CJ Rapp
CJ is best described as a treasure
hunter who sets the gems of
scripture into life changing lessons for her audiences.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Matthew 13:52
At the tender age of 13, CJ learned that although sticks and stones can hurt you, unkind words can alter the course of your life. Already suffering from low self esteem due to the endless teasing of school mates, CJ was told jokingly that her sister got the brains and the beauty in the family. Those words poisoned her heart and thoughts, became her truth and altered the course of her life. She embarked on a search for acceptance, significance and most of all unconditional love… in the process she walked away from God and the calling she knew was on her life.
CJ refers to those years now as “the time she spent circling the drain”. Although she let go of God’s hand, He never let go of hers continuing his passionate pursuit of her until she finally came to end of herself and cried out to God. It was not until her life and that of her unborn son hung in the balance that she completely surrendered to Jesus Christ allowing him to use her in any way. Looking back, she declares she would not change a minute of it because it is this journey that God has used to fuel her passion for women’s ministry and her love for scripture.
Her life experiences allow her the unique ability to connect heart to heart with women on multiple levels. CJ began speaking in 2003 at her home church, Saddleback Church, where she continues to serve today as an evangelism trainer, curriculum writer and teacher for women’s ministries.
CJ is the author of the devotional journal, I AM says You Are. In this booklet, CJ outlines the lies that we believe about ourselves that prevent us from embracing our identity in Christ. Each day offers new insight into defeating the lies that affect our self-esteem and self-worth with the power of God’s word. Written to encourage women in every stage of life.
She married her husband John in 1998. They reside in Mission Viejo, CA with their two son’s Dillon and Austin.
"With a touch of southern charm in her voice and a passion to go beyond the surfacey readings of scripture, CJ brings it! If you are looking for a guest speaker to teach the Bible specifically to women (she has a burden to teach women), have a love for expository preaching and practical application with her fiery personality, CJ, is the 'woman' for you."
Pastor Erin Kerr - Saddleback Church
Workshops
Sticks and Stones
We have all heard the childhood rhyme that ends with the declaration..."Words will never hurt me!" But words can be used as weapons causing emotional pain instead of physical pain. When left untreated, the wounds from others' careless and hurtful words can poison our thoughts, motions, and actions eventually leaving scars that can last a lifetime. We can find healing and we can be set free from the stumbling blocks caused by others words. Jesus came to, "bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners..." (Isaiah 61:1) In Him there is healing, hope, and forgiveness.
Fear Less:
The Strength to Face Goliath
How do you handle fear? Do you turn and run or do you trust God and step out to face your face? Take courage because God will deliver you. Like David we must learn to pick up our sling and our stones and face our fear in God's strength. Draw strength and confidence to face your fear from the timeless tale of David and Goliath.
Retreat Topics
Blessed is She Who has Believed...
Do you believe God? Not do you believe in God but do you believe Him? Here is the truth. Women have three deep seated needs... the need to be loved and accepted, the need to be significant, and to feel a sense of security. If we believe God in these area's, we would live rich, vibrant lives full of the power available to us as children of God. Learn what it means to Believe and, as a result grow in faith as you learn to trust God to provide for your deepest needs.
Daughters of the King
Do you realize that you are a Daughter of the King of the Universe? Being His daughter comes with blessings and responsibilities. We have: A rock solid identity in Christ A responsibility to live as a Subject of His Kingdom, A duty to surrender our hearts, minds, and souls to Him and... The privilege of being a Crown of Splendor in His hand. Find out what it means to live as a "Daughter of the King" in this four part series.
Treasures Hunters
CJ is the host of Treasure Hunters Bible Studies, an on-line Bible Study Community dedicated to teaching women to mine the scripture themselves. She teaches women how to treasure hunt through books of the Bible at workshops and retreats.
Keynotes
Called by God...A Woman’s Call to Significance
Do you ever wonder if there is more to life? Do you ever feel as if you are called to do something great? Well, you are! God designed each of us with a special mission that gives our life extreme significance. When God created Eve, He placed three specific calls on her life and, therefore, on the life of every woman after her... find out what God is calling you to do... Be encouraged and Be inspired... Dare to dream and dare to pray the most dangerous prayer ever... Lord use me!
Additional Topics Available
Including:
- Holiday and Outreach Messages
- Training Hearts not Hands Leadership Training for Women’s Ministries
