interview with pastor cyndi
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Q: why did you enter the ministry?
A: there are two reasons. first, i needed to fulfill the call of God on my life. i was 8 years old when God first called me into ministry. even as a child, i couldn't dismiss or forget the enormous impact of that event. as years passed, i repeatedly tried to enter the ministry through traditional channels, only to find the door closed. i admit there were many times i questioned if i would ever realize my calling.
but i came to see that what may appear as a really twisted detour was anything but! God knew exactly what i needed to effectively minister to ferndale and the world. He sent me to His school of ministry where i experienced firsthand the power and practicality of His Word. it was here that i learned God's ways are not man's ways. i also discovered that God never calls the qualified ... He qualifies the called. [2 corinthians 3:5 nlt, "it is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. our qualification comes from God."]
second, i can't remember a time when i didn't feel passionate about sharing the love of God with others. i adore Jehovah God! i love studying His Word. and i sincerely love people. add the fact that no matter what my circumstances have been over the years, i have always experienced God's unfailing love -- a love so devoted ... so intentional ... so understanding ... and so amazing. how can i NOT be in ministry?
Q: what is your favorite Scripture verse?
A: 2 Corinthians 1:4, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. when they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
Q: what will we never see you do as a pastor?
A: you will never see me wearing polyester suits or shiney white shoes ... EVER.
Q: name some people [past or present] that have inspired or shaped your life.
A: my grandmother, helen rempel. here's a woman who authentically lived out her faith. she could pray like no one i know. although she was poor, she was the most giving person i have ever met. despite a truly harsh life, she never lost her delicious sense of humor.
abraham lincoln. he overcame tremendous adversity to become a truly great leader.
joseph. he, too, received a vision of his destiny at a young age and found his life took an unexpected turn or two. yet, he never wavered in his faith in God and as a result he became an inspiration to generations throughout the ages.
Q: what dream(s) do you have for the church?
A: that we would be a safe place for people to come and explore the truths of God. that we would be a people fully devoted to God ... ever growing in spiritual maturity and God's love. that we would grow increasingly zealous to maximize our God-given talents and gifts to reach our community and the world for Christ.
Q: what is your favorite ice cream?
A: black walnut and bubble gum [although not necessarily at the same time]
Q: what do you hate most about church life?
A: i loathe "religious snobbery." no where in God's Word do i find that true spiritual maturity is due to what we wear, how "christianese" we talk, whether we sing hymns or worship choruses, or because of the length of time we've been in church. in fact, i find any tradition that evolves into an excuse to isolate and criticize is not only unacceptable ... it is unbiblical!
religious snobbery misrepresents Christ to our culture, divides the Body of Christ [the church] and destroys our witness. sadly, too many churches tolerate religious snobbery which makes them unsafe for anyone seeking God.
Q: what did your kids teach you about God?
A: He is the definition of patient! His love really is unconditional. His sense of humor is refreshing and delicious!
Q: what do you do to relax?
A: depends on my mood. being a true rocky mountain girl, i am addicted to the outdoors and playing in water. i enjoy listening to radio theater. i love to go to movies, musicals, ballet and theatrical plays. i adore racquetball. i love to write and draw. but then, i also enjoy shooting trap, skeet, and prairie dogs. go figure!