Before titles or courses, there is calling and community. Dr. Keisha B. Spivey comes to NCU as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries because the Lord opened a door and confirmed it in prayer and conversation. Her words say it simply: our campus heartbeat matched her own.
An ordained Assemblies of God pastor, seasoned church planter, and executive director of Ripple Effects Group, Dr. Spivey comes to Minneapolis from North Carolina. When she visited campus earlier this year, she sensed that “the heartbeat of the campus and my heartbeat were on the same rhythm.” What followed, she says, was an open door from the Lord and the grace to walk through it.
The transition comes in the midst of many responsibilities. Her prayer is that God would order her steps, make the path clear, and accomplish His will in and through her as she joins the NCU community. That posture—rooted, prayerful, attentive—also shapes how she thinks about forming pastors.
“Whole-life pastoral ministry begins with identity in Christ before activity in ministry.”
Preparing students for ministry
For Dr. Spivey, pastoral preparation is more than a syllabus or a set of competencies. It is a spiritual, intellectual, and practical formation journey that equips students to shepherd people in real life.
“I want them to see that shepherding isn’t just what happens on Sunday,” she says. “It’s how they live at home, in their community, and even at work.” In her courses, students can expect a rhythm that blends Scripture and theology with the tangible habits of ministry: preaching labs, guided ministry training, case studies, and mentoring that helps them lead from the overflow of a Spirit-filled life.
What she’ll teach
This year, Dr. Spivey will teach Church Administration (in person and online), Ministry of the Youth Pastor, New Testament History and Literature, and Church Leadership Mentoring. Across each course, she hopes every graduate leaves NCU with a deep love for God, a shepherd’s heart for people, biblical and theological grounding, the ability to communicate the gospel clearly, and the practical skills to lead, care, and disciple in any context.
Her approach is shaped by years of planting churches and leading teams. She has learned that healthy ministry grows where leaders choose servanthood over spotlight, transparency over polish, and accountability over isolation. “When leaders model openness, invite honest feedback, and share victories and challenges, it creates a culture where people feel valued, safe, and willing to serve wholeheartedly.” That kind of trust, she believes, sustains spiritual health and long-term effectiveness.
Dr. Spivey will help students navigate the realities that test ministry longevity: conflict, burnout, and the need for trauma-informed care. She teaches spiritual resilience, introduces practical tools for healthy conflict resolution, and models protective life rhythms that keep leaders grounded in Christ for the long haul.
Building community
Beyond the classroom, she intends to take a “boots-on-the-ground” approach: Listening in our city, building relationships with local Assemblies of God churches and ministries, and creating meaningful internships that serve both students and congregations.
Her anchor for the year comes from Habakkuk 3:19 (AMP)—“The Lord GOD is my strength… He has made my feet steady and sure… and makes me walk forward with spiritual confidence on my high places.”
She’s asking our community to pray that she will quickly find a new rhythm and a pace of grace—and flourish in it with joy. And as she settles into Minneapolis, she’s on the lookout for a coffee shop with both excellent coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
For women sensing a call to pastor, lead, or plant in the AG, Dr. Spivey offers quiet, firm encouragement: God’s call is not limited by gender. “Stay rooted in Scripture, listen to the Holy Spirit, walk in humility and courage, and surround yourself with mentors who believe in you and will cheer you on as you cut your path.”
What you can do
Pray with us for Dr. Spivey as she equips students to preach the Word, love people well, and lead with Christlike courage. Alumni and pastors: if you’d like to welcome her or explore internship partnerships, we’d love to help you connect.
Quick Facts
- Degrees: Doctor of Ministry; M.Div.; M.A. in Christian Leadership
- Courses 2025–26: Church Administration (in person/online); Ministry of the Youth Pastor; New Testament History & Literature; Church Leadership Mentoring
- Interests: Mission & Evangelism; Discipleship
- Personal: Enjoys working out; coffee order: hot butter pecan with almond milk