Every Tuesday at noon, the Sheep Feast community gathers, some live on Zoom, others tuning in later, to explore how faith intersects with daily life. On April 8th, we were honored to hear from Jenny Rowan, a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and authentic leadership. As the Pastoral Care and Hospitality Leader at Wave Church, her role might be formal, but the impact she has reaches far beyond titles and responsibilities. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and an ever-deepening trust in God’s guidance.
A Life Woven with Faith: From Global Roots to Global Mission
Jenny’s heritage is as rich as her faith. Born to a Colombian mother and a Korean father, her life began at the crossroads of cultures and beliefs. Her father, raised in Buddhism in Korea, and her mother, raised Catholic in Colombia, both encountered Jesus after coming to the United States. Their conversion marked the beginning of a new family legacy, one rooted in active faith and global evangelism.
Jenny was raised in the atmosphere of ministry. Her father became a traveling evangelist after leaving the U.S. Air Force, taking the Gospel to over a hundred countries. She recalls going on her first mission trip at just ten years old, witnessing miracles that most people only read about: blind eyes opening, deaf ears restored, and hearts turning toward Jesus. These moments weren’t just awe-inspiring, they were formative. They solidified Jenny’s belief in the power of prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the nearness of God.
A Personal Test of Faith: Battling Cancer at 23
At 23, just newly married, Jenny was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The diagnosis was shocking, especially considering her age. Doctors warned that she might never be able to have children. She jokes now that she didn’t even know her thyroid was in her neck until the moment it turned her life upside down.
But this was where faith turned into resolve. Having witnessed God move in miraculous ways, Jenny prayed for her own miracle. Healing didn’t come instantly, but it came, through skilled doctors, surgery, and the unshakeable sense that God was still in control. Today, she is the proud mother of four children. Her testimony is a beacon of hope for those walking through sickness or uncertainty. “God never promised an easy road,” she shares, “but He promised to walk with us every step of the way.”
The Calling of a Shepherd
When asked whether she always aspired to be a pastor, Jenny shared a heartfelt truth: it wasn’t a public ambition, but a quiet desire whispered to God in secret. Her journey into pastoral leadership was less of a lightning bolt moment and more of a faithful unfolding. Gifted in hospitality and deeply caring by nature, she began by serving in kids ministry. Over time, her faithfulness and heart for people naturally led to a more formal pastoral role.
“A pastor isn’t just someone who preaches on Sundays,” she said. “It’s someone who serves, who sees people, and loves them where they are.”
Ministry in Action: What Pastoral Care Really Looks Like
Jenny’s days are filled with the quiet, essential work of pastoral care. Visiting the sick. Organizing funerals and baby dedications. Celebrating life’s milestones and sitting with people during their hardest moments. It’s not glamorous, but it’s sacred.
And it doesn’t stop at the church doors. In her home, Jenny creates a haven for teenagers, many of whom are friends of her children. The Round house is known for being full of food, laughter, and, most importantly, peace. “People always say they feel peace here,” Jenny notes, “and that’s exactly what I want. I want our home to reflect the heart of God.”
The Holy Spirit: From Driver’s Seat to Trunk
One of the most powerful metaphors Jenny shared was about the place the Holy Spirit holds in our lives. When we first encounter Him, He’s often in the driver’s seat. But over time, we might move Him to the passenger side, then the back seat, and eventually into the trunk. Worse yet, He might be tucked away in an attic trunk locked away.
“The good news,” Jenny reminds us, “is that the Holy Spirit is always ready. He doesn’t get old, tired, or angry. The moment we invite Him back into the driver’s seat, He’s ready to guide us again.”
This visual resonated deeply. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we drift, we can return. And when we do, the Holy Spirit meets us with grace and power.
Making Room: The 2,000 Cubit Rule
At Sheep Feast, we often reference Joshua 3:4, a command to stay 2,000 cubits from the Ark of the Covenant so the people would know the way to go. We call this the “2,000 cubit rule,” making room for God to lead. Jenny ties this beautifully into daily life, reminding us that salvation is a journey and following Jesus means making room for Him every day.
“There are seasons where I did this well, and others where I drifted,” she admitted. “But the important part is to return and realign.”
Love as a Leadership Strategy: In Church, Home, and Business
Jenny believes that the pastoral heart belongs in all areas of life. “Do the people around you feel seen? Loved? Valued?” she asks. She shared stories of Bible clubs her children started in public schools, student-led gatherings where as many as 75 kids pack a classroom to hear the Word. Even teachers have been moved to faith.
In the business world, she urges leaders to adopt a shepherd’s mindset. Celebrate employees’ milestones. Show up in times of crisis. Send flowers. Offer grace. “The best businesses,” she says, “are the ones that lead with love.”
With four kids ranging from middle school to young adulthood, Jenny knows the challenge of work-life balance. Her approach is grounded in priority and presence. “My kids know they have access to me,” she explains. “They are not an afterthought to my ministry, they are a part of it.”
Her 18-year-old daughter recently gave her the ultimate compliment: “When I grow up, I want to be a mom just like you.”
Final Encouragement
Jenny left us with a powerful question: Where is the Holy Spirit in your life today? Is He driving? Or waiting for you to unlock the attic?
And just as importantly: How are you shepherding those around you? Whether you hold a title or not, your leadership, presence, and love make an impact.
This is the heart of a shepherd: to lead with love, see with compassion, and serve with humility. In every sphere.
Reflection Prompts:
Where in your life have you seen the Holy Spirit drift to the background?
Who around you needs to feel seen and cared for this week?
How can you make room for God to lead in your home, work, or community?
What does “faithfulness” look like in this season of your life?
Let’s continue to lead with the heart of a shepherd. One moment, one conversation, one act of love at a time.