Each Friday Baptist Women in Ministry introduces an amazing minister, and this week we are thrilled to introduce Leigh Halverson.
Tell us about your ministry journey–the places and ways you have served.
I was fortunate to have been raised in a Christian home, with a family who believed faith was a priority. As a result, I had a solid foundation of faith with which to recognize and accept a call to ministry. That calling came in December 2001 as I was serving as a student ministry intern at my home church, First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
During my seminary studies, I was fortunate to serve at the Moncrief Baptist Center and Northeast Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Following seminary, I moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, where I served at First Baptist Church as the associate pastor of children and families from 2008-2014. In 2014, I accepted a call to serve as the children’s minister at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama.
What are the sources of greatest joy in your ministry?
The most life giving moments to me are when I am involved with a small group and have quality time with children and families. I love when a family invites me to a child’s ball game, recital, or just over to play. Those experiences with families open so many doors for faith conversations and provide me with opportunities to walk alongside a family in the totality of their life, not just their church life.
Who has inspired you along the way as you have lived out your calling?
I trace the foundation of my call to ministry back to my grandmother. When I was a young child, she taught me Philippians 4:13 and would have me say that verse to her before I left her house. I didn’t know it at the time, but that message gave me the ability to dream a life without barriers. I never hesitated to answer my call to ministry, even as a woman, because I had been reared to believe that all things were possible with Christ. I’ve also been blessed with countless prayer warriors and encouragers who have poured into my life and have supported me all along the way.
What advice would you give to a teenage girl who is sensing a call to
ministry?
Pursue it! Ask your church for opportunities to begin exploring your call. Try to find someone who would be willing to mentor you as you seek out opportunities to lead in worship, to help in the church office, to visit the hospital, and to pray with people. And most importantly, develop a strong habit of spending time with God daily. In ministry a lot of time can be spent doing things for God but that does not replace spending time with God.