Jermaine Willis
Ministry Essay
Conversion
I have been a Christian for a very long time, but I cannot tell you that I have been a holy
roller at all in my life. I have had a lot of struggles in my life that directed me to Christ. There are
a lot of times that I did not take those directions to go to Christ at all. I still wanted to do things
my own way because of the things that I went through in my life. I always blamed the things that
I went through because of my actions. I realized that my struggles where not that big when it
came to God. I have come to a point that I know that God saw me through everything. I have
experienced the loss of my mother, abuse from my father and dealt with many issues especially
wanting attention and getting in different forms throughout my life. Many people did not know
that was going on. I allowed my struggles to become me. I was a child. I didn’t understand why
everything was happening. I did not have an understanding of the purpose of everything that was
going on. I did not understand the source of my dad’s anger. I did understand Alzheimer’s and
felt my mom should be here. I had to learn quickly that all I went through was to help others
around me. I did not know how to express myself or did not know who to tell my story to
because I was afraid of getting in trouble.
I blamed a lot of the things that I went through because of my mother’s death. My mother
transitioned when I was nine years old. Mother’s death has affected me a great deal throughout
my life. My mother was 44 years old when she died. My mother suffered from Alzheimer’s
disease. My mother’s death lead to anger issues because I did not understand why God had to
take her from me. So, I would get mad really easily. I would throw things or lock myself in my
rooms for days on in. Second, the most dangerous thing I did was blame God and became angry
with Him. I went to church still at nine years old out of habit, but I was angry with God. I cried a
lot because God took my mother. Thirdly, I blamed my mother’s death on me. I used to say, “If I
was not born my mom would still be alive.” I felt that my family blamed my existence on her
death because she started to change after my birth. My mother’s death lead to different things
that took place in my life that I am not proud of, but it is hurtful to me.
After my mother’s death, my father started to abuse me. My father became angry after
my mother’s death. I resented my father. As a child, I hated to go home. I would do anything to
stay from going home. For over a decade I wished my father would die because of the hatred that
I had in my heart toward him because of the abuse. I felt that my dad blamed me that he had to
continue to raise children and that I was at fault for my mother’s death. I could never place my
finger on why he abused me. My father mentally, emotionally, physically, and psychologically
abused me. For years, my father told me I was not good enough and would never amount to
anything. He beat me if I cried or said I acted like a girl. The things he said hurt me. I feared my
father not out of love, but because he beat me. Three years ago, my father suffered from six
strokes. Through Christ, He taught me how to love my father pass the hurt and the pain he put on
me. God showed me through Christ I could love and care for my father as Christ died for all of
us. I am proud to say I love my dad.
I had to learn to lean own God through my issues in life. There was always someone sent
from God to love me and pray for me. God sent angels in my life that are still in my life to this
day. When I needed a motherly love, he sent several Godly women to be mothers to me. God
knew my father in his pain could teach how to be a man, but not a Godly man. God sent Godly
man to be teach me how to walk in the faith. I learned how to pray for myself, I read the bible to
see the truth that I can apply to my life. I will share with anyone that it has been an easy journey
for me, but because of Christ I am still here. I could have been died because of the different
issues that I shared with you. Those issues have led me to think I was not good enough and I was
not needed, but God always send someone to protect me from myself or even when I should be
died God kept me. Proverbs 3:5 and 6 shares, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths
straight.” I have to trust in God each day to get me though. I had to learn how to trust God.
Christian Ministry
Christian ministry is the heart of the church. The ministries within the help believers to
grow and connect new believers to the church. Christian ministry is where individuals grow
through spiritual formation and discipline others. Christian ministry can encompass the different
programs like the youth ministry the young adult ministry the singles marriage ministry the
marriage ministry. Christian ministry is simply equipping other believers to become better to
serve God. Christian Ministry can be the catalyst that helps believers stay connected with God
through the church. People could fall away if not something to engage them. Church has many
services, seminars, conferences, retreats, and other special events to engage the community of
believers and others that are not connected to the church. Christian ministry serves to keep the
church sustained and growing. Christian ministry allows believers to display and cultivate their
gifts. Also, Christian Ministry allows believers to learn and operate in their God-given purpose.
Christian Ministry is a direct expression of God and His love for His children. Christian Ministry
will continue to evolve to reach more people. God does not change, or His world does not
change, but as long as those that work in Christian Ministry find ways to engage people that is
alignment with the word of God.
Christian Ministry encompasses many aspects and moving parts. Many people view
Christian Ministry differently. Christian Ministry is an extension of God and the church. First,
Christian ministry is an individual’s service to God. When individual servers and a Christian
ministry he or she is serving from their heart. Christian ministry is God using an individual to
reach believers and new believers. Second, Christian ministry is the heart of God and should be
taking seriously and not for granted. Individuals that serve should have the heart of God.
