Influential Woman · Christian Ministry
Donna Aust
Bible Teacher / Author, Donna Aust Ministries
FL 32963
Her Story
About Donna
Donna Aust is a Christian author, Bible teacher, and mentor whose ministry centers on helping women grow in their knowledge of Scripture and deepen their relationship with Christ.
Her professional journey began far from ministry in the corporate world, where she worked for Peat Marwick as a corporate trainer, developing training materials and teaching management and leadership skills to administrative and managerial staff nationwide. During those years, Donna also pursued martial arts, earning a black belt in karate after twelve years of training and eventually becoming an instructor.
After coming to faith in Christ, Donna’s priorities and direction began to change. She eventually stepped away from corporate training and teaching karate to devote herself more fully to studying and teaching the Bible. Her desire to understand Scripture at a deeper level ultimately led her to pursue a seminary education and earn a master’s degree in theological studies.
Donna’s ministry began simply—leading women’s Bible studies in her home and teaching within her local church. Those early years laid the foundation for what would become Donna Aust Ministries and, eventually, her work as a published author. Her book, When Hope Comes, explores themes of suffering, hope, redemption, and God’s providence and has opened doors for speaking at women’s conferences and sharing her message through podcasts and other ministry opportunities.
Building on the book, Donna is currently developing an eight-session Bible study designed for women to explore these biblical truths in a group setting. She also writes regularly on Substack, where she encourages women to wrestle honestly with questions of faith while remaining firmly rooted in Scripture.
Through Donna Aust Ministries, Donna continues to teach, write, speak, and mentor women with a commitment to integrity, honesty, trust, and gratitude. She views ministry not as a sprint, but as a marathon—a calling that requires perseverance, faithfulness, prayer, and a daily dependence on Christ.
At the heart of Donna’s life, however, is her family. She and her husband, Stuart, have four grown sons, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. For Donna, family and ministry are not competing priorities, but part of the same calling: to faithfully invest in the lives God has placed before her and to point others to the hope found in Christ.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and faith. I’ve learned not to give up, but to keep moving forward while honoring God and trusting that He will equip me for the work He has called me to do. When fear, anxiety, or obstacles arise, I press on knowing that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
As Paul writes, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Ultimately, I’ve learned that success isn’t about accomplishing something for God, but faithfully doing what He has called me to do and trusting Him with the outcome. Honoring Him in the process is always a joy, no matter the challenge.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received comes from the Apostle Paul. To paraphrase: Don’t give up. Work hard. Trust and honor God in all you do, knowing that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).
Those words have reminded me throughout my life and ministry to keep going, remain faithful, and trust God with the outcome.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For any young woman who feels called to serve God in ministry, remember that ministry is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Be patient and stay close to God, making time for personal devotion and spiritual growth, because that is the foundation that will sustain you and your ministry. Jesus reminds us that He is the Vine and we are the branches; apart from Him, we can do nothing. We need the nourishment that only He can provide.
Stay diligent, work for an audience of One, and be who God created you to be rather than trying to imitate someone else. Give thanks, enjoy the journey, and simply do what you can each day. Ministry isn’t built in a day—it is built through a lifetime of daily faithfulness.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my biggest challenges right now is navigating the ever-changing world of technology, particularly when it comes to making Bible studies and faith-based resources more accessible online. Learning platforms like Substack has been part of that journey, and while there is always more to learn, I’m grateful for the opportunity technology provides to reach women in ways that weren’t possible before.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are rooted in my faith: integrity, honesty, trust, and gratitude. I certainly don’t live them out perfectly, but I try to make sure my heart and my actions align with what I believe and that, ultimately, what I do honors God.
I’ve also learned that it’s hard to be critical and thankful at the same time. So I try to choose gratitude—especially when things don’t go as planned. It changes the way I approach my work, my relationships, and even the challenges along the way.
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