I am a woman who knows what it means to be a sinner in need of a Savior. My past, like many, was marked by sin, yet redeemed fully by the grace, love, and mercy of God the Father through the blood of Jesus Christ. I often reflect with gratitude on His mercy, knowing that it is only through His sacrifice that I have been saved, sanctified, and set apart for His purposes.

I care deeply about women because someone once cared for me. The Lord loved me enough to send His Son to die for my sins, and then He brought someone into my life who discipled me, mentored me, and showed me how to grow in Christ. Because of that, my desire is to come alongside other women and help them grow in maturity and walk faithfully with Him in every season of life.

Over the years, I have seen and experienced the deep hurts that come with living in a fallen world. However, I have watched God be faithful time and time again, through every high and every low experience. This has shaped my heart for women, for those who are hurting, for those who are growing, and for those who may feel unseen or overwhelmed.

As a pastor’s wife for nearly 30 years, my life has been marked by a readiness to serve, to sacrifice, and to minister God’s Word. My heart is especially tender toward women navigating the unique challenges of ministry life, as well as those who are simply trying to understand what it means to follow Christ faithfully.

Above all, I want women to know that they are deeply loved by God; that their past is not beyond His grace, and that every burden can be brought to the cross. Suffering is real, because we live in a fallen world, but I often say, but God. No matter the circumstance, no matter the struggle, there is always hope found in Him.  There is always a but God ...

Official Biography

Dr. Venessa Ellen serves women and the local church through teaching, writing, and discipleship grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture. With more than three decades of ministry experience, her work is centered on helping women grow in Christ through faithful, biblical counsel and intentional, woman-to-woman discipleship.

She is the Founder and President of Real Life Women's Ministry, LLC., Co-Funder and Vice President of Expository Counseling Training Center and where she equips women to minister God’s Word with clarity and compassion. Director of Women’s Ministry

At Community of Faith Bible Church in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ellen has faithfully served in multiple leadership roles, including directing women’s discipleship and children’s ministry, while also supporting the life and structure of the church through administrative leadership.

Dr. Ellen also serves as an adjunct professor for a well-known Seminary, training students in biblical counseling and the practical side of discipling women. Her teaching reflects a deep commitment to Scripture, emphasizing heart transformation, repentance, and growth in Christlikeness.

She holds a Ph.D. in Church Administration with a minor in Women’s Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from The Master’s University, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a certified biblical counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).

Throughout her ministry, Dr. Ellen has taught nationally and internationally, serving women and church leaders across the United States and in countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Ukraine, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada. Whether in a classroom, conference, or local church setting, her desire remains the same, to bring the truth of God’s Word to bear on the everyday struggles of life.

She is the author of Grace in the Mourning: A Faith-Filled Journey through Grief and the companion Grace in the Mourning: Deeper Reflection Workbook, resources designed to help women think biblically about suffering and respond with enduring hope in Christ.

In addition, she has contributed to Women Counseling Women: Biblical Answers to Life’s Problems and co-authored Marriage and Family Basic Training Course with her husband, Dr. Nicolas Ellen.

Dr. Ellen and her husband, Nicolas, have been married for many years. They have two daughters and four grandsons, and she treasures time spent with her family, especially reading with her grandchildren and sharing life together in ways that reflect God’s grace in everyday moments.

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Dr. Venessa Ellen is a member of Community of Faith Bible Church. As a member, she aligns with their doctrinal statement.

Doctrinal Statement