Normally, the Holy Spirit urges people to serve in Christian Ministry. All believers should serve
in some form of Christian Ministry. All believers should take the time to serve God and His
children in some capacity. Christian Ministry is a platform that individuals can use their gifts in
the church that they are using in the secular. Third, Christian Ministry is the way individuals give
glory to God. Christian Ministry is walking out the mandate of the Church. Our service should be
done not to get praise but to give glory. Our service is form worship to God. Finally, another
thing to ponder about Christian ministry is not a position but a direct reflection of God working
through an individual. Individuals that serve in ministry tend to make God priority. Christian
Ministry is demonstrated through those that love God and have a heart for the work of God.
Service
I know it is cliché to say I have been in church my whole life, but it is true. I have served
in many capacities inside of the church over the years. I have spent many hours at the church and
many days at church. Outside of preaching, I have served more intimately. I have served as
interim pastor a few times over the years. Also, I have been the assistant pastor for a pastor. I like
to serve God in other capacities. First, I served as a custodian at the church. I have cleaned
different churches. I have a keen eye when I come into the church, I know what a clean church is
and what’s not. When I clean the church there are things I look for. Second, I have served as the
lead technician for the church. For 5 years I ran the audio and visual of the church. I have done
audio and visual for services, weddings, funeral and everything in between. I have prepared
videos, announcements. Third, I serve as a certified teacher I’m two different churches for 12
years. I love to teach and equip individuals. I love to walk through scriptures and making it
relevant to an individual’s life. I like helping individuals to see scriptures in their mind and
seeing their self on scripture. Fourth, I love evangelism and have served in evangelism since I
was 16. I was personally against and tried to run but I know the mandate God has given us
through Christ. I have started street-team to tell people about God and invite them to the church I
love. I teach evangelism and help people become comfortable with evangelizing. Finally, I have
served as honor bear for two different pastors in the last 12 years. I have been asked to service by
training other honor bears. I have been asked to by many pastors to be their honor bear or
assistant Pastor. I am driven to serve God, His man or woman servant, and His people. I love
serving God in any capacity that brings him glory.
I have to be honest I have a heart serve. I love to see people grow in the knowledge of
God and people able to walk at the scripture. I intentionally revamp how I preach and teach to
continue to reach and engage other believers. I take to learn my audience because I have to
change how to engage in a moment. Also, I take the time to get to know the pastor or other
members so I can efficiently work with them. When I serve in the capacity as a custodian or
sound technician, I make sure I cater to the needs of the event or facility. As a leader, I do not
mind getting my hands dirty. I will not ask anyone to do anything I am not willing to do. I work
hard as a leader to help believers to learn the word for their self. I will do anything that is
alignment with the word of God the help believers to work through the process of becoming
more like Christ. I intentionally stay in the word each day to be in the position to serve others. I
stay connected with God so I know how I can serve God in other ways inside and out of the
church. I have worked with countless nonprofit and I am in the framing work of work on a
nonprofit organization and group home to show the community the love of God.
Goals
I have the heart to equip the body of Christ. I want to be at service where I am needed.
First, I want to be able to help those that have suffered from church hurt. I have experienced hurt
from within the church and I want to help others that experience the same thing. I want to help
others navigate through the pain and isolation that they went through. Second, I want to be at
service to pastors that lead and want someone just talks to. I want to set up retreats where pastors
can relax and rejuvenate to be able to serve God and His people. Also, I want to help churches
and pastors that suffer from the transition from seasons of transition. I want to help churches that
looking for a pastor after separation. I want to help pastors that struggled with something that
people need time before going back in serving. Finally, I just want to teach. I want to position to
train and equip pastors and lay people to serve a generation people that have been hurt by
individuals in the church or the generation that has not been to church.
I want to lead a multimillion-dollar church budget. I want to lead a church that God
called me to. I will start several different businesses and organizations that are connected to the
church. I will build low-income apartments, senior apartments, and single-family homes for
families in the community. I will plant churches from inside of the church that God leads me to
or call me to plant. I will have a team of people to help me to lead the church because I know I
cannot do lead a church myself. I will have a team of people to elude counseling, different
ministries in the church and the businesses that are connected to the church. Through the
ministry that I am leading, I want to bring forth schools for K-12 focusing on spirituality, culture,
and S.T.E.M. programs. Also, I start a university that has different programs. I will lead and
teach and ministers how to build churches around the world. I will lead or start a fellowship. I
will start churches throughout Africa, Asia, and the Philippines. I am currently getting the
education that I need to prepare me for the future to pour into individuals that God has given to
me. I am currently sitting under my Bishop to get all the wisdom that has to give to me.
Currently looking for teaching opportunity in junior colleges, colleges, and universities.
My Calling
God called me into the preach the Gospel and through that, I have gained a passion for
evangelism. God has given me the gift to regurgitate the word. I can connect scriptures with
different aspects of life and help connect the dots with others. There's a pause and look at how
God has gifted me, I am astonished. I am able to help people see their self in scripture. People
are able to give encouraged me because whatever they're going to run a life, I can connect
scripture to their situation and find encouraging scriptures to speak over their life and situation.
