Pastor Paula White
In an Exclusive Interview !
Latin Times : When did you truly know you were going to be a minister ?
Pastor Paula White : When I was 18 , struggling with a lot of personal life issues , the uncle of a friend approached me and said , “ I have the solution to the pain you have experienced .” I had to look over my shoulder to make sure he was talking to me . I remember thinking , “ How could this man know the pain I have gone through ? And how can anyone heal those wounds ?” I just sat there as he pulled out a Bible and began to show me the story of a man who died to take all of that pain away . This wasn ’ t just a Sunday school experience this was something that I knew was real . It was a true conversion experience , before I even knew what conversion meant . That ’ s when the hunger to know God was truly birthed deep in my being . It was that evening that I prayed a simple prayer . “ Jesus , I know you have the answers I have been searching for . I am yours , forever .” I did not know that would lead me to where I am today , but I knew I wanted to share the love I felt with everyone from that moment on . It didn ’ t start with me preaching , it started with me handing out food to hungry people saying , “ Jesus loves you .” Eventually , my understanding of God grew deeper and I began to share that insight with others . One thing led to another -- and now , here I am !
Latin Times : You started a Spanish Service with Pastors Mike and Sandra Salas ; what is your vision for the Latino Community ?
Pastor Paula White : Without Walls has had our Spanish language ministry for a while , and we are really excited to be having our first Spanish conference coming up October 27th through the 29th . Right now , my personal objective is to really further my personal understanding of the Latino community , their culture , and how they worship and celebrate God as an expression of who they are . I have been primarily exposed to Caucasian and African-American churches and their expressions of worship , each with their own cultural similarities and differences . I have a deep love and appreciation for how so many different communities of people can worship the same God in different ways , with different languages , and different customs . The more I familiarize myself with these differences , the more I see how closely connected we all are , and it serves to enhance my personal relationship with God even more . I want my church to be a true expression of diversity and understanding .
Beyond that , the Latino community is deeply integrated into the Tampa Bay region and , up until this point , has been underserved by many of the larger churches in the area . Every community has its own set of unique needs , and I hope that my church can understand and facilitate solutions to those needs . After all , our faith is a mosaic , every piece as important as the other .
Latin Times : What can you say to encourage young men and women in ministry ? Pastor Paula White : Persevere . No matter what , trust God and trust your calling , everything else will work itself out when you place your trust in those two things . Ministers face the same trials and tribulations as the people they lead . Unfortunately , they are often isolated from society in unique ways because people perceive them as being so different . Ministers are rarely rewarded for their good deeds , but they are severely scrutinized and ostracized for their mistakes . That being the case , I would recommend that every young minister find covering under the guidance of another minister who has already been where they have been and have faced the problems they will inevitably face . This is what I mean when I say I have spiritual sons and daughters in ministry . Don ’ t forsake or take for granted those relationships that God gives you ; they will save you a lot of heartache .
I would also recommend that you take Mathew 10:16 to heart : “ I am sending you out like sheep among wolves . Therefore , be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves .” Learn to operate from the wisdom of God and the love of God .
There is a hurting world out there , so get out there and begin healing .
Latin Times : Who in your life , was or is your hero and inspiration ?
Pastor Paula White : Not to be cliché , but Jesus Christ is really the greatest inspiration I have ever encountered . I learn something new about and from him everyday , and as his follower I try and discover exactly how to model myself after him . I fail miserably , but that is part of the process of becoming more like him . There is no greater example of love , self-control , intelligence , and success than the life of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospels .
Outside of Jesus , Bishop TD Jakes is the greatest inspiration to me . He is my spiritual father -- and he has been loving enough to teach me many lessons he has learned . He has brought correction to me when I was wrong , and encouraged me through all my endeavors . He is more than a good man , he is a trailblazer and a barrier breaker . When you add that to his remarkable gifts as a preacher , pastor , husband , father , author , and everything else , you have a man that many people would do well to look up to . I am very thankful God has placed him in my life .
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