Candidate 54 Profile

Section A. Background Information

10. Year of Ordination

2022

11. Denomination of Ordination

Presbytery of Middle Tennessee

12. If not RCA, what classis or supervising body from the ordaining denomination recognizes your ordination?

Presbytery of Middle Tennessee

13. Present denomination

Presbytery of Middle Tennessee

14. Present classis or judicatory

Presbytery of Middle Tennessee

15. If you are not now a member of the Reformed Church in America, can you, in good conscience, agree with the doctrine, discipline and government of the RCA?

Yes

16. Do you support the mission and division of the Reformed Church in America?

Yes.

17. Citizen of what country? If not USA, do you have permit to live and work in the USA?

USA

18. Previous Experience

19. Formal Education

20. Continuing Education

21. Languages (list any languages, other than English, in which you can preach or converse fluently)

N/A

Section B. Reflection

1. Describe your strengths, the best of who you are, and what you bring in service to the church.

My creativity and organizational leadership are my two biggest strengths. I have extensive liturgical and homiletical experience working with Hymn writer, Dan Damon; Cynthia Wilson; Liturgist, Stephanie Budwey; and Lisa L. Thompson. Worship, connection, and pastoring is a creative experience to provide to God's people. Also, my organizational leadership in reorganizing church institutions in their environment, culture, and climate. I have been a consultant for churches in their organizational communication and leadership: developing growth plans, membership goals, and ministry expansion. I understand the importance of church entities: finance, membership, operations, and lay leadership.

From artistic and liturgical expressions, I have a strong network of ministry partners that will complement the ministry, missions, and development of the church. There are so many ideas, projects, and plans that I have brewing.

2. Name two or three mentors who have significantly contributed to your ministry, and explain why these people are important to you.

Rev. Myra Moreland, UMC Pastor in Troy, Michigan is a mentor, a friend, and a connector. Myra has been a curator and developer for my ministry experience. Her wisdom, guidance and discernment has been a benefit to my growth and development. I have been able to speak at seminars, conferences, and churches providing strategies for ministry growth, implementations for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as being an advocate for women in ministry. Her corporate background and ministerial background are similar to mine, and she is seasoned enough to impart guidance on how to use my corporate skills and ministerial skills to pastor and care for the People of God.

Rev. Larissa Romero, a Reformed Church in America ordained minister, and UCC pastor in Denver, Colorado. Larissa introduced me to application and how to be a practitioner of religion and theology. Her use of the lectionary and liturgies gave me experience on how to be creative in ministry. What we do as congregational leaders is a curated task and we must consider the needs of others and be gentle, yet faithful in our demeanor and approach. Fruitfulness is the best lesson she has taught me.

3. What caused you to enter ministry, and what are the core values that define your vision for ministry?

I have always been in ministry. My mother was a missionary, and through her mission work I developed the skill of chaplaincy. Since a child, every day after school we would visit nursing homes, homebound citizens, the unhoused and my mother taught me how to listen and care and place that information into a prayer that would eventually become a visual miracle. Like most ministers, my ministry work in the church began in children and youth ministry. With that experience I have written curriculum, created programs, and developed new ministries. I really feel as if I answered my call when I enrolled in seminary. Ministry became real and I recognized it in the fabric of me. So, to answer what caused me to enter ministry can only be identified through my call. The Spirit has been at work since birth, through my childhood, through all my stages of development and self-actualization.

My vision for ministry is for the Church to be accepting. Let's have interfaith discussions and respect all faith traditions and appreciate the flavors of the Divine that we encounter every day in people, places, and things.

4. Explain the strategies or ideas that most excite you for helping a church to become and remain missional.

The work that is done is all day every day, not just for special days or certain days of the week. I always evaluate what exists, and what is needed. From there, through discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit, new programs, ministries, and missions are created. It is my hope to create a short-term plan (12-24 months) that builds into a long-term plan for growth. The Church, in general, should always seek out ways of growth. The ministry is fruitful from my vantage point measuring: baptisms, confirmations, memberships, outreach ministries, and retention. If a church is in debt, let's take the necessary steps to eliminate it and use our resources to aid in it. My heart jumps for joy when I see a church grow from 50 willing and active members to 150 willing and active members, with families, elders, and supporters. And furthermore, let's see where everyone fits in the ministry. Understanding one's spiritual gifts and contributions only makes a rich fulfilling ministry for others to gravitate towards in interest.

