Elida pastor follows calling after college

Freedom New Mexico

Amy Jordan has been the pastor for Elida Methodist Church for the last four years. Prior to that, she served another four years in the same capacity at a church in San Jon.

A graduate of Portales High in 1981, Jordan has two children: daughter Katie Palmer, a youth minister in Clovis, and son Sam Pool, a sophomore attending New Mexico State University.

For Jordan, who is celebrating her birthday today, graduate level work in college meant summer stints at Southern Methodist University and Duke University studying theology.

How did it come about for you becoming a pastor?

I don’t quite know how to answer it except to say that God called me and I answered. I had thought about the ministry for many years, but I didn’t really consider being a pastor until I was done with college and knew that’s where God was leading me.

Do you like being a pastor in a small community?

Yes, I feel called specifically to small-membership churches.

There aren’t that many women pastors. Does your congregation relate well to you in that regard?

My congregation has been extremely accepting. I believe God uses us all, regardless of race or sex and this is where he put me. Yeah, you do meet some resistance, I’ll just say that, but this congregation has been very accepting.

What do you do in your spare time?

I read a lot and I have a couple of dogs I spend time with. I don’t have TV. When I had it, I loved the kitchen channel (Food Network), but I don’t have it anymore. I have not missed TV though.

So which one is better...SMU or Duke?

Duke, definitely. The professors were very gracious and congenial. The work that was required was maybe better adequate to prepare me. I just felt like I learned more.

What’s your favorite time of year?

Summer. I like the warmth and the freedom of it. I just think it’s kind of liberating, because you can go outside more. People seem more relaxed and spirits are a little happier in the summer.