INTERVIEW WITH JOAN DEWING

by Rita Prochazka and Deborah Malone

Questions by Rita:

Joan, can you share a little of your testimony with us?

My testimony is a 65-year long story of life with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I’ve never known a time when God was not a part of my life. I was raised in a Christian home and church family that loved and served God. My upbringing taught me that God was good, Jesus was our Savior, and the Spirit lived in us to serve God and others through us. God has shown God’s self throughout my life in many different ways and places. God cared for and taught me when moving from my childhood home was frightening.

God called me to ministry at Simpson Park Camp when I was 15. God directed my path miraculously through a job change that I took despite God’s direction to stay put. God brought my husband and I together through fun circumstances, gave us four beautiful children, and has opened doors for me in ministry late in life. God has become bigger and more beautiful as the years have passed. I am thankful for my upbringing that taught me God was loving and trustworthy. God continues to speak to me and change me through new opportunities and every interaction I have.

What are some things you’ve learned in this “season” of your life?

I think I have learned in this season that “you’re never too old, young, tall, uneducated, etc. too…” phrase is true. You can do whatever it is that God is calling you to. It’s up to us to stay grounded and rooted in God so we can hear Him. When God calls, God equips. God’s timeline is not the same as ours. When I tried to set my path for ministry I was stopped at every turn. I learned my ministry was greater than I understood and much broader. It was only until other things I saw as ministry came about. A professor in college many years ago gave me a plaque that said, “God is seldom early, never late, and always on time.” And that is the truth.

Joan, can you tell us a little bit about how you’ve prepared for your ministry?

I have a BA in Christian Education with Bible and Psychology minors. I have an MA in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. I am a certified Spiritual Director and continue to take classes through the American Baptist Church in Pastoral ministry. Those academic degrees have prepared me for my role as church administrator and pastor. The gifts God has given me of teaching, mentoring, caring has been enhanced by them. I believe God has used my life experience as fully as my education in preparing me for ministry.

How have you seen God working in your life during your “winter season.“

God has really been speaking to me lately concerning my purpose and focus in ministry. Questions like “why are you doing this?” or “are you focusing on yourself or God?” or “are you doing this the way I want you to go about it or because it’s the way it’s done?” have been in the forefront of my time with God. God has also been challenging me with long held beliefs that may not be fully God’s heart, I am changing, and God is doing it. I recently realized I can trust “my gut” because God is there. There have been unexpected opportunities and affirmations in ministry as I trust God’s voice.

Can you share something with us that many might not know about you? It can be fun or serious.

So, not many people know I am a “green bean.” My grandmother’s, on my father’s side, maiden names was Beane. Grandmother’s, on my mother’s side, maiden name was Green. I am, therefore, a green bean.

This special quilt was made by Joan using fabric from Guinea Bissau, Africa.

Questions by Deborah:

What advice would you share to help other women on how to stay active in ministry during their “winter season?”

I think my advice to other “seasoned” women to stay active in ministry would first be to trust God’s voice. If ministry seems too good to be true at this stage it may be God’s blessing. Along with that, however, is to keep good boundaries. Remember that God uses our experiences as well as God’s word to teach us and others. I believe God speaks a new word to us as we get older, or as we mature in our faith, and that can be confusing or disconcerting at times. Lean into that change. Seek God, ask questions, expect God to answer and bring peace. Don’t let your age define you!

What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome during this season in your life?

My greatest challenge I’ve had to overcome is self-doubt and listening to others’ opinions. I know God’s call and direction. I know I am capable, gifted, and educated. I wonder too much about other’s opinions of me and my message and calling. I doubt sometimes whether I am taken seriously. I sometimes wonder if I am doing enough. I am learning to take those challenges and hear truth and correction from Him and trust others.

Have you ever felt “too old” to be useful to God? If so, what have you done to overcome that feeling?

I don’t think I have ever felt too old for something. I have learned the older I get there are things I am better at now than others, or that I don’t do as well. For example, I have less patience, I have a hard time with teenagers, and I have to bite my tongue more. I’m not too old, I’m just changing. Recognizing that and knowing when to step in or out of ministry is important. We need to be willing to change, to wait, to listen to God and other and respond accordingly.

What woman/women, from the Bible, do you look to for inspiration during this time of your life?

There are two women I consider to be inspirations. Deborah from the Old Testament and Lydia from the New Testament. Deborah, because of her role as a judge, prophet and military leader – positions that were usually designated to men. And Lydia for her role as entrepreneur and a woman who was known in the community and new church gatherings. They both believed in God, Deborah as an Israelite and Lydia as a Gentile convert. They were both prominent in their communities and worked for the good of others. They were strong women who had God given talents and used them for God.

BIO: Joan Dewing and her husband Dale make their home in New York. You can contact Joan at: dewingquilts@gmail.com