People look to me because I have that light on for me this from God. People tend to come to me
and ask questions and some people can say that God is using me. A God called me to the
ministry to preach his word. I have developed a passion for Evangelism. Everyone's call is to
make disciples. God is giving me visions of how to evangelize, preach the word, and teach the
word. God's call on my life to the ministry to teach the word and preach the word is an important
part of my life. Yes, at one point in my life I struggle called to the ministry. I have to admit, I am
just now embracing my calling in ministry.
As I evaluate the call that is so my life, I noticed that God has given me the gift to
regurgitate the word. I can connect scriptures with different aspects of life and help connect the
dots with others. There's a pause and look at how God has gifted me, I am astonished. I am able
to help people see their self in scripture. People are able to give encouraged me because
whatever they're going to run a life, I can connect scripture to their situation and find
encouraging scriptures to speak over their life and situation. People look to me because I have
that light on for me this from God. People tend to come to me and ask questions and some people
can say that God is using me. A lot of people gravitate to me because of that and sometimes that
is good and sometimes that can even be bad. People see my call as beneficial to them. People
know that I am called to the ministry before I say anything about my calling, they know I am
called because the way I talk or carry myself. People prejudge me and determine what their
relationship would be with me. The hard reality is I have to accept that they are not rejecting me,
but they are rejecting God.
God has called me to speak into people’s lives. I speak into people’s lives in many ways
but most importantly with how I live my life. Micah 6:8 states, “No, O people, the Lord has told
you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with your God.” This scripture that speaks to my life in several ways. First, in this
scripture, God tells me how I should live my life. Second, this is the message that tells me to
teach others how to live a holy life. Mainly God wants we teach holiness and commands are to
be Matthew 22:37-40 states, “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your
heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is
equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the
prophets are based on these two commandments.” I will always teach love God and others
encompass all the command. If you love God and others you will not sin. Also, I will teach
others to evangelize. Evangelism is a mandate of all believers. Matthew 28:19-20 states,
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have
given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” God has given
us the example of how to make disciples. It is my obligation to teach the new disciples how to
live Holy and remind all believers how to serve God. I understand that God still has his hand on
my life.
Reaching my goals
I believe participating in the doctoral studies program at Liberty University can
help me develop in ministry and how to teach others scholastically. I am prepared to go to the
next level. I know that challenge may come but I can do all things through Christ that strengthens
me (Philippians 4:13). I am interested in the doctoral studies program because I know I will be
doing intensive study In Biblical Studies with an emphasis on Apologetics and later Systematic
theology. I want to be able to grow knowledge and tactics to teach others how to engage others.
The doctoral studies program will be able to help other scholars to build on top of what they
already know. This program will build on what I already know and help me to grow deeper in the
knowledge I need. This doctoral studies program will enhance my ministerial and teaching
practices. Through participating in this doctoral studies program, I will prepare me to teach and
research in theological schools, colleges universities. This program will equip me to better for
the Kingdom of God and how to engage the world around me. I will become the first person in
family lineage to obtain a doctorate and will follow the legacy of my great grandfathers of being
a preacher.
I am most excited about participating in this doctoral studies program at Liberty
University because I am able to engage other scholars that I can develop relationships with
others in the same field that I am with. I will be able to interact with new colleagues in a way that
I have not before. I know have to do the work on my own, but I will have support and
engagement from other scholars that is going down the same path that I am. I look forward to
participating in this doctoral studies program to be around professors, faculty and other doctoral
candidates that can relate to me. I hope to participate in this program that develops bonds and
relationships with these individuals. Also, I look forward to participating in this doctoral program
because I will have professors and new mentors to pour into me. The professors have experience
in the field of biblical studies that can pivotal in my ministry and future endeavors in the field.
Their credibility can enhance my credibility and opportunities to come through the wealth of
knowledge and experience they have to share. I look forward to participating in this doctoral
program at Liberty to develop critical communication skills and critical thinking through
research, seminars, projects, and readings.
Upon him being accepted in this program and participating in the doctoral studies
program I fulfill my own dream of getting a Philosophy doctorate in biblical studies. My parents
will be smiling from Heaven because all they wanted me to do was to get my education. I can
show my brothers that getting an education is feasible. I will show my nieces and nephews that is
nothing they cannot accomplish through Christ Jesus. I want to be the beacon of light to my
great-nieces and great-nephews that taking one step at a time they can indeed accomplishing
their goals. I will show my future children they can do anything everything that they put their
mind to. My cousins will see that it is time to finish what they have started. I want my ancestors
to be proud of me. Scholars that come in contact with me will know they can do it too.
Participating in this doctoral studies program is deeper than me. This degree is not for me it is for
the people that God has for me to reach, my family and legacy. God has impacted my life and I
will be in a place to impact whole lot more life. I just want to serve God and He gets all the
glory.
