Kristen Tucker didn’t grow up thinking she’d be a senior pastor, especially not in a Baptist church. But sometimes a calling has a way of rewriting the story you thought you were going to live.
Raised in Durham, Tucker’s faith took root through early childhood church experiences. At age 10 she and her father were baptized together and in her teen years she began to realize that ministry would become a part of her life. She spent her college summers serving at Centrifuge camp in Ridgecrest, NC.
Her path to pastoral leadership was not what she originally envisioned.
“Growing up Baptist, I only ever saw men serving as pastors. That shaped my understanding and expectations,” she said.
When she sensed God calling her into ministry in 2009, she assumed it would lead to campus ministry. With a master’s degree in College Student Development from Appalachian State, that route felt the most natural. Instead, she was called to serve as an Associate Pastor at a church in Charlotte.
Her next step came through a conversation she still remembers vividly.
“Later, while I was attending Campbell Divinity School, a mentor, who had also been my pastor, called me and said, ‘You should look at the church and pastor profile for First Baptist Smithfield.’ I politely thanked him but told him I was not interested.
He responded with words I will never forget: ‘Kristen, I hear you saying you’re not interested. Just make sure God is saying you’re not interested.’”
Prayer, discernment and a series of open doors followed.
“In faith, I surrendered my long-held assumptions about women serving as Senior Pastors. At the same time, a church family stepped out in faith to call a woman to be their pastor. Together, we walked through the open door God placed before us, and we have been joyfully journeying together since January 2022.”
Today, Tucker says working with people both inside and outside the church walls brings her the greatest joy.
“I have the privilege of journeying through life with individuals at every stage — from celebrating new life through baby dedications, to walking alongside our wisest older adults..,” she said. “Some days, I rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Other days, I sit with those who are grieving and weep alongside them… Being present with people in both their joys and their sorrows is one of the most meaningful parts of pastoral ministry.”
That ministry extends beyond the church walls into the broader community through Rotary Club and service work, including Meals on Wheels and local outreach events. For Tucker, church is not just a place — it’s people living out faith together.
Serving as a woman in a senior pastoral role has brought both purpose and challenge.
“Within the Baptist tradition, I do face unique challenges as a female pastor. Some do not believe a woman should serve in this role. I understand that perspective because, at one time, I held it myself.” Through prayer, Scripture and a clear sense of calling, she said, she found peace in stepping forward.
For young girls and women watching her journey, her hope is that they see beyond the barriers.
“I hope young girls and women see that the message of Jesus through His life, ministry, death and resurrection is open to all people,” she said. “Even when life seems to say something is impossible, make sure it is truly God who is saying “no,” and not fear, doubt, or human expectation.”
She also hopes they see freedom from societal expectations.
“I will be 45 in April, and for much of my life I assumed I would marry in my twenties and live what many would call a “traditional” path. I once thought I could not imagine life any other way. Yet here I am, single and living fully in the beautiful will God has for my life.
“Would I welcome marriage and a companion to share life with? Of course. But until God writes that chapter, I choose to live with joy, purpose and contentment in the life He has already given me — not bound by what society says I ought to be or do, but grounded in who God has called me to be.
“My prayer is that young girls and women see courage, faith and freedom — and know that with God, their life can be full, meaningful and deeply purposeful, whatever path He leads them on.”
