It Had to be God!!
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20-21
I recently had an experience, which reminded and reassured me that God is indeed alive and at work in my life. Not that I had any doubts about this fact. But, have you ever had something happen that literally arrests your heart and mind and forces you to say, “Wow, that had to be God?!?!!”? Well, it’s happened to me many times, and again on September 17, 2017. That was the day when the Church at Clarendon (www.1bc.org) in Arlington, Virginia called me to be their next Senior Pastor. It was the culmination of a process that started back in February of this year. But, as far as I can tell, this is a moment for which God has been preparing me my entire life. I am now and have been on a collision course with my God-ordained destiny.
The photo included in this post was taken just seconds after I stepped to the pulpit to officially accept the call to be the pastor. It had been 10 1/2 years since I preached my first sermon and was licensed by Shiloh Baptist Church, in Alexandria, Virginia. Ten years is somewhat brief in some contexts, but for my ministry journey, it seems like a lifetime. Over these years, God has prepared my heart to pastor. I have been stretched, broken, made and remade into the woman that God was always crafting. The woman that Christ died to redeem and anointed to use. In that time, I have experienced some highs, some lows and everything in-between. Most of all, I have known God’s grace. I have relished Christ’s love. I have been anchored by hope and sustained by joy, which has also been my strength.
Today, is the fourth anniversary of when we launched the Joy4Life Ministries, LLC website and blog. I thought it an appropriate time and place to share this most wonderful news about my new ministry assignment. I do not merely share this news; however, I share my sincere gratitude as well. Thank you for supporting me, praying for me, reading my words and listening to my ruminations about biblical texts. Thank you for considering my perspective, as you have sought to know and follow Jesus Christ, and to develop your faith. You have journeyed with me and I have arrived at this juncture, in part, because of your encouragement and love.
To that end, I humbly invite you to please join me at my upcoming pastoral installation. You will find the official invitation extended by our church below. If you cannot make it on November 12th, do not fear. I will prayerfully be here loving, leading and growing with the members of our congregation for many years to come. Consider this your open invitation to visit us whenever you can. Thank you in advance for your prayers. As always, I’ll be praying for you!!
************************************************************************************************************************************************************
November 1, 2017
LETTER OF INVITATION to the INSTALLATION SERVICE and RECEPTION of PASTOR DANIELLE L. BRIDGEFORTH
The members of the Church at Clarendon invite you to share with us in the joy of welcoming Reverend Danielle L. Bridgeforth as the senior pastor of our church. This celebration will be held on Sunday, November 12, at 4:30 PM in our Sanctuary.
Pastor Bridgeforth is a confident yet humble pastor, entrepreneur, and former attorney who will provide strong leadership and an inspiring example to our community in the heart of the D.C. metro area. She graduated with honors from Howard University School of Law, and spent several years as an attorney in health care litigation, before answering the call to serve in ministry. She made the career change to become an associate pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in Alexandria, attended seminary, and obtained a Masters of Divinity degree with high honors. In 2015, Pastor Danielle joined the John Leland Center for Theological Studies as the Director of Enrollment and Development.
Pastor Bridgeforth founded Joy4Life Ministries, LLC in 2013 and is certified in marital and pre-marital counseling through the Prepare-Enrich Counseling Program. Pastor Bridgeforth is also in the process of publishing her first book, a devotional entitled Vantage Point. This is a topical devotional that will help readers expand their perspective, enlarge their faith, and experience God anew. She recently completed training and was certified as a member of the Fairfax County Community Chaplain Corps, an interfaith group which provides chaplain care and support to community members during and after an emergency or disaster.
We are excited about the future ministry of our church under the leadership of our new pastor. We greatly hope that you will join with us as we welcome her to our church and to the community.
Sunday, November 12, at 4:30 PM
Church at Clarendon Sanctuary
1210 N. Highland St. Arlington, VA 22201
(near the Clarendon metro)
Please RSVP to installation@1bc.org
Congratulations Pastor Bridgeforth. GOD is good all the time. I was just looking at your card the other day. Wish I would have know about your installation before now and I would have been there. I am here for you in the event you may need me. I thank Deacon Pam for posting. Be blessed!
Thank you very much! I certainly understand about Sunday. I look forward to having you visit us whenever it’s good for you. Blessings!
Soror Pastor Danielle,
Congratulations and blessings. I know you will do an awesome job as pastor. I look forward to joining you at your installation.
Thank you very much, Soror Kim! I appreciate your kind words and your support. It was so wonderful to see you on Sunday evening. Your presence made the day extra special.
Pastor Danielle,
Congratulations- Awesome news. God is Great!
Thank you so much! Our God is indeed great!
Congratulations Pastor!
Thank you, Soror!!
Pastor Danielle,
Congratulations and many blessings.
Thank you, Soror! Blessings to you!
Pastor Bridgeforth,
The JOY I am experiencing on the inside for you is overflowing! I cannotvwait to visit you and your church!!!
Congratulations 🎉
Thank you, Nicole! This means, so much. Can’t wait for you to visit! Love you!
Pastor Danielle, Congrats !
Wrapped with emotions and on the brink of tears as I celebrate the Father for the work He’s doing with, in, and through you. Pastor Danielle, faithful woman of God, CONGRATULATIONS.
Thank you, thank you, my Sistah. I truly appreciate you! Can’t wait to see you!
Pastor Danielle, I’m so proud of you and love you dearly. Thank you for pouring into me over the many years. God bless you!
Ellen, you know how much I love you and value our relationships. We have walked this thing our together! The best is yet to come.