May 2025 – Page 2 – Michelle Lesley

Ready to schedule your summer or fall 2025 women’s event? I’d love to come share with the ladies of your church or organization. Click here for more information,
or to find an upcoming event near you!

It was such a joy and an honor to speak at Answers in Genesis’ 2025 Answers for Women conference, Resolute: Refuting False Gsopels with Biblical Truth at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. It was an amazing experience I will never forget. (And I now have my own bio page at the Answers in Genesis website!)

Due to the popularity of this event, there were actually two separate three day conferences back to back: Monday, March 31 – Wednesday, April 2, and Thursday, April 3 – Saturday, April 5. I taught one session at each conference: Mark and Avoid the New Apostolic Reformation. I also had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion, and be interviewed for the Zero Compromise podcast. And, of course, it was a joy to spend time with my podcast partner and fellow speaker, Amy Spreeman.

I’ll share the podcast episode when it drops on the Zero Compromise channel. The conference video will be available in the future on Answers TV, but Amy and I took our respective teaching notes and turned them into podcast episodes. Amy taught on Progressivism…

…and, as I mentioned, my topic was the New Apostolic Reformation. (It’s also in article format here: What Is the New Apostolic Reformation?)

While at the conference, we also had the opportunity to interview two of our fellow speakers. Angela Mitchell…

…and Doreen Virtue:

When my husband and I arrived Sunday night at our hotel, it was dark, raining, we were under a flood watch, and the doors of the Ark were already shut. But we weren’t worried because we’re cessationists and we’re not in the New Apostolic Reformation, so we knew this wasn’t a sign from God, just His humorous Providence.😀

But our kind hosts had left a lavish welcome basket for me, and that brightened things up a lot.

Just a few of the goodies we speakers were so graciously provided.

Monday morning we had a little time before things got kicked off, so we enjoyed the Truth Traveler virtual reality exhibit at the Ark…

Then it was time to get the show on the road!

Teaching sessions…

Backstage before my session…

My sessions…

There were some great speakers at this conference!

L-R: Georgia Purdom, Avery Foley, Michelle Lesley, Amy Spreeman, Costi Hinn, Jessica Smith,
Doreen Virtue, Angela Mitchell, Patricia Engler

Other speakers’ sessions…

Georgia Purdom
Georgia Purdom
Worship with Michael O’Brien
Doreen Virtue
Doreen Virtue
Costi Hinn
Costi Hinn
Amy Spreeman
Amy Spreeman
Amy Spreeman
Amy Spreeman
Amy Spreeman
Worship with Michael O’Brien

Panel discussion…

Ken Ham kindly invited the speakers to his office for lunch and fellowship.

Ken asking the blessing before lunch.
Ken has a great view from his office window!
Michelle, Ken, Amy
Michelle, Ken, Scott Lesley (Michelle’s husband)

The conference kept me so busy that I didn’t get to spend much time at the Ark itself, but Providentially, my husband and I visited the Ark and Creation Museum about 18 months ago, in the fall of 2023 (You can see all of our pictures and stuff from that trip here.) I hoped, on that trip, that I’d one day get to meet Ken Ham in person. Now I can check that little item off my bucket list.😀

2023- I got to meet Ken Ham! (Or a reasonable facsimile thereof.)
2025- Meeting the real Ken Ham.

It’s always fun to get pictures with friends and followers! All of the speakers had “meet and greet” lines after our sessions and Amy and I had a booth in the exhibit hall where we got to meet lots of A Word Fitly Spoken listeners and other friends!

Sweet gifts from conference attendees…

Some parting shots with my favorite people…

Michelle and Amy Spreeman
Scott and Michelle Lesley
Amy and Bob Spreeman
The very last picture I took at the conference, and I think it’s my favorite. :0)

What a fantastic week with new friends and old! Many thanks to Georgia, Avery, Stephanie, Lalo, and all of the wonderful staff at Answers in Genesis and the Ark Encounter who treated us like royalty the whole time we were there and worked so hard to host a fantastic conference! It was truly an honor and a privilege to serve the ladies who attended Answers for Women 2025.

If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a women’s event, I’d love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information, or to find an upcoming event near you!

Photo Credits

Thank you to Answers in Genesis, conference attendees, and my wonderful husband, Scott, for taking most of the pictures above.

All other photos by Michelle Lesley.

Please forgive me for looking weird in many of the pictures above. Normally, I would say, “That’s just my face,” but I actually had an eye infection during the conference, and it was swollen most of the week.

Church, Sin

Dis. Grace.: Responding Biblically to Church Scandal

May 12, 2025 Michelle Lesley

Originally published June 30, 2015

The last time I re-ran this article was in September of 2024 (only about eight months ago), when Steve Lawson was caught in sin. Today, I’m re-running it because another well known pastor, and president of G3 Ministries, Josh Buice, has been caught in sin. As Josh is under church discipline, I have removed him from my list of recommended pastors and teachers. G3 itself is still a trustworthy ministry, and my hearty recommendation of it continues. Please read the statement from G3 here.

