As a young adult, Kelly Lippenholz began a 30 year struggle with depression for which she sought every treatment, drug, and self-help book available. She tried all the right things, and quite a few of the wrong things. Nothing worked. Until she turned to Jesus and surrendered to hope and healing. Having gone through many bouts of depression, ministry burnout, and some very dark moments in her life, Kelly has come out on the other side with healing, hope, and clarity of purpose. Her passion is to lead other seekers and church leaders out of their ruts and into the abundant life that God has promised each of us.
Kelly is a speaker, retreat leader, and workshop facilitator with 20 years of ministry experience in the Catholic Church and in Catholic Education. Kelly has expertise in youth ministry, volunteer coordination, small group ministry, and Catholic formation. She has experience writing curriculum for youth and adults, teaching discipleship courses, planning and leading large retreats, and speaking at conferences.
Much of what Kelly teaches she has learned through her own experiences leading various ministries in the Catholic Church - some with great success and others with big failures. She is passionate about building up the local church which she believes is the hope of the world.
So many Catholics are seeking purpose and meaning in this current culture, and Kelly can help them identify their calling and take action. She challenges her audiences to identify what is holding them back in their lives or in their ministry (sin, shame, failure, bad habits, negative people), to turn to God for healing and hope, and to envision and create a mission and a strategy for living with purpose. Attendees leave with a vision for a future in which they are living out God’s calling on their life.
Kelly hosts the podcast, Change Makers, discussing how to build community in the church (or anywhere), how to create a healthy church culture, and how to love others like Jesus did.
She is also a theology teacher at Maryvale Preparatory School in Baltimore, MD and a writer/speaker for Church of the Nativity in Timonium, MD.
Sample Talks or Workshops:
Overcome Challenges and Create a Vision for Your Life
In this keynote or workshop, Kelly uses her own story of challenges to encourage audiences to identify and acknowledge what is holding them back from an abundant life, to find hope in God’s word, and to create a vision, mission, and strategy for their lives that aligns with God’s will.
Life Isn’t Fair but You are Enough - In this talk, Kelly acknowledges the reality of suffering in the world by sharing her own stories of heartache and failure. Audiences leave with practical tools for honoring God in their pain.
We are all on the Same Team - In this talk, Kelly speaks to young women about the dangers of gossip, judging, and criticizing. Audiences leave with a plan to be “for” each other and honor God in their friendships.
Christian Leadership in Today’s Chaos - In this talk, Kelly empowers people to honor God in their emotions, thoughts, behavior and time. Audiences leave with a clear vision of the their values and the “soft skills” needed to be leaders in their spheres of influence.
Small Groups: Training and Developing Leaders in Your Parish - The secret to a great small group is equipped leaders. In this keynote or workshop, we will equip and encourage leaders with everything they need to succeed - facilitation tips, communicating with the group, caring for members, creating a purpose-driven small group.
Small Groups: Launching and Building a Church Wide Small Group Campaign - In this keynote or workshop, we will outline the steps it takes to launch a church wide small group program, from marketing and communication to curriculum and content.
