Leadership comes in all forms and sizes, but the results are the same. Leaders influence behavior and make a difference in people’s lives. Profiling leaders reveals a diverse combination of traits, but changing lives is a common theme.

Leader Profile

Janice Banks

Seasons of life describe how God prepared Janice for each stage of life. Janice calls it, “God’s design in His timing.” Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Janice’s grandparents provided her spiritual formation by bringing her to church. While at Welch College, Janice felt called to missions as the result of the profound influence of Ms. Laura Belle Barnard.

Feeling what felt like two contrary callings, Janice married a pastoral (not missions) student named Jerry. They pastored in Georgia for two years until Jerry felt the call during a missions service at the National. Janice calls this time preparation—from her college experience to their time in local church ministry, each event led toward their ministry in Japan from 1974 until 1991.

Janice notes how vital the role education plays in her life. With both formal education and life experiences, God placed Janice where she needed to be prior to the next season of life. Janice’s ability to teach while in Japan helped develop the lives of other new believers. She and Jerry helped plant a solid church now pastored by Keiichi Kimura who also now serves as the vice president of the International Association of Free Will Baptists.

In 2012, Janice was elected to the Free Will Baptist International Missions Board. Since 1991 Janice has taught missions at Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College. In 2013, she transitioned to teaching Christian education and spiritual formation classes. Passing the torch is all part of the “design” and needed to be done in a timely and strategic manner.

When asked about her quiet time, the conversation grew more reflective. Janice described how Jerry’s unexpected death in January of 2005 left her own identity in question. She had always been a minister’s wife, and her life intertwined with her husband’s. Janice drew closer to God during these very difficult times as she sat quietly and allowed the Holy Spirit to speak peace into her shattered life.

During those times she learned the value of solitude and reflection on the Word as her identity took shape in this new season of life. She enjoys sharing what she has been learning in all this change and recommends that everyone invest in purposeful quiet time. Janice, you are a great leader!

More About Janice...

What do you desire from this season of life? I desire God’s continued transformation of my life so I can know Him more intimately and please Him in ongoing service wherever that might be.

What are your top books you have ever read (other than the Bible)?

• Three Steps Forward Two Steps Backward by Charles Swindoll
  

• Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  

• Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
  

• The Sister Chick series by Robin Jones (Janice threw this one in for light reading)

What are you reading right now?

• The Good and Beautiful Community: Following the Spirit, Extending Grace, Demonstrating Love by James Bryan Smith
  

• One Thousand Gifts: Dare to Live Life Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
  

• Free to Be Bound: Church beyond the Color Line by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
  

What is your biggest shortcoming in your leadership style? Coming on too strong! When my passion governs my words and the volume rises, I can appear pushy.

What do people misunderstand about you? People might think I am extremely “extrovertish,” but actually I am on the borderline. I require solitude to feel replenished after social connections.

Tell me your kids’ names and a one-word descriptor for each. Joy (40) – supportive Justin (38) – caring. Both kids are actively serving God. Justin and his wife Leslie have four children.

What is your one indulgence? Dark chocolate

Paper or Plastic Questions

• Mountains or Ocean? Ocean
  

• Music or Talk Radio? Music
  

• Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke
  

• Email or Texting? Prefers email but texts as well
  

• Mac or PC? PC
  

• Socks or house shoes? House shoes

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