Each week, Baptist Women in Ministry introduces an amazing minister, and this week we are thrilled to introduce Megan Pike.
Megan, tell us about your ministry journey and the places and ways you have served.
My ministry journey really began at the Henderson State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry. As a student who had recently turned my life over to Christ, I joined other students seeking to know God more. I thrived in the discipleship received through this ministry, and in turn sought to minister to and with others on my university campus. After graduating with a B.S. in Recreation from HSU I went to serve with a ministry in northwest Arkansas that offered support to other ministries through support-raising training, publications, and equipping. I had felt a call to serve God abroad, but an opportunity I pursued did not work out at that time. So, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina I spent several weeks in Louisiana volunteering with a variety of teams to help gut out homes, prepare meals, and deliver hot meals to residents in the greater New Orleans area.
From 2006-2007 I served at my alma mater’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry as the Assistant Campus Minister. This was a formative time for me to grow as a minister and encourage young women on the university campus in their devotion to God.
From 2008-2010 I had the privilege of partnering with a cultural exchange program that allowed me to live and learn in North Africa. I devoted my time to learning the local dialect of Arabic, building relationships, and even had the opportunity to teach English at a flight attendant training school. I loved learning about the Moroccan culture, people, faith, and food.
I returned to the U.S. early in 2010 and had the opportunity to travel around sharing about my experiences in North Africa. I also served with Metro Campus Ministries in Little Rock for the summer working with International students. In August 2010 I began my theological educational journey at George W. Truett Theological Seminary on Baylor University’s campus in Waco, Texas. This was a truly formative experience where I was taught how to approach Scriptures, history, and tradition. It was at Truett where I met my husband, Marty. We were married in June 2012.
While at Truett, I enjoyed learning from a variety of positions around the community. I worked with the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, first on the sales floor working with customers and later becoming the volunteer and donations coordinator. I worked with Baylor’s Campus Recreation program I had the chance to work through a variety of the Outdoor Adventure programs, including Baylor’s Marina, the Challenge Course, the climbing wall, and student trips. For one year I served as the ministry associate of Baylor Missions working with student organizations and faculty/staff to serve God on mission both domestically and internationally. Through Mission Waco/Mission World I worked with their Poverty Simulation and welcomed volunteer groups wishing to partner with MW/MW through service and poverty education. And for a short season, I had the privilege of serving with Calvary Baptist Church as the minister of community missions.
I graduated in December 2014 with a Master of Divinity, and in February 2015 Marty and I moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where Marty serves as the minister of children and youth at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church.
Since July 2015, I have served with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Arkansas as their associate coordinator working with AR BWIM, mission/ministry partners, young Baptists, and communications.
On May 15, 2016, I was ordained to the ministry by Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Calvary is where I first served on a church staff and where I did my Truett mentoring. I am grateful to Calvary’s support of me on this ministerial journey.
I am currently transitioning into a new position with Second Baptist Church in downtown Little Rock as the executive director of Lake Nixon, a 240-acre recreational facility with a 35-acre lake owned and operated by Second Baptist.
What is your favorite part of your current ministry role?
In my role with CBFAR, I have loved working with such a variety of ministries and projects both within Arkansas and around the world. CBFAR has been a great place to grow and serve with Cooperative Baptists of Arkansas.
In my new role with Second Baptist/Lake Nixon I am so excited about this unique opportunity to combine my skills and interest in outdoor recreation with ministry to the community.
What challenges have you faced as a dual-ministry couple?
Work-Life Balance. We both work in positions that care for people, and one of the motivating factors in ministry is a passion to serve. We have to be really intentional in keeping a healthy work-life balance. We have to remember that our marriage is a part of our calling, too. We have to make meaningful time together a priority week in and week out, which means we have to stop ourselves or each other from “talking shop” during this time.
*I collaborated with Marty on this response 🙂
What is the best ministry advice you have ever received?
“Megan, I think it’s time you listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you and get ordained already.” — Rev. Wendell Griffen