Pastor Sherry Sutton

Co-Pastor LAM Church & CEO LAM Campus

https://www.lamcampus.com/contact

Dear Dr. Millicent,
Thank you for considering me as someone who has impacted history and or is in the process of living out my dreams. First, I would like to say as a person of faith I have sought to find God’s purpose for my life, as my inspiration. In Matthew 6:33-34, are 2 verses that to me provide direction to anyone that is seeking success or impact in the world. They read 33 “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

These scriptures remind me of my accountability to put God first in any attempt at success, and to trust without worry that He will provide the resources I need to accomplish His will. Matthew 8:36 in a reminder to me that your business integrity is important to God as it says “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.

There is a temptation in the business world to separate business from God even as believers. You don’t have to shout from a pulpit that you’re a Christian in business, but your value system should exemplify principles. One very successful business that I patronize is Chick Fil-A. They were founded on Christian principles, enveloped in a servant leadership style, and committed to providing great customer service.

I am currently a Co-Pastor of LAM Church, CEO of a non-profit before and after school program LAM Campus, a former owner of Salon Lauren and Just Aerobics, all located in the South Jersey area. In each of the aforementioned endeavors, I prayed and asked God if they were His will for me, and that mindset has become my driver for business or any other undertaking. It was and is important to me to do His will. I believe you are anointed and gifted by God to do what He is requiring of you. This does not mean that you won’t encounter obstacles that may seem enormous. Pushing and pressing threw what you know you are supposed to be doing can, in and of itself, counter the desire to give up. Once I was sure that I was doing what God had asked me to do, I could then be my authentic self. I think people patronize authenticity. My legacy, I hope, will be that everything that I do is rooted in true servanthood, as a servant leader. The way that I show myself as a servant leader is to lead by example in and outside of the work place, equipping team members with training, resources, encouragement and rewards. I think women can offer a sensitivity to the workplace that is invaluable. There are things unique to the female work experience, such as having to call out or leave to pick up a sick child at school, while having concerns over the affect this may make with your employment. I have used these as prime examples of how you and I can with understanding inspire and encourage women to keep moving forward despite obstacles while developing a caring culture that has retention.

In my case, parishioners and clients alike want to know that you and your staff are putting serving them as a priority. As a church member you want to know that your Pastor really cares for you and has your best interest at heart. The same sentiment extends to your child care provider, stylist, and trainer. Your link to business owners can make you vulnerable to them in some way, and the last thing you want them to think or be shown by you, is that their only value to you is money. I hope that this conversation sparks a desire in more women to reach for their dreams, and realize that success is only a dream away!