Linda J. Ivey Ministries
Reverend Dr. Geraldine Pemberton
Chapter Title: Making Myself Available
Signature Scripture
I Peter 5:10
“But the God of all grace,
who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Church Membership: New Hope Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA
Ministry Focus: Mentoring Women in Ministry.
Dr. Pemberton’s Background: Born and raised in Philadelphia, a retired executive nurse, innovator, and educator, grateful and serving God all her life, in ministry for over twenty years, fellowshipping with women and male ministers.
Dr. Pemberton’s Reflections: My journey into the Gospel Ministry began when I was a little girl. The unctions and urges, (on reflection), were a constant drumbeat on my heart, mind, and spirit. I didn’t realize at first what it was, but its insistence couldn’t be denied.
Dr. Pemberton’s Challenges: Being empowered and encouraged made me somewhat of a marked woman in a world dominated by ill-intentioned men. However, I was able to maintain humility and patience by the grace of God. I began developing a network of likeminded women with the intent of fostering acceptance of female ministers as part of God's purpose as well as his expressed desire for our feminine gift of compassion to balance our brother’s aggressive impact.
Dr. Pemberton’s Observations: My perspective of God’s intent in my life took root and gave me an orientation as to my task in God’s service. The knowledge that hurt people hurt people was blazoned across my countenance and brought my purpose to life. It was then that I realized that my secular and ministry life were identical in their effect.
Dr. Pemberton’s Most Significant Accomplishment: The first situation involved the so-called street toughs, the corner hanging gangs. They were a mixture of society’s ills from drug dealers, prostitutes, and gang warriors. Their gathering places became my purposeful application of Jesus' demand that we go into all the world and make disciples. My husband and I got tough with the toughest, gave love to the loveless and demanded civility from all. The experience was rewarded amazingly. Not only did their activities cease, but they also became an integral part of our monthly prayer breakfast in our home. They became a squadron of protection for the least of God's people.
Dr. Pemberton’s Vision for the Church: In these latter days of my life and my ministry, I've come to realize that to serve God is not religious but visceral and ephemeral. It is to be lived as an uncompromising force of delivering God's people from the ever-present forces of evil and wickedness.