Recently, Kristi Johnson, director of WNAC, interviewed Bethany Douglas, former church planter and current publications director for North American Ministries, and Angela Wooton, church planter to St. Croix, USVI, about their lives, their calling, and their Kingdom work.
What first sparked your interest in missions?
Bethany: My church was always great about having missionaries visit. My family had personal connections to the Lytles, and I was always so impressed by Jerry Pinkerton’s giant snakeskin. Ultimately, I developed a very tender heart for people suffering with physical and spiritual needs around the world.
Angela: I did not take missions courses in college or go on a short-term missions assignment. But when we accepted a pastorate in Pensacola, Florida, my husband Gene and I had many conversations about the “saturation” of the gospel there. Of course, you find unsaved people everywhere, but we often felt we were competing with “the other 25 churches” in our small area.
We said if we ever left our beloved church, it would be to serve in a place with less gospel influence. When we were asked to consider St. Croix, we were very happy. We had recently bought our dream home and had no plans to move. But the Lord moved our hearts, and His call was clear.
Was there a specific moment you knew God was calling you into this work?
Bethany: Yes! At church camp in the summer of 2005, I felt a distinct calling to missions or career ministry. I assumed it would be as an international missionary. ETEAM confirmed this, but my journey didn’t go quite as I thought. It’s amazing how God leads in ways you would never imagine.
Angela: In my flesh, I would never live in a place like St. Croix. I'm close with my family and always assumed I would live within a mile radius of my parents (like they did). I'm an introvert, not particularly adventurous, don't like to be up front or in charge, or make difficult decisions. However, through the Holy Spirit working in me, I do all these things every day. When we first visited St. Croix, I was completely out of my comfort zone. But the call was so strong I knew it was God. During our visit, I recall one very hard day when we met many new people (exhausting for me) and it was sweltering hot (and I hate being hot). But when we laid down in bed that night, I said, “I think we’re moving.” I could hardly believe I was saying it, but I knew it was right. The Lord changed my heart and gave me a love that came fully from Him.
What are some of the most important ways NAM supports church planters before, during, and after they are sent?
Bethany: We work with church planters every step of the way, starting from initial interest through the application process and a thorough assessment. After a church planter is approved, we provide training and coaching before, during, and after the launch phase of the church plant. Our staff knows our planters personally. We celebrate with them, mourn with them, and genuinely love to fellowship with them, from our office to the National Convention.
Angela: Having the NAM support system is truly invaluable. We may not call for help or reach out for questions often, but knowing a group of believers who know where you are and are praying for you by name is so reassuring. Not only have NAM staff visited us, but after Hurricane Maria in 2017, Ken Akers and Master’s Men volunteers came down and worked to help us recover. My husband has experienced a couple of medical emergencies there, and I’ll never forget
being flown off the island in an air ambulance, leaving my kids behind, and in a state of panic. That’s when I received a text that said simply, “We’ve made a deposit into your account to help with expenses.”
What is one challenge people rarely see behind the scenes of missionary work?
Bethany: People rarely think about the family load church planters carry. They are trying to start a ministry from scratch with no connections in the community or family nearby to help with the daily challenges of family life. I pray often with them about burdens surrounding childcare, children’s friendships, aging parents, and loneliness — even after their church is established and full of people.
Angela: It is tough to be an “outsider.” The Lord has given us immense love for the people with whom we live, work, and worship. And, yes, we have been met warmly by many people, especially our church family. However, other islanders resent outsiders coming to “take their jobs.” Some islanders are taught outsiders are bad because their parents saw visitors act inappropriately or unkindly. In this culture, being a native islander carries great respect. Everyone else is an “outsider.”
How do you stay encouraged when ministry feels difficult, slow, or discouraging?
Bethany: I always remember who I’m serving. I know I am always serving Christ, but I’m also serving His leaders. So, I try to text church planters, catch up with them in person when possible, and follow and comment on socials. Spending time with our planters and chaplains, like at the National Convention, reenergizes me and helps me remember the reason behind filing reports and answering phone calls.
What are misconceptions people have about missionaries or mission agencies?
Bethany: A few years ago, I jokingly started using the term “Free Will Famous” to refer to people well-known in the denomination. However, I do think we sometimes put church planters, missionaries, and national leaders on pedestals. Missionaries and church planters are the same as you. They are not super Christians. And you don’t have to be a super Christian to serve the Kingdom. I work with these people. I promise they are normal, and some are even abnormal…in the best of ways. Jesus calls and equips us all differently. If Jesus leads you to it, He is faithful to equip you for the work to which He calls you.
What does a healthy partnership between church planter and supporters look like?
Bethany: Communication is key, and it goes both ways! Church planters should make an intentional effort to connect with supporters and keep them engaged in the ministry they are helping fund. Supporters should be faithful to pray, encourage, and contact missionaries.
What are the most valuable forms of support missionaries receive from their sending organizations?
Bethany: You always think of the tangibles: salary, stipends, gifts, and items from the Provision Closet. But I think the most important form of support church planters receive from our denomination is relationship. When you are alone, far from home and extended family, the care and concern of those who send you is vital and validating. You may not know what to do, but you know who to call for prayer, practical guidance, and reassurance.
What has your host culture taught you about faith, community, and God’s character?
Angela: I’ve learned much about faith from the Christians in St. Croix. Their speech almost always includes a Scripture or a comment about God. In conversation, many of them will not speak of anything in the future without saying, “If God wills.” And it’s common for these dedicated Christians to answer a conversational question with Scripture. Their faith inspires me to live more closely attuned to what God has planned.
What gives you the most encouragement and excitement in your place of service?
Bethany: I am excited about diversity and student missions. Let me explain. I see more diversity in language, ethnicity, age, and culture in our denomination than ever before! We are truly reaching the world with the gospel. I am also excited to see us engaging students in ministry NOW. Giving them opportunities to develop their gifts and explore their callings provides a pathway to lifelong ministry. Programs like ETEAM, Truth & Peace, YET, and NAM’s new Frontier Student Missions fill me with great hope because I see students leading now and not waiting for a future assignment. I truly believe the Church is in good hands!
Angela: In our case, any encouragement we receive brings joy we cannot explain. Just knowing someone realizes we are here and doing this is so special. These gifts always seem to come at just the right time. It’s a wonderful thing to share with your children about the Body of Christ. Thank you for every prayer and gift.
If you could ask every missions supporter to do one thing more intentionally this year, what would it be?
Bethany: I would ask every Free Will Baptist to secretly “adopt” one church planter or missionary family and intentionally connect this year. It doesn’t have to be awkward or over the top. Just send an email saying you would like to pray with them intentionally and ask for requests. Then follow up on those prayer items. Maybe send a gift card or cards for kid’s birthdays. You never know when your encouragement will be needed most!
When you think about your supporters (prayer, finances, encouragement) over the years, what would you say to them?
Bethany: “Thank you” seems inadequate! I can’t explain the impact of that kind of intercession.
When you are tempted to think, “All I can offer is prayer,” I want you to know the power of prayer has fueled the Church, its ministries, and its ministers for centuries. We cannot do anything for the Kingdom without first approaching the King and asking Him for His guidance and blessing. So keep praying! You are engaging in vital Kingdom work every time you approach the Father.
Learn moreabout the church planting work of Free Will Baptist North American Ministries.
