By Women in Ministry for Women in Ministry

F O R W O M E N B E I N G O R D A I N E D

F R O M W O M E N I N M I N I S T R Y A L L O V E R T H E W O R L D

T O P T I P S A D V I C E E X P E R I E N C E

W W W . H O U S E O F I L O N A . C O M

P A S T O R D E B O R A H C H E R E Y B R A N D O N

T O T A L

TRUST GODCOMPLETELY!

D E P E N D E N C EO N G O D

My advice DEPEND TOTALLY ON GOD!!! Sometimes as new leaders, we have a hard time adjusting to the gift of our ministry and often we find ourselves questioning God about whether or not we are truly equipped to handle the oil of the assignment God has given us.

"And God is able to make all grace abound

TRUST THE GOD IN YOU!

BE LED BY the HOLY SPIRIT!

STUDY THE WORD OF GOD CONTINUOUSLY!

FAST AND PRAY!

REST IN THE LORD!

Remember God pre-ordained all of this in the Heavens!

toward you; that ye, always having allsufficiency in all things, may abound toevery good work: 2 Cor. 9:8

My experience BUT GOD!!! Ministry is rewarding but it can also be very hard! I personally struggled in ministry for years because I thought that if I would just allow the Holy Spirit to teach all things through me that the sheep would be receptive. This is not always the case! What I quickly learned was that a lot of sheep want some of the Word but not all of the Word. They want the happy feelgood messages but frown upon the loving admonishment messages.

As a leader, we are held accountable for teaching the sheep the unadulterated Word of God. We mustn't; water it down, add to it, twist it, or reduce it to please the people! Our hearts must always be to glorify our Father Jesus Christ. I thank God that during these hard times of persecution, He never leaves or forsakes us!

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine,for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:2 Timothy 3:16

R A C H A E L O L U W A G B E M I S O L A O L A L E Y E

TOP TIPS:

Study and meditate on the Word of God in prayers.

Waiting and staying in God's Presence will preserve you in Ministry.

My advice Seek and know God’s mind towards your ordination. Ascertain that you’re in God’s perfect will and have a word from Him that you’ll hold on to on your ministerial journey. It surely will help a lot.

My experience Growing up as a young lady, I always sensed and knew that there was a call of God on my life. I gave my life to Christ as a teenager. I loved serving God with my gifts and talents. So it didn’t come entirely as a surprise when I was ordained. I’ve been in ministry for more than 30 years now and it has been fulfilling and challenging all at the same time. The conviction that I’m on the right path has kept me going throughout the years.

Make sure that you continue to spend time alone with God frequently to refresh and equip yourself.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

Isaiah 40:29-31

TOP TIPS:

Make time to spend with the Lord in your fast paced life.

Preach authentic, God given sermons through your own study time.

Make time foryourself!

When you think using someone else’s sermons goesunnoticed, someone notices.

Study for yourself and be led by the Holy Spirit. This is when you will see the greatest impact manifested.

No matter how difficult the journey may become or how lonely you may feel, don’t

quit. There is someone outthere depending on you tocontinue fulfilling God’s callon your life.

You are the only one that can meet their need. Keep pressing forward!

Don't try to imitate anyone else’s anointing.

Be the best you that God created YOU to be! We arenot in spiritual competition and know you have nothingto prove to man when youhave God’s approval.

Have a strongsupport system

P A S T O R H O P E D R E W

Facebook: Rays of Hope Outreach Ministry

My advice Know without any doubt that you have been called by God for such a time as this and your gender does not negate the great anointing on your life to teach and preach the word of God. If you don’t already have it, pray that God would give you “thick skin” to endure the plethora of man-made issues you will encounter concerning women in leadership roles.

My experience Major growth and development in my Pastoral role has been gained through . experience, In trying to find balance between my full time job and ministry. I have gained some knowledge, but I am still learning how to bring balance between the two; all while seeking for “down” time for my spiritual, mental, and emotional well being. Take time out for you because if not you will produce ineffectiveness in all aspects of your life.

There is much to learn about ministry

Be patient because we will not learn everything overnight

Our expectations are always in Christ and never in people!

As God elevates you to positions or you accept certain roles in or outside of the place where you worship; do not expect people to help you just because they helped the previous person that was in that role. God will direct you on who will need to be on your team and He will send you the help that is needed to complete the task He wants you to do.

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brotherhath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift”Matthew 5: 23-24

K E N A J O N E S

As women in Christ we walk in spiritual maturity. Disagreements will come but the way we handle them makes the difference. After the discussion has taken place sometimes people walk away having an ought against. You will think the problem has been rectified but the next time you see the person they may try to avoid you or be ugly with their words. You are not going to catch every little sign the relationship is broken but once you realize it, do something about it. Some people wear their feelings on their shoulders, you don’t. Go to your brother or sister in love do not expect them to come to you to address what has offended them.

