Pastor Dr Joye Keane’s advice for balance
As a mother of three, senior pastor of Family Church on the Rock, Dr Karene Joye Keane knows first hand that balancing family and ministry is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help.
Dr. Keane, more affectionately called, Pastor Joye, pastors the Montego Bay, St James church with her husband Apostle Richard Keane. For more that three decades she has served the Christian community both locally and internationally in various capacities. As a pastoral counsellor, she readily gives advice based on the Word of God.
When it comes to the matter of balancing being a mom and serving in ministry, Dr. Keane said it is important that ladies enquire of the Lord, listen to the Holy Spirit and prophesy the word into the circumstances of imbalance.
“Prayer must be your lifestyle. As a mother you must allow the Holy Spirit to guide you; He is your help and counsel,” said Dr. Keane, who pointed to the importance of having a family altar.
She urged women to live a life in obedience to the instructions of the Word of God before their children. Ladies must not only seek God to reveal His will for them, but their children also.
“This is vital to help them understand that God has a specific purpose and plan for them and their family and part of that plan is to serve in His ministry,” she said.
“Get them involved. Let your family know how much you love them and how important they are to you , but tell them also you love Jesus too and you want to live out your purpose and His plan for you as well,” she advised.
Dr Keane, who has been married for over 40 years and is a grandmother, has been living out God’s purpose through several initiatives that has been launched at her church to uplift women, help children and sustain families. Through the establishment of the Joseph Project, Dr Keane and her team provide key Christian educational support for children in and around the communities of Montego Bay. She also founded and continues to lead the high-powered Women in Fellowship and Ministry (WIFAM) which provides a solid platform for women to experience real growth in their Christian walk, build important networks and expand their various professional endeavours.
Godly wisdom she believes is essential when tackling motherhood and ministry. She reminds women that they do not have to tackle both alone. When your children and family desire your attention in a particular season, then they have to be a priority.
“It must be clear to church family and to your family for how long, and what are you willing to get involved in, and as much as you can, involve your family in small measures,” said Pastor Keane who is a certified behavioural therapist.
“We must make room for them [and] get them on our team for when the times comes for them to take your place if necessary, for upward or forward movement, they will be ready,” she said.