For many students, college is a time of discovery and growth, a period where they begin to understand and reanalyze their purpose and calling. For Janeth Reyna, a student here at Southern Nazarene University, that calling became clear through her experiences at Bethany First Church, where she found inspiration in Pastor Tiffany, a woman leading in ministry.
“She really showed me what a woman in ministry looks like because in other denominations women aren’t allowed to be pastors,” Reyna shares. “I’ve only been to churches where women weren’t in leadership positions. So, just seeing how God uses a woman like Pastor Tiffany to be a leader in the church inspired me and made me realize that this is something I can pursue as my own personal calling.”
Growing up, Reyna was familiar with the church but did not always attend consistently. Her childhood was full of challenges, particularly her mother’s illness which deeply impacted her family. “It was really hard not knowing if she was going to make it,” she recalls, “But I always knew that God was real and that He had a plan for my family. Even after going through so much, I always believed that God was good and that He was going to help me.”
Her faith deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a time when she committed her life to Christ. “I would read the Bible and just get to know more about Him, and that made my relationship with God so much stronger.” This spiritual growth eventually led her to choose SNU, knowing that it would provide her with a faith-based education. Soon, Reyna became involved in youth leadership, where she realized that not only was God calling her to study at a Christian university, but also to become a leader in the church. “God was with me throughout my trials, which led me to where I am today. If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be at SNU, and I wouldn’t be pursuing a degree in pastoral ministry. So, I give all the glory to God,” she proclaims.
Her calling was affirmed when she began to share her faith with others at SNU. “People would tell me they needed to hear my testimony, that I was a light to them, and that I should be a pastor,” Reyna states. The encouragement from her peers, paired with a vision she had of standing before a diverse congregation, all solidified her decision to pursue ministry.
“One day, I had the opportunity to be baptized at BFC. I wrote my testimony, and as soon as I did, I knew that this was what God wanted me to do.” Around the same time, she had been considering a career in software engineering but felt a strong conviction that that path wasn’t where God wanted to lead her. “I prayed and asked, ‘God, what is it that You want me to do? I know that I’m not where You want me to be.’ When I got baptized, everything made sense and just clicked.”
For Reyna, being a pastor means being a leader who points people to Christ, leads them to salvation, and helps them grow spiritually–always with love. “It’s not just me being a pastor; it’s God walking alongside me to lead others to Christ,” she explains. Reyna sees her role as part of God’s mission to bring people to salvation and glorify His kingdom.
Even so, her journey has not been without obstacles. “Sometimes, I’m not seen as great of a leader as some of the men in the church,” she admitted. “But I navigate it by remembering that God has called me to be a leader and by going back to the Bible to remind myself of who God is.” While it’s difficult to see fewer women in ministry compared to men, she remains strong in her calling.
Her passion for her ministry extends to serving those who are less fortunate, in poverty, or without strong family support systems. “I would love to be a pastor who provides for people who need a community and to be a leader and inspiration for women in ministry.”
To women who might believe that God has called them to ministry but are hesitant, Reyna offers encouragement: “Pray about it and read your Bible. There are many women in the Bible who have been leaders in God’s ministry. If you feel like you’re being called, you most likely are. God puts those desires in your heart, and He has a great plan for you.”
As for her future here at SNU, Reyna remains committed to her calling. “I want to build God’s kingdom and do exactly what He has called me to do–with love, humility, and perseverance.” She remarked fondly, “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it in the end.”
Photo by: Kylee Grove