Ever since (in)courage began almost 5 years ago, we’ve talked about it as God’s beach house.
A place where all women are invited to grab a seat on the comfy couch and share their story. Over the last few years we’ve watched new rooms being added through Guest Posts, Bloom, (in)courager groups and (in)RL. It’s been so exciting to see all God has done and the many women who have stepped through our doors.
And we believe it’s time to invite new voices into the Contributor room.
Our hope is that the five (or so) new contributors we’re looking for would be familiar to us by their consistent and encouraging participation in the community. We’re looking for women who have engaged in the (in)courage community in some way – guest posting, frequently commenting, leading an (in)courager group, tweeting, sharing, generally being our people – you know the ones – who know how to enjoy chocolate and long hours spent catching up on a bench.
We know that we are blessed with an incredible community of talented women with hearts to encourage one another, which means we’ve carefully created an application and review process:
1. Applications are now closed – we are now blessed to read the heart of more than 470 of our sisters as we prayerfully move on to the next step.
2. Once applications have been received, they will be reviewed by the (in)courage team
3. Finally, an internal DaySpring/(in)courage team will make the final decision and all applicants will be notified before April 1st.
We can’t wait to get our hands on your words. And we’re praying for you as you apply.
And as we expect the volume of applications to be enthusiastic, please pray for us as we seek to honor you, our Father God, and this space in the process.
With much love and grateful for grace,
the (in)courage team
Lisa-Jo, Crystal, Sally and Saul
{And if you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments}.
Leave a Comment
Kris says
Oh my. What an opportunity. 🙂
Kristin Taylor says
How exciting! 🙂
Kate says
Opening your doors a bit – how humble and awesome and exciting.
Just prayed that you all would have wisdom, discernment, and even joy – as you go through the process of picking those 5 contributors. Lord, lead them.
Blessings,
Kate 🙂
Lisa-Jo says
Thanks Kate. Grateful for that because I think we’ll need it.
Christine Wright says
Wow! Big stuff! I’ll be praying for you all!
Kristin Smith says
Wow – what an exciting opportunity. Praying for all who apply and for the hard decisions to be made!!
Mel says
Love this…lifting all of you up as you pray over so many hearts and stories. God’s got this, and it will be beautiful to see what He does. 🙂
Alecia says
Wow!!! So exciting. I know you will have quite a job ahead of you selecting whom to join your team. I’ll keep you in my prayers. I know with God’s leading you’ll find the perfect people to join your team. Good luck!!
Anna Harrison says
How exciting! And I echo the others that Jesus will give infinite wisdom as the group expands. This blog is a daily blessing.
Christie Elkins says
Wow. This opportunity is unreal. Prayers for all the ladies that apply and those prayerfully deciding whom shall fill those seats!
Jules says
Wow what a blessing to work alongside such amazing women. May God grant you wisdom and discernment as you choose. May you choose wisely. Bless you
wanda says
I love this…..I have felt God pulling me to do something with my new freedom (recently moved, 3 kids left for college, quit my school job mid-yr). Writing devotions from an empty nest heart might be just what God is directing.
Praying for you INCOURAGERS!!
Rosanne says
What an exciting opportunity! I’ll be praying for not only those applying, but also the ones making the decisions – that God would clearly communicate His will. 🙂 I love this place and how it nurtures the hearts of women. 🙂
Courtney L. says
How exciting! Praying for the (in)courage/Dayspring crew as they endeavor to choose these contributors! I can’t wait to find out who they will be and look forward to reading their words! 🙂
Julie says
How special — thanks for this opportunity!
Carey Bailey says
Goodness. Prayers for discernment. That will surely be a process but the end result will be goodness. That I am certain.
Emily Phillips says
What a wonderful opportunity! The gift of encouraging others is the greatest transaction in God’s economy!
Libby says
Yay! what a great idea! praying for sure!
tammy says
I am probably the only one out there, but I feel you should choose someone who doesn’t/isn’t a mom. Everything written seems to relate to a busy schedule and being a mom. I’m heavily involved in my church, but I am not a mom. It was never in God’s will. Just a suggestion.
Crystal Stine says
Tammy, we hear you & we are excited to be able to add some new voices to this community who can encourage from a variety of life experiences & stages 🙂 If you know anyone you think would be a great fit, please have them apply!
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Just wanted to let you know that not all of the contributors are moms… I am not a mom, Tammy. And there are a few others that aren’t. You are not alone, friend!
