Our Story

October is designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. Over the next several weeks we will tell you more of this Pastor's Family's story and how we strive to appreciate and help Christian ministers and workers.

From the Sandhills of rural North Carolina and the mountains of New York State, Kirk Lewis and Melanie came to the hills of Tennessee to prepare for Christian service at Tennessee Temple University. At the annual missions’ conferences, they connected to a wide variety of mission agencies to determine how they could be utilized in supporting missionary families. The common answer echoed, “Get some experience and then come back and see us.”

Throughout childhood Melanie witnessed hurting ministry families cared for through the gifted hospitality of her parents. Kirk’s childhood provided continuous testimony of people professing Christianity with little evidence of a set apart life. Ministry families suffered in silence around him. As a result, Kirk and Melanie’s deep desire has been to help people find Christ relevant to every area of life, whether they are in the pulpit or the pew.

Even in the inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation hospital where Kirk was employed, he noted Christians and ministry families struggling to live effective lives with sustained ministries. In private practice Kirk and Melanie initiated support groups for ministers and their wives, and also provided individual counseling for ministry workers and family members. The devastation of the clergy has been astounding.

On a quest to fortify the body of Christ, Kirk and Melanie moved their counseling practice to a church-based setting. As an ordained minister, Kirk facilitates open dialog with ministers and prospective Christian workers regarding the unique challenges associated with a faith-based career. Melanie addresses the needs of fatigued women and children by rebuilding confidence, providing encouragement, and outlining directional guidance.

On July 25, 2014 another story began, Desperately Dependent Community was formed as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Desperately Dependent Community exists to challenge Christian ministers and workers to find Christ relevant to every area of life thereby promoting effective, sustained ministries. While cultivating a community of compassionate caregivers who desire to serve the body of Christ, our ministry motivates spiritual maturity.

In the coming days we will unfold more of the story of DDCommunity.



If you would like to receive our blog posts via email, simply submit your email address in the box on the left. They will make you verify your request by jumping through a few hoops, but that is for your safety!

We would love for you to POST A COMMENT about the insights you have received on your journey toward desperate dependency.