Minister Angela Beckwith Tompkins, J.D.
has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Psychology from the University of North Florida and a Juris Doctorate degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. Afforded an opportunity to provide guidance and leadership through the Women's Ministry at The Sanctuary @ Mt. Calvary in Jacksonville, Florida (www.themount.com), under the leadership of pastor, Dr. John Allen Newman has been pivotal in my life.
I am excited to be a part of the ministry at The Sanctuary. The focus of the ministry as a whole and the Women's Ministry as a component, is always honesty in self-dealing. It is only after this honest dealing, that women are empowered to become the catalyst for change in their environment. Change is difficult and always fraught with resistance. It is the step just past resistance that brings the biggest reward, since, as life continues, we are a work in progress and will continue to be challenged by our own resistance.
When I approached Pastor Newman with this Epidemic project, he immediately challenged me to determine what result I anticipated. What started as a topic for s Women's Ministry meeting blossomed into a city-wide luncheon in 2007 featuring representatives from law enforcement, the judicial system, the medical system as well as clergy and education. From that luncheon has grown opportunities to present the information in a variety of forums. The interest, the need and the opportunities abound. We will conduct our second city-wide luncheon in October 2008 and anticipate a greater attendance than before.
Confronting domestic violence and the attention afforded to it by religious leaders represents the level of commitment required to eradicate the infectious behaviors, that, if left unattended, will destroy our families, our homes, our society and even our world. The Epidemic of the Silent Church is the opportunity I have been allowed to begin to make a difference in the lives of all with whom I have the opportunity to share.
Being a part of a ministry such as the one led by Pastor Newman has caused me to focus on life- changing issues. While studying and preparing a lesson for the women who are a part of our ministry, the Lord spoke and the words began to flow, the resources became apparent and the vision became clear. When the first in the series of lessons was presented, I was astounded to find that even in our midst were women who stood in the feet of each category of people to be addressed - victims, batterers and bystanders. My mission became clear - GO. TEACH. PREACH. REACH.
It is our prayer that by viewing what has been prepared, you are honest with yourself and determine that you are going to do your part to make the difference as it relates to this horrific issue plaguing our congregations.