If you are registered for the G3 Women’s Expository Teaching Workshop at the end of May, any of the other workshops, or the national conference this fall, please check the email address you registered with for further information on your registration. I’m so sorry I won’t get to see those of you who were going to be at the women’s workshop.

I’m going to take the rest of this week off from blogging, not just due to this, but primarily due to some other things I’ve got going on as well (mostly good things🙂).

Please keep G3 Ministries and Prays Mill Baptist Church (Josh’s church) in your prayers as they navigate this difficult time.

It happened again last week. Another scandal. Another high profile pastor stepping down from the ministry in disgrace. Another family broken. Another church stunned and bereft.

And it’s not just the money grubbing televangelists anymore, either. This was one of the theological good guys. Sadly, pastors and Christian leaders – both those in the public eye and those right around the corner – seem to be dropping like flies these days. Adultery. Financial sin. Pornography. Abuse. Fraud. The list of sinful behavior goes on and on, leaving a wake of destruction in its path and giving Christ and His bride a black eye in the process.

So, what is the biblical response to scandals like these for Joe and Jane Christian? We view the situation through the lenses of Romans 8:28:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

How can God use this scandal, awful as it is, for my good and the good of my brothers and sisters in Christ? It’s an opportunity to learn, teach, and minister in so many ways:

Fully grasp the destructive power of sin…

Imagine the agony the pastor’s sin is creating in so many lives. What must his wife be going through? His children? His church? What about his own relationship with God? What about the lost people he was trying to win to Christ? What about the fact that his career may be over and he may lose his house?

It’s been said that sin destroys completely and completely destroys. It’s a good time to reflect on the fact that sin is not something to be trifled with. Count the cost. Would it be worth it to you to commit the same sin in your own life?

It’s been said that sin destroys completely and completely destroys. It’s a good time to reflect on the fact that sin is not something to be trifled with.
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Realize your need for Christ…

“There, but for the grace of God, go I.” “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re better or holier than the person who sinned, therefore, you would never do what he did. Instead, let his sin push you towards the cross, realizing that you’re just as weak and susceptible to temptation as he is. Let it amp up your prayer life and drive you to cling to Christ and His word lest you fall into sin.

Let his sin push you towards the cross, realizing that you’re just as weak and susceptible to temptation as he is.
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Dive into God’s word…

What does the Bible say about the sin in question? Learn what God’s word says. Apply it to your life, your work, or your marriage. Teach it to your children. Share it with those in your circle of influence. Build up your brothers and sisters in Christ so they might stand firm against temptation.

Implement safeguards…

People don’t just wake up one day and decide to commit adultery or embezzlement or whatever. Every sin starts with a wayward thought, which, when left unchecked (or entertained), snowballs into action. What could the scandalized pastor have done, practically, to prevent his sin? What are some concrete, proactive steps you can take to guard against sin in your life? Maybe your husband should hold the credit cards or you should cut ties with that certain male friend. Don’t wait for sin to find you. Build some walls before it arrives.

Use the scandal as a springboard for prayer…

Pray for those involved in the scandal. Ask God to protect you, your husband, and your loved ones from that particular sin. Realize that your own pastor and church staff are tempted to sin every day, pray for them regularly, and let them know you’re praying for them.

Practice the Golden Rule…

What if you were the one who sinned? How would you want people to talk about and treat you and your family? Call a sin a sin, but let’s remember, when it comes to scandals, to watch our words and actions, and treat others the way we would want to be treated.

Use the scandal as an opportunity to share the gospel…

Inevitably, some lost people will see pastoral sin as one more candle in their “Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites” cake. Don’t be embarrassed if an unbeliever approaches you with this line of fire (and whatever you do, don’t try to make light of or justify the pastor’s sin). Own it. Admit it. “You’re right. This guy sinned. He needs to repent and be forgiven by Christ. He needs to make things right with the people around him. Just like me. Just like you. By the way, Christ was crucified for sinners like him and me and you. Have you ever repented of your own sin and trusted in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the payment for your sin? Mind if I tell you how?”

Repent and Forgive…

It’s hurtful when someone you trust and look up to lets you down. But because we’re sinful humans living in a broken world, it’s going to happen. The pastor who sinned needs to repent. When he does, the people around him need to forgive, even though there will probably still be disciplinary consequences to his actions. Is there sin in your life that you need to repent of and face the consequences for? Is there someone who has sinned against you that you need to forgive? God extends the grace of forgiveness to repentant sinners and the grace to forgive to their victims. Repent. Forgive.

Scandals among Christian leaders are heartbreaking, disappointing, embarrassing. But the God who sent His only Son to the cross to turn sinners into saints has a wonderful way of taking offenses and turning them into opportunities for His kingdom.

