Every Friday, Baptist Women in Ministry introduces an amazing minister. Today we are thrilled to introduce Nora Silva.
Nora, tell us about where and how you currently serve in ministry?
I serve as the unofficial executive pastor for Mosaic Church in San Antonio Texas. I say ‘unofficial’ only because this is a volunteer position. Mosaic is a new church plant that is just a few months old. Our pastor previously served in another church and felt called to start a new church. When he shared his vision for Mosaic, I knew I wanted to be a part of the journey. My focus is leadership training and development, program planning, budgeting, and overall support.
What have been some of the challenges you have faced in your ministry journey?
Wow! That it is an interesting question since I am still getting settled with the fact that I am in ministry. I have always felt that ministry is anything we do that glorifies God. That means our jobs, our volunteer work, our interactions with people, and so on. But in the most common definition of ministry work, well that is a bit different. I have taught bible study classes in the past and even hosted home cell groups a few years ago, but my ministry journey as it stands now is a whole new experience. Some of the challenges are more about us being a new church plant. Creating culture and developing process is something I enjoy doing, but it is not easy. I sense a tinge of resistance from some individuals about my role, at times, but just a few months ago, God really showed me that we will never be prepared or qualified in our own right. But when He calls us, we have all we need to go! My ability to overcome challenges comes from my dependence on God—from what He has already done, to what He is doing, to what He is going to do.
What brings you great joy in life and ministry?
I love to see people grow into their calling! I love to be a part of people’s journey there. God is so good in that we don’t just experience joy when great things happen to us. If we allow it, we can encounter joy when great things happen to others as well. That joy is endless! I get excited at the thought of me experiencing someone getting saved or someone having a baby or someone getting a promotion. It’s funny to realize that it’s so much fun to celebrate someone else’s accomplishments, even more since I don’t have the responsibilities that come with the accomplishments. God allows us, no, He gifts us the opportunity for endless joy.
What is the best ministry advice you have ever received?
The best ministry advice I have received was not advice at all. It was a declaration. When I was a junior in high school, my paternal grandmother was very ill. We were called to visit her in her last days. During this time, she said something that stuck with me and inspired me to seek the kind of faith that she had. In Spanish, she told us she was done in this earth, that she was physically tired and was ready to go be with her Lord. The words alone don’t capture the peace in which she shared that sentiment. She really did mean it! I believed she loved the Lord with all her heart, and with all her mind, and with all her soul. I believed she was going to a better place, and she was excited about it. Her words weren’t sad, desperate, or practiced. She knew where she was going, and she was ready to go, as if she had a long day at work and now was going home. Home. I tear up just thinking about it. I decided then, that I wanted to have the kind of faith that my grandmother had. That kind of love and reliance on Jesus our Lord. I reflect on that experience still.
Just recently, God nudged me into realizing that my grandmother prayed not only for me, but also for my children and my children’s children when I was still a child. How blessed am I?! As my ministry journey
continues, I know that I will continue to receive advice from great mentors but seeing this real-life experience of loving God and resting in Him.