pastor bernadine waterman
Reverend Bernadine Waterman is the Co-Lead for YDH's Helping Women & Children in Crisis Advocacy Project.
Following is the featured Destiny Spotlight interview provided in our December 2021 newsletter.
Reverend Bernadine Waterman is Pastor of the Polite Temple Baptist Church, and one of the leaders on the Women and Children in Crisis Advocacy Project. She is also one of "The Mary's" whose biographies is in the book, “The Marys; Women who answered God’s Call, Will You?”
Pastor Waterman says that Destiny represents our future based on whatever God has predestined and is the result of the choices we make. During the pandemic, it was beautiful the way people came together and cared for each other. God’s creations are beautiful. The world needs more of that type of compassion and respect for one another. During my journey towards my destiny, I learned a lot about myself and how to practice patience. I learned I didn’t always have to be the fixer, but rather allow everyone to go through their different seasons and walk on their own path. I also learned I needed to step back, to listen in a different way, and then talk to myself about what I heard. Continually putting myself out was exhausting because others relied on me too much. My husband is my covering - he can tell people no when I can’t.
I’ve had two careers in my life that have molded and shaped me into the strong, confident, woman I am today. I’m a good manager of time, and I love helping people. Although I found my career as a Special Ed teacher very satisfying, I had quite a few mentors who encouraged me to eventually earn my Master’s Degree in Administration. But I never became an Administrator at a school. It wasn’t what God had planned for me.
My career in church ministry began when Polite Temple received me. When I became pregnant, my former church shunned me. As a single parent at Polite Temple, my daughter and I were welcomed with opens hearts and open arms. While attending Polite, God sent me several mentors. My former pastor, Rev. Dr. Franklin Williamson Jr. started saying to me, “I’m waiting on you.” I eventually found out what he was waiting for - me to do my trial sermon. I did my trial sermon and haven’t looked back. God told me, “Your life is not your own, it’s Mine”. Now, I am proud to be Polite Temple’s first female pastor.
People would be surprised to know I love to dance. I also enjoy having a day to myself – getting up when I want to and having a cup of coffee. I also love to drive. I get my snacks together, (Herr’s Kettle chips or some popcorn and coffee) – then “Let’s hit the road”. That’s peace! And I owe it all to God, who held my destiny in His hand, who let me stray from my path, but faithfully brought me back to it.
For someone who has lost their way or is discouraged, don’t give up! God has the master plan for your life. Take your eyes off yourself, fall back and call on the Lord. Let Christ direct you. I was a 16-year-old single mother. I had a child who was depending on me. Now I have beautiful grandbabies that are the loves of my life and bring me joy! I made it. God brought me through! And He’ll do the same thing for you.
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