VERA BURNETT: I am a minister at Emmanuel Pentecostal Faith Temple, Mt. Vernon, NY and my role there is as Missionary; I am a Missionary Minister (Elder) and that's my primary role.
MORRIS: And how do you define Missionary Minister?
VERA BURNETT: Well, when I was growing up, my mother was a missionary that was involved in foreign missions. She managed and supported foreign missionaries that actually went to other countries. But in Emmanuel we are local missionaries, I should say non-denominational because it does not matter what color, what church you belong to... all you have to do is have the need and we come and minister, in all forms of the ministry. We believe in taking care of the home when it's necessary. We believe in taking care of the physical body when it's necessary, so that we can get you in a position that we can minister to the spirit.
MORRIS: You also said that one of your roles was that of Elder at Emmanuel. Tell us about how that came about? When did you first know that you were called to the ministry? What did that even mean to you, that expression of being called to the ministry?
VERA BURNETT: When I was called to the ministry, I had evidences like everyone else that gets called to the ministry and my thought was Lord, I'm being allowed to do what I want to do as a layman. I was able to visit the sick. I was able to organize. I received from the Lord different... what he wanted me to do in certain areas. And I felt blessed that I was able to do and I had no desire... But it was the Lord whose prompting...at one point, finally, I just so surrendered... I was in my home and I just so surrendered to Him. And I knew the difference. And I said, Well God, I surrender, But why are you telling me? I have a head. And that's all I had to say because when I saw my Pastor [Bishop Leon Dixon] the next time, he said God had woke Him up three times to tell him "Ordain Vera, Ordain Vera, Ordain Vera". I had not sought him or said anything to him about it, so he knew it was of the Lord. And he ordained me. At the time, I was going to Manhattan Bible Institute and the president of the institute (I did consult with him and tell him that I had not sought this) and he said the Lord had showed him also.
MORRIS: We know that also, in addition to these things, you also have a teaching ministry. Would you say that there is a difference between a teaching ministry and a preaching ministry?
VERA BURNETT: God ordained me to teach at a service when I was in South Carolina and he permits me to preach sometimes; but He ordained me to teach. Teaching, some times the Lord will just give me a subject, and I will just stay there in it and stay there in it until I know (as Holy Spirit revealed) whatever that one thing was, until it is exhaustive. And the subject just never ends. He gives me subjects and I'll take a subject and study just one subject and He might not use it for a year or two, but every summer I find that I have different subject that I really work on. And then whenever He wants to use it (He, being Holy Spirit), I'm available.
MORRIS: There are differing points of view as to the role of women in ministry. Much of it is based (even if it is loosely based) on the word of God. What do you see as the role of women in ministry?
VERA BURNETT: I believe the role of women in ministry is the role of anyone in ministry. If you are called and if you are led by the Holy Spirit, then He will define what it is you are supposed to be doing. If we look to mankind to define us, they may have us on the wrong road altogether because certainly I would not have ever picked me to do what God allows me to do. I would never have believed that He would have taken me through some of things that He's allowed me to go through nor be able to bring other people through some of the things that He's allowed me to go through with them. So, it has to be God. And He can pick and choose anyone He wants.
MORRIS: And so based on the information we know people use to justify or limit the roles of women in ministry, what is your Biblical base for knowing that God also calls women as well?
VERA BURNETT: I believe people used to limit women based on "women should not be over men". And I believe that... I just believe that God needs to decide that and I live it at that. Everything regarding ministry, I leave up to Him to decide. I do have scriptures to back my position, but I leave it up to God. So, if you want to tell God that He didn't call me because I am not a man (and I am definitely not a man), then that's between you and God. My job is to be obedient. My job is not to be rebellious. Rebellion is the same as witchcraft. So, my job is not to be rebellious. My job is to be obedient and that's what I decided to do.
MORRIS: What advice would you give to the woman who believes she has been called to the ministry, but may have apprehension based of what a person has told them about their limitations as a woman?
VERA BURNETT: It's a good thing that you have apprehension because when you think you know it all, then no one can tell you anything. But take your direction and leading from the Lord because He's the only one that's going to stand with you; stand behind you. He's the only one that's going to guide you and lead you. So, take your direction from Him. He won't even be contrary to scripture. I can't do anything without Him. I know it's Him. I'm not even a talker! Most preachers have the gift of gab. I didn't have the gift of gab. But if you put me in the word of God, I have an opinion based on how God is leading me and how He's brought me over the years. So, God can choose whoever He wants!
MORRIS: Are there any last words that you'd like to leave with our readers? Anything that's been in your spirit? Anything that's been on your heart that you just want to share with them?
VERA BURNETT: I just know that God is working today. He's got a mighty move. And we all need to be obedient to the spirit. And I very much wish that everybody who's saved and sanctified has a close relationship with Him; not just hearing what other people have to say and put it together. You need a close relationship with Him that he can literally lead you and guide you. And then you can be of use to him. You can hold on and be obedient to Him. But I do that there is a mighty move. And we want to be in the mighty move.