Sarah Caldwell says
What an incredible and beautiful opportunity you are offering! I echo what these other kindreds have said in their comments: I pray for wisdom, discernment and a true confirmation and knowing for the committee. It is a joy and a gift to read Incourage everyday, friends!
karina allen says
My heart may have leaped for joy! What an incredible opportunity for God to speak some fresh revelation to His daughters!!!!!!!!!
Beth Coulton says
I, too, shall be praying – what a beautiful, encouraging site this is. I get the daily posts delivered to my inbox, and look forward to them every day! I’ve often read soothing words of hope and help for exactly what I’m going through that day, at that time. I frequently forward posts on to others, too, and have used them in workshops as so many of them hit home with real life situations. What is here is relevant and relateable, which makes it such a great resource. Blessings to all of you as you seek His will in expanding your beach house family!
Cynthia Gheorghiu says
Oh how exciting that you’ll be adding new contributors. For the past three long years, I’ve been contemplating, over analyzing on being a writer. I’m going to throw my hat into the ring and see what transpires. During the past four years of my life, I’ve experienced life in a whole different way, as a caretaker, being broke financially but not spiritually. God has shown his power, faithfulness and grace despite my weaknesses. I am being forced to realize my former career is in the past, and writing is something God wants me to do. To give other women (& men) encouragement in their marriages, families, and friends. To hold onto what is concrete, and worthy of time, and energy. What really matters in our walk with God, is how we love, and where our strength comes from.
Everyone matters says
Yes to Tammy’s suggestion–or even more radical: how about a contributor who’s over 50? It seems that the 35 and under crowd rule blogworld . . . And that leaves a large demographic virtually voiceless.
Crystal Stine says
We agree! And it’s one of the big reasons we chose to do an “open call” so that all women feel welcome to apply and share a new voice in this space 🙂
Lisa-Jo says
Yup, what Crystal said and what you said. We agree – everyone matters.
Robin says
🙂 I sure hope everyone matters because I’m 50 (soon to be 51) and I’m a contributor :).
Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam) says
And I’m not too far behind, my friend. 🙂 We just look young. haha
Stephanie says
I *never* would have guessed. You + Jen definitely look young.
The Nester says
I’m 40 but you can call me 35!
Dawn says
Praying. His will be done. Grateful for His ways, and the community He provides.
Kathy says
I use to read blog posts often and then life got busier and I forgot about this site. Recently, I came back again. Actually it was through joining Lysa’s current on line bible study ~ Made to Crave ~ which has been a wonderful read by the way.
I find I enjoy reading due to the different voices and perspectives with each post….I look forward to see who comes into your world to (in)courage us all a little more each day.
Thanks.
Mary @ The Calm of His Presence says
How exciting! I’ve loved watching God grow (in)courage into a home for women to find community and grow deeper into His Word. Praying God’s wisdom and direction as He leads you all to the new voices & faces for (in)courage!
Darlene Collazo says
Awesome! Love this place 🙂
Kayse Pratt says
I read this post this morning and got way more excited (read: distracted) than any one person should be when she’s trying to get two kids out the door and to the doctor! Praying for the applicants, the team, and God’s leading. And thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity!! Amazing.
Jenny Barker says
Such a wonderful, God-breathed, and exciting opportunity! Thank you for offering it. I just filled out my application! 🙂
Jennifer says
Thank you for your sweet, open hearts! Incourage has blessed me so much.
Michelle Sarabia says
Praying for the 5 that will be selected. Will they be inspiring and transparent to those that read their stories.
Kristin says
What an opportunity! What if you’ve never written a blog before but feel God tugging at your heart? Step out of the boat?
Ali says
After two years of putting the idea on the backburner, I finally stepped out of the boat last month. I just got to the point one day where I thought, “If I’m ever going to start a blog, it’s going to be today.” I wrote a post and went live. It’s been incredible to see the way others can be encouraged by your shared stories. GO FOR IT KRISTIN!
Kaitlyn Bouchillon says
Umm crazy excited and breathless because boy I love this place and these women and this community of sandy feet. Can’t wait to see where God leads next, how these generations can stand united FOR each other, to change the world by bringing Him glory.
Janell Rardon says
This is such a great moment! (in)courage has been the ocean breeze in my life so many time this past year, it would be hard to count. I’ll definitely by praying over this increase! More voices means more joy and more truth and more light and well, MORE! Blessings!
