A little over two years ago, I began my journey at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS).

While onsite for my first classes, I slipped into the prayer room for some time alone with God, who directed me to this verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isa. 43:18,19).

Forget the former things—I pondered this phrase because I had been specifically asking the Lord for new vision and renewal for my current staff position in ministry. The more I pondered, however, the more I felt the Lord urge me to step out of my current role to something altogether new. Thus began my journey into the wilderness, watching and waiting as the Lord made way.

Forget the former things—I pondered this phrase because I had been specifically asking the Lord for new vision and renewal for my current staff position in ministry. The more I pondered, however, the more I felt the Lord urge me to step out of my current role to something altogether new. Thus began my journey into the wilderness, watching and waiting as the Lord made way.

Little did I know the journey would take me from Kansas City to Dallas to plant a church! As I listened, the Holy Spirit spoke to me; He showed me my heart to pastor, to walk with people on their journeys towards Christ. Somehow I could not conceive of ministering as a lead pastor. Leaning into this new thing, however, I knew that if He called me He would make a way.

During this time, I spoke to another leader in ministry about women ministers. I heard myself say, “We [women] need prominent men to speak about women in ministry and leadership. Women need to just lead!” At that moment, the Holy Spirit gave me a proverbial whack on the back of the head and said, “Yes! Just lead!” I answered the call to minister as a lead pastor, and the Lord immediately began to “make a way in the wilderness” (Isa. 43:19). This is the new thing—North Dallas Assembly.

Have you ever experienced a time when you stepped out to do something new? I would love to hear about it!