There are some people who seem to live multiple lives all at once, but in the best possible way. Rev. Dr. Stephanie Wilkins is one of those rare souls.
Whether she’s standing in a classroom, at the pulpit, inside a community meeting or walking alongside someone struggling to find their way, Wilkins shows up with her whole heart. A lifelong educator turned associate pastor, justice advocate, grief coach, sorority sister and proud servant-leader, Wilkins is proof that ministry doesn’t begin and end with Sunday sermons.
For her, ministry is life—every single day, in every single space.
Divine detour
Wilkins never thought she’d be a pastor—or even a teacher, for that matter.
“I didn’t want to be an educator because I watched my mom be an educator for over 50 years, and I said, I’ll never do that,” Wilkins recalled with a laugh.
She earned a business degree, determined to chart her own course. But God had other plans.
“God wouldn’t let anything work until I said yes to education,” she said.
That “yes” turned into a 27-year career working with underserved children. Part of that nearly three-decade journey involved joining the KIPP Foundation, where Wilkins served as the founding school leader of KIPP Spirit in Sunnyside.
For Wilkins, education wasn’t just a job; it became a calling.
“I thought I would live and die as an educator,” she said.
But in 2009, a new voice began tugging at her spirit.
“I started to hear from God, telling me to say yes. And I kept saying, ‘Say yes to what?’” Wilkins said.
She tried distracting herself with church committees and volunteer work, but the call only grew louder. By 2012, she surrendered.
“It took three years, but God’s yes was louder than my no,” she said.
That yes led her to the Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Church candidacy program, and then to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. In 2018, she was commissioned. By 2021, she was fully ordained as a deacon—a servant leader.
Love of service
Wilkins’ ministry doesn’t follow the traditional Sunday morning script. Her calling is heavily rooted in service, justice and compassion.
“My charge is service, word, compassion and justice,” she explained. “The preaching, I don’t stand in the pulpit often. My preaching comes in small groups, one-on-one, being out and in the community.”
She’s not waiting until Sunday to share the good news.
“Every day is an opportunity to share with someone the goodness of God,” she said. “But I don’t beat people over the head with it. I try to lead with love. I try to show them by what I do.”
That approach explains why Wilkins was drawn to grassroots organizations like Pure Justice, a criminal justice reform group, and the NAACP Houston Branch.
“They’re authentic, they’re transparent, and they are truly for the people,” she said of Pure Justice.
She’s also become a consistent advocate for democracy and equity alongside leaders like Bishop James Dixon, Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds, and others.
Her colleagues see her impact clearly.
“Social justice work isn’t just what she does; social justice is Rev. Dr. Stephanie,” said Minister Karla F. West. “She uses her God-given intellect, talent and anointing to raise awareness and fight with unparalleled righteous indignation.”
Educator at heart
Even with her many hats—associate pastor, advocate, consultant, sorority sister—Wilkins insists she’s still very much an educator.
“Who I educate, how I educate and what arena has shifted,” she said.
Whether in the classroom, the church or community spaces, her teaching instincts guide her.
“I can scan a room, I can tell who’s understanding, who’s not understanding. I have a way of breaking things down. And I just prefer small, intimate groups,” shared Wilkins, whose core message quietly screams, “Come as you are.”
“God loves you as you are, and you don’t have to be perfect,” she said. “I thought I had to be perfect before I could come to Christ. And then I understood it was in my imperfection that Christ wanted me. All I had to be was willing and available.”
That willingness to be open about her own journey led to the launch of Devoted Diva Deacon Consulting, LLC, her grief and joy reclamation business. Through workshops and talks, she helps people navigate loss and find ways back to joy.
Connection and community
Wilkins is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated’s Gamma Sigma chapter. Joining wasn’t just about fellowship—it was about legacy. Her late mother, Maudesta Davis Jennings, was also a member, and membership became a way to remain connected to her.
Wilkins’ pastor and peers say the throughline in everything she does is love.
“Pastor Stephanie is one of those rare souls who carries both strength and tenderness in everything she does,” said Tiffany Tarrant, senior pastor of St. John’s Downtown. “She lives with grace, leads with love and carries a joy that is contagious.”
Texas State Rep. Ron Reynolds added, “She is truly a transformational leader committed to civic engagement through her work with Black Voters Matter and Pure Justice. Stephanie has a relentless work ethic and a passion for fighting to save our democracy.”
Living out loud
From the pulpit to the protest line, from sorority service to grief counseling, Wilkins’ life is a living testimony that ministry isn’t about one lane—it’s about using all your gifts in all your spaces.
Her story is one of divine redirection, persistent love and fearless service. Whether she’s teaching, advocating, praying or simply listening, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Wilkins is proof that when you say yes to God—even reluctantly—life becomes the kind of ministry that changes everything.
