KingdomExec. Magazine April/May 2014 | Page 16

how to prepare for marriage. On my ministry call we invite other single or married leaders on the line to speak to the hearts of the people. I try to have married ministers on to bring a balance to the topics that I have not personally experienced. I’m actually finding more married callers that dial in and find the information that is shared has been successfully implemented into their marriages. I think it is so important to encourage singles to believe that marriage can happen for them and to not allow fear and the past to hinder their trust that God can and will honor His promise to them. I think of it like this, we serve the God who deals with our end before our beginning. The word says that God makes everything beautiful in His time. In fact, Ecclesiastes 7:8 says better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. my biological clock. If more singles that are in my position would be honest, most of us have done that at times. I have to remain focused and understand that because when I told God yes to this ministry I became a marked woman. It would be a great delight for the enemy to compromise all that I teach or to have me to marry the wrong person. I have to use wisdom about what I share when I meet someone when I feel that relationship is heading towards marriage. I’m one who loves love. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I would shout love from the top of the highest mountain, but I’ve learned through past experiences to tame those desires and wait on The Lord. I have to show accountability to the Lord and those who I serve. KEM: What do you consider three essential qualities of a single leader? LL: The three essential qualities that I believe a single leader should have are a life of intimacy with the Lord, wisdom, and the ability to practice what you preach. For those who desire this kind of ministry, don’t try to lead singles secretly hoping to meet your spouse from the ministry because you will be tried. I’ve had men come to me in a way posing as though they were reaching out for ministry, but their intent was to date me. While I wait on God to send my spouse, I find myself pulling the aforementioned qualities out of my spiritual arsenal often! KEM: Do you believe that a single woman is less accepted in a leadership role than a man? When we become aware of this promise from God we can be patient in trusting that Father is working out our ending and that if it isn’t better or beautiful yet, then He’s not finished blessing us! He has hidden us as treasures in the field and we are hidden with the intent of us being found. KEM: What are the greatest challenges you’ve had as a single leader? LL: As a single leader who desires to be married with children my challenge is that I have found myself occasionally taking my eyes off of Jesus to stare at www.kingdomexec.com Pg. 16 LL: I feel that women in general are less accepted in ministry than their male counterparts. We have to overcome many who have taken the Holy Scriptures out of context, many automatically assume that you aren’t living a life of purity, and often times women who are marr ied to the male leaders we serve, assume that because we are single that we must want their husbands. These are all horrible lies that the enemy uses within the body to attack women of God. We have to preach harder, get more education, and avoid being put in predicaments that would bring accusation or a reproach to our respective ministries. KEM: Can single leaders effectively minister to married followers? LL: I believe that a single person can effectively minister to married followers through the power of the Holy Spirit. I also believe that wisdom says that it never hurts to partner with other married ministers to undergird and assist in that ministry when needed. As a community of believers we need to realize that we don’t have to do it all alone. If I don’t have something spiritually, that someone under my care needs, I have no hesitation bringing in trusted ministries to supplement my areas of inexperience. KEM: What advice would you give in mentoring single leaders to enhance the quality of their leadership role? LL: My greatest advice would be to keep learning and enjoy the ride of being in such a rewarding ministry. I encourage ministers to be open to the lessons that will come along with this ministry. As you teach the people how to win in their singleness your adversary will come to tempt & deceive you in the very areas that you stand against. Keep standing, keep fighting, and keep serving. The greatest reward is that your Father in heaven will be cheering you on as you teach His people what Godly singleness is, and what Kingdom Marriages are. It doesn’t get much better than that! Latrice Leake, humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, was born to parents Pastor Johnnie Leake & Mrs. Ardeen Leake. At an early age she expressed a fervent desire to serve the Lord even in her innocent youth. She gave her life to Christ at the tender age of six. Prophetess Leake’s desire to see the works of the Lord made manifest in His people is the driving force that has propelled his handmaiden into action though her spiritual walk with Him. Her gift of Prophecy and intercession allows her to pray with eagle-like precision for the servants of the Lord, and to uplift the weakest of men. This passionate worshiper, innovative facilitator, and intercessor ministers to the building of God’s church, and desires to see the captive set free and loosed from the yoke and bondage of sin and shame. With an ear to the mouth and pulse of God, Latrice Leake is releasing an end time word and putting her hands to the plow in the Kingdom of God. Her desire is to turn the hearts of men back to their God through teaching, preaching, and prophecy. She is reclaiming territory in Jesus’ name by decreeing, declaring, and demanding that the altars of this world shall be the altars of our God. Her unique style and approach to delivering the word of God is fresh, exciting, and for the glory of the Father alone. We look forward to working the works of the Father with you, and building His Kingdom one heart at a time!