The Zone Gathering

Like her husband, she wears many hats- Legislative Director for a member of Congress; Kidz Ministry Coordinator at NCC; youth group leader; Easter Eggstravaganza guru; Kidz Christmas Pageant Writer, Director, and Producer; we could go on and on. AND, she is married to Pastor Joel. She basically has several full-time jobs. She’s usually chasing around little guys on Sunday mornings, so you may not see her a lot on Sunday mornings.

Today, we grabbed some of Nina’s time in between constituent meetings and member briefings to talk about life, ministry, and her love for kids and families.

What is your official title? And what does that mean you do at NCC?
Children’s Ministry Coordinator – I coordinate ministry for the little tikes at NCC.

Tell us a little about the ministries or small groups that you have led or participated in and how that experience has impacted you.
Four and a half years ago, on a few days notice, I took over the children’s ministry to “fill-in” temporarily. Basically, Parker Batterson was my only regular, and we had a few other kids from time to time. Now we also have three site coordinators (props to my girls!), five classes each Sunday morning (soon to launch a sixth), and a regular team of eighteen rotating teachers. On a typical Sunday we have about 45 kids…and I adore each one!

Last year, I attended the Women in Leadership small group and then the Crown Financial group. This year, I will be leading our first ever small group for youth (6th – 12th grade)! I really, really love young people! Oh yeah, and for almost three years I have scrapbooked twice a month with some NCC gals. That counts too!

Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
I am with the kids, of course! I suppose I can be a little hard to find be because I bounce around to our multiple sites. Most often, I start the morning at Union Station and then head out to Ballston to finish the morning there. If you head toward the short people, I will probably be there.

When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
When I was in seventh grade, I was invited to a youth event by a friend at school. (I know…kind of funny that I lead children’s church when I never attended as a kid myself.) I had a great time and started attending regularly. I had really great youth leaders that invested in me and my family and I accepted Christ that year, at age 12.

High school was a significant spiritual turning point for me. I had a youth leader that became a mentor to me. Though I originally accepted Christ because I was drawn to the peace and grace that He offers, my mentor/youth leader taught me that Christ had a purpose for my life. I realized that following Christ wasn’t just about what He offers me, but that I have a responsibility as His follower.

Tell us a little about your background…
I was born in the desert of southern California but was raised mostly in the Bay Area, San Jose, CA. My parents divorced and both remarried when I was really little. I have had two families for as long as I can remember. My baby sister is about ten years younger than me and she just started college in Philadelphia. I am told we are a very “crafty” family – I guess that means that I can use a glue gun.

I attended a performing arts junior high and high school and was very involved in dance and musical theater. I went to college at Westmont College in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. (Seriously, the most wonderful place to live.) I moved to DC just out of college to work for Congress. I met Joel at NCC and we got married in 2004.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48

What are your favorite books?
I read for pleasure a lot so I’ve read pretty much everything on Oprah’s Book List.

The Bridge to Tarabithia is a childhood favorite, along with Hatchet, The Boxcar Children, and The Babysitter’s Club. (I thought I would mix it up a bit since the rest of the staff covered every Christian-help book out there. Though I just finished Blue Like Jazz and loved it.)

What are your favorite movies?
I have always loved Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And, I pretty much love any movie with dancing (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, A Chorus Line, Newsies, Swing Kids, etc.).

What is your favorite fast food?
Probably Baja Fresh, though Joel says that isn’t fast food. I say, if you don’t have to tip a waiter, it is fast food. In-N-Out Burger is good too.

What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?
I have been this same height (exactly 5 foot 6 inches) since I was in sixth or seventh grade. I was a giant back then, especially compared to the boys…

If you were not working at NCC, your dream job would be?
Well, for most of the week I work as the Legislative Director for a Member of Congress and I really enjoy that. I have LOTS of dreams though (Joel is nodding his head as he reads this.) I would love to do family photography, own my own business, decorate cakes, offer financial management for under-privileged, work in Student Life at a college…I could go on and on.

Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)
I have always loved Jessica Simpson but recent events probably eliminate her from the “hero” category. When I was young, I wanted to be a Lakers Girl (dancer) like Paula Abdul.
In truth, I would say my mom. I want to be as sacrificial, accepting, forgiving, and fun as she is. And she is pretty darned “crafty” too!

What do you do in your free time?
I love to go to the movies, hang with friends and family, cook, watch MTV, read a book…or People magazine. I also love shopping!

In NCC: THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?
Resisting every possible urge to say Jessica Simpson, I will go with Alicia Silverstone instead. Joel would be played by Ryan Sutter (from the Bachelorette). Pastor Mark would be someone like Will Ferrell.

What is your favorite Pastor Markism?
I just love it when he does the running man!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 24th, 2006 at 11:27 am and is filed under Spotlights, Staff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.