We were lucky to catch up with Slavoski Wright recently and have shared our conversation below.

Slavoski , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents instilled in me two fundamental values that have profoundly shaped my life and career: the importance of a relationship with God and the significance of a strong work ethic.

From a young age, my parents emphasized the importance of nurturing a relationship with God. They taught me the value of prayer, faith, and trust in God’s plan for my life. I vividly remember moments spent together as a family, attending church services, participating in prayer sessions, and engaging in discussions about spirituality and morality. Through their example, my parents showed me the power of faith to guide and sustain us through life’s ups and downs.

One particular story that comes to mind is when I was facing a major decision in my career. I was torn between two job opportunities, each offering its own set of challenges and opportunities. I turned to my parents for guidance, seeking their wisdom and counsel. Instead of offering me a list of pros and cons or pushing me in one direction or the other, they encouraged me to pray and seek God’s guidance in making my decision. Their unwavering faith and trust in God’s plan inspired me to do the same, ultimately leading me to make a choice that aligned with my values and aspirations.

In addition to teaching me the importance of faith, my parents also instilled in me a strong work ethic. They led by example, demonstrating the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication in achieving success. Whether it was through their commitment to their own careers or their willingness to roll up their sleeves and tackle any task, my parents showed me that success is not achieved overnight but is the result of consistent effort and determination.

My mother’s work ethic has been a guiding force in my life. She consistently worked long hours, never shying away from a challenge. Her dedication and perseverance taught me the value of hard work and commitment, inspiring me to tackle my own goals with the same relentless spirit. Her example has been a constant source of motivation and has deeply influenced my approach to both personal and professional challenges.

Overall, the lessons my parents taught me about the power of a relationship with God and the value of a strong work ethic have had a profound impact on my life and career. Their guidance and example have shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me the values of faith, integrity, and diligence that continue to guide me on my journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am honored to serve as a pastor at “The Historic” Greater El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (MBC). My journey into ministry began with a deep-seated passion for serving others and spreading the teachings of faith and community.

I was drawn to ministry through a combination of personal faith and a desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives. The calling to pastor at Greater El Bethel MBC felt like a natural extension of my commitment to spiritual leadership and community service.

About Greater El Bethel MBC:

For 138 years at Greater El Bethel MBC, we strive to provide a welcoming and supportive community where individuals and families can grow spiritually and personally. Our ministry offers a range of services and programs aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our members and the broader community. Our Motto is “The Church Where Is Somebody!” and that’s how we treat everyone.

What We Provide:

Spiritual Guidance and Teaching: Through engaging sermons, Bible studies, and fellowship, we nurture spiritual growth and understanding.
Community Support: We provide resources and assistance to our members, fostering a sense of unity and care within our church family.
Outreach and Service: We are actively involved in outreach initiatives that address social issues and support those in need in our community.
Youth and Family Programs: We offer programs and activities for children, youth, and families, encouraging strong bonds and values-based learning.

Problems We Solve:

Our ministry aims to address various challenges faced by our members, including spiritual guidance, personal crisis, community engagement, and family support. We strive to be a pillar of strength and compassion for all who seek solace and growth.

What Sets Us Apart:

Historic Legacy: With a rich history dating back 138 years, Greater El Bethel MBC has deep roots in our community, providing a stable foundation of faith and service.
Commitment to Diversity: We embrace diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Innovative Approaches: We integrate traditional values with innovative approaches to ministry, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in today’s world.

Pride and Aspirations:

I am most proud of the transformative impact we have on lives, both within our congregation and beyond. Seeing individuals and families find strength, hope, and purpose through our ministry is incredibly fulfilling.

What We Want Potential Members to Know:

Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance, a supportive community, or opportunities to serve others, Greater El Bethel MBC welcomes you with open arms. We are committed to walking alongside you on your faith journey and empowering you to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Growing up in a spiritually grounded family, ministry was an integral part of my life from an early age. Most of the males in my family were either pastors or ministers, so I was constantly surrounded by the world of ministry. This unique upbringing gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of a pastor’s life, exposing me to both the joys and the immense challenges that come with the role.

One of the most significant lessons I learned was the art of balancing public service with personal responsibility. I vividly remember watching my grandfather and uncles tirelessly attend to the needs of their congregations. They provided counsel, support, and spiritual guidance to countless families, often putting their own needs second. Despite the emotional and physical toll, they handled their responsibilities with remarkable strength and persistence.

There was one period in particular that left a lasting impression on me. Our family was facing difficulties, and the strain was palpable. Yet, my grandfather never let these challenges affect his ministry. He continued to prepare diligently for his sermons, ensuring that each message he delivered was thoughtful, inspiring, and grounded in faith. I saw him wake up early to study and stay up late to counsel church members, all while trusting in God to see us through our own hardships.

Witnessing this resilience taught me invaluable lessons about dedication and perseverance. It showed me that true strength lies in the ability to maintain one’s responsibilities and commitments, even when personal challenges threaten to overwhelm. My grandfather’s unwavering faith and commitment to doing what was right, with a smile on his face even in the midst of storms, instilled in me the belief that no goal is unattainable and no dream is too distant if you remain steadfast and faithful.

This upbringing shaped my approach to my own ministry and life. When faced with personal struggles, I draw on the lessons I learned from those early experiences. I remind myself of the strength and resilience demonstrated by my family, and it motivates me to persevere. I understand that others depend on me, but more importantly, I depend on myself to stay true to my calling and values.

Resilience, as I’ve learned, is not about the absence of difficulties but the ability to rise above them with faith, determination, and a positive spirit. It’s about continuing to serve others, maintaining personal integrity, and pushing forward despite the odds. This mindset has been my guiding light, helping me navigate the challenges of ministry and life with grace and persistence.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Ministry is more than a career; it’s a calling. If I could go back, I would choose this path again without hesitation. Every experience, challenge, and triumph has shaped me into the person I am today.

Ministry has provided me with profound opportunities to impact lives, offer support during critical moments, and foster a sense of community. The lessons learned, the relationships built, and the spiritual growth I’ve experienced are invaluable.

There are certainly difficult moments—balancing the needs of the congregation with personal responsibilities can be demanding. But these challenges have taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of unwavering faith.

In reflecting on my journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. Each step has been a testament to the power of faith and the fulfillment that comes from following one’s calling. The role of pastoring has been deeply rewarding and has enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined.

I am grateful for the path I’ve walked and remain committed to serving others with passion and dedication.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gebdallas.org
• Instagram: @GEBDallas
• Facebook: @GEBDallas
• Twitter: @GEBDallas
• Youtube: @GEBDallas