5. Name three of your most passionate hopes for the Church at large, and why they are significant to you.

1. I am passionate for dismantling fear in the Church. When we are congregated with like-minded individuals, we can express our interest and love for God, but do we do this 24/7? Is our light shining at the grocery store? Is our light shining on our job? Is the light of Christ shining in rush hour traffic? I have seen the Church overtime become fearful of being Christian. It is time to be comfortable in what you believe in and live on it.

2. I hope that the Church can be the fixture of all things good. A community of hope and not hate. Also, a place where people do not criticize or have preconceived notions without experience. I want people to consider the Church outside of the designated hour on Sunday. I want the Church to exude who, what, and why we are ambassadors for God. My hope is to create an All-People's embassy where there is community and resources available in knowing and loving God. In other words, change the negative narrative of the Church.

3. I am passionate about the next generation and what they are investing in the Church. How do we raise our children and youth to walk in communion with God and make it a lifestyle? How do we make the Church just as inviting and as viral as a social media influencer. Let's meet the next generation where they are and build a bridge for the future, which is now.

6. Give an example of how you would theologically address an issue facing your contemporary world. Please be thorough enough to help the reader to understand your thought processes and your life commitments.

Living in America, everyone has their opinions and concerns on politics and our government. From issues of abortion, sexual identity, and even racial matters. How do we overcome the minutiae that consumes and may even dictate our lives? We have faith. Our faith strengthens us in our spiritual maturity to recognize what is seen and what is unseen, and to have the understanding of leadership and those who hold power. We may not agree with those that are in office, running for office, or even need to retire from office, but whether we admit it or not, there are times that we do not agree with God's maneuvers in our life. Do we give up? No, we condition ourselves to have the spiritual maturity to trust in God. We learn from the phases and stages in our life. Are we the same people that we were during the Bush administration? The Obama years? How have we changed since the Trump years? And do we have faith in what God has entrusted for 2024? We have the right to Make our own America great by loving one another and having peace. We have the hope that are children will be safe in their schools and for their health. We must respect the people that serve us, but God has the power; God will never lose it and will not abuse it. Let's be reminded that God is in control. Not Democrats, Not Republicans, Not Supreme Court Powers.

*This is just a snippet of an idea, but a sermon or sermon series would be based off leadership and power, focusing on Deuteronomy 17.

7. What theologians, pastors, authors or other leaders have had the greatest influence upon your life and thought? (List up to 3 and explain.)

Dr. Juan Floyd-Thomas has been a personal, theological, and historical influence upon my life and human thought. His book "Altars Where We Worship" defines us as a society and where our influences are. Through his theological philosophies, articles, and lectures, I always ponder the question: What is grabbing our attention? His wisdom and work has helped me understand people and what matters to people. This helps me rationalize the concept of humanity in identity, diversity, and influence.

8. How do you hope someone influenced by your ministry would describe what s/he considers to be most important?

Most people appreciate my approach. I am not a performative speaker, I am authentic in conveying a message. I present the Word of God biblical, prophetic, and imaginative where anyone can comprehend. I am an approachable person when it comes to questions. There are no stupid, novice, or naive answers when it comes to life. We are all learners, students of life, and we learn from each other.

9. Name at least one challenge for a pastor who accepts a Call to lead a church whose culture is other than his/her own.

Communication is important. I enter every situation understanding the history and foundation of each interaction. Of course, there will be changes, but there are many things to consider and what matters. Sometimes new pastors accept a call and want to make the establishment their vision and not collaborate to make a plan on what is the church's vision. For me, I am metropolitan but I still have some Southern hospitalities that may not be necessary to convey in a church culture that is set in an urban environment. Yet, the main point is communication me understanding you, you understanding me, we all understanding the work of God.

10. Describe your vision and hopes for the Church over the next 5-10 years.

Specifically for Church on the Hill, I would love to see the congregation outgrow the current location. The current location can remain a part of church history and used for smaller chapel services, but I would love to see Bargain Boutique be its own entity affiliated with the church but more locations, just like Goodwill stores. I see Church on the Hill having a ministerial staff that has clergy designated for outreach, family ministries, special projects and events. Through strategic planning and willing faith, we can get there and be the light on the hill (Matthew 5: 14-16).

11. If there is anything else you would like to add about yourself that you think would help a search team to better understand and consider you as their next pastor, please elaborate here.

I have a passion for God's people and our light shining everywhere we go. I desire to receive a call where my gifts can be glorified and somewhere I can plant roots and grow with the people. Let's let God be the Blacksmith and let our iron sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17).