Interview with Jossie Owens

Jossie Owens is superintendent of the New England District for the Church of the Nazarene. She has served as pastor and educator. Her husband, Tom, is an attorney. They reside in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Q: What is your concept of joy?
A: To be in the center of God's will for my life.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Not to be in the center of His will for my life.

Q: Which historical figure interests you the most?
A: Sojourner Truth.

Q: Which living person influences you the most?
A: My husband, Tom.

Q: What has been your most unique destination?
A: I am still waiting to experience it!

Q: What trait most concerns you in others?
A: Honesty.

Q: What trait most concerns you in yourself?
A: Lack of patience for craziness.

Q: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
A: To have seen less sorrow and suffering.

Q: Name a spiritual turning point in your life.
A: When I was a junior at Eastern Nazarene College, the Lord spoke to me about my commitment to Him.

Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
A: I'd like to have more patience.

Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: Besides being married to my husband, and raising my two daughters, Melissa and Jessica, it was obtaining my doctorate degree.

Q: How do you describe holiness?
A: A life that is and has been touched by God. The only way that you can live that life in essence is for Him and through Him!

Q: Where have you seen holiness reflected?
A: In the lives of many people I have met.

Q: If you were to change occupations, what would you like to do?
A: I have changed occupations several times as a divisional manager, teacher, and principal. This is what I have been called to be: A servant of the Lord.

Q: What advice would you give to pastors?
A: To keep faithful to their call from God and stay in the Word every day.

Q: What advice would you offer to laypeople?
A: Stay in the Word every day.

Q: Who are your heroes?
A: The prayer warriors of the church. They are on the front lines.

Q: Do you have a key scripture verse?
A: John 21:22b. Peter had asked Jesus to disclose the fate of another disciple. His response was: ". . . what is that to you? You must follow me."

Q: How do you balance your private and professional lives?
A: With the help and power of the Holy Spirit.

Q: What are people surprised to discover about you, once they get to know you?
A: That I like to read political and science fiction novels

Q: Where do you go for inspiration?
A: I go to my prayer closet and He gives it to me.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.