Walk by Faith... Leading By Example

Pastors Deidre Allen and Marissa Horvath are both women leading congregations in Tangipahoa Parish. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with each of them and learn what led them to accept their current roles. Each has felt a calling to serve the community, to lead by example, and in doing so, to show that it is possible to pursue roles that may be considered uncommon.

Pastor Marissa Horvath

“It takes all types of people to do all types of jobs, and this is no different,” said Pastor Marissa Horvath, First United Methodist Church of Hammond.

In her regular schedule at FUMC, Pastor Horvath can be found leading Sunday worship, Bible studies throughout the week, running the church and preschool, and most importantly, visiting with the people of her community.

“I think offering a comfortable, safe place is the most important part for me,” Pastor Horvath said. “I enjoy getting to know people. Being treated like family and treating them like family, knowing that we can lean on and grow with each other — I would say that makes it most worth it.”

With this being the first time Pastor Horvath is solo leading a church, she is fully aware that she is representing women who wish to serve in roles that could be considered uncommon in their communities.

“It is unique being a female pastor and being the only pastor in a church,” she said. “The takeaway is that I’m just like everybody else, and I just want to care for and welcome people.”

Pastor Horvath has been married to her husband, Ted, for almost three years. Together they share a dog named Biloxi and have recently welcomed their first-born child.

Now, currently on maternity leave, the new mother believes female pastors can offer a new perspective for the entire congregation.

“People who may not have felt represented by the church in the past can relate to someone who reminds them of a sister, a daughter, a mother. Someone who can make a place and experience more comfortable,” Pastor Horvath said. “That in itself is a great asset.”

The Pastor believes women who are considering going down a similar path as herself should have no doubts.

“They can bring something that other people can’t bring, even other female pastors,” Pastor Horvath said. “Each of us has gifts and talents that God has gifted us with that they can bring to the position.”

The First United Methodist Church of Hammond Sunday services are held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at their location on 2200 Rue Denise. Contact the church by calling 985-345-2196 or visit their website, fumc-hammond.org, or Facebook page, FUMC Hammond, for more information.

Pastor Deidre Allen

Pastor Diedre Allen of First United Methodist Church of Ponchatoula started her early adult life as a registered nurse, telling people she went into a different kind of healing ministry.

“I grew up in an era in Mississippi where women weren’t clergy. In my late teens, when I was graduating from high school, I thought about being a pastor, but there wasn’t someone I could resonate with,” Pastor Allen said. “All the pastors and clergy I knew were men.”

After raising her three kids, Allen wanted to find her next life calling. She started attending church again and got involved in a ministry of feeding people at a food pantry. From there, she naturally progressed into joining the seminary.

Experiencing doubts and discouragement is common for women in a male-dominated ministry, but Pastor Allen believes that persistence can overcome any hardships one can experience.

“I think women bring a unique perspective that men can’t,” Pastor Allen said. “If it’s something you feel called to do and have a passion for, press on. When times get hard, surround yourself with people that are supportive,” she continued.

For those journeying down a similar path, she shared her favorite Bible passage: “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 26:11.

“I love that passage because it’s available to everybody, and as we journey together as a faith community, I think that’s where we find those things.”

FUMC of Ponchatoula’s mission statement: “We are a church of faithful Christians called to serve God in this community through worship, witness, and work” embodies what she stands for as a pastor.

“Walking beside people, especially during difficult times, but during joyful times, too, is what I love most about ministry,” she said.

Join Pastor Diedre Allen in her Sunday services at 10 a.m. on 201 East Pine Street. Call the First United Methodist Church of Ponchatoula at 985-386-3561 or visit their website, fumcponchatoula.org, or Facebook page, First United Methodist Church Ponchatoula, for more information.