What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fitting Room: Putting On the Character of Christ
Colossians 3:12 tells us to “clothe” ourselves in Christian virtues such as forgiveness, joy, patience, and compassion. But how does that work in real life? Can we really “dress up” in the character of Christ? Kelly Minter says the answer is yes—if we let the Master Designer do the fitting. This relatable book offers insightful Scripture study with real-life stories and simple, down-to-earth explanations of the tricky concepts of justification and sanctification—stitching it all together with dry humor and honesty. There are no gimmicks, no guilt trips, just an irresistible invitation for women to enjoy a spiritual makeover—to put on a life that’s personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
119 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Minter
55 books429 followersKelly lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves the Lord passionately both across the U.S. and internationally in a variety of creative roles. An acclaimed author, musician, Bible study creator and teacher, she is passionate to see women impacted by Jesus and His Word.
Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Kelly was raised in a Christian home, the oldest of four children and daughter of a pastor. Her childhood was seasoned with competitive sports, learning the guitar, singing, and a litany of church activities in the congregation her father founded and still pastors. Like many young women, Kelly dealt with inner struggles – anxiety and depression were a part of her growing-up years. “Those struggles are what drove me to Scripture,” Kelly says, “and the catalyst for me to learn for myself who God is.” Throughout her high school career, Kelly played basketball competitively, expecting that to be her path into college. But after a scholarship fell through, she began playing music. And God began a new thing.
Kelly moved to Nashville in the summer of 2000 and released her first record with WORD, followed by a subsequent release on a different label, leading to her first #1 Single on the Inspirational Charts, This Is My Offering. Shortly after this success and several cross-country tours her record company folded leaving Kelly to rethink her vocation and ministry. In the middle of an ever-changing music industry and on a tour through Colorado, Kelly met a book publisher who would two years later sign her to her first book deal.
Kelly’s first book eventually led to LifeWay approaching her about writing a bible study. Authoring curriculum was a new challenge, but one she quickly fell in love with. Kelly’s first three studies include, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, followed by Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Respected Bible Study teacher and speaker, Beth Moore, chose each of Kelly’s resources for three of her widely-reaching online summer studies. Thousands of women participated and were challenged by Kelly’s writing and her unique perspective on Scripture.
Kelly now writes, teaches, and sings across the United States and also in other countries. Speaking at multiple conferences and events, as well as four Women of Faith events in 2012, Kelly has become a steady and respected teaching voice to women, particularly when it comes to the Scriptures. She also partners closely with Justice and Mercy International (JMI), a ministry that serves in the Amazon jungle; she especially loves working with the jungle pastors who encourage her through their remarkable faith.
When home, Kelly’s days are spent writing, cooking, gardening, enjoying her neighborhood, loving her community, investing in her local church, and walking forward in the things God has for her. She is relevant, palatable, and uncompromising in her teachings from the Bible, and women relate to this.
Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Kelly was raised in a Christian home, the oldest of four children and daughter of a pastor. Her childhood was seasoned with competitive sports, learning the guitar, singing, and a litany of church activities in the congregation her father founded and still pastors. Like many young women, Kelly dealt with inner struggles – anxiety and depression were a part of her growing-up years. “Those struggles are what drove me to Scripture,” Kelly says, “and the catalyst for me to learn for myself who God is.” Throughout her high school career, Kelly played basketball competitively, expecting that to be her path into college. But after a scholarship fell through, she began playing music. And God began a new thing.
Kelly moved to Nashville in the summer of 2000 and released her first record with WORD, followed by a subsequent release on a different label, leading to her first #1 Single on the Inspirational Charts, This Is My Offering. Shortly after this success and several cross-country tours her record company folded leaving Kelly to rethink her vocation and ministry. In the middle of an ever-changing music industry and on a tour through Colorado, Kelly met a book publisher who would two years later sign her to her first book deal.
Kelly’s first book eventually led to LifeWay approaching her about writing a bible study. Authoring curriculum was a new challenge, but one she quickly fell in love with. Kelly’s first three studies include, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, followed by Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Respected Bible Study teacher and speaker, Beth Moore, chose each of Kelly’s resources for three of her widely-reaching online summer studies. Thousands of women participated and were challenged by Kelly’s writing and her unique perspective on Scripture.
Kelly now writes, teaches, and sings across the United States and also in other countries. Speaking at multiple conferences and events, as well as four Women of Faith events in 2012, Kelly has become a steady and respected teaching voice to women, particularly when it comes to the Scriptures. She also partners closely with Justice and Mercy International (JMI), a ministry that serves in the Amazon jungle; she especially loves working with the jungle pastors who encourage her through their remarkable faith.
