Born and raised in Minnesota, Natalie grew up with her parents and brother in a faith-centered Christian home. But as she entered high school, Natalie says she began to wrestle with her faith.

“When I was at school, I would be one way [and] when I was at church, I’d be another way,” she recalls. “I would seek validation in guys … I felt like that was where I would find value and fulfillment.” 

Natalie says she felt the Lord call her back to Him when she was 16. She started praying more, reading her Bible consistently and felt compelled to go into ministry. 

Growing up Baptist, the absence of women in leadership limited her sense of what was possible for her own path. Despite that, Natalie says she remained open-minded on what the Lord had in store for her and got involved with her church’s worship team.

An unexpected pregnancy

Natalie began taking courses at a Christian university during her senior year of high school. Toward the end of that year, she met her boyfriend, now her husband, who also felt called to ministry. They attended Bible college together and interned at his church as they prepared for ministry. 

In February 2020, a week after Natalie’s 20th birthday, she found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. 

“We were so shocked and scared,” Natalie recalls. “I [was] living in the college dorm, found out I was pregnant at a doctor’s appointment and immediately was like, ‘I can’t have this baby.’”

While Natalie had some concerns about the finances of having a baby, she was more worried about how others would perceive her. 

When Natalie told her boyfriend, she says he was supportive, reassuring her that things would be OK and that choosing life was the right decision. Both her family and her boyfriend’s family were supportive and met them with grace when they announced their pregnancy. 

Telling the youth pastor of the church where they were interning felt especially daunting, but they were met with overwhelming support. 

“They cried with us, prayed with us, and fed us steak and ice cream,” Natalie recalls. “They were like, ‘We got you guys, you’re gonna be OK.’”

Their pastors walked closely with them through that season, offering guidance on marriage. When they later told church leadership, Natalie says her lead pastor assured them that their situation did not disqualify them from ministry and that God can still use them.

Marriage, motherhood and ministry

Natalie and her boyfriend got engaged in March 2020, were married that June, and welcomed their daughter in September. 

Natalie and her husband experienced strong support during that season, including mentorship and practical help from their church, such as diapers and other baby essentials.

Following their daughter’s birth, Natalie and her husband finished Bible college online while adjusting to life as new parents. During that time, they lived with Natalie’s parents, who offered steady support, including preparing a nursery space in their home. 

The couple also stepped back from ministry for a “restoration period.” About six months later, they were invited by their church to return in a small way – her husband to preach a message for the youth ministry and Natalie to lead worship. She recalls the invitation as both unexpected and deeply meaningful.

“We were just so excited about it and [to] slowly step back into serving and leading at the church,” she says. 

While not yet on full-time staff, they spent that season praying for clarity and trusting her husband’s call to ministry. In May 2021, that prayer was answered in a way that felt “full circle.”

On her first Mother’s Day, they dedicated their daughter at church and learned the same day that her husband had been offered a part-time role as a youth associate.

About a year later, a full-time youth pastor role opened – what Natalie describes as her husband’s dream job at the church he grew up in. After serving in an interim capacity, he was offered the position full time. 

Natalie says her husband’s leadership in youth ministry has been especially meaningful. Students facing the same challenges the couple has openly shared about feel comfortable talking about their own experiences. 

In fall 2022, Natalie was invited to join the church staff part time as a youth associate. She describes the opportunity as something they once felt disqualified from, but now see as a clear example of God’s faithfulness.

The following spring, Natalie says they learned they were expecting their second daughter. 

During that season, they also reached key milestones — paying off student loans and saving toward their first home. They welcomed their second daughter in January 2024 and soon after were able to buy a house.

She says that moment felt like a clear reminder of God’s provision, made possible in part by the steady support they received from family along the way. 

“He saw us through everything,” Natalie says. “He knew the desires that we had to be in ministry and grow our family and have a house. [We] just saw the Lord’s faithfulness at work.”

Life today

Today, Natalie and her husband continue serving in ministry together while raising their two daughters. Their oldest daughter is preparing to start kindergarten, while their youngest is 2. 

One of the most meaningful parts of this season for Natalie has been watching her oldest begin to develop her own faith, asking questions and engaging with Scripture at a young age.

Natalie serves part time at the church, while her husband serves full time, a balance she says that has allowed them to remain present with their children while continuing their work in ministry.

Their story has also shaped how Natalie and her husband connect with others, as they see God using their experiences to support and encourage those walking through similar challenges. 

In recent weeks, Natalie says they experienced the loss of a pregnancy at seven weeks. She describes the season as deeply difficult, but it has also reminded her of the ways God has carried them through their past. 

“We always think about how our testimony can impact somebody else, but I think it’s good for us to let it impact ourselves, too,” Natalie says. “He saw me through the things that I didn’t think I was ever going to get through … and so now when I’m going through something this hard, I can rely on that and I can trust in the Lord even more because of what He’s already done for me.”

Natalie’s encouragement to those facing an unplanned pregnancy:

“You’re not alone. Step forward in courage and trust. I’m so glad with the decision I made because there’s a joy in my life that wouldn’t be there without my daughter. Even if you’re scared and you’re nervous, you can get through this. You’ll come out on the other side so much stronger and so grateful for the choice that you made.”

Written by Melina Nicole