Meredith Bernard says
TRUSTING God to give you wisdom on choosing your new contributing sisters. Praying for preparation of all the hearts of those applying to be acceptive of rejection AND for those chosen few…the acceptance. I’m new to call myself a “writer” and have already found many blessings from the words shared in this community. I know I’ve been called to write for His glory. If it’s His will, I’ll join you! What an exciting thought. And if not, I’ll route on those chosen. And continue to be blessed by this forum that speaks to my soul as a mother…writer…sister…daughter…friend. Praying! xoxoxo
Andrea says
Very exciting! I’d love to write and if I’m not chosen, I’m excited to hear new voices. You’re always an encouragement 🙂
Calista says
Thank you for the exciting opportunity. I, too, will be applying like so many others because – well -why not? As a fairly new, semi-regular visitor to the (in)courage community I have enjoyed discovering all the goodness you offer here. Will be praying for you all during the selection process and for the writers/teachers you’ll add. God bless!
Ruth@GraceLaced says
Thankful for the ministry here. Excited to see what the Lord will do in days to come.
Jolene @ The Alabaster Jar says
To God be the glory.
Mel says
I was thinking about you. And sure do hope you apply here! It would be great for more women to hear God’s voice through your wise words.
Sarah says
Wonderful! I love this. Praying for those involved.
Lee says
A God-ordained opportunity for some special women who will be sharing their hearts (and His heart) on behalf of thousands of special women. I, too, have only recently been introduced to (in)courage, but I am blessed by it every day. Praying that each of us responds to the call of the Holy Spirit to pursue whatever He has put on our hearts. Thanks, (in)courage!
Shelbey Kendall says
Oh my! What a huge opportunity! I applied and will be praying multiple times daily for the writers that you choose to become a voice here at (in)courage. Whoever is chosen I am positive they will be a huge blessing as well as become very blessed by the opportunity to allow God to shine through them to thousands of women!
Reh says
Hi
This is such a great opportunity to spread the Gospel of Love,Peace and Hope through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am in Africa – Kenya. Can i still apply?
Thanks.
Lisa-Jo says
Yup, sure can!
Pattie says
Exciting, scary, amazing opportunity. Thank you for opening the doors!
Jamie S Harper says
What an amazing opportunity!! I am praying for all involved and I know this will make someone’s God sized dream!
Logan Wolfram says
Really excited for you guys! Praying for wisdom and discernment for you! Love you all!
Lisa-Jo says
Thanks Logan – we’re going to need it.
Michelle Soto says
What an amazing opportunity. And what a blessing for us all as we get to receive the fruit of the ones chosen to join alongside this beautiful team and ministry. Praying for Wisdom, Grace and Favor over you and all those who are led to join!
jackie says
this is great, we know our God be pleased with every application, and may the selection team be full of wisdom and grace for the task that lies ahead
QuatroMama says
Praying that the enthusiastic response will only be an indication of God’s grace and faithfulness here, as you have opened your arms and taken us in, whereas we have plopped ourselves down and made ourselves at home in this safe place.
Thank you for investing in our hearts and lives, for His glory.
Andrea says
How exciting!!! Praying for wisdom, praying for courage, and just generally praying for all the amazing things this team has and will accomplish. Love you ladies!!
Teske says
Amazing! May the Lord’s will be done as you all work diligently to yield to Him as He adds to your team. Praying now for the many hearts that are fluttering with nerves and excitement as their eyes hurry to scan blog archives to find the perfect submission. 🙂
With Hope,
Teske
Bree says
What an opportunity for your team, the new contributors and your faithful followers to be blessed! I pray that God will be glorified through your decision making. I’m sure it’ll be a difficult call to make, but all you need to do is trust that God will be with you and guide you to the right people. Exciting times!
Christa Sterken says
What an opportunity!
Dolly@Soulstops says
What a great opportunity…praying God gives you all wisdom as I can only imagine what a tough job it will be to pick just five people as there are so many encouraging writers/people 🙂
Ashley Fields says
Wow, what an opportunity! Praying for you all!
Bekah Martin (w/Zondervan) says
Wow. I have loved this site and used it as a resource for friends who are hurting for so long. Thanks for putting this out there.
jennybc says
If I write for myself but have never started my own blog, is it possible to apply? I have wanted to get to a point where I can’t not write on a regular basis and felt that the door has opened for that in the last month or so.
I am praying for you as you make decisions for new contributors. I also am praying for al that apply t o seek His wisdom and His heart on the matter.
