Mindy Douglas Adams
When God Surprises and Delights and the Spirit Leads
By Angela Williams Reese
As a New Church Development pastor, Rev. Mindy Douglas Adams knows the vulnerability felt in risk but also the life-giving possibility of renewal. All throughout Scripture God is doing new things, you either join God or fight God. she says. Yet, what God placed in her at an early age- the desire to be with people- was the passion used to bring newness and surprises in her future ministry career.
A second-generation Presbyterian pastor, after her mother, Douglas Adams was set toward a career in science until surprisingly her life changed in a weekend. One summer before her senior year at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, God called and she never looked back. Her decision didn't surprise many people around her, not even her fellow scientists. She received another affirmation and confirmation as she prepared a speech- turned sermon. God was speaking, not audibly but there was an internal voice… it was very clear, she says.
Before graduating with a biology degree, Douglas Adams started a seminary search and selected Union Theological Seminary (now Union-PSCE) in Richmond, Virginia. Once she earned her Master of Divinity Degree, she received a fellowship for advance study, but was impassioned to be with people. Her first position was as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian in Wilson, NC, and later as interim associate position for Campus Ministry at University Presbyterian in Wilson, NC.
Douglas Adams watched the pastor lead by example, bringing the church along together through vision and discernment. He offered her freedom and accessibility, Grateful for lack of ego, trusting me to try new things even if I fail, she recounted. And the students shaped her through their energy, enthusiasm, imagination, vision, and hopefulness
She served as Associate Pastor for University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, N.C. for 5 years before being called in February 2006, into to a new venture-as organizing pastor for Chapel Hill in the Pines Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, NC. She began working with charter members along with a small group of five people to develop a mission statement, write a grant proposal, and plan the vision. Soon, adding Sunday school classes, vespers services, and invitations regarding the new church. Their efforts developed into a collaborative mission with University Presbyterian Church and Salem Presbytery.
They worshipped in non-traditional settings; first in a seafood restaurant and later in a school as the church building was being built. Seeking out non-traditional places to worship makes you a risk-taker, If you walk into a school you are already risk-taking she says. The benefits out weigh the risks, members are coming in ready to give, ready to try new ministries, and it presents new opportunities for serving. In New Church Development you get, whole congregations ready to do new things, she enthusiastically says. The process helps people discern their gifts and they are able to live them out she adds. Douglas Adams understands this life-giving action as renewal and points to Acts 16:5 as the basis for the empowering movement.
During the development process, Douglas Adams witnessed the gentle lead of the Holy Spirit, When you see it happening over and over, you meditate, get down on your knees to see where all the blessings are coming from and we did, she says. And you cry-out, You are an unbelievable God! The guidance was seen as a way God surprises and delights us, Douglas Adams confirms. She was installed as the first pastor to the newly-chartered church in May of 2008.
With the supportative and collaborative partnerships of Salem Presbytery Church and University Presbyterian Church, the chartered church purchased 12 acres of land in 2009, and a year and a half later started ground-breaking for the new eco-friendly sanctuary. On Dec 11, 2011, with 230 people, the new worshipping congregation held their first service in their new building. There was incredible energy, she excitedly says.
The desire to be with people, has connected Douglas Adams and all who know her to vibrant relationships that educate, bring awareness, and serves. At Chapel Hill in the Pines she has helped to build ecumenical partnerships where together they understand, how to live in this world as people of faith. She has also helped to foster an inclusive, safe space through partnerships with Stephen Ministries, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity. Her vision invites people to come in need while providing the congregation the opportunity to follow Christ and live it out. She envisions the ministry of discipleship as a model to re-evaluate, renew, redirect, and reform church she says. Douglas Adams is forging the way in New Church Development and renewing life, It doesn't mean it isn't scary or risky- it is... life-giving.
Angela Williams Reese works as a freelance writer in California.
