Every Friday, Baptist Women in Ministry introduces a remarkable minister. This Friday we are pleased to introduce Diane Mosby. Diane IS what a minister looks like!
Diane, tell us about your ministry journey and the places and ways you have served and are serving.
My ministry journey began in 1999 when I felt the call of God to go deeper in His Word. I enrolled in the Evans-Smith Leadership Institute offered through Virginia Union University. I graduated from the certificate program in May 2001. I began my seminary journey in the Fall of 2001 at the School of Theology at Virginia Union University (STVU) and graduated with my Master of Divinity degree in 2004. By the grace of God I graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian of the class after being accepted into the program through special admissions.
In the same year, God called me out of my secular career as a business manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation to work in full-time ministry. I was hired in March of 2005 by St. Peter Baptist Church in Glen Allen as their first, full-time church business administrator. In the fall of 2006, I became their first full-time executive pastor. I served in that capacity until I answered the call of God in November of 2008 to plant a church in the Richmond area. In April 2009, the Anointed New Life Baptist Church was birthed for the Kingdom of God. I currently serve as their planter and senior pastor.
In 2009, I also returned to the School of Theology at Virginia Union University to earn my Doctor of Ministry degree. I graduated in 2012, and my thesis was on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and how pastors and churches can support our veterans and veteran families. I advocate for pastors and leaders to be educated on the symptoms and raise awareness in our communities of their needs. I currently travel extensively to provide training, workshops, and seminars on the disorder. I have also served on several boards and organizations in our community to provide vision and support to advance Kingdom work in several capacities.
What have been your greatest sources of joy in ministry?
My greatest sources of joy are numerous. I love assisting persons in their spiritual growth and watching the ‘ah-ha’ moments unfold when they realize that living a faith-filled life is possible. I am amazed to watch the miracles of God in peoples’ lives as I witness healing, deliverance, reconciliation, and salvation. I am also humbled that God would use me to prepare leaders in ministry; I have witnessed His children accept their call to ministry and have been allowed by God to work with them and shape their theological perspectives and ministry placements.I also find great joy when God’s people begin to realize their God-given identity, embrace that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and come to know God’s love for this is truly unconditional. To me, that’s priceless.
What have been the greatest challenges you have encountered in ministry?
My greatest challenge in ministry has been the balancing act of being wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, community leader, and all the other roles and titles that come with being a pastor. The juggle can be challenging at times, but you have to find time for self-care in the midst of it all. The challenge of being a church planter and female in this area brings it own set of challenges, but God is amazing in His provision for His vision. I’m just humbled to be a part of what God is doing, challenges and all.
What is the best ministry advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve received in ministry has been twofold. First, make sure it is God that is calling you to this work and that your love and passion for ministry are authentic to the Gospel, because in the tough times it will be that call, passion, and authenticity that will keep you from losing your mind.
Second, I was encouraged to love God’s people. Love them through their struggles, their angry places, their uncertainties, their grief, and their pain. Even when they are acting un-lovable, love them. Love conquers all.