Crystal says
Hi Jenny! Absolutely – please apply 🙂
Kelli says
I love that you guys are doing this and are opening the doors in such a way. I will be praying as you work through the applications. Big hugs to you all!
Kristin says
What an exciting opportunity! I cannot wait to see who you add to this already amazing line-up of women who’s hearts are hard after God.
Pamela Hodges says
How exciting. Praying for you for wisdom.
Karin Madden says
Wow! You truly are a home for the hearts of women. What an amazing group of women you are! Thank you for this opportunity and for sharing His love the way you do.
Janet from FL says
Wow! Only 5? That will be a difficult decision! And for those 5 chosen, an awesome responsibility!! God will be in the decision, and in the postings of those 5 brave women given the task to encourage women online with (in)courage. May God bless you all, and give you wisdom and strength. This may not be an Olympic event, but it is exciting!
Kris says
So very exciting and such an incredible way for women to be blessed and refreshed!!! Love you all!
Edwina Cowgill says
What a wonderful opportunity! Praying for God’s wisdom and grace to rest upon each of you!
Pam Workman says
What a blessing for all of us. Xo
Marcy Hanson says
I have goose bumps!! How exciting!
Amy KW says
My prayer as I hit “submit” on my application form: Thy will be done. (And of course it WILL be, as it always is!) 🙂 Blessings and peace.
Lisa-Jo says
So much Amen to that one, Amy.
Jennifer says
This is such an amazing opportunity for so many women who are pursing God’s calling on their lives. I’m praying wisdom and discernment over the entire (in)courage team! God bless all of you!
Lisa-Jo says
Grateful, Jennifer.
Patti Hoover says
As I read the comments left by others I am impressed with the spirit of wanting to please and praise God. What a mighty force as we move forward the Kingdom of Light just a bit more! Trusting God will lead you as you expand your team. A recent upheaval of a move leaving behind my established work, family, everything familiar has me wondering what God has in store for this season of my life. Waiting for him to reveal and direct as he promises he will.
Katie Reid says
How am I supposed to sleep now?! I read this post while I was at my son’s karate class and could hardly sit still in the bleachers. Doing a few karate chops in the air might have helped release some of my excitement (but probably not)! I am in awe of this opportunity and so grateful for the chance to be considered. Praying for God to clearly illuminate who would be the best fit for this place and space. Love what y’all do…I had the courage to apply, in part, because of this encouraging community and all the ways I have been inspired by those here. Thank you!:)
Stephanie says
A golden opportunity! Thank you.
Praying for your team as you select the five. I look forward to reading their words – whoever they may be.
Andrea Fortenberry says
Wow, what an amazing opportunity! Prayers for the selection committee and God’s guidance throughout the process.
Toni C. says
In the same way God guides you each day in bringing us all the (in)couragement and community we need, He’ll lead you in this wonderful process of expanding the contributor family. I join my sisters here in praying for each member of the team as well as for each woman who applies. May God give you wisdom and discernment grace and strength. Thank you for the gift of (in)courage!
Shelly Muench says
I’m new this week to (in)courage but I’m a huge fan of Ann Voskamp. I love it when women encourage and speak life over other women! It is so vital to building the kingdom of Heaven here on earth! Blessings to all, with wisdom and discernment, on your endeavor to seeking new contributors!
Brandi Rennemeyer says
I am fairly new to this absolutely awesome beach house ~ what a community this is! Not only are the blog posts encouraging, inspriring and faith-building but the comments others leave behind. I nearly chuckled outloud (but bit my lip- it’s crazy late and I don’t want to wake my hubs) at how nearly every comment poured more and more encouragement over the applicants and hosts. How good is God, giving us a place to link arms and stir up joy, strength, hope, and love!!!!
Come Lord, shower this place with a fresh dose of Your presence! May each applicant be guided by your voice and encouraged not just in the acceptance or rejection but in the process, the process of stepping out! And may you shine your favor and light on the hosts of this amazing community, expand their territory Lord, strengthen their voice. May they have the mind of Christ, may they have wisdom and discernment to steward this place for your glory! In your mighty name, Amen
Katie Reid says
Great word and prayer Brandi- thank you!
