When I was
younger, I had a
picture of God
in my mind….
I saw Him as a police officer,
ready to arrest me the moment
I did something wrong.
I thought God was unapproachable and distant, and that I should stay away or He might see something he didn’t like. When hit with the pain of abandonment, rejection, and insecurity, I retreated for protection and comfort. I didn’t want to face what I assumed would be God’s disapproval or disappointment.
That picture is different now.
As I matured in my faith and understanding of Jesus, I recognized that God created us to be in relationship with Him. In the beginning, there was openness and honesty between humanity and God, and there was freedom. Everything we need for freedom and healing has already been provided through Jesus. He is the one who connects us back to God.
Sixteen years ago I felt God calling me to help others embrace the freedom & transformation of growing a deeper relationship with Jesus.
At the time, the church my husband and I had been a part of since 1995 had grown exponentially, and with that growth came a deepening awareness of the subtle ways the enemy distorts our stories to keep us living in scarcity, isolation, and bondage. As I wrestled Satan’s lies in my own life, I knew God was calling me to share His truth with others, and the FREEDOM STUDY was birthed. Two years later I went on staff at our church, and have had the privilege of leading hundreds of people toward freedom in Christ while continuing to discover new levels of grace, truth, and healing in my own story.
Recently, Jesus has been growing me in new ways, increasing my emotional awareness and giving me new tools and language for helping people THRIVE in freedom.
After thirty years in church leadership and ministry settings, not to mention thirty+ years of being married, having kids, navigating friendships, and now loving on my grandkids, I am more passionate than ever about helping people discover that true freedom is found in knowing Jesus. And that He is right here, SEEING and KNOWING us, ready to guide us toward the transformation we long for.
Freedom is a daily decision to move beyond “adding God” to a life that makes us feel good, but to pursue God’s presence in the midst of - and above - it all.
Jesus has already done his part for our freedom. Our part is to stop trying to change ourselves on our own, and surrender to him. This is what I love helping people do, whether through mentoring, speaking or other opportunities I’m given both inside and outside of church settings.
As I enter what feels like a new season
of ministry I know the enemy still
wants to take me down, and I’m not
immune to his timeworn efforts to
make me feel insecure, overlooked,
and less-than. But I AM armed with
the truth that came to set us FREE.
Truth I love sharing every chance I get.
Kristin and her husband, Chris, live in Tampa, Florida, where they are on staff at Grace Family Church. For over thirty years, the Bonhams have faithfully helped shepherd hearts and provide leadership in a variety of capacities as the church has grown. Chris now serves as Lead Pastor on the Directional Team. Kristin’s role has included launching FREEDOM STUDY groups, training ministry leaders, teaching and overseeing women’s ministry. She currently serves as Executive Pastor of Staff Culture.
