Jackie Langi, Auburn City Church associate pastor, joined the ministry team in August 2024. Washington Conference had a Q&A with her to hear what she plans to do in her new role.
Q: What brought you to join the pastoral team at Auburn City Church?
LANGI: Pastoral ministry to me is like a door that God has opened for me that I did not foresee as being part of my walk with Him. Through much thought and prayer, I was able to decide to accept the invitation to join the pastoral team here at Auburn City Church. I’m truly excited to work alongside Kyle Barrow and my husband, Ofa Langi, to continue reaching families in our community.
Q: What pastoral role are you taking on?
LANGI: My role at Auburn City Church will be as an associate pastor, specifically working with children and families. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and new energy to our programs and work together to continue growing our church family and the kingdom of God.
Q: Have you always wanted to be in the ministry?
LANGI: I can't say that I have “always” wanted to be in the ministry. I can say, however, that I've “always” loved people and service. As an elementary school counselor, I got to help kids navigate big issues and learn how their minds and bodies worked and then connected it all with how much God loved them and wanted the best for them — that was ministry.
I later transitioned to serve the girls and families as dean of Grace Hall at Auburn Adventist Academy. To some, this may have seemed like a regular job, but on the inside, it was a lifestyle. We were a family full of ups and downs, questions and lessons, nurture and love, safety and boundaries, and trial and error. I walked alongside our girls as they traversed through their high school years — that was ministry.
My most important work has been mothering my own four precious kids. So much goes into raising our kids for the kingdom. It's a daily surrender to the One who loves them most and prayers that what we give will be enough — hallelujah, this, too, is ministry! The heart of service God has placed within me has naturally pushed me into pastoral ministry and I'm thankful that He has considered and given a way for me to co-labor with Him.
Q: You are also going to be leading a conference-wide ministry. What is Mates in Ministry?
LANGI: Mates in Ministry is a place to find connection and friendship for pastoral spouses. I want to help facilitate a support system of community with opportunities for pastoral spouses across the conference to connect and build trusted friendships with each other. If you know me, coming together for meals, fellowship and laughter are vital to a happy life!
Q: What biblical character do you relate to most? Why?
LANGI: I relate to Moses the most because he first looked at his inadequacies and it took God reminding and empowering him to lean on Him. Despite his excuses, God always provided and fulfilled His promise that He’d never leave nor forsake him. I’m thankful that God has promised me that when I’m weak, He’s strong. This has always helped me push past my human excuses and move forward in faith, knowing God has my back.
Q: What are your biggest goals with your new role?
LANGI: My biggest goal would be to point people to our Father in heaven who loves them more than they could ever imagine and to make the best decision to
follow Him with their whole hearts.
Every transition of life brings bittersweet feelings. During this time of transition, as I let go of one and grasp another, I will continue to pray for guidance and hope for God’s will to work in my life and bring continued blessings to those around me. I am beyond humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role.
Q: What was one pivotal moment in your faith journey?
LANGI: The unexpected loss of my dad hurt worse than anything I had ever experienced, and for a time I lost my joy and hope. The lifelong relationship that I’ve had with God helped me to lean into my faith like I had never before. In turn, my faith grew even stronger and I learned what it meant to be a child of God.
Q: Who were/are your biggest spiritual mentors? Why?
LANGI: I’ve been blessed to have a life partner in my husband whom I’ve always been able to confide in, trust and be vulnerable with in my spiritual walk.
While working in Grace Hall, Langi saw many of her girls get baptized. She describes it as the highlight of the year.
Before joining Auburn City Church's pastoral team, Langi ministered to girls in Grace Hall.
Langi's daughter, Akosita, was baptized by her dad, Ofa Langi.
Jackie Langi joins her husband, Ofa, on the Auburn City Church pastoral team.
