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The Call

WIM: Tell us a little about your upbringing and spiritual journey.

Alia: My mom is a Christian; my dad is Muslim. I remember giving my heart to Christ at a young age. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love God. The Lord gave me a heart for evangelism and Muslims early on. I really went after God when I was a senior in high school in Mobile, Ala. My relationship with God became full. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to evangelize.

WIM: When did you first sense a call into the ministry? How did you experience and pursue it?

Alia: I was studying medicine at Vanderbilt on an ROTC scholarship. It was very confusing to me when I first encountered God’s call because I feel that ministry is a part of every Christian’s life. When my sister Lila felt a call into the ministry and chose to study at Central Bible College (CBC) in Springfield, Missouri, I realized full-time ministry existed. Although the call was strange to me, I realized I wanted it more than what I was doing at Vanderbilt. Everyone said I should consider medical missions. I asked myself if I should do full-time ministry or if I should combine ministry with medicine. The Scriptures really spoke to me such as Isaiah’s call, “Here am I; send me.”

I called my parents and told them I was transferring to CBC. Dad did not take it well, nor did Mom. My dad is a physician and a colonel in the Air Force Reserves. It was very personal for my dad when I chose not to go into medicine. He wouldn’t speak to me, at least not directly. He wrote me a letter and told me, “You’re taking the easy way out of the work of being a doctor.” I gave up my ROTC scholarship.

No one understood my decision. That summer was difficult but I concluded that my Heavenly Father was more important to me and I knew He was pleased with me. I fought the call for weeks, but once I obeyed, I never doubted that God spoke to me. Within a year my relationship with my dad was better. He’s proud now. Now he videotapes me when I preach. He listened to one of my sermons eight times!

I attended CBC to study missions. CBC provided a biblical foundation for ministry. I also gained confidence at CBC. The female teachers and Assemblies of God ministers in Springfield encouraged me. The Women in Ministry Conference gave me a big shove. There were so many other women like me! Dr. Deb Gill and Dr. Beth Grant taught sessions at the conference that spoke to me.

I have a heart for the inner cities of America (although I’m currently in a more rural community in South Dakota). I definitely feel my call is related to other cultures. I would like to go to India someday.

WIM: What is your current ministry setting and responsibilities?

Alia: I’m at River Center Church in Pierre, South Dakota. My husband, George, and I came four years ago as one of three couples to help start a new church here. It’s a very team-based ministry. George and I work together with the youth. In addition to youth ministry, I lead cell groups, and do a lot of mentoring. I also do all the media: TV, radio, newspaper, press releases, and ads; and I coordinate outreaches. I direct the Sunday morning services (drama, special songs, etc.). We have a preaching team. I was preaching every third Sunday; right now every other Sunday.

WIM: Tell us about your husband, especially about his affirmation of God’s call on your life.

Alia: George is a pastor at our church, although he’s not full-time staff. He has a goal of starting a full-time business. Even though George grew up in a Christian home, he dealt drugs until he was 15. He was in total rebellion. When he came back to Christ, he was immediately delivered from drugs. As a result, he is passionate for youth.

When George and I talk about ministry issues, we don’t talk in terms of me as a “female minister” and he as a “male minister.” We don’t think much about gender. Ministry just flows. That’s a major way he affirms me.

WIM: Some have never met a ministry couple like you. What positive and negative reactions have you encountered?

Alia: Most objections are subtle enough that we don’t notice. Once I was at a youth ministers meeting where the leader didn’t affirm me at all. It was insulting. This man was my age and asked, “Where’s your husband?” It shook me. I took it to God and got over it. George also affirmed me and that gave me peace.

On a positive note, a few people at church told me they had a hard time at first accepting a woman minister, but recently this one young mom said to me, “I was raised to believe women are supposed to be quiet in church which means no preaching, but you’re the first woman minister I’ve respected.”

So many women in church could do something besides just sit in church! Some are enrolled in our school of ministry. I think it’s so important for teen girls to see examples of women involved in ministry so they will think, “I know I can do it because I’ve seen you do it.” It’s worth a million negative reactions when one is encouraged.

WIM: What do you and George project for the future, as a married couple and in ministry?

Alia: We’re looking forward to having children. We’re a church-planting church so George and I might plant a new church. One of our passions is to be trainers of leaders. We also would like to go to the mission field one day and work with Muslim youth and women in India.

WIM: What words of encouragement or advice would you offer to other women considering God’s call to ministry and church leadership?

Alia: When God wants to do something amazing, forces will come against His plans. Unfortunately, sometimes that comes from respected leaders, family members—even the church. Don’t give in to the pressure; listen to God. People will always try to tell you who you are supposed to be. Who did God make you to be?

Your heavenly Father’s will is more important than any negativity around you. In fact, we are expected to receive His call. We have an obligation to do what He tells us to do, regardless of what others think, so rest in God’s call and His purposes for your life. There will be other voices. Please the Heavenly Father. It’s about the obligation of being a slave to Christ. I want Him to be pleased with me and proud of me.

WIM (to Alia’s husband, George): What encouragement and affirmation would you say to men whose wives are sensing or obeying God’s call to ministry?

George: Society might tell women to stay at home, but a woman should only do that if God has called her to that. Support your wife. You have to know for yourself that she has a call from God and she’s following that. Alia is so solid; it was easy for me to trust her. God called her to do something and I trust her.

I’m a youth minister; Alia is called to preach. I knew I was to be in the background and I’m okay with that. I’m good with technical equipment. Alia is a wonderful speaker. God told me that’s the way it’s supposed to be for us. I’ve encouraged Alia to do what God wants her to do.

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