I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tina Shelton, author, pastor, and registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary, to explore how faith shapes resilience and career growth. Tina’s insights offer practical guidance for those seeking to balance their spirituality with professional demands.
The Role of Personal Experiences in Career Growth
Dr. TAS: What personal experiences or beliefs have profoundly impacted your career?
Tina Shelton: Watching other people’s journeys has been valuable. When I read biographies, I’d look for that defining moment when someone “made it.” But I usually found, by the end of the book, that these people were on a steady journey. There wasn’t one single breakthrough. It was one step after another. So, I remind myself to treat my journey like a hike, taking things one day at a time.
Using Faith to Overcome Career Challenges
Dr. TAS: How has your faith shaped the way you approach challenges in your industry?
Tina Shelton: There are plenty of gatekeepers in this industry, and they decide who moves forward. But I’ve learned to trust and wait on God to help me navigate my way past those who aren’t willing to open doors for whatever reasons. Sometimes, those closed doors mean God is leading us somewhere better. Over time, I’ve seen that God opens the right doors at the right moments.
Moments of Clarity Through Spiritual Belief
Dr. TAS: Can you share a moment when your spirituality provided clarity or direction in your career?
Tina Shelton: My journey to publish my book took 16 years. The first publisher wanted to gloss over the novel’s toughest parts, so we ended the contract. I knew God called me to write this story, so I waited. Over the years, other publishers picked it up, asked for rewrites, then dropped it. Each time I gave up, God brought the book back to me. One day, my mother’s silent support reminded me to try again. I sent it to my agent, who’d kept in touch all these years. This time, she said, “I think we can sell it.”
Faith in a Fast-Paced Industry
Dr. TAS: What role does faith or mindfulness play in today’s fast-paced business environment?
Tina Shelton: I don’t know how people manage without God. Faith gives me confidence and insight. God helps me process situations and provides strategies to move forward. When I pray, I gain clarity and perspective, helping me take each step with confidence.
Maintaining Integrity in Professional Ethics
Dr. TAS: How do you balance your beliefs with the demands of your field?
Tina Shelton: I’ve learned that integrity is more valuable than any reward gained through compromise. It’s more important to walk in truth, sleep peacefully, and face my children with honesty. Integrity is priceless, and it’s never worth trading.
Daily Practices to Stay Grounded
Dr. TAS: Are there any spiritual practices you rely on daily to stay focused and grounded?
Tina Shelton: I practice centering prayer, which means I sit in God’s presence daily. Whether I feel anxious, uncertain, or hurt, I sit quietly. It’s like driving with a loved one. You don’t need to say anything. Just being together is enough. Sitting with God helps me stay grounded.
How to Harmonize Faith with Professional Life
Dr. TAS: What advice would you give to those struggling to connect their faith with their career?
Tina Shelton: God is always present, whether you feel it or not. God sees everything, understands it all, and watches over you. Keep doing what you need to do, stay committed to your faith, and watch how God works over time. Whatever you do, don’t give up.
The Future of Spirituality in Christian Publishing
Dr. TAS: How do you see the role of spirituality evolving in your field, and what impact might it have on future leaders?
Tina Shelton: The Christian publishing world is slowly becoming more inclusive and open to diverse voices. Publishers are beginning to seek out Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) authors, and editors are open to learning about other cultures. This shift will bring more varied stories that carry timeless truths like forgiveness and redemption. Although we come from different backgrounds, our shared humanity means we all experience life’s journey together.
About Tina Shelton
Tina Shelton is the registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. A mother of two young adults, she loves walking, working out, and traveling with her family. Tina holds an MDiv, MSFE, and DMin from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and serves as a spiritual director and licensed pastor in the United Methodist Church. This is her first novel.
Favorite Quotes
- “Reach for the stars, and if you land on the moon, you’re that much better off.” – Unknown
- “When people tell/show you who they are, believe them.” – Maya Angelou
- “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus” – song by Marijohn Wilkin
“Life’s journey may not always lead us where we expect, but it’s the detours that often bring the greatest lessons.” Tina’s reflections and her new book, This Ain’t No Promised Land, remind readers that life’s unexpected paths often hold the keys to growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Connect with Tina Shelton
To follow Tina’s journey and stay updated on her work, connect with her on:
Dr. TAS’ Final Word
As Tina’s story reminds us, faith is a guiding force even in the most challenging moments. I leave you with a scripture that speaks to this powerful truth: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). May we all trust that as we walk in faith, God will guide and strengthen us.
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