Seeking his face: Kelsey Bert is co-leading a junior high Bible study about freedom in Christ

Kelsey Bert, a recent graduate of Perryville High School, is co-leading a junior high Bible study about freedom in Christ this summer at her church, Cape Bible Chapel. The daughter of Jane and Steve Narrow and Joel Bert, Kelsey enjoys reading, running, journaling and cooking new concoctions with friends. Here she shares how leading the Bible study leads her closer to God and how Christ has been working in her heart lately.

Question: How long have you been involved in a church?

Answer: For a while my family didn't have a church so we had a few home services, but other than that I've been involved in a church all my life.

Q: How long have you been involved in the church you currently attend?

A: A little over two years.

Q: What do you love about your church?

A. The people there truly love Jesus, and if there are a few who don't, they leave wanting to. I love how translucent they are, so that anyone can look in their hearts and find a light that burns brighter than any fluorescent, eco-friendly bulb. They are set on reaching others with a love that cannot be quenched, and the passion they have to do so is staggering and convicting.

Q: How did you become involved as a junior high Bible study co-leader?

A: My youth pastor Andy called me up in April and just asked me to lead it with another leader, and I said yes.

Q: What is your favorite thing about leading the Bible study?

A: The junior high kids that come to the study are so honest and fun, and I love seeing the way they smile when all someone mentions is who God is. ... Those are the smiles I picture when I think of joy. I am so blessed to just be around them and see how they love their creator without even realizing they are doing so.

Q: How else are you involved in your church? Have you had any other leadership roles?

A: I am involved in the youth activities at church, and this past school year I was a part of a senior girls accountability group. I've never had any other leadership role. The only other way that I am involved is by just attending church and forming friendships.

Q: How has co-leading a Bible study deepened your relationship with God?

A: This position has caused me to pray and study God's word so much harder since I now have to teach it. He has used the material to break my proud heart, and cleanse me of selfish mindsets that intruded on his spirit's work. It has been a humbling experience to see through some of the lesson's material how little I know of the God who cannot be contained -- and this has only caused me to search for more. Through every part of leading this study I have found so much in my Father that I did not believe was even being offered to me, but was being clearly spoken to me, and we've only had three lessons. His forgiveness, his undying love, and the way he completes me in my inadequacy to do any good thing. I only want more of him after being cleansed by him, and am so blessed to have this position that requires me to seek his face even more.

Q: What has God been teaching you lately?

A: To take time and "be still" in my prayers and daily quiet times, and to simply give him time to reveal himself to me -- which, to be honest, is one of the hardest things for me to do because I am always busy with my thoughts. I've been learning to believe that I am seated in heaven with him, right at this moment, because I am hidden in Jesus, and that he is with me. In Ephesians 2:6 it says that God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in heaven in Christ Jesus. To just believe that made me realize how easy it is to have an intimate relationship with our creator, who never needs to be groped for, but is simply here. This is something I always knew, but never actually experienced in the moments I spent with him.

Q. How are you a witness for Christ outside of church?

A. I could give you a buttered-up list of all the ways I am a witness to those around me, but to be honest, I do not obey my Father enough in this area. I know that God uses many ways to work through me to reach others, but having a raw, Gospel-reeking conversation with an unbeliever, or simple churchgoer does not happen as often as I know it could. Other than the "easy" ways to be a witness, this is one that makes me pray for more guts and less pride.

Q. What is one of your favorite things about God?

A. His faithfulness to never leave me as I am.

Q. What is your favorite verse in the Bible?

A. Philippians 1:6.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. Attend College of the Ozarks in the spring semester, graduate college with an English degree and maybe go into book publishing or secondary education.

Q. What do you hope do be doing 10 years from now?

A. Following Christ 10 times more than I am now. The rest is up to him.