In recent years, it has been encouraging to see more and more women in the Vineyard being encouraged and empowered to become leaders in all areas of ministry. That’s what attracted Jenny Gravely to become part of the Vineyard in the first place, and it helped her to realize that she could become a church planter. She has been officially released to plant a Vineyard church for the second time, and we are very excited to pray with her as she launches this fall in Estero, FL.
Name: Jenny Gravely
Church: Vineyard Church of Estero, Estero, FL
Church Website: www.vineyardestero.org
About Jenny:
I came to the Vineyard because I was looking for a church that would allow me to serve with my gifts. The Vineyard embraced female leadership, which is what I felt and still feel the Lord calling me to do. I went through VLI and interned at Vineyard Columbus, and I went on to pursue further training by earning my M.Div at Ashland Theological Seminary in 2012. I was born in Ohio, where I met my husband David, and where we lived until we moved to Estero in 2014. We have two children and one daughter-in-law. I enjoy many activities, but my passion is to see others come to know Jesus.
During a VLI intensive years ago, I felt the Lord was impressing on me that I was supposed to start a church. At first, I thought there was no way, since I am a woman. I mentioned this to the Lord and he reminded me that he already knew I was a woman when he put church planting on my heart. He showed me visions, had strangers confirm what I was to do, sent others to help, and by his grace I helped successfully plant a church in Fulton, OH in 2011—The Vineyard Church of Morrow County. Now that I have moved to Estero, FL, I pray that we can do it again!
About the Vineyard Church of Estero:
I feel a godly burden to reach those in Estero, the surrounding community, and FGCU. In the big picture, Estero is just like anywhere else, in that people need Jesus. But as far as what I feel the Lord is going to do through a Vineyard in Estero, I believe he is going to use this church plant to reach those who are disconnected; believers and unbelievers. One of the predominant comments I have heard in the past year is that people who move here, and have been here for quite some time, have found it difficult to make new friends. I think we can all relate to wanting good friends in our lives. Not only that, people need Jesus and each other to have a successful walk, and to have the abundant life Jesus talks about.
In addition, there are communities within communities in the trailer parks. The Lord has opened the door for us to be a blessing and to be blessed through one park in particular. Being connected there helps us promote the Kingdom through gifts, outreaches, service, and personal growth. I long to see the rebirth of my future brothers and sisters, and to see my born again brothers and sisters growing deeper in their relationship with Jesus, myself included! That’s at the heart of this vision: More of Jesus, more like Jesus!
How to Pray for Jenny and the Vineyard Church of Estero:
We are planning to launch weekend services this fall. Please pray that we can find a place to meet, extend the love of Jesus to all we come in contact with, and that the Lord would send me others to accomplish all that he has planned for this church plant. Did I mention wisdom? Please pray that the Lord gives me wisdom in all areas of my life. Thank you!
