2 minute read
Shaped by Love Shaped to Love
Shaped by Love Shaped to Love
CBWOQ pastor Rev. Debbie Iversen shares about her ministry. She pastors at Little Bethel Community Church in Hamilton.
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Q: How have you and your call to ministry been shaped by Love? My mom’s love for me as a child was always vibrant, fun and it made the world feel like a safe and welcoming place to be myself and to try new things, without any fear of failure or inadequacy. This is how I was shaped by love. This foundation made it quite easy to understand and accept God’s love for me. The love that was imbued into me from young gave me an insatiable love for others and a persistent curiosity about the other. This has shaped my ministry tremendously. I love God and I love people. My love for people makes me marvel at how God has made us all so different and unique, yet all in His image.
Q: How has that shaping formed your approach to ministry and in particular your call to pastor? Loving God and loving people has shaped my understanding of what ministry is to me. Ministry is simply walking alongside people to help them find the next step, to help them see God leading and guiding them. Finding the next step is not about perfection. It’s about the journey and relationship. It’s not about the end product. It’s about the here and now. As a pastor, my call to ministry is centered around listening together with people to hear His voice for the next step. The Good Shepherd leads us one step at a time.
Q: What would you like to say to women who may be feeling a call to ordained ministry? I love CBWOQ’s theme Shaped by Love, Shaped to Love, based on Hebrews 10:23–24: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. God’s love is faithful and full of hope. If He calls you, enjoy each step of the way. Always remember He who has called you is faithful and more than able to accomplish His good work in and through you. His banner over you is love.
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