Kelley Mathews
Author | Editor | Teacher
Kelley Mathews (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a multi-published author, editor, and New Testament doctoral student researching Marian theology.
Kelley has over twenty-five years’ experience in the Christian publishing and nonprofit domains. She has served as a Publishers Weekly fiction reviewer, Christy Award judge, and Christianity Today Book Award judge.
Find Kelley talking about all things Bible on various podcasts. She’s earned such nicknames as grammar enthusiast, Bible nerd, and “human highlighter”—a nod to her passion for promoting other authors on social media.
Co-Authored Books
40 Questions About Women in Ministry (Kregel, coauthor: Sue Edwards, 2023) charts a course for understanding differing views on the topic. regarding the ministries of women. The accessible question-and-answer format guides readers to specific areas of confusion, and authors helpfully zero in on the foundations of varied beliefs and practices. Edwards and Mathews cover interpretive, theological, historical, and practical matters, combining a strong adherence to Scripture, vast academic and ministry experiences, and a commitment to Christ-honoring dialogue. 40 Questions About Women in Ministry is a valuable guide to pastors, ministry leaders, church groups, and seminarians.
Organic Ministry to Women (Kregel, coauthor: Sue Edwards) 2019
Our latest collaboration is an update, expansion, redesign of our very first book, New Doors in Ministry to Women. Because seminary and Bible college classes still utilize New Doors, we were motivated to spruce it up with the latest stats, cultural contexts, and best ministry practices. #MeToo wasn’t around in 2002, and it definitely deserves attention in a book dedicated to ministering to women. We even changed our minds on a few theological matters. I hope you’ll take a look at this better-than-ever resource for any church leader who works for and with women.
Names of Jesus (Insight for Living, contributor) 2014
There’s just something about the name—Jesus. The Name exalted above every other. The Word. The long-awaited King, spotless Lamb, and great I Am. Christ, Cornerstone, Shepherd, Servant . . . one title cannot begin to contain the vastness of the all-surpassing glory of Jesus. (A great Advent devotional!)
Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry (Moody Publishers, coauthor: Sue Edwards) 2010
Leading Women Who Wound shows women how to effectively deal with conflict within their ministries. Seasoned women’s ministry leaders themselves, Sue Edwards and Kelley Mathews walk through several different aspects of conflict resolution including self-examination, identification of potential sources of conflict, tools for conflict resolution, and insight on how to prevent and move beyond conflict to minister to those who have been sources of contention. Recognizing that not all conflict results in a happy ending, Leading Women Who Wound gives the tools necessary to minister effectively and move forward with integrity.
The Old Testament Handbook: A Practical Look at Each Book (Insight forLiving, contributor) 2009
Many people view the Old Testament as outdated and out of touch. They couldn’t be more wrong! Family pressures, heartbreak, disappointment—the human dilemma—show up on every page. This helpful volume will provide you with a sweeping panorama of every Old Testament book, including accessible overviews, charts, and insights. This resource will show you exactly how God still has something to say to us today through the Old Testament.
Mixed Ministry: Working Together as Brothers and Sisters in an Oversexed Society (Kregel, coauthors: Sue Edwards, Henry Rogers) 2008
Men and women working together can be a powerful ministry partnership, but it can also raise a lot of prickly questions:
• How does one relate to the opposite sex in a working environment?
• The New Testament treats Christian men and women as sacred siblings. Is that relationship a reality in our ministry?
• What are the appropriate bridges and boundaries?
• How can we learn to be “safe” in our dress, actions, and communication?
• How do sacred siblings interact in personal conversations, staff meetings, and professional outings?
In Mixed Ministry, the male and female authors explore these common and thorny issues in depth. Using biblical examples; personal interviews with ministry leaders; and practical advice on topics such as modesty, boundaries, communication, and interaction as siblings; the authors outline how staff and lay leaders can develop healthy working partnerships in their ministries. When men and women see each other with “new eyes” as brothers and sisters in Christ, ministry can thrive.
