It Takes a Team: An Interview with CHOG Ministries’ Lori Kinnett
By Carl Stagner
How much do you know about what goes on inside the office at Church of God Ministries? Who conducts necessary office work so others may travel the world with the hope of Christ? It’s the behind-the-scenes work that enables Church of God Ministries to carry out the work of our Lord. When you support the unrestricted portion of the World Ministries Budget, you support our missionaries, our projects at home and abroad, and so much more. In the following interview, get to know one of the faces behind the scenes. Her name is Lori Kinnett, and your support of the “basic budget” makes her vital ministry possible.
So you’re one of the friendly voices people hear when they call Church of God Ministries! How long have you been on the team?
My first day with Church of God Ministries was in November 2014, as a temp, working on the Yearbook registration process. My first day as a “real” employee was sometime about six months later. I am a customer care representative. So far, I’ve taken care of lots of registration and Yearbook advertising questions.
How does your role with the Yearbook and customer care fit into the overall picture of Church of God Ministries?
Most of my work to date has been with the registration/Yearbook process by assisting pastors and churches with registration, and by processing Yearbook listings for affiliated organizations. I foresee my work encompassing a wider range of customer service as I gain knowledge about the organization and its mission.
How has your experience in customer care for Church of God Ministries made an impact on you?
Customer service may not be a glamorous business, but it has blessed me over and over. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel when constituents thank me for help, or offer to pray for me because I’ve helped them. Sometimes the caller is frustrated at the beginning, but we usually find a resolution. It is the biggest blessing to hear someone say, “What is your name? I want to say a prayer for you later,” or “You have been the voice of Jesus to me today.” I assure you that I’ve never had that experience in any other job I’ve had!
How has Jesus Christ made a difference in your life?
I cannot imagine my life without Jesus. I know he was there through my Catholic upbringing, and later when I joined a Quaker meeting as an adult. My perception as a child and young adult was incomplete and clouded, and I was rather afraid! My experience as a Quaker allowed me to accept Jesus as my Savior, to explore the Bible, to realize God’s love for us all (which I’m not sure I really understood before), and to really internalize the sacrifice Jesus made so that we all may have eternal life!
What do you appreciate most about the Church of God and Church of God Ministries?
I am still learning about the Church of God. I really feel like I am still learning about all of the various movements and denominations within Christianity. I am blessed by the daily prayer circle here, and the environment of caring that is present. I am always moved when we lay hands on someone and pray for them in their time of need. It is an exciting reminder of the power of prayer!
What activities keep you busy when you’re not at the office?
We have four children, and three grandchildren, all living within two hours of us. Our best times are spent with family. My husband has a Harley, so most vacations and visits to family include the motorcycle, weather permitting. I can’t deny that I enjoy the wind in my hair as much as he does! We love traveling and exploring new places, and we share it with family as much as possible.
Lori and her husband Shane are recent empty-nesters and reside in the beautiful Indiana countryside between Ingalls and Fortville.
Church of God Ministries relies on your financial support of the unrestricted portion of the World Ministries Budget to enable basic, necessary operations to continue. Support the behind-the-scenes work of the Church of God today at www.jesusisthesubject.org/world-ministry-fund/. Learn more about the Church of God at www.JesusIsTheSubject.org.
