Ministering Around Charleston | Meet Donna Platt!
Welcome friend! One of the primary purposes of our blog is to spotlight how God is using women throughout Charleston to make a meaningful impact in their churches, homes, communities, and daily lives. We love seeing His work in action through YOU! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who holds a special place in my heart and in CBA Women—Donna Platt, our director and the women’s minister at Sauldam Baptist Church.
Hello everyone! I'm Donna Platt, Director of Women's Ministry at Sauldam Baptist Church and Director for CBA Women. I grew up at Fort Johnson Baptist Church on James Island, where I publicly professed my faith and was baptized. After marrying, my husband and I became involved at Sauldam Baptist Church in Ravenel, where I dedicated many years to teaching Sunday School and supporting various ministries.
Twenty-two years ago, I felt that God was calling me to minister to women. I started the Women’s Ministry at Sauldam as a volunteer lay leader. Our first women’s Bible study in January 2003 was a success and God has been moving ever since. God loves women of all ages and He wants us to know more and more about Him.
Over two years ago, I began to yearn for connection to other Women’s Ministry leaders in the Charleston Area. I prayed and prayed for this to come about. Then last fall, I went to the South Carolina Baptist Convention where I met Melanie Ratcliffe, Director of Women’s Ministries for the SCBC. Sharing my heart’s desire with her led to an invitation in February to establish a Charleston cohort within the Women’s Ministry of the SCBC.
What is it that you love about women's ministry specifically? I love connecting with women and building relationships with them. Watching women grow and lives transformed by hearing the Word through Bible studies is amazing!
What would you say to someone looking to get involved or looking to start a women's ministry at their church? Becoming involved in women’s ministry is a great way to deepen your walk with Christ. If you are interested in starting a women's ministry, get to know your women. Women’s Ministry can have a big impact on women if you take the time to not only teach them but be interested in what is going on in their lives. Pray for the women of your group daily.
Do you have a favorite resource or Bible Study that you've done? I can’t narrow it down to one. My two most favorite resources are “Women Reaching Women” and “Transformed Lives” both compiled by Chris Adams. There are quite a few Bible Studies that I love. It’s hard to say what my favorite is.
What's your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry? My favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry is being near the ocean. The beach is one of my favorite places to spend time.
What's something you specifically enjoy about serving at Sauldam? I love serving at Sauldam because we are a sweet family striving to spread the gospel together.
How has serving in women's ministry impacted your walk with Christ? Serving in Women’s Ministry has caused me to take my walk with Christ to new levels. My walk is deeper and more precious. It has made me take more time with Christ.
What are some ways you balance your involvement in Women’s Ministry with other aspects of your life and responsibilities? I’m not going to pretend I have it all together. I don’t . Some days are so hectic that I wonder how I’m going to get it all done. I pray a lot. I have some very supportive people in my life who I can depend on to help me when I’m trying to juggle too many things. I find that things go a lot more smoothly when I plan ahead allowing some time for both family responsibilities and ministry responsibilities.
How can we be praying for you? Please pray for me to stay strong so that I can serve the women of my church, my community, and the Lowcountry.
If you know of anyone we should spotlight, please send us a message or email us at CBAwomen@charlestonbaptist.net.
