Why I Started Chicks Ministry: A Christian Girls Ministry

Jun 16
3 min read

"Sixteen years later, I know the answer to start Chicks Ministry wasn't just yes. God was already at work long before I could see what He was building." Kelly Kirstein

A Vision Before a My Christian Girls Ministry

In 2010, twenty middle school girls gathered in a meeting room at the Clarion Public Library for the very first Chicks Ministry meeting.

At the time, no one could have imagined what God would do through that simple gathering.

But the story actually began several years earlier.

"Can God show you a picture of a ministry and it actually happen...the answer is yes!"

A Season of Uncertainty and Trust (2008)

In 2008, after the birth of my third child, I made the difficult decision to leave my teaching career and stay home with my family. While I knew it was the right decision, it was also one of the most uncertain seasons of my life.

Teaching had been a significant part of who I was, and I wasn't sure what God had planned next.

During that season, I attended an Alpha Course and spent time learning how to listen for God's direction. One evening while praying, I sensed God placing two words on my heart: grace and 180. Along with those words came a picture of struggling teenagers.

I didn't fully understand what it meant, but I knew God was inviting me into something bigger than myself.

Preparing for the Calling (2008-2010_

What followed wasn't a detailed plan—it was a season of preparation.

I began reading Scripture more intentionally, growing in my faith, and learning what it meant to follow Jesus more closely. Looking back, I can see that before God called me to invest in the lives of teen girls, He first wanted to deepen my own relationship with Him.

Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of what He wants to do long before He reveals the details. Those years of preparation became the foundation for everything that would come next.

The Confirmation (2010)

Two years later, while attending a Women of Faith conference, I felt prompted to attend an informational meeting about the Revolve Tour, a Christian event for teen girls.

Even though I wasn't leading a youth group and didn't know exactly what I was doing, I left that meeting convinced that God wanted me to start something for girls in my community.

Soon after, the name Chicks came to mind.

What Chicks Stands For

Christ's Hands Influence Confidence, Kindness, and Self-Control.

Those words continue to reflect the heart of our ministry today.

Original Chicks Logo

The First Chicks Meeting

In March of 2010, Chicks Ministry held its first meeting.

Twenty girls showed up.

What started as a small local gathering has now grown into a ministry that has served thousands of young women through:

Bible studies
Mentoring relationships
Retreats and events
Online resources
Speaking opportunities
Discipleship programs

What began as a picture God placed on my heart became a reality through His faithfulness.

Our Mission Has Never Changed

While many things have changed over the years, our mission has remained the same.

We believe every girl deserves to know she is loved by God.
We believe every girl has value, purpose, and potential.
We believe healing is possible.
We believe young women need trusted adults who will walk beside them as they navigate faith, identity, relationships, and life's challenges.
Most importantly, we believe Jesus changes lives.

Creating Spaces for Growth

At Chicks Ministry, our goal has never been simply to create another program for teens.

Our goal is to create spaces where girls feel seen, heard, encouraged, and challenged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Today, we continue to invest in the next generation through local groups, Bible studies, mentoring resources, and leadership opportunities designed specifically for teen girls.