The Reverend Sonia Whitlock may not always conform to the conventional mould of a minister of the Gospel. And she makes no apologies for it.
As pastor of the Sanctuary of Praise Worship Tabernacle, which she founded in Mt Pleasant, Tobago, in 2013, Whitlock said her style of ministry is never static but constantly evolves to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of her small but growing flock.
“The word of God is unchanging but as pastors we must have the capacity to adapt and evolve in our means of delivering the unchanging word of God,” she told WMN.
“We must be able to leverage modern tools, technologies and approaches to building God’s kingdom. In order to maximise our reach, we cannot box ourselves into only delivering God’s word in traditional ways. To help people learn God’s truth and apply it to their lives practically, we must be able to reach both the common and uncommon man where they are with arms wide open.”
Ordained as a pastor in 2012, Whitlock said her first allegiance is to God, not to people’s expectations.
“God gave me a specific mandate and mission in ministry and I have found my purpose in embracing the calling that he has placed on my life. In establishing our sanctuary, God called me to ‘church the unchurched’ so that they may find their healing, restoration and purpose in Christ.”
She believes her mission is to shepherd people back to a place of redeemed worship.
“I do not believe that I have to fit into any religious mould when God has called me to stand out in my purpose and talents. I have never been moved by what the crowd is saying or doing and I understand that God has blessed me with a very unique and effervescent personality which I use for the furtherance of his kingdom, not for my glory.”
[caption id="attachment_918178" align="alignnone" width="768"] Rev Sonia Whitlock overcame the stigma of having a child outside of marriage to raise a family, career and pursue her ministry as a pastor. -[/caption]
Whitlock, who is also the manager of the Belgrove’s Funeral Home, Tobago, said her ministry is really about touching and transforming lives and seeing God answer and fulfil prayers.
She said the needs of the depressed and less fortunate are particularly close to her heart.
“I have a passion for meeting the needs of the vulnerable, hurting and disadvantaged and have worked closely with young people and children for over 25 years both in ministry and through the social services.”
Whitlock continued, “I am passionate about spreading the gospel and God has blessed me with a unique persona and anointing to touch the lives of all I come into contact with. Anyone that has met with me both inside and outside of the church doors can attest to this.”
During her services, Whitlock said she rarely prepares a sermon but “moves as the Holy Spirit leads."
“I believe that worship of God is man’s supreme reason for existence and in my ministry, we must ensure that worship is our first call. Thereafter, we must teach God’s word and serve as effective witnesses of his truth.