As leaders, we show others the correct way of handling confrontation. We do not leave each other broken, discouraged or in despair. Reconcile, ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness doesn’t mean you are wrong. You may have to bring clarity to what has transpired. It doesn’t matter if you are right or wrong. What you say may not have been received in the intent you

E X P E C T A T I O N

meant it. Going to the person first does not make you weak it is a sign of maturity and we do not walk in pride.

Do not expect people to meet a standard you are not willing to meet yourself.

Often, I see leaders wanting the people to be on time, be professional, walk in the fruit of the spirit, show love, etc. How can they if you are not demonstrating those things too? Sometimes the people do what they see their leaders do. The Bible is always the standard. We do not lower the bar for people to meet it. We encourage them to come up. Practice what you preach and do not deviate from what God gives you just because some may not have a standard.

M I N I S T E R A L B E R T I N A

My advice

Anyone that’s new to ministry is to be very sure that they have been called by God. Man can encourage and teach you, but the call must be from the Lord.

Once you accept the call, there is no turning back. Please live what you're teaching and let your life show God working in you.

Remember: when you wear a collar it’s not for show. Always respect the calling and gift that’s been placed within you.

C A N O N S U E

F A I T H F U L

T O T H E C A L L

My advice

Don’t wait until you feel qualified or experienced or worthy enough to minister. Just be faithful to whatever God is calling you to today, and trust that he will give you the gifts you need on that day.

My experience

I was ordained in 2006, and have worked for the church since 1992. I worked for a cathedral for five years until 2019 as a Precentor (priest in charge of worship at the cathedral). I now work promoting Fresh Expressions and creative worship within the Church of England.

PRACTICAL Tip Tops

Don’t let anyone tell you you cannot wear lipstick when you do communion services. 24 hour superstay lipstick does not rub off onto the chalice and looks great. It also helps older people “hear” better as they can read your lips more easily.

If you are doing outdoor services (burials or services with the armed forces) wear hairspray even if you don’t normally. It will stop your hair blowing away in the wind.

Some people tell clergy they can’t wear high heels or smart shoes in church because they make “clip-clop” noises on hard floors. But you can still wear heels and walk silently on hard floors. You simply throw the weight onto the ball of your foot before placing your heel down and you can then look very smart without disturbing someone who is praying quietly.

J E N N Y M C R E N O L D S

M A K E S U R EG O D G E T S T H EG L O R Y A L W A Y S

My advice Make sure in Ministry that you have heard the voice of God and He has appointed you. Some times we listen to others and they push us to do something we are not ready to do, so when we are unexpectedly put on the platform, we question our calling.

Remember we can minister the Word anytime and anyplace. Study and seek the Lord for everything and make sure He gets the glory always.

L A U R E N S P E E T H

B E C A R E F U L W H O

L A Y S H A N D S O N Y O U

My experience Though I have managed to find Protestants and Catholics many generations back in my family tree, I grew up in a family tradition of intellectual atheists in a tradition where organized religion was anathema. There were times I really didn’t know the path forward. Even so, guidance always appeared at the right time. For example, I left one seminary that didn’t fit, without first knowing where I’d ultimately study and ended up in a wonderful program on transformational leadership for the global city.

I needed to consider which tradition I wanted to follow as a minister. During my chaplaincy training at Stanford, I raised this question with my advisor. He warned me to “be careful who lays hands on you,” referring to the moment of ordination where a tradition comes alive in you. I took that advice to heart, and after much soul searching I decided I wanted to be a Baptist, like my mentor Rev. Dr. Ray Bakke and my heroes Martin Luther King, former U.S. President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter and former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Life’s like a labyrinth walk: Sometimes you feel you’re going the wrong direction when you’re really still making progress. Sometimes you feel others you love are moving away from you when they’re just a little ahead or behind, turning corners at different times. Take heart. Walk in beauty. And always remember that you are a beloved child of God - fearfully and wonderfully made - and that God’s help is ever present… as near to you as your very breath.

My advice Follow God’s calling even if it’s not the traditional “run a church” model. Don’t be afraid to say no to any given path if it’s not a fit, even if this stops you in your tracks for a while. Stay open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the way forward will reveal itself in due time.If you are still studying for the ministry and you feel a pull in an offbeat direction for which there is no specific training offered, don’t be afraid to ask your advisor if you can work in a tailored independent study. Because I did that to study eMinistry I have a firmer foundation in this area than I would have had otherwise.

R E V . G L O R I A G A D D Y

S P E A K T H E T R U T H N O M A T T E R TH E T E S T

Be yourself.

remember God called you, not man.

Be prepared, study, read and re-read, pray and pray more before speaking.

