Real Life Real Faith Women Walking By Faith May/June 2016 | Page 30

How did you know you were called to Pastor ?
I have always had a shepherd ’ s heart . My call began to manifest as a child with my younger sisters , family and friends . When I was saved and baptized in church at the age of nine , my then Pastor and First Lady , James and Mary Dargan began to groom me for leadership with the youth ministry and as a devotional leader . I ran from my call to ministry as a young adult , but after a failed marriage and a feeling of defeat and depression beyond words , I felt God ’ s tug to come closer and to fulfill my destiny . I said yes at age 30 and have been on this course faithfully ever since . I am a Pastor and Founder of a Parachurch organization so I don ’ t oversee any one local church , but I care for many who are seeking , in transition and temporarily unchurched for various reasons .
What is the name of your ministry and what is its mission ?
The ministry is Cornerstone Christian Ministries ( formerly named Najiyyah Brooks Ministries ). The ministry is a parachurch organization with a focus on Women ’ s Ministry , Discipleship Building and Evangelism . We organically attract those who are not interested in just attending church , but becoming true mature disciples with the ultimate goal of fulfilling the Great Commission and walking in their Godgiven purpose . We believe that the Abundant Life Jesus came to give us is available to us now , not just when we transition to heaven , but now , here on the earth .
What obstacles have you encountered as you started your ministry ?
That is a loaded question . Well , let ’ s see , financial burdens for sure , loss relationships , being misunderstood and judged by onlookers - unfortunately many fellow ministry leaders , and other jealous , insecure people who don ’ t realize we are all on the same team as Christians . Until every loss soul is saved , we have room to minister as God leads ; there shouldn ’ t be competition in the Body of Christ . It ’ s senseless and counterproductive .
What are three principles you believe are important for women in ministry ?
First , taking care of ourselves as a priority ; spiritually , physically , mentally etc . We can ’ t pour out of empty cups . When we are healthy and whole , we can minister more effectively . We have a powerful retreat ministry for this very reason . Second , I ’ m a firm believer that our ministries ( service ) should begin at home . I have seen ladies who are at the church every time the church door ’ s open , but they can ’ t find time to cook a healthy for their husbands , or to spend quality time on nurturing the marriage . Some ladies don ’ t spend enough time with the children because they are all over the place for the sake of “ ministry .” Many women have suffered from serving the “ church ” and missing the primary ministry which should be
“ home ”. Third , we should know without a shadow of a doubt that God created us to be unique beings and that our service doesn ’ t have to copy the styles or techniques of our male counterparts in order to be relevant or effective . God has always used women to minister and I believe He will continue to ; we have to be sure of that and confident in the One who has called us to service .
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