Linda J. Ivey Ministries
Minister Lisa Monte
Chapter Title: Living Testimony of God's Grace
Signature Scripture:
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.”
Church Membership: Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Philadelphia, PA
Minister Lisa Monte Background: A graduate of Manna Bible Institute, born and raised in Philadelphia and serving God for years and as a minister for over fifteen years with a passion for Recovery Ministry.
Minister Lisa Monte’s Reflections: Despite my working in various ministries within my church and my community, I rejected other’s prophesy that God was Calling me. I actively served on the Missionary and Evangelistic Team, Deaconess Ministry, Sunday School and Outreach Recovery Ministry: FANS –Former Addicts Now Saved. I was content serving in these ministries. I realize I ignored my Call based on my fear and my insecurities.
Minister Lisa Monte’s Testimony: I am thankful for my work with our recovery ministry; FANS –Former Addicts Now Saved. As the wife of a delivered former addict, the FANS ministry is close to my heart. My husband and I struggled during the early years of our marriage because of his addiction and our spiritual immaturity. Living with a spouse with an addiction is spiritually, emotionally and financially devastating. My husband, who is also my pastor, is a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy. My husband is a mighty man of God, who the devil tried to destroy before he accepted The Lord and was delivered; But God said not so. Our journey wasn’t easy. I had to stand flat-footed to fight for my marriage, but there were also times when I wanted to throw in the towel to declare a surrender. But God kept saying not so.
Minister Lisa Monte’s Challenges: I love preaching God’s Word, but I didn’t love the time of the preparation process. Even with all my blessings, I was reluctant to accept speaking engagements. I’d labor over my messages in an effort to give the Lord my best and serve Him in excellence. So, I’d pray over my assignment, meditate on it, research it, write it down, then pray with more meditation, I would practice delivering my message. All of this was time consuming and emotionally draining, however very spiritually rewarding. God anointed my results and gave me an impactful message, but I was exhausted by the end of the process. I couldn’t imagine having to make that a weekly practice.
Minister Lisa Monte’s Observations: In ministry our relationship with God is extremely important, but there are also five other significant components of ministry we need to practice: daily devotion of studying and prayer; having a love for God’s people and wanting them to be overcomers and whole; understanding we’ve been bought with a price and our lives are not our own; and finally, being sacrificial by helping others by spending our time, talents, treasures and energy with them.
Minister Lisa Monte’s Most Significant Accomplishment: My primary and most important role is to support my husband’s ministry and it’s a demanding responsibility.
Minister Lisa Monte’s Vision for the Church: Unfortunately, there are still some men who aren’t supportive of women ministers. They may lack biblical understanding that women can be called to preach. I pray for them and don’t allow their beliefs to deter me, nor do I argue or debate, I simply enter the doors God opens.