Be on time and respect those in authority at all times.

Have fun even in a serious moment, I find laughter does the body good with a smile.

Be considerate of time management. Speak up and know when it’s time to close.

Remember to say thank you and always be grateful.

My advice Being an Ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has given me the opportunity to share with those who are in ministry as well as those who do not yet know their calling. I promise, if you will yield yourself to the Lord and put your own selfish needs aside, God will use you to do many wonderful works.

Keep a strong prayer life; with self, family and anyone who may come into your space.

Read and study the bible daily. Memorize scripture and allow your self to read other books that relate to life lessons , written by those who are inspired by God.

Have the spirit of love for everyone. You cannot do for others if you don’t do for yourself first. Take care of yourself physically. Be able to say no. Speak the truth no matter the test, always being mindful of that.

My experience This is my purpose and it’s being developed through life experiences. When I prepare to speak I go into secret prayer with God, listening with an open mind to make necessary changes if needed in order to deliver God’s Word to help others (disciple don’t try to save). God has a destiny for us all. Accept detours that might be necessary to reach those who do not know the Lord, but will hear the word and cause them to turn to Christ. Always being mindful of the opportunities to learn, grow and develop. Being available to serve.

M I N I S T E R P H Y L L I S T R A F T O N

S T A Y H U M B L E W A L K W O R T H Y

My advice

Make sure you stay humble. Walk worthy of the position and remember in all that you do make sure you are committed to doing it as unto the Lord. I find that in church, titles can make one think that they are "entitled" to things and that they have arrived. Stay humble!!

My experience

The people look to you instead of looking to Jesus! We as ministers of this glorious gospel have to always point them back to Him. People will put leaders on a pedestal and if we're not careful we'll want to stay on that seat! Always, always point them back to Christ.

Tip Tips

Continue in weekly fasting and prayer.Seek the Lord about His will for ministry and where you fit into that.When dealing with His people always speak in love even if you have to correct them, but don't shrink back. If you see something, say something.Protect you house Leader (Pastor) People look at the leaders to see if we are going in the same direction as the Pastor.Don't stop learning. Be obedient to the leading and guidance of the spirit John 16:13

A minister is a person authorized by a church, to perform functions such as teaching of beliefs;leading weddings, baptisms or funerals; or providing spiritual guidance to the community.

M A U R E E N M O R G A N

R U N A W A Y M I N I S T E R

My name is Maureen Morgan not yet ordained, been in church since 1994 knew I was called to be a minister. But never wanted a “Title”.

Imagine being in church on the run for 25 years 7 months and 6 days, running from God and myself, and running from the divine call.

“Call unto me and I will show you great and mighty things that you know not.” Jeremiah 33:3

As a new-born again Christian I’ve had numerous prayers, and prophetic words confirming the call. But I was not ready due to being immature spiritually. I didn’t want to talk to God or have a title and all the responsibilities that came with it. But as the years went by, I realised I could teach, evangelise, pray, quote scriptures and verses off the top of my head, but in my opinion, I was not in a spiritual place of maturity to lead anyone to Christ.

My viewpoint on church over the years, I thought was to listen to the sermon preached then go home. I never knew the Christian walk required my involvement as well to encourage others to get saved. I was never a talkative person or front stage person. I feared being in the limelight, preferred to stay in the background.

I loved behind the scenes, hiding my light under a bushel, being a bench warmer sitting at the back, having gifts and talents and burying them.

“For the gifts and calling are without repentance.” Romans 11:29

I was very quiet, petrified of the unknown, too frightened to hear what God had to say or go where He sent me. I was on the run because I feared speaking to people.

I hid in the crowd, but God always put me under the spotlight especially when I travelled to the States. I would be called out time and time again. “You’re a minister?” I would say, “No.” Well, I see minister all over you come sit at the front. I could not hide.

God gave me the ability to write poetry and with that He propelled me to the forefront where I had no other option but to recite poetry at events.

I know I must be set apart and under the covering of God and the church, I cannot go into the world without God’s divine authority to serve. I am currently going through the leadership training at my church and the ordination will be official 2020.

C H A N T E L B R O O K S

My experience I became a minister at around 26 years old after many years of working in ministry, my pastor made the recommendation for me to become a Minister. It was not something I wanted initially, in fact I would normally run from this kind of office, simply because I have a servants heart and my main focus was to serve I didn't need a title.

However, being married to someone who was in ministry, I realised this would compliment him and I had my own conviction. My first thought when it came to wearing clergy attire was “no way!” However, I have a wonderful friend who caught my vision and designed my first clergy dress which has been a massive success in her life and mine. Thank you House of ilona.

My advice

Be yourself, people relate to real people

Top Tips

Be relatable

Be relevant

Be approachable