Lynn Brinkley is associate director of Baptist Women in Ministry and the author of Manners and Money: A Manual on Preaching Etiquette, published by Nurturing Faith Books.
1. What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Proverbs 3:5-6 has been my daily life passage which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your path.”
My call to ministry has also been inspired by my initial sermon text from Esther 4:14 in which Queen Esther was called to the kingdom “for such a time as this!”
2. Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Pam Durso, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, has mentored me and supported my call to ministry in numerous ways. Thanks to Pam, I was invited to serve on Baptist Women in Ministry’s leadership team and gained greater awareness on the various ways women are hindered from fully participating in all aspects of ministry. I grew in my advocacy for women and became a mentor thanks to Pam. Pam was also instrumental in connecting me to the vital work of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and hiring me to serve alongside her as associate director at Baptist Women in Ministry National Office.
Rev. Jesse L. Timmons (deceased), a pastor, mentor and friend, supported my call to ministry by introducing me to Campbell University Divinity School and helping me to get ordained. Rev. Timmons helped me to see the value in having ministry mentors who also serve as advocates.
Lastly, my former preaching professor, Dr. Roy E. De Brand (deceased) told me I needed to become a preacher, and so I did. Dr. De Brand also encouraged me to apply to an open position at Campbell University Divinity School, so I did that too and served on staff at the Divinity School for 13 years. Dr. DeBrand affirmed that women were called to preach and helped me see that I was one of them.
3. List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
“Black Panther,” Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited and Alice Walker’s In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens.
4. What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
A continuous trifecta of systemic racism, sexism and poverty.
5. What are a few of your hobbies?
5AM Boot Camp, watching NBA basketball games and cooking healthy meals that offer superb presentation!
6. If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
Being Drum Major again of the E.E. Smith High School Magnificent Marching Band. It was a childhood dream that became reality. I just don’t think I can do splits anymore.
7. Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
We can never tell it enough how important it is to take care of our emotional well-being. My personal goal for 2022 is to invest in therapy.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
