Confidence in His Leadership

When I first got involved with The Connection, it was because I desperately needed support. It was still less than a year after the world had shut down in response to COVID-19, and things still hadn’t returned to “normal.” On top of that, my family and I had experienced significant loss along with other substantial changes.

I remember praying fervently for God to provide me with connection. And He did. Not even an hour later, I learned about The Connection’s mentoring program, “Together,” and I knew this was God’s answer to my prayer.

As I followed God’s lead, I was blessed beyond measure with a mentor who created a safe place for me to share. She consistently made time for me, prayed for me, and encouraged me. She was instrumental in helping me grow in spiritual, emotional, mental, and relational health.

During our six-month mentoring commitment, my mentor invited me to an event at The Connection. As I sat there and observed the ladies in the room, I paid special attention to those who were ministry leaders. I had once been like them, serving in various ministry capacities, and passionately so. Until I just couldn’t anymore. I burnt out and pulled back from practically every area of service.

So, as I sat as a guest at The Connection and watched these ladies fervently and enthusiastically serve, I thought to myself, “I’m so glad I’m not doing that. I don’t even want to!” But just as I declared those words emphatically to myself (and maybe to God), there was a deep knowing in my spirit that I would once again be back in a place of ministry. I had heard too many stories of how God had worked in other peoples’ lives. I knew He was at work in my life too. Even in my brokenness and spiritual fatigue.

Several months later, the executive director, Mandy, wrote a blog post inviting women to get involved in serving at The Connection. When I saw that there was a need for writers for the blog, I signed myself up. I had been praying about writing opportunities, and this seemed just right. God had been working on me. He was lifting me up from the ashes and breathing life into me. And now He wanted me to share the treasures He had been giving me in my desert season.

After writing several blog posts, I was completely caught off guard when, over a cup of coffee, Mandy asked me if I would be the blog editor. God quickly made the yes very clear. He was gently leading me back into ministry.

And then not so gently.

He picked up the pace, leading me to become the mentoring program’s co-lead…and then a board member for The Connection. In January 2024, at my first board meeting, there was discussion about finding a new executive director since Mandy was ready to step down in order to spend more time with her husband, who had recently retired.

Mandy looked at me and Donna, another member that had just joined the board of directors, and said, somewhat playfully, “Are either of you interested?” I immediately responded with a complete sense of assurance that I was not the person for the job. But I could not get her words out of my head. Surely she was joking. Did she really think that I was capable and qualified? She must have been hoping Donna would be interested.

Following the board meeting, I talked to God about this curious remark, asking Him what His thoughts were on me being the executive director. I had learned to always bring even seemingly outrageous possibilities to Him. He gave no clear answer, so eventually I let it go. Except that it wouldn’t let go of me. Every now and then, the possibility of being the executive director would come to mind, and whenever it did, I prayed about it.

Then towards the end of 2024, I was offered a ministry position for another local organization, completely out of the blue. The role suited my giftings and experiences very well, and I prayerfully considered it for several weeks. But I didn’t have peace about it. While praying about that opportunity, I began to think, “If I can make this work, I could make the executive director position at The Connection work.” But I didn’t want to force something to happen. If it was God’s will, He would have to make it clear to me.

One day as I met with a mentor of mine who is involved with The Connection, I shared vaguely with her that there was a ministry position I had been offered. I shared the pros and the cons with her without sharing the details of the organization or role. But as I wrapped up my thoughts on the matter, I finally shared the specifics with her. When we parted ways that day, she said, “You know, when you were talking, I thought for sure you were going to say this was the executive director position.” I told her I had prayed about it, but I just wasn’t sure. I needed confirmation. She agreed to pray for that.

A week later at church, I ended up in a conversation with a woman who knew The Connection was preparing to fill this role. Initially, we made small talk. I asked about things with her, and she began to share when suddenly, almost abruptly, she flipped the conversation. “What about you? I thought for sure you would pursue the executive director job at The Connection!” Although she was just an acquaintance, she seemed to have the utmost confidence about this. She encouraged me to take a step of faith.

It’s funny where a step of faith will lead you. Here I am, now the executive director of The Connection. Only by the grace of God. Stepping into this leadership role, I bring my passion for sharing God’s Word and wisdom, for mentoring and encouraging other women, and for knowing and loving Jesus. I am confident, not in myself, but in the Good Shepherd who has led me to this place. With Him leading me in this position of leadership, I am excited to see what the future holds!

“I am the good shepherd…” John 10:11a

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalms 32:8

Lord, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. We trust You to lead us and counsel us!

Kimberly Vaughn

Kimberly Vaughn is the executive director for The Connection. She is also the blog editor and a co-leader for their mentoring program, “Together.” She is a wife and a homeschool mom. Kimberly has been involved in various aspects of ministry since graduating from Bible college 20 years ago. She is passionate about sharing God’s wisdom and hope with others through the words she writes and speaks. She desires to inspire other believers to invest in one another through consistent, authentic relationships.