The difficulty of being a woman in a man’s world would torment most women. Denise Abston decided long ago not to let these challenges affect her and her drive to become a woman pastor.
Today, Abston is the head pastor at the Midwest City Free Methodist Church located in Midwest City, OK. She not only declares herself a warrior for Christ, but also a pioneer for women seeking changes.
Longtime church member Caitlin Hartzell described Abston as, “someone that I always looked up to spiritually. She has done really well and is ready to respond to any person’s needs at any point.”
Abston did not have the easiest life while she was growing up. Her family was strict and faced many challenges. Her dad was an American POW in World War II and her mom was a German born citizen. One could predict certain hardships the family could and did endure. Abston actually had to translate for her mother because she did not know English. In spite of this adversity, Denise Abston developed into an exceptional woman worthy of praise.
It was a difficult life, but Abston said her parents were probably the most impactful people in her life.
Growing up in a time when men used women to get what they want, Abston refused to give in to the way of men.
As a young woman working for a company in El Paso, TX, Abston was faced with a horrifying situation. While working late one evening one of Abston's coworkers made a sexual advance towards her. He told her to "be professional about this." Abston's professionalism consisted mainly of a solid right hook to the face of her attacker.
It could have been easy for her to give in to the way of society and let men take advantage of her, but that is not the Denise Abston way.
“Denise is a really influential person. She is a good leader and it is not surprising to see how far she has come in the church,” said Shaun Adams, a member of Abston’s congregation.
Abston followed this nose to the grindstone mentality all the way to becoming what she is today. She has faced numerous struggles in this journey, many of which are still ongoing, but she keeps pushing forward.
It took her about nine years to complete her initiation process into the church. On the average it only takes a man about four years to complete the same thing.
Abston said that some men refuse to take communion from her, and other men just walk out of the church completely for the simple fact that she is a woman.
She has been told she scares men to death, and it can be seen why. Most men are intimidated by a woman in power. A woman who is knowledgeable, highly educated, and strong willed. It still bothers Denise that she is viewed first as a woman and not as an equal.
Regardless, Abston continues to work diligently at her profession. There are many enjoyable, rewarding aspects to her job as well.
Denise enjoys watching over her flock of people. She is a true sheppard at heart.
Abston loves to see when she has touched other people's lives. Any little sign or inclination she gets from others that she has influenced them is what she enjoys the most.
Her greatest triumphs are being able to witness people's vital moments. The moments in which they suddenly clue in to her message; The moment in which a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; The moment a newborn child is baptized; And even a person’s final precious moments of life are glorious and triumphant in Abston's eyes.
These moments take away the stress of the hectic, day to day schedule Abston faces. Abston's day begins at 4 a.m. and only ceases when her job is done, but according to Abston her job is never done.
"Your calendar is never your own," Abston said in regards to a pastor's life. Whether it is visiting the homebound, visiting a hospital, visiting a nursing home, attending board and staff meetings, meeting church needs, or writing a sermon Abston will work tirelessly to meet the needs of everyone she possibly can.
She said it best by saying, "I am always thinking of how I can reach the next person."
She has even gone as far as creating a Facebook page in hopes of staying that much more connected to her congregation.
Abston hopes not to just be a leader for the women to follow her footsteps, but to simply influence every person she meets just as they influence her.
Denise Abston: reverend, sheppard, daughter, mother, and pioneer. She is truly one of the most outstanding and influential women of our time.
No comments:
Post a Comment