"I had a mink, and I had money and I was miserable."
—Kay Arthur
A (Make-Believe) Interview
Kay Arthur is known as one of the leading Bible teachers around the world, ministering to the hearts and minds of millions. She has written more than 100 books and Bible studies, particularly on the subject of embracing life’s disappointments.
Four of Kay Arthur’s books have received the prestigious Gold Medallion, including A Marriage Without Regrets; the International Inductive Study Bible; and Lord, I Need Grace to Make It Today.
Following is a fictional interview based on the real facts of Kay Arthur’s life and ministry.
Q. When and where were you born?
A. I was born in the United States in 1933. (Laughs.) You can do the math!
Q. Tell me a little bit about your childhood.
A. I grew up a home that honored God. My family moved frequently, and in each new community we would first look for a church home, and then we’d find a house to live in.
Q. What kind of education did you receive?
A. As a young woman, I graduated from nursing school. I also studied modeling. In 2007, I received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Q. Did you marry and when?
A. After graduation, I married Frank Thomas Goetz, Jr. (Tom). We divorced after a six-year marriage during which time he battled with manic-depression. Tragically, he later committed suicide.
I was once warned, "sin will take you father than you ever intended to go, it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay, and it will keep you longer than you ever intended to stay." Unfortunately, over the next few years,
I sought comfort with several other men including a two-year relationship with a married man.
I sought comfort with several other men including a two-year relationship with a married man.
After a dramatic conversion experience when "I went down on my knees a harlot, and I got up a saint," I met Jack Arthur at Tennessee Temple University where I was studying the Bible. We’ve been married nearly 36 years.
Q. Do you have any children?
A. Jack and I have three grown sons and nine grandchildren.
Q. How did your ministry develop?
Together, Jack and I founded Precept Ministries International in 1970 (Chattanooga Tennessee). It began as a small Bible study for teens. Now there are Precept inductive Bible study groups in all 50 states, with materials in nearly 150 countries and nearly 70 languages.
We also host radio and television broadcasts which reach a potential viewing audience of more that 94 million households worldwide.
Q. When did you sense the Lord had a special purpose for your life?
A. "Before I was a believer, I would read the Bible and find it boring. When I became a child of God at age 29, I opened the Bible and it became a brand new book. I knew what was filling me was exactly what others were looking for as well… My passion and burden is to help other people to get into the Word of God in the most effective way possible."
Q. Do you have any children?
A. Jack and I have three grown sons and nine grandchildren.
Q. How did your ministry develop?
Together, Jack and I founded Precept Ministries International in 1970 (Chattanooga Tennessee). It began as a small Bible study for teens. Now there are Precept inductive Bible study groups in all 50 states, with materials in nearly 150 countries and nearly 70 languages.
We also host radio and television broadcasts which reach a potential viewing audience of more that 94 million households worldwide.
Q. When did you sense the Lord had a special purpose for your life?
A. "Before I was a believer, I would read the Bible and find it boring. When I became a child of God at age 29, I opened the Bible and it became a brand new book. I knew what was filling me was exactly what others were looking for as well… My passion and burden is to help other people to get into the Word of God in the most effective way possible."
Q. How have you fulfilled that calling?
A. I discovered that the inductive Bible study method took me right into the Word of God, apart from the interpretations of the text by someone else. It’s a process that involves three steps: observation, interpretation, and application.
A. I discovered that the inductive Bible study method took me right into the Word of God, apart from the interpretations of the text by someone else. It’s a process that involves three steps: observation, interpretation, and application.
"Everything we do in our ministry is geared toward one thing: Not to have you think like we think, or to believe what we believe, but to show you how you can know the truth for yourself."
Q. What kind of legacy would you like to leave?
A. "Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether I speak here or there, or accomplish this or that. What matters is if everything’s all right between me and God. Am I becoming a holy woman? Am I reflecting Him...?
Q. What kind of legacy would you like to leave?A. "Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether I speak here or there, or accomplish this or that. What matters is if everything’s all right between me and God. Am I becoming a holy woman? Am I reflecting Him...?
When you develop an intimacy with God that comes through knowing His Word, then you are able to approach Him with clean hands and a pure heart… Only then can you truly experience the sweetness of His presence and His joy. There’s nothing greater!"
All direct quotes are from the interview, "Beauty From Ashes" by Laurie Beyer and published by Just Between Us: For Women With a Heart For Ministry. See also, Gifted For Leadership's article, "Kay Arthur."
All direct quotes are from the interview, "Beauty From Ashes" by Laurie Beyer and published by Just Between Us: For Women With a Heart For Ministry. See also, Gifted For Leadership's article, "Kay Arthur."
Note: This is a popular Chrysalis repost.
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Photos: Random House, Barnes & Noble, Precept Ministries (Flickr)
Up Next—Gender Issues: What's the Danvers Statement?
Photos: Random House, Barnes & Noble, Precept Ministries (Flickr)
Up Next—Gender Issues: What's the Danvers Statement?
Are you familiar with Kay Arthur's books?Your favorite is___________.
6 Comments:
I think I read one of hers some years back, but I don't remember which one. What a unique way to share about her!
it was interesting to read about kay arthur's life. My mom had one of her books many years ago but i just can't remember the title...I think i read thru it at one point during my college years....
you did such a creative way of teaching us about her...thanks!
Via Facebook Angela said...
great story! Love her!
Via Facebook Jennifer said...
She is one of my earthly spiritual heroes of the faith! LOVED Covenant Precept....
Via Facebook, A Stone Gatherer said...
Me loves me my Kay Arthur! I've told you I've met her twice right! She's a great lady and so very classy!!!!
Thank you for your thoughts, sisters!
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