Shaped by Love Shaped to Love

Rev. Amanda McCulloch on being loved and accompanied by a loving God.

Q: How have you and your call to ministry been shaped by Love?

One of the primary ways I have been shaped by love is through the love and encouragement of others. People who make the love of Christ real in my life surround me. When I reflect on the past several months, I realize that I have been wrapped in the encouragement, prayers, and support of so many people – a pastor’s support group I belong to; my colleagues; my husband, kids and family; former professors; other CBOQ pastors, and friends. Whether it has been through cards, emails, hugs, texts, supper delivered to my house or receiving flowers, I have been shaped, strengthened, and sustained through these acts of love.

A deep knowing that God is with me and will not leave me has also shaped my call to ministry. The call of Moses has always been a great encouragement and comfort. Despite the long list of reasons why Moses did not think he was qualified for the leadership position God called him to, God promised to be with Moses. As a leader and pastor, I too know that I am loved and accompanied by a loving God.

Q: How has that shaping formed your approach to ministry and in particular your call to pastor?

Karen Wilson, the main speaker of CBWOQ’s spring 2021 conference, had a profound impact on me. At that conference she encouraged us to “do it afraid.” Karen said that we can choose not to do something because we are afraid, or we can go ahead and “do it afraid.” After the conference I immediately wrote those words in my journal, and they continue to be a source of encouragement to me. Being surrounded by loving and encouraging people, knowing that God will not leave me, and being challenged to “do it afraid” gives me a sense of freedom, support and courage in my call as a pastor. I hope that I can and will continue to lead with this courage and with a posture of openness to God’s leading.

Q: What would you like to say to women who may be feeling a call to ordained ministry?

Do not do it alone. Surround yourself with people who can encourage you, offer you wisdom, challenge you, mentor you, pray for and with you, and cheer you on. Talk to other women who are currently walking through the ordination process and talk to women who have already been ordained. Without companions along the way, the journey towards and after ordination becomes too lonely and challenging. Don’t go it alone.

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