Rev. Rebecca Mathis
Executive Director, Center for Calling and Ministry, Campbell University Divinity School
By Wanda Kidd
Rebecca Mathis is a juggler of many passions. Whatever she commits to, she approaches with creativity and professionalism. Whether it is her family, her faith journey, or other ways of using her God-given talents, she remains steadfast.
I first met Rebecca at the Baptist Student Union’s freshman gathering at Western Carolina University. As I greeted students, she said, “I want a place to serve. I am the director of my church choir at home and would love to help with music.” While there, she took a struggling music program and turned it into a student-led program that rivaled any on campus.
I have watched her bring the same exacting enthusiasm to everything she has done since. From teaching high school students to raising a family, she has made it seem easier than it is. In addition to parenting young children, ever the scholar, Rebecca entered an Episcopal divinity school that struggled to understand a young Baptist woman’s calling. Yet she challenged them to think beyond their theological framework.
Since seminary, she has served in a variety of nontraditional ministries and has used her prophetic voice in churches and beyond. It has been a joy to see her inspire wherever she goes.
Wanda Kidd is a retired campus minister, campus ministry coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina, and Collegiate Specialist for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. She is a 2025 “25 Who Inspire” honoree.
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