New Doors in Ministry to Women (Kregel, coauthor: Sue Edwards) 2002
Mothers and grandmothers. Students and singles. Stay-at-home moms and working moms. How can your women’s ministry become a celebration of the church’s uniqueness rather than a conflict of interests?
New Doors in Ministry to Women presents a life-changing strategy that adapts to the unique circumstances of various ministries. This strategy, the Transformation Model, provides direction for building a ministry team, creating dynamic Bible studies, and preparing for and surviving conflicts. By building a women’s ministry around the understanding of biblical truth, this new model helps deepen women’s relationships with God and then with others.
Podcasts & Publications
Find me talking about Jesus, women, and the church as either guest or host on various podcasts.
The Skitzy Chicks host a light-hearted and funny conversation each week, occasionally inviting me to contribute as their “Resident Bible Nerd.” Among other episodes, we have recorded three Advent series.
Talking about women in the church and the Visual Museum with host Dr. Lynn Cohick.
As a team member of Beyond Ordinary Women, I interview ministry leaders to provide free online resources to church leaders.
Raechel and Amanda invited me to chat with them about prayers in Scripture. Episode 155, 11/21/2022
Kelley chatted with host Christine Crawford about “Jesus and Gender.”
Hosts Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding hosted Kelley and her coauthor, Sue Edwards, to talk about women leading in church.
Published Articles
(a selection)
“Why Theology Is for Everyone & How the Church Can Provide Training,” Logos Word by Word
“The Church Calendar: How It Helps Us Remember Our Story,” Logos Word by Word
“Bible Dictionaries: What They Are & Why They Matter,” Logos Word by Word
“Every Person an Icon: Why Creation Signifies Dignity for All,” Logos Word by Word
“The Not-So-Hidden History of Faithful Christian Women,” Logos Word by Word
“Mary, the Mother of Jesus: The First and Longest Disciple,” Seminary Now Blog
Recommended Reading
Books and other content to enhance your spiritual growth.
Mary DeMuth’s guide to reading the whole Bible in 90 days will reshape your understanding of God’s Word and revitalize your relationship with him.
New Testament scholar Nijay Gupta surveys the lives of biblical and early Christian women, demonstrating their active participation and leadership in the early church.
“Sandra Glahn’s meticulous exploration of Artemis of the Ephesians offers compelling and unavoidable scholarship necessary for every serious student of the New Testament. Nobody’s Mother will revitalize the conversation around 1 Timothy and other Ephesus-related biblical writings.” (My official endorsement.)
Learn historical, archaeological, and biblical background as you study the life and times of Israel’s only recorded female judge. Dr. Sandra Richter’s masterful teaching will keep you mesmerized.
Steve Bezner, Baptist preacher, doesn’t let politics override his calling to produce disciples of Jesus. Here, he reminds the American church who our Savior truly is, and how he is calling all of us to live.
“Chaos and stress make me want to hold more tightly to my illusion of control. But in Rest Assured, Smith reminds me—and you—that our Creator God really does have the whole world in His hands. Through a comprehensive exploration of the creation story, Smith gently draws us to trust confidently in the Lord of the Sabbath.” (My official endorsement.)
Chief “Governerd” Sharon McMahon inspires America with her meticulously researched history of our nation’s unsung, often-unkonwn heroes.
Disciples are those who follow Jesus, and the Bible tells us that many women followed him. Holly Carey explores the Gospels to see who embodied discipleship well, and how the women shaped up alongside the Twelve.
Editing Services
A longtime copy editor and proofreader, as well as an author of books and articles, Kelley can help you with a variety of editing needs.
Proofreading
Possibly the last eyes to see your manuscript before submission or publishing. Let’s dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
Copy Editing
Let’s make sure your manuscript shows consistency, correct grammar, and effective word choice. This service includes line edits and copy edits.
Book Coaching
For those needing guidance in the early stages of book development, including coaching on how to organize your content, research potential publishers, and evaluate editorial options.
Let’s Chat
Send a query for your editing needs to mathewsediting [at] gmail.com