speaking
Finding Hope, Purpose & Joy in the Unfinished Places of Life
Life rarely turns out exactly the way we planned. Sometimes it's beautiful. Sometimes it's heartbreaking. And sometimes it's a little bit of both.
I'm Jere Van Patten—an author, educator, theatre artist, and storyteller who believes that some of life's most meaningful lessons are discovered in the moments when everything seems to be falling apart.
For more than two decades, I've spent my life helping people discover their potential, embrace their individuality, and recognize that they are capable of more than they ever imagined. Along the way, life handed me a few lessons of its own. Some were wonderful. Others? Well, let's just say I wouldn't recommend the curriculum. HA!
But through it all, I've come to believe something deeply:
We don't have to have everything figured out to live meaningful, joyful, and extraordinary lives.
Through storytelling, humor, faith, and honest conversations about the messy, beautiful experience of being human, I invite audiences to embrace the And—the space where joy and grief, faith and doubt, hope and heartache can all exist together.
Because life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. And neither do we.
speaking topics
Every audience has a story. Every person carries experiences that have shaped who they are, what they believe, and how they see the world. Through humor, heartfelt storytelling, and honest reflection, I create opportunities for people to laugh, think, connect, and perhaps see their own stories a little differently.
Whether speaking at a conference, retreat, church gathering, educational event, or community organization, my goal is simple: to leave people feeling encouraged, understood, and reminded that their stories are still being written.
Living in the And: Finding Hope in the Unfinished Places of Our Lives
Signature Presentation
What happens when life doesn't turn out the way we expected? When faith and doubt, joy and grief, hope and disappointment seem to occupy the same space?
Inspired by my book, Living in the And, this presentation explores the freedom that comes from accepting that seemingly contradictory experiences can coexist. Through personal stories, humor, and reflections on faith and resilience, I invite audiences to discover that they don't have to wait for everything to be resolved before experiencing meaning, purpose, and joy.
Because life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. And neither do we.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Rediscovering Worth, Purpose & Possibility
We all carry stories about who we are, what we're capable of, and what our experiences mean. Some of those stories encourage us. Others quietly convince us that we're not enough.
This presentation explores how the narratives we create about ourselves can shape our choices, relationships, and sense of purpose. Through storytelling, humor, and personal reflection, I invite audiences to question limiting assumptions, reconsider the labels they've accepted, and recognize that the most difficult chapters of their lives don't have to define the rest of their story.
You are more than the worst thing that's happened to you. And your story isn't finished yet.
Fine Is Not the Finish Line: Discovering What's Possible
How often do we settle for "fine" when we're capable of something extraordinary?
Drawing on more than two decades in education and theatre, this presentation explores the relationship between discipline, creativity, courage, and personal growth. Through stories from the classroom, the rehearsal room, and life itself, I challenge audiences to recognize their potential, embrace the work of becoming, and discover what happens when they stop allowing fear or complacency to determine what's possible.
It's not about perfection. It's about possibility.
Faith AND Fear: Finding Courage in the Middle of Uncertainty
What if having faith doesn't mean never feeling afraid? What if courage isn't the absence of uncertainty, but the willingness to keep moving forward in the middle of it?
Through personal experiences and faith-centered reflections, this presentation challenges the idea that spiritual strength requires unwavering confidence or a life free from struggle. Instead, I explore how faith and fear, belief and questions, strength and vulnerability can coexist—and how we can find hope even when we don't have all the answers.
Because sometimes the greatest act of faith isn't knowing how the story ends. It's trusting that there's still meaning in the middle.
the experience
behind the message
I've spent more than two decades telling stories, helping people discover their potential, and encouraging them to see possibilities they might never have imagined for themselves.
As an educator, theatre director, actor, and author, I've had the privilege of working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether directing a production, teaching a classroom full of teenagers, leading professional development, or sharing my own experiences, I've learned that the most meaningful connections happen when we're willing to be honest, vulnerable, and unapologetically human.
My background includes a Bachelor's degree in Theatre from Arizona State University, a Master's degree in Education, additional graduate study in Theatre Directing, and more than twenty years of experience in education and the performing arts. I've worked as a classroom teacher, college instructor, fine arts administrator, director, and mentor—experiences that have shaped not only how I communicate, but how I connect with people.
But my greatest lessons haven't always come from a classroom or a stage. They've come from the unexpected turns, difficult seasons, beautiful surprises, and occasionally spectacular messes that make up an ordinary human life.
Those experiences inspired my book, Living in the And: Finding Christ in the Unfinished Places of Our Lives, and continue to shape the message I hope to share with others.
I don't believe inspiration comes from having all the answers. I believe it comes from being willing to share what we've learned while we're still figuring things out.
And if we can laugh a little along the way? Even better.
let's start a conversation
Every great conversation begins with a connection, and I'd love the opportunity to connect with you!
Whether you're planning a conference, retreat, church gathering, educational workshop, community event, or podcast interview, I'd welcome the opportunity to share stories, exchange ideas, and explore how my message might resonate with your audience.
Presentations can be tailored to your event, audience, and goals, whether you're looking for something inspirational, faith-centered, educational, or simply an honest conversation about the beautifully messy experience of being human.
Interested in having me speak at your event or join you for an interview?
Fill out the form below, or reach out directly at jereintheand@gmail.com.
I look forward to connecting with you!