Jenn Petersen: HOPE FOR THE VULNERABLE
RESTORATION Acts 16:15
Women who encountered restoration like Dorcas and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak in the Bible received God’s grace and mercy. At IWU, God is using many women as his instruments in bringing restoration through renewal and redemption within their reach.
In 2017, Jenn Petersen and her husband Branden Petersen planted Resurrection Life NYC, a multi-ethnic congregation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. While the church was still young, Jenn began to pursue her Master of Divinity through Wesley Seminary. Although she was going through a very busy time in her life — teaching in church while also studying online — Jenn was determined to obtain her degree.
During her studies in the Master of Divinity program at Wesley Seminary, Jenn found herself especially impacted by the spiritual formation courses, as well as Professor Patrick Eby’s course Social Justice in Wesleyan Tradition. As a student who was also constantly surrounded by ministry in her work, learning about the experiences of early church leaders and local church pastors from throughout Christian history became an invaluable resource for her. The experience both provided things to aspire toward as well as warnings of potential challenges that could arise in ministry. Eby’s course also hit upon something which Petersen cares deeply about: living out Christ’s words about caring for those in need. While she already had a heart for this mission, Professor Eby’s course provided insightful and valuable information and perspectives, strengthening and deepening the devotion she already had.
“It was a busy time, but I’m grateful for my time at Wesley Seminary — especially the practicality of the program, the care and wisdom of the professors, and the support of my cohort,” Petersen said.
In April of 2020, Petersen graduated, joining International Justice Mission that June. IJM is a global organization working to bring protection to vulnerable populations around the globe — including those experiencing modern slavery, police abuse, and violence against women and children. Eventually, she was promoted to director of mobilization for New York City, connecting people across the New York metro area to the work of IJM. This can happen through a variety of methods including giving, prayer, and advocacy work. Petersen had the honor of partnering with many churches, corporations, and individuals while preaching about God’s heart for justice around the world — speaking everywhere from her local community in New York to a conference in Finland.
“I HAVE LONG BEEN INSPIRED BY THE TANGIBLE, CONSISTENT AND LOVING PRESENCE OF WORLD HOPE INTERNATIONAL, EMPOWERING THE VULNERABLE IN SOME OF THE HARDEST PLACES SO THEY CAN FLOURISH, THRIVE AND LEAD.”
-
JENN PETERSEN ’20
World Hope International President and Chief Executive Officer
Petersen also helped bring attention to serious issues in ways which touched upon secular spaces — moving in them to help bring light to the plights of “the least of these.” One such instance was when Petersen created a runway show during New York Fashion Week where her Runway for Justice team at IJM partnered with Elegantees — a fashion brand that works with women impacted by human trafficking. Another was through an event called IJM x Broadway, which brought together people from the Broadway community to specifically bring awareness to and raise funds for fighting against the online sexual exploitation of children.
Because Petersen holds a bachelor’s degree in music, she was also able to use these talents to write a song inspired by the work of International Justice Mission called “Until All Are Free” which was subsequently recorded by Broadway artist Kennedy Caughell.
This February, Petersen departed IJM to take on the role of president and CEO of World Hope International — the nonprofit humanitarian organization founded by Jo Anne Lyon. Due to Lyon’s well-known impact as part of The Wesleyan Church and her work with WHI up to this point, Petersen has taken on a role which some might find intimidating. Even so, she has entered into the position with anticipation, humility, and a desire to faithfully follow wherever God may call her and the organization.
“I have long been inspired by the tangible, consistent and loving presence of World Hope International, empowering the vulnerable in some of the hardest places so they can flourish, thrive and lead,” Petersen said, when her new role was announced. “During this next chapter, we will continue courageously and creatively following Jesus into the work of justice, mercy, and compassion.”
From her role pastoring Resurrection Life NYC to her work with International Justice Mission and now World Hope International, Jenn Petersen’s life has been one devoted to helping others grow and working to restore that which has been hurt to new and better life. Although she is still new to her role at WHI, Petersen is incredibly grateful for the journey God has taken her on and looks forward to all the ways she can continue to serve Him and His people in the days, months, and years to come.
