Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Clements.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Lisa Clements, Pastor of North Dallas. Assembly Though I now pastor a church, I did not always think this would be possible for me as a woman. I wanted to be in ministry from the time I was sixteen, but I had never seen a woman preach or hold a leadership position in the church. Still, I went to a Bible college to study ministry, but the lack of female role models there left me feeling discouraged. As a result, I ended up switching majors to psychology and embarked on a career in social work after graduation.
The tug to minister in the church did not leave me, however. At every opportunity, I led small groups, volunteered at church, and began speaking on a Christian women’s circuit. With a husband and two children, life grew quite busy as I juggled my social work career, ministry opportunities, and family life.
After we moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 2001, we found a new church and I took a risk—I asked the pastor for a job. Curious, he invited me for an interview. Pastor Jason St. John saw my potential and offered me the position of discipleship pastor. With a little over 200 congregants, the church could not afford to pay me, but I accepted the offer anyway. During my time there, Evangel Church grew to over 1,100, and my part-time volunteer position evolved into a full-time paid position.
Evangel Church provided critical training for me. I became ordained and sat on the executive team. There I learned to lead, but I also learned to fail and to recover. Our pastor saw my skills in leadership regardless of my gender—I led both men and women. My role expanded to the pulpit ministry. I also traveled to Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia as a part of a pastoral training team. We preached and taught at pastors’ conferences.
In 2014, we moved to Dallas because of my husband’s job. Though I mourned the change, it was the right thing to do. I came without any pastoral opportunities waiting for me and wondered what to do next. Thankfully, I had already started pursuing another dream of mine, earning a doctoral degree. My advisors and colleagues at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary provided immense support. I often say this group of people “made me brave.”
Shortly afterward, the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God asked me about starting a church in North Dallas. Inside the I-635 loop north of Walnut Hill, few English-speaking churches exist. Though Dallas has the reputation as the mecca of the megachurch, many churches sit outside the city limits. I agreed to take on the entrepreneurial endeavor of church planting.
In September 2018, after two years of research and recruiting a team, we launched the North Dallas Assembly, a church that seeks to value and include people of all ethnicities, ages, and, of course, gender. By our first anniversary, Korean, African American, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Indonesian, Kenyan, Chinese, and German congregants of all ages were worshipping together in unity.
Planting a church as a female pastor felt daunting at first; not many female planters exist. Knowing how it feels as a young woman attending church with all male leaders, I endeavor to model something different at North Dallas Assembly. Though I occupy the pulpit most of the time, men also preach. I am developing a team to preach, so congregants can here from a diverse group of people.
North Dallas Assembly is not a destination church of programs. Instead, our goal is to equip congregants to go into their community, workplace, and places of influence and infuse the love of Jesus into people’s lives. We strive to be an intentional docking station to refuel, inspire, and equip people to go into their world with the hope of Jesus.
All this has proved possible because I dared to dream despite the lack of role models. I pursued my passion even while in a different field. I volunteered, studied, and took risks. Most importantly, however, one person chose to take a risk on me. Pastor Jason made space for me and invited me to pursue my dreams. I remain forever grateful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Finding mentors or other women who had walked this path. Being bold enough to ask other men who are pastors to mentor walk with me. Learning to build effective teams overcoming the “imposter syndrome”. Being falsely accused, navigating this has been one of the most difficult leadership lessons. Believing in myself enough to step out and advocate for me.
Please tell us about your business.
We are a church. Our business is to provide a place for people to come to be refreshed and encouraged in the Lord. I am most proud that we started. Already it is a place many have come and feel accepted. It is a place where people of many different backgrounds, ethnicity, and age gather together. Our small congregation has become friends. Already joining together to care for one another.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success has changed over the years. Being in ministry money is not a motivator. Today I define success by lives impacted. I find the most joy sitting across a young person, encouraging them in ministry. No one was there for me so I want to be there for young people pursuing their dream. I am a certified life coach. When I am able I coach teams. Seeing them move from impasse to clarity is amazing.
Beginning our church is exciting because we are intentionally creating culture. Working through ideas and defining what we will be. Moving forward towards our goals, even if it’s one small step, that is a success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5608 Northaven Road
Dallas TX 75229 - Website: www.northdallasag.church
- Phone: 214-989-3794
- Email: Lclements@northdallasag.church
- Instagram: @northdallasassembly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthDallasAssembly/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @lrclements
Image Credit:
James Wright
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
