Conversations with Aretha Craft

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aretha Craft.

Hi Aretha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a multi-passionate kingdom leader, life coach, public speaker, and relationship advocate. I love helping individuals recover from traumatic circumstances. 

My life challenges and training have allowed me the experience and wisdom to help others transcend, transform, and transcend their limitations. This is done through practical application, biblical principles, and my professional and life experiences.

I wholeheartedly believe I am meant to be on this earth for God’s divine purposes. I am convinced because my life has been marked by amazing miracles. From being born dead and brought back to life, rescued from a drowning incident, being miraculously healed from endometriosis after 12 years of pain, and saved from toxic, controlling, and abusive relationships, even my life was threatened; the fact that I am still here full of passion for life and purpose, I feel confirms my existence. 

After faithfully assisting several ministries to build Ohio and Florida, in 2010 the Lord led me to pioneer a ministry in Clarksville, TN with the support and oversight of Apostle Clyde and Dr. Scherazade Daniels of Dominion Ambassadors Network. I came with just a Word from God and love for Tennessee. In true God fashion, I arrived the weekend of the flood. It was my understanding that the waters released from Nashville caused Clarksville to flood. The Lord said this was a sign of how He was going to flood the region with His Spirit. I was excited about my partnership with God and with those who had already been laboring in the area. 

I did not begin pastoring immediately. For the first year, I started The Prayer Platoon. It was such a fitting name for a community in the heart of the Ft. Campbell military base. Initially, the role of the prayer platoon was to hold up the arms of leaders in the region through prayer. Little did I know that The Prayer Platoon was going to be the catalyst for much that would be accomplished. 

For my first year in Clarksville, I just visited the local churches, prayed for their ministries, and volunteered to assist with projects and conferences that they were hosting. Through this, I built quality relationships with Pastors and community leaders. I fell in love with the region and those that serve. I also saw the city become more welcoming of women pastors and open its heart to this growing change. 

After the first year and hosting a bible study in my home, I was able to launch and grow what the Lord had given me stewardship, Kingdom Generation Ministries (KGM). KGM was a ministry built on kingdom principles. My son relocated from Ohio and joined with me at KGM, being a major part of the worship at KGM. 

As my relationships grew in the area, more and more the spotlight was placed on the leadership of the prayer ministry. I was connected to amazing men and women who welcomed my participation in the vision God had for the impact of prayer for regions, cities, and the state of Tennessee. This led to being invited to participate in city-wide events in Nashville, house of prayer sessions, governmental prayer meetings such as the National Day of Prayer events, Tennessee State General Reformation Prayer Network, and other prayer leadership initiatives. Also, serving as a committee and board member for projects where city-wide prayer was the goal as we love on communities in Tennessee. 

Prayer became the launch place for other things that were on the heart of God. It was during prayer, that the Lord revealed His desire to raise women leaders. As He shared His desire, my overseer called me, Dr. Schedhazede Daniels, and repeated the same thing to me that the Holy Spirit had stated to me minutes before. Out of this encounter, the Lord birthed in my heart The School of Deborah in Nashville, TN.

This is an 8-week leadership school to help women arise, emerge, and impact culture. I partner with pioneering women to help upcoming women called to lead to overcome challenges in areas they are called to pioneer. I have had the privilege to partner with women of impact like Lady Cynthia Haley Pitts, Sarah Macloud of Harvest Sound International, and Alex Seeley of The Belonging Nashville, TN just to name a few. These women have served as instructors at The School of Deborah providing impactful strategies to help women advance. 

Also inspired by God, I was able to braid my life and ministerial experience with my professional training as a domestic violence advocate to create Rethink Relationships. Its purpose is to help individuals do relationships H.I.S. way; Healthy, Integral, and Safe. Throughout the years, this message has taken several different forms such as an internet radio broadcast, in-person and online webinars, and marriage preparation courses “Making Yourself Ready” and the “Khayil Woman”.

Prayer is still the foundation for all that I do. It is my foundation and place of relationship with the Creator, the initiator of my purpose and the reason I exist. The Prayer Platoon has expanded over the years in its service to God’s people. From a radio broadcast to 15 countries, personal and group prayer training and mentorships, online prophetic presbytery, and community partnership, we continue undergirding leaders as they build and grow. I also wrote a book called The Seek outlining how seeking God in prayer led to supernatural healing in my life. 

In 2024, I have the opportunity to combine my skills and talent for transformation in the launch of Arise 2 Better, LLC. It will be one place to receive the empowerment to be better and live better. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road but rewarding. I realized I was called to do what some may be considered difficult. Pioneering a ministry without a team, building a school from just an idea, also, being a woman pastor in a role primarily staffed by men, honestly none of it was my plan. 

I had more vision than resources. My faith was stretched many times. However, God in His faithfulness, provided whatever was needed whether, help, resources, wisdom, or partners as I trusted Him and followed His instructions. 

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While during ministry, I was still working in the marketplace. 

Professionally, I have held diverse roles. Most of my experience includes various levels of customer service from crisis hotline shifts to Tier 2 leadership, administrative work from administrative assistant to executive level, and most of my experience in human resources. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What has worked well for me in networking is first knowing who I am and my purpose. God has made us individuals and diverse.  

As I meet people, I present my authentic self as I appreciate who I am meeting. It is important to me not to be transactional. We never know what our meeting can lead to. If we share a similar goal or passion, we can be intentional with continuing to connect. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
• Phone: 615-290-3262

Image Credits
Worship City Alliance