028. Unveiling Ministry Challenges and Finding Faith with Alesa Lewis Miller

Discover the realities of parsonage life and the challenges faced by pastors and their families. Find faith, encouragement, and hope in their inspiring journey.

Introduction: A Life Behind the Parsonage Walls

Alesa Lewis Miller has lived behind the parsonage walls for over 50 yrs. Being raised in a minister’s home and then marrying a minister and now a missionaries wife Alesa has experienced the joys and disappointments that can only be seen from behind the parsonage walls. With this book, she hopes to allow others to see the realism and normality in which every pastor’s family lives while encouraging you to stand strong in your faith no matter what comes your way. Alesa homeschooled all 3 of her children and is crazy in love with Jeffrey Miller, who after 30 yrs of pastoring became a US missionary with Church Mobilization in the Assemblies of God, who covers some 600 churches in Kansas and Oklahoma. Her greatest blessings are her 3 children, their Spouses, future Spouse, and 3 precious little ones that call her Mimi.

 

The Importance of Mental Health for Christian Leaders

When asked about a habit or routine that keeps her healthy as a Christian Leader, Alesa shares how she focuses on mental health. Everything she does from keeping her thoughts in line with God’s Word, having daily time with the Lord, making healthy choices in what she eats, and keeping her gut healthy so she can think with a clear mind. That combination of the spiritual and the practical keeps her healthy mentally and physically. 

 

Encouragement and Support for Pastors and Pastor's Wives

Alesa loves encouraging people and her passion for this grew when she and her husband began planting a church many years ago. Nothing happened like it was supposed to and they ended up feeling isolated and alone. She determined then that if she ever got back into ministry, she would make sure that every pastor and pastor’s wife that she met knew they were special. That they were valued and important. 

Through reading her book she wants people to know, no matter what they are going through, God is working all things together for His good. Alesa loves telling about her experiences and what they have been through in this life. 

 

Finding Strength in Key Scriptures: Philippians as a Source of Inspiration

When asked what key scripture she has held onto, Alesa shared that Philippians is her favorite book in the Bible with many verses holding special meaning to her. 

Starting with Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and then backing up to verse 12 to truly understand the meaning of that verse “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Jeff and Alesa have truly lived this verse in their lives. 

Alesa then shared the secret to being content is Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

‭‭When we put those things into practice and have our minds in line with what God’s Word says we are, we can keep going. If we allow ourselves to believe we are anything besides what He says we are our lives are likely to spiral out of control. Which is exactly where satan wants us to be. If he can keep us discouraged and in fear he has us right where he wants us. It is very important to recognize when those negative thoughts come in and take them captive. Do not focus on the lies of the enemy then direct your thoughts to what you know is pleasing and admirable to the Lord. 

 

Leaving a Legacy: Sharing Personal Stories for Encouragement

Alesa started writing her book in an effort to leave a legacy to her children and grandchildren. For them to see what she and her husband have been through and to encourage them as they serve in future ministry whether in the pew or behind the pulpit.

She published it on Amazon, shared it with some friends, and did some simple marketing. Since then, several people have purchased the book and shared how much it has meant. Recently, a ministry network inquired about purchasing copies for an upcoming pastor-wife’s retreat.

Alesa is humbled when she hears from readers that it touched their lives enough that they have passed it on to a friend. She is so thankful to know that what they went through is helping someone else.   

 

The Spring of 2023: Mission Work, Weddings, and God's Faithfulness

The Spring of 2023 has Alesa’s life full as she takes opportunities to share about her book, while helping her husband with mission work, all amidst planning two weddings. Jeff and Alesa’s ministry continues to expand in the mission area. They are connecting churches that have needs with people who can meet those needs through “Church Mobilization”. They are seeing some amazing ways of God’s faithfulness. 

 

Preparing the Church for the Harvest: Finding Hope in Life's Challenges

Alesa relates her story with “Preparing the Church for the Harvest” in that she prays it gives people HOPE. No matter what is happening in their life, she encourages all not to give up. If we fully rely in and trust on God in all things, we will reap a harvest if we don't give up.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” ~‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

If you don’t know what to do next, do the last thing God told you to do. Keep on keeping on and God will see you through. 

 

Unforeseen Blessings: Trusting God's Plan in the Midst of Uncertainty

When Jeff & Alesa planted a church back in 2000 nothing went the way it was supposed to go. They had a next-door neighbor whose 3 yr old little girl would play with their son. They introduced this family to Christ and they became members of their new church. About a year later they moved back home to Alaska. The families kept in contact during holidays and such until July 2022 when that daughter, came back into their life after her mother had suddenly passed away. For the last 20 years, the Millers wondered why they planted that church and it did not go the way it was supposed to. After all this time, that little girl will join their family as she marries their son this fall. This proves that you never know what God is up to, even when things aren’t going right. Keep your eyes on Jesus and fully trust Him that ALL things are working together for His good. 

 

Connect with Alesa Lewis Miller:

• Purchase the book: Behind the Parsonage Walls

• Facebook: Alesa Lewis Miller

• Website: https://behindtheparsonagewalls.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Jeff & Alesa’s ministry: https://millersforusmissions.com

Connect with Jacklin: 

• Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook

• Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram

• Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog

• Schedule a Call

 

Enter to win the Book Bundle Giveaway: 

Click here and enter the code word PARSONAGE

 

Other Episodes Mentioned:

Episode 017 with Jeff & Alesa Miller - Church Mobilization

This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode028.