When home, Kelly’s days are spent writing, cooking, gardening, enjoying her neighborhood, loving her community, investing in her local church, and walking forward in the things God has for her. She is relevant, palatable, and uncompromising in her teachings from the Bible, and women relate to this.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 25, 2025
This is my favorite style of Christian writing. The content is composed of Biblically-based theology and not a collection of watered down, loosely derived Bible messages as so many other Christian books are.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is that while the author occasionally tells personal anecdotes relating to the subject matter, she doesn’t make the book self-promoting or overly focused on her. I don’t enjoy reading Christian books that claim to be books to build your faith and understanding of God but read like autobiographies. She effectively uses her real-life experiences to explain her point without coming across as self-serving.
I chose this book for my church book club, but I would definitely recommend it to independent readers as well!
Another thing I appreciate about this book is that while the author occasionally tells personal anecdotes relating to the subject matter, she doesn’t make the book self-promoting or overly focused on her. I don’t enjoy reading Christian books that claim to be books to build your faith and understanding of God but read like autobiographies. She effectively uses her real-life experiences to explain her point without coming across as self-serving.
I chose this book for my church book club, but I would definitely recommend it to independent readers as well!
July 20, 2022
This book is full of scripture and getting you thinking. I like how open and honest she is about her own short comings and how she has walked these walks with us and doesn't try to seem like she's better than us. I feel like the first 3/4 of the book did a great job explaining the virtues and how to put them on in a realistic way, but felt the ending to be a little lacking. I would have liked a better conclusion. Bit still very Biblical and well written.
August 26, 2021
I really loved this book despite my initial reservations. They were unmerited. Kelly Minter can preach.
April 8, 2019
I was hoping this might be a good book for my Ladies Bible Study group. I think it is an ok book, but not a good fit for our group. While I highlighted several passages and enjoyed the book for my own personal amusement, it lacks good structure for in-depth Bible study for our group. (There are discussion questions at the back of the book. These really need to be at the end of each chapter instead.) The author writes well, but for what I was hoping to find (a group Bible Study guide), the writer wandered around a lot before making her point. It felt like this might possibly be a series of blog posts that had been worked into a book. It was entertaining, but I would find it difficult to ferret out a good solid lesson plan each chapter. The first chapter—sort of an introduction or overview to the attributes—is really long and rambling. Looking at my start and end dates for reading this book, I spent a little over 3 months reading this book—not on a daily basis. It just didn’t grip me. I’m glad I can look at my Kindle highlights for the good bits though.
August 7, 2019
"Choose How Your Clothe"
This book has discussion questions in the back so it would be good for a Bible study. But don't expect an in depth study.
However, I did like the book. I like the stories the author told. I like the way she explained things. I liked her authenticity. I loved her humor.
This book is based off Colossians 3:12-17. It is a great reminder for us all of our need to be "clothe" in the fruit of the Spirit, not only for others but for ourselves as well.
May we find Joy as we step into our fitting room daily. It's our choice how we're clothe.
This book has discussion questions in the back so it would be good for a Bible study. But don't expect an in depth study.
However, I did like the book. I like the stories the author told. I like the way she explained things. I liked her authenticity. I loved her humor.
This book is based off Colossians 3:12-17. It is a great reminder for us all of our need to be "clothe" in the fruit of the Spirit, not only for others but for ourselves as well.
May we find Joy as we step into our fitting room daily. It's our choice how we're clothe.
May 27, 2020
A book that can explain how to have more of Christ’s character without being legalistic is awesome! Kelly achieves that great feat, all the while making me laugh (she’s like me!!), ponder and be encouraged to be more like Jesus. Her writing style draws you in, as if you were sitting with her in a coffee shop discussing Colossians 3:12. She’s honest, open, and truthful. I sometimes struggle to understand the meaning behind Scripture, but not with Kelly’s writing. It’s my first read by Kelly, and I will be downloading more of her books.
January 24, 2018
A good book with a ton of applicable truths. I wish that I would have followed each chapter with the discussion questions in the back of the book. I think that may have deepened my learning.
June 18, 2019
Loved this book! A great breakdown of Colossians 3, and Kelly's writing is so relatable and easy to get drawn into. Definitely one I will read again in the future as a reminder!
July 27, 2021
Makes me more aware of purposely putting on the characteristics of Christ.
November 3, 2021
Excellent book about putting on the virtues and explaining how to put them on as well.
January 8, 2022
Really down to earth perspective on how the Christan should live!
January 17, 2025
Great reflection on how we can entrench ourselves in God's character by accepting how he loves us.
May 19, 2025
I really liked this book! I love how she tells every day relatable stories to the scriptures of the Bible! Makes it so much easier to understand the depth of the scriptures. Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews