. I like to participate in sports when it is a low pressure/low potential injury situation – like at a family reunion or a church picnic pickup game. I love adventure though and I have enjoyed the occasional rock climbing, white water rafting, sled riding, ice skating, and spelunking. The girls and I go biking around the neighborhood often. We go camping (yes – in a tent) whenever we get the chance. I have a great time playing on a co-ed softball league with Sean in the Spring. I have been on bowling leagues in the past. I enjoy fishing (though I haven’t had the chance to go recently). I used to shoot pool fairly decent. I am a student (beginner level) of the game of golf (Sean is my instructor). The entire family and I are green belts at Choi Kwang Do which we love doing together (but we are on a break from classes right now).
As far as watching sports, I must see every Steelers football game during the pro football season (we’re from “da Burg!” after all). The truth is, we do get a little bit crazy about our Steelers football! I love it most because it makes me feel connected to all of my family that still lives in PA. We playfully enjoy the rivalry with neighboring cities like the “mistake on the lake” (I mean Cleveland) since Sean has family in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse? Exodus 19:3-6 … It is all about the mission of God to redeem and restore all people to right relationship with Him, the role of connecting people to Him through our words and actions that those of us who know Him best get to have, and it recaps the way He sets us free by His power, love and grace SO THAT we can help others know what He is about SO THAT they can decide for themselves to accept or reject relationship with Him. It has been said this is the three (3) most important verses in all of Scripture! In it is the answers to the biggest questions people have about life, God, and what both have to do with them
4. What one thing do you want people to know about you? I have had many experiences in many different settings and God has used every single one of them to equip and prepare me to preach and teach His Word to His people! Whatever you are going through in life will not surprise me and it certainly will not surprise God; I want you to be real with me and know that God will use every bit of whatever you let Him to equip and prepare you for the specific purpose He has for your life and witness.
Hello,
I wanted to introduce myself to you. My daughter Ashley has been attending your church, she is a religion student at Reinhardt and really enjoys your church. Just wanted to thank you for being in her life.