Today we’d like to introduce you to DeVante Tidwell.
DeVante, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
One of my favorite quotes comes from Harry Belafonte. He said once, “Let me tell you who I am. I’m not dead yet. So, the sum total has not yet been added up. So let me tell you who I think I am.” To understand what it is I do, you’d have to understand who I’ve become and who made me this way. DeVante Tidwell Ministries is an extension of both of those two things. I’m a big kid with the privilege of calling Dallas home though I wasn’t born here. This is just where we finally got settled after my pops retired from the military. I was “raised in church” as we southerners like to say. I didn’t know that it would be something attached to my purpose. I thought, like most people, it would be good to go to church to check an imaginary attendance box weekly. Some day though, everything started to switch. I was lost. I was suicidal. I was subscribing to schools of thought that were detrimental to my self-esteem and to the way I chose to see the people around me. Again, someday, although I can’t remember when specifically, it all started to change. I encountered Jesus in a real way. It wasn’t like I made my way down a long aisle at the end of a profound sermon, highly emotional, and aware of my deficiencies. Instead, I just found a place that I could belong before I believed the right things or behaved the right way. Ultimately, that’s how Jesus got all of his followers. Before they truly understood the depth of who he was, he made them feel like they belonged with him, because they did and we do.
I didn’t want this call. I was perfectly fine attending film school to become a storyteller using motion pictures. I wanted to impact people in a way that would make them leave theatre’s and think – and dare I say live – differently. God had another way I would accomplish the same goal with a different method only this time it would require more words than images and more of me in front of people instead of behind a camera. Now, I’m what our community would call an itinerant evangelist which basically means I get the privilege and honor to travel to conferences, church services and outreach events to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s how DeVante Tidwell Ministries was born. In an era, where I’m told this specific role is “dying” or unnecessary, I felt like Jesus wants me to be a voice to our generation to tell of his love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road! But that’s ok! What would you learn if everything was easy? Building something like this while working full-time takes a toll on your energy, confidence, patience, mind – I mean, you name a category of life where you can be challenged, and I can bet it’s hit me there! It’s still a business that requires you to learn about processes, documents, and deadlines, just like any other organization. I still feel unqualified sometimes. I still feel impatient. I still wonder if it’s all “worth it” as the next person. Most of the challenges, I’ve learned, for any business owner, are internal. It seems as if when you step out in faith to accomplish something that you feel was placed on your heart, you find a way to replay every negative thought or word you’ve heard. You start to see yourself slip into a mental fitting room, trying on some of those insecurities and fears others try (whether intentional or not) to project upon you. You’ve got to find a way to keep going realizing that people depend on you. People need your voice. People need your consistency even when you don’t feel like you can. I’ve got to thank my wife. She’s a true God-send. Without her, I would’ve quit a long time ago. She’s my backbone!
We’d love to hear more about the organization.
Yea, I’d love to! I specialize in speaking to mostly youth and young adults about Jesus. I’m a preacher! So I preach! Although I do also speak to sports teams in a more motivational style. I think I’m most proud of two things. First and foremost, my board of directors is a group of eclectic individuals with different races and levels of exposure to life and ministry. Most people wouldn’t put this as something they’re proud of but, I’m proud because I feel like our leadership looks like a small slice of heaven with both it’s diversity and balance. This helps us continue to move into a direction where everyone can be impacted because our example starts at the top. Secondly, I’m proud that even at 26 years old, I’ve been able to serve people in other countries. Being able to speak internationally has been a true privilege and honor.
Honestly, I don’t know if anything sets me apart as I’m not in a field where I’m looking to compete. Instead, I’m looking to collaborate. We all can’t do everything, but we all can do something. If we work together by bringing our small piece to the table, eventually with the parts, we can make a beautiful mosaic. In other words, I don’t try to be different as much as I try to be effective.
What were you like growing up?
Miscellaneous – if you can use that as an adjective to describe yourself. A talker. A class clown. Aha! Honestly, I was always pretty intelligent so consequently, I was always curious enough to ask questions and a lot of them. I’ve always loved people. I got it equal parts from being a military kid around a ton of different cultures and from living with my grandfather in the summers. He’s basically one of those hometown hero types of guys where everyone in the city knows his name. I really don’t and didn’t meet strangers. I was a pretty eclectic kid I’ve played instruments my whole life and was obsessed with learning something new. I guess it all makes sense now. I’m able to relate to people from all kinds of backgrounds. It helps now. Who would’ve thought it all was going to add up to be used at the same time??
Contact Info:
- Website: devantetidwell.org
- Email: info@devantetidwell.org
- Instagram: @devantetidwell
Image Credit:
Kathy Tran @kathytranx
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