LBC Echo Fall 2022 - 23

My main responsibilities are to communicate God's Word,
minister to spiritual needs and provide biblical leadership
for the church. I am also responsible for the day-to-day
church management and operations. I have constructed
an " Every Member is a Minister " service model to mobilize
church members for 21st century ministry. Over the years,
I have initiated many Christian education programs and
established over 30 ministries for the edification of the Body
of Christ and to encourage growth toward spiritual maturity.
I am also the Presiding Bishop of an international
conglomerate of churches (Gates of Heaven Assembly
of Churches, Inc), consisting of 15 churches across the
United States, as well as five churches, a children's home
and an academy in Liberia, West Africa, which is currently
under construction. Additionally, I oversee the Annual Holy
Convocation, an annual gathering of all the Gates of Heaven
covenant churches for a time of fellowship, worship, training
and development.
LBC: Please tell us about your experiences with CUTS
and LBC | Capital.
MD: I graduated from CUTS with a bachelor's degree in
Biblical Studies in 1989 then furthered my education at
Palmer Theological Seminary, where I received a Master of
Arts degree in Theological Studies in 1994 and a Doctor of
Ministry degree in the Renewal of the Church for Mission
in 2000.
A few years after graduating from CUTS, I was asked to
return to serve on the Board of Trustees as the first woman
trustee, then after several years of service, was asked to
return to the board around 2012. When I returned to CUTS,
the college was in transition to becoming LBC/CUTS. As
a result of the transition and the restructure of the Board
of Trustees, I was later asked to serve as an LBC | Capital
Corporation Member.
LBC: How did your education prepare you for your years
of ministry and community impact?
MD: It was the call on my life that led me to start my
studies at CUTS Philadelphia. I was struggling with the
call to ministry perhaps because I watched my parents
(the late Reverend James Ballard Sr. and Lena Ballard, who
founded Open Door Mission as a Sunday School in North
Philadelphia) all of my life, serve as pastors of the church.
I knew that this call would mean total commitment and
dedication, and I wasn't sure I was ready to give up so
much of my life.
In 1985, my father suffered a major stroke and could no
longer pastor. The responsibility of the church fell on me
with no warning. I knew I was not prepared and needed to
attend a Bible school. I chose CUTS because I wanted to
attend a school that offered courses for urban ministry. I
also needed to attend a school that is supportive of women
in ministry. The support of my professors and fellow
classmates was such a blessing, as we would often share
our testimonies and stories about the challenges, struggles
and even successes of ministry. The training, teaching and
support I received at CUTS inspired me to pursue further
education.
LBC: What have been some of the most significant ways
you've been blessed by serving in ministry?
MD: The best part about my role in ministry is witnessing
the transformation in lives of those who have joined the
ministry. The urban community faces so many challenges,
dysfunctional families, injustice, poverty, drugs, lack of
education, incarceration and so much more. To be able to
witness the hope, joy and peace that the members receive
through the preached word, worship and fellowship brings
me so much fulfillment. The past couple of years have been
a tremendous challenge for the church in the midst of a
pandemic. With the help of God and the support of a great
ministry team, we were able to be innovative in finding
creative ways to keep our congregation together during the
most difficult times in the history of our church. It was not
easy, perhaps the most challenging time of my ministry as a
pastor, but to see the saints gathering again and committed
to growing and serving the kingdom inspires me to keep
on going.
MY LIFE'S BIBLE VERSE: Habakkuk 3:17-19: " Even though
the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on
the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie
empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign
Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights. "
THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: " Limited Liberty: The
Legacy of Four Pentecostal Woman Pioneers " by Estrelda
Y. Alexander. This book is about four women who in the
early 20th century, in the male-dominated Pentecostal
movement, stepped out and established four denominations
that have ultimately opened doors for women in ministry
today.
WHEN I HAVE 30 MINUTES OF FREE TIME, I LIKE TO: This
is an interesting question for me to answer because I feel
as if I'm always doing something. My mother often reminds
me how much like my father I am, always feeling the need
to be busy. However, I've learned over the years that staying
busy is not always healthy. I'm learning that it's important to
take moments throughout the day and just slow down and
breathe deeply. When I have 30 minutes of free time, I like
to sit quietly, worship and meditate on the goodness of God,
while listening for His direction for my life.
MEET MORE OF MY FAMILY: George and I have two adult
daughters, both serving with us in ministry. Our eldest, Dr.
Kim C. Davis, is a chiropractor and serves as an elder and
worship leader at the church. Our youngest daughter is
Marcia Hodges, a life coach, author, mental health advocate
and ordained minister. Our four grandchildren are college
freshman McKenzie, high school senior Chae'la, eighthgrader
Kaycie and third-grader Bri'el.
ECHO 23
LBC Echo Fall 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of LBC Echo Fall 2022
