For Pastor Israel Walters of Praise Fellowship Church, the call to full-time ministry was gradual. Throughout his life, the Lord continued to show him the direction he was to go. With each step, he began to see a little more of the plan God had for his life of ministry. Now, he serves as the full-time pastor at Praise Fellowship Church.
The journey to full-time ministry began at Praise Fellowship Church (PFC). He attended very early on in his life, and this experience provided the foundation that he needed as he began his journey. It wasn’t long until he sensed the Lord calling him to ministry. He says, “shortly after graduating from high school, I knew that God was leading me in the direction of full-time ministry. Upon realizing this, I began getting involved more in ministry outreaches and mission trips while seeking the Lord's direction.” During this season, Pastor Walters also took some Bible teaching classes. He later sensed the Lord calling him to pursue additional education. He says, “in 2020, [I] sensed the Lord leading me to go to a Bible College in Oklahoma. While attending college, I met Maleca, whom I am now married to, and we now have two daughters: Hadassah and Athaliah. While there, I also felt nudged in the direction of Pastoral Ministry.” It was during this time that Pastor Roger Langworthy, of PFC, reached out to Israel and Maleca to come assist at PFC with the intent of having Pastor Israel and Maleca Walters transfer into the role of lead pastor. So, after graduating from Bible college in 2023, the Walters made the move to Dodge Center and took the next step.
Since the transfer in April, Pastor Walters is grateful for the encouragement he has received from Pastor Langworthy. Pastor Walters reflects on this season, saying, “having Pastor Roger mentor us and come alongside us during this transition has been a tremendous blessing. His wisdom, encouragement, and support have helped make this season both meaningful and rewarding.”
In addition to the encouragement received from Pastor Langworthy, Pastor Walters is also enjoying the peace that comes from following the Lord’s calling on his life. He says, “My favorite aspect of pastoral ministry has been the assurance and joy of knowing that I am walking in God's calling for my life…seeing lives transformed, encouraging people through difficult seasons, and witnessing God's faithfulness firsthand has been one of the greatest blessings of ministry.” While challenges may arise in any new position, Pastor Walters is thankful for the support he has received from the PFC community. He notes, “God has been faithful throughout this season of transition. He has continued to provide grace, guidance, and encouragement as I have stepped into this pastoral role. We have been especially blessed with an amazing congregation that has shown tremendous love, support, and care for our family.”
As Pastor Walters continues to navigate this new role, he is excited to witness how God will continue to work through the community at PFC. He highlights, “one of the things we are most excited about for the future of Praise Fellowship is the continued growth and impact of the ministry. As we make improvements to our facilities and expand opportunities for ministry, our focus remains firmly rooted in the mission God has given us. At Praise Fellowship, our mission is simple: to love God, to love people, and to make followers of Jesus Christ…as we look ahead, we are trusting God to help us reach every generation throughout Dodge County and surrounding areas, building a church where people can find hope, experience transformation, and be equipped to follow Jesus and lead others to Him.” With a firm desire to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ, PFC is eager to continue to press on in the path that the Lord has established for them.
