VIDEO: A Glimpse Into the Life of Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque

My name is Zina Jacque, and for almost four years I've had the privilege of being the Pastor at The Community Church of Barrington; the oldest church in Barrington. 

My life as a Pastor is very much second career.  In my late 30s I went to seminary, but for almost 25 years prior to that I'd worked on college campuses across the nation in admissions, financial aid and student life.  

My husband and I  came back to Chicago, though we're both from this area, five years ago.  He was transferred back, and I came with him, always imagining I would pastor in a church closer to my own tradition.  And God had this phenomenal sense of humor that as I turned 50, I would be located in this church, in this city in this time.  It has been an adventure and a joy. 

My background and journey to this position has been one that has been circuitous and straightforward at the same time. I come from very humble parents, Mississippi farming parents who came to Chicago in the 40s.  They had their family, and prized education, prized adventure; always follow your heart, always do what you love.  And so my sister and I were always given the opportunity to try things out, to never be daunted by 'that's never been done before' or 'someone like you has never done that before.'

So I think what I would tell people is I was blessed with amazing parents who loved me, who filled me with confidence, and who said go out in the life and have an adventure.  

When I think about my future, I've teased Community Church.  I will turn 65 the year the church turns 175. So I've simply said to them, I'll tell you what. I'll stay here until I'm 65, you guys turn 175 and I'll go off and do something else.  Now, clearly, who knows what will happen, but I can imagine being a part of this church and this community, watching it grow, watching it deepen it's