Say Hi to Brooke Finkbiner
"Do something that makes you nervous." The 13-year-old girl heard during the worship set at a youth group. This small, inaudible whisper impressed upon her heart. She heard God for the very first time. It's a moment forever etched on her heart. This moment between her and the God who created the skies and the oceans. She says that she knew, to the depths of her soul, that accepting this invitation would be an adventure of a lifetime. She says, "He was calling me out of my comfort zone and into a deeper form of surrender." At that moment, she had no idea what this surrender entailed. But she accepted the invitation.
And now, at the T. Swift age of 22 years young, as of June 28, Brooke Finkbiner can already attest to the adventure God has gifted her. So young, yet so full of wisdom, opportunity, and fullness of life. Brooke finds herself married to the man of her dreams, in a job of her dreams, all while still getting to live her dream worshipping and playing the piano. You cannot deny God has a supernatural speed and anointing on her life. That moment that 13-year-old said yes was the moment that changed everything. "This moment would change the entire trajectory of my life," Brooke declares.
Brooke has since been stepping out of her comfort zone. She does so in every sphere and season. And she gets to watch God step in and fill the gaps. She is currently the Office Administrator for the PennDel Women. She and her husband serve as the worship directors at their home church, Journey Christian Church in Thompsontown, PA. Serving in ministry alongside her husband is pure joy! She says, "He is my teammate, best friend, and better half! I am grateful to have him as my forever partner in ministry!"
In December 2021, Brooke graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University Online Campus with a bachelor's degree in Church Leadership with a concentration in Worship Ministry and a minor in writing. God keeps expanding her passions and influence. She honors little Brooke's decision and keeps saying yes to the next thing God lays before her.
Brooke is a passionate and talented piano teacher. Growing up, she always dreamed of being involved in ministry and teaching piano simultaneously! And she watched her dream unravel as she said yes to surrender.
Her other dream was to marry. Two years ago, in the middle of a global pandemic, Brooke married her best friend on July 11, 2020. "As a little girl, you never imagine that your wedding will take place admits such a world crisis." But, with a few minor adjustments and saying yes yet again to being outside of her comfort zone, the couple was able to have all of their friends and family surrounding them on the big day.
"Looking back now, I wouldn't have traded that day for anything." It looked very different than she had expected. But Brooke crucified many of her expectations to the cross and pressed into the Lord's goodness. The limitations turned into freedoms. Brooke says, "It brought such a refreshing simplicity to the day." Instead of being consumed or overwhelmed by the details, they were able to plow into the purest form of their wedding day- a union of three strands. She says, "Through this season, I was able to submit my dreams for this day to the Lord, and He was able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than I could have ever imagined on my own!"
Brooke's passion is all wrapped around Isaiah 61. She wants to spend her entire life doing what these words declare. She desires to proclaim the good news, bind up broken hearts, declare freedom for captives, and comfort those mourning. She dedicates herself to spending her life demonstrating what it means to trade beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for despair. "I am so thankful that He offers us these wonderful gifts so freely!"
Isaiah 61 says, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
She wants every woman to know her identity as a daughter of the King! So beautifully crafted for His glory. She wants to empower women in their calling to testify of His goodness. She says, "There is power when women unite and proclaim His love to others!" She will always get out of her comfort zone, even if that means jumping behind the wheel of a giant demanding van to drive over 100 miles to bring merchandise and Dream Team members to conferences. Without hesitation. She wants to show women the love of Jesus and inspire them to freedom. That's whys she is so passionate about her admin position for PennDel Women.
At PennDel Women, it is often said, "Love is in the Details." We genuinely do our best to put love into every detail of each conference, event, and point of connection. Yet, even in the mundane tasks and all the hidden behind-the-scenes details, He is there! Here is where you will find Brooke, hidden in all the behind-the-scene details. She says, "Although my job mainly performs behind-the-scenes duties, I strive to do it all with great love for Him and His daughters!”
Reach Brooke at brooke@penndelwomen.org or (717) 636-1254. She's waiting for you.