Scandals among Christian leaders are heartbreaking. But the God who sent His only Son to the cross to turn sinners into saints has a wonderful way of taking offenses and turning them into opportunities for His kingdom.
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Additional Resources

Pastoral Propriety with Church Ladies, and 7 Ways Women Can Help

Sin Feels Like Death, Because it Is by Amy Spreeman

“Disqualified”: What it means and how a pastor gets there at The Cripplegate

Speaking Engagements

Report Back: R0ck Your Role Conference

May 2, 2025February 28, 2026 Michelle Lesley

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the Rock Your Role at Home and at Church: A Biblical View of Titus 2 conference at First Baptist Church of Brookings, South Dakota. It was such a joy to fellowship with the ladies of Brookings and the surrounding area.

I landed in beautiful Sioux Falls on Thursday evening, where I was warmly greeted by my hostess, Andrea, who whisked me away to Brookings for a delicious home-cooked supper in her home with some of the other ladies on the conference planning committee.

For dessert, there was “cow to cone” cookies & cream ice cream from the South Dakota State University Dairy Bar (part of the university’s Department of Dairy and Food Science).

Did you know that cookies & cream flavored ice cream was invented at SDSU, right there in Brookings, in 1979? What a treat!

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

After a lovely evening, a sweet hostess gift welcomed me to my hotel room. Lots of great snacks and goodies, and a new “conference ornament” for my tree this year!

Now, I have to take a moment here to brag on one of the snacks that was included…

…because OH MY GOODNESS, WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE? Nerdy Nuts is a South Dakota company that not only makes an amazing peanut butter in several different flavors, they also came up with the idea of putting “toppings” in peanut butter. This one was “monster cheesecake” and, as you can see, it has M&Ms, chocolate chips, frosting, and a bunch of other stuff in there. YOU. EAT. IT. OUT. OF. THE. JAR. WITH. A. SPOON! COME ON! Forget Mt. Rushmore, this is what South Dakota should be known for. How did someone not think of this, like, a hundred years ago or so? Anyway, you need to order some, because you need this in your life.* You’re welcome.

OK, I’m sorry, but I’m just very passionate about peanut butter. Back to sanity here…

Friday, I had the much appreciated (and much needed!) luxury of sleeping in and having a slow, relaxing morning before a fun lunch with Andrea and Haley, planning committee member and one of FBC’s pastors’ wives. Afterward, we headed over to the church to check things out.

FBC is a gorgeous, historic (turn of the 20th century, I’m guessing) building in downtown Brookings.

Close up of the floor level baptistry (in the front left corner of the sanctuary above), my favorite feature of elderly Baptist churches. Peep the half door you enter through. The steps down into the water are behind that door.

The ladies were hard at work decorating and putting the last minute touches on everything. I’m so grateful for their hard work to make things beautiful and comfortable, and I know the attendees were, too!

This conference was not recorded. The recordings linked to the teaching sessions mentioned below are audio/video from previous conferences where I’ve taught similar sessions, as available.

Friday evening, it was time to get the ball rolling.

The ladies were greeted warmly at registration…

…and we kicked off the conference with session 1: Rock Your Role at Home and at Church, learning the beauty of God’s design for women and how we can robustly and biblically fill out the roles He has given us.

There was plenty of time for discussion and fellowship during the conference and we wrapped the first day with desserts and mingling.

Saturday morning started with an energizing breakfast…

…followed by Teach What Is Good: Discipling Younger Women in the 21st Century. We learned about the theology behind “Titus 2” women’s ministry, along with lots of practical ways to disciple younger women. (I don’t have a conference recording of this session, but it shares much in common with our A Word Fitly Spoken two part series on women’s ministry: Biblical Women’s Ministry (Part 1) and Practical Women’s Ministry (Part 2).)

Our final teaching session was How to Study (and Teach!) the Bible. This is such a crucial skill for Christian women today. We’ve got to be good students of the Word so we can disciple our own children and the women and children of our churches.

Lunch time! Delectable brisket sandwiches and warm and wonderful fellowship!

A rousing Q&A session rounded out the day. This was the first conference I’ve spoken at where attendees could scan a QR code to submit their questions. It was a great tool!

Before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye. What a great group of ladies who worked so hard to put on a super event!

But before I left, I had to sample just one more South Dakota delight. I stopped by Marlin’s Restaurant in the Sioux Falls airport and treated myself to an order of “tater kegs”. They are ginormous (a little bit bigger than a jumbo marshmallow) tater tots stuffed with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives, and served with cheese dip (Hey – I don’t diet when I travel!), and they are phenomenal.

It was such a fantastic day with the ladies of FBC Brookings. Thanks so much to Pastor Gavin for trusting me to teach these incredible women. Thanks to Haley, Andrea, and all the other ladies for making me feel right at home and working so hard to host a fantastic conference. If you’re ever in the area and need a good church to visit, make plans to spend the Lord’s Day with these wonderful brothers and sisters.

If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a women’s event, I’d love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information, or to find an upcoming event near you!