Danita Hiles says
Hey girls- This. Is. Awesome. I read your words and immediately thought of a few friends I should encourage to apply. And then God whispered: “what about you ?” And so in my ’50 yr old /sort of empty nest/ living in the suburbs/ raising a middle schooler/moving past widowhood/ writing from my heart & life and hoping it blesses someone’ phase of life, I am taking the plunge ! Regardless of outcome, praying that God continues to breathe life through the words that flow on this sight. That sisters continue to link arms and hear His voice whisper “You are not alone” by the words they read here. What an incredible blessing you all are !
Danielle Christy says
Such an exciting and amazing opportunity. May God guide each of you!
Elise Daly Parker says
Very exciting and wonderful…Praying God will lead you to those He is calling. And that those who aren’t called to this, but want to be, will find their way to the perfect fit for them. Lord you are good, your plans are good. Bless this team with your Holy Spirit wisdom, counsel, and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
melody says
Thank you for your love and for opening your doors to everyone. May you find the right ones that God has placed in the right spot and the right time for you.
lisa tindal says
Admittedly l’m a newbie to the blogging world, but really bravely praying for chance to share my heart.
Pamela Koefoed says
What an exciting time for the (in)courage online community. Yes, I will pray in agreement with you for the perfect fit–We can be certain that when we ask the Lord for anything within His will that He always hears us. And since we know that He hears us, we know that whatever we’ve asked of Him, He will provide. 1 Jn. 5:14-15
I’m looking forward to meeting your new writers and reading their sweet sisterly love hugs.
Angie Ryg says
Wow! So much awesomeness right here! So many amazing women. Thank you for opening the doors and saving seats. I will pray for the hearts of those making decisions – that God will give His Spirit of discernment and clarity. And I pray for the hearts of each woman who longs to share His story through words of hope and grace. I thank God for this rare and beautiful community.
Tori says
What a wonderful opportunity! Praying He will use you and those you choose to His great Glory. Praying He will lead you to the few with wide open doors – making your decision process clear and smooth:)
Sweet blessings!
Kelley Baringer says
I was sad that being a current blogger is a requirement for submitting an application.
Becky Keife says
Kelley, read through the comments above. I’m pretty sure I saw someone else ask if they needed to have a blog and Crystal said, no, that it wasn’t a requirement and encouraged her to apply! Find a way to contact one of the incourage gals directly and ask how you can still apply without a blog! 🙂
Crystal Stine says
Hi Kelley – yes, please feel welcome to apply if you feel led! We’ll collect your email address on the application and will be able to contact you if we have questions or would like to see a writing sample (just fill in “email for further information” or something along those lines in the form field so it allows you to submit).
Audrey Pace says
Hi! How might I apply to be a contributor if I don’t have a blog nor a URL to direct you to my writing?
Crystal Stine says
Hi Audrey! Please still feel welcome to apply – we’ll collect your email address on the application and will be able to request additional information/writing samples from you if we need them 🙂
Crystal Stine says
Ah…and just write “available upon request” in those fields so it allows you to submit the application 😉
Mollianne says
Oh, my! How exciting. The thought of it has butterflies in my stomach. Wondering how many other: closer-to-60-than-50/outrageously in love with her husband/mother and stepmother/grandmother of teenaged boys/living in a multigenerationsal family/works at a Church House/just packed up my Christmas decorations last week kinda applicants you’ll have? Because, really?? I have to hope there are lots of gals out there just like me! Love all y’all and will be praying that the obviously God-ordained ministry continues to blossom and bless!
Rachel Mavis says
Do you ever seek out photography contributors? I think that your photography is often as beautiful as the writing it accompanies… or do people submit their own to go with their writing?
Amber Kocemba says
Yikes! Was just finishing my application and it disappeared, could I please still send it in somehow?!
Amber
Stacy Sevy says
Me, too! I thought the deadline was the 28th. Can I forward my application responses via e-mail?
Thank you!
Amy Worth says
I, too, thought today was the last day. By grace is there any way to still apply? With humility and hope, amy
Bonnie King says
Me, too, but I’m taking it as a sign it wasn’t my time!…unless they change their minds 😉
Anne says
Hi. I was wondering when It would be announced who the new writers are? Thank you so much and God bless.
Lisa Petrarca says
I’ll be praying for the Lord to guide you in your final decision. I wanted to share a story with you regarding a Brady Bunch mom who thought she was done raising kids until God stepped in and delivered a boy via email. I’ve attached the link to my story above. Have a blessed day!
Subiksha says
Wow, what a fantastic opportunity this must have been! Thank you for allowing God to shape your community and I hope the nine new-comers enjoy the ride!