The pastorate isn't so predictable anymore. Case in point: Pranitha Fielder. Today we're featuring her as part of our "Faces of the Pastorate" series. Fielder illustrates the growing diversity among pastors in America. But even as the as the role broadens, at least one similarity remains: the call to lead the local church.
For much of her childhood, Pranitha Fielder felt like she didn't belong anywhere.
As a little girl, she was raised by her grandfather in Andhra Pradesh, India, while her parents were working. She moved to be with her parents in Maryland at the age of seven.
'I grew up really angry,' she said. 'The first time I remember praying, I was eight. I cursed God the best I could.'
Fielder attended a Christian high school but had no interest in faith. During a school-sponsored prayer service, a pastor gave an altar call. While many students came forward, Fielder got annoyed and walked out.
"I grew up really angry. The first time I remember praying, I was eight. I cursed God the best I could."
"As I was leaving, I had this overwhelming feeling that I belonged to God," said Fielder. "I broke down crying."
Outside the chapel, Fielder ran into a senior at her high school who had been praying for her along with several of their classmates. When he hugged Fielder, she realized how much she wanted others to feel this same sense of security. In that moment, she decided she wanted to go into ministry.
Not all supported her.
"Someone told me that they thought that meant I was going to be a church secretary," said Fielder. "Another asked, 'Who's going to marry you now?'"
Fielder did have the backing of her church, Sligo Seventh-day Adventist, which had employed more than a dozen female pastors since the 1970s. Fielder worked a church plant there before eventually becoming their youth pastor.
Last December, Fielder, 30, was ordained as the SDA's first female Indian-American minister.
One key supporter is her husband, Kelan. Fielder and Kelan work at different churches and don't always have the opportunity to closely connect with each other's congregations. But Fielder doesn't wish either of them had a different job.
"Kelan is there when people tell me I can't do something. He pushes me to share my story," said Fielder. "We can talk about theology and ministry, and we understand each other's schedules."
This year, Fielder transitioned into a role of discipleship and congregational care. Many of Sligo's regular attendees are older and are beginning to lose their spouses, parents, and siblings.
"We need a team of people who are checking in on those who have lost loved ones and can help them adjust to a new time of life," she said.
"My vision is that every member of the church is part of a small group so they are continually growing in Christ and caring for each other," she said.
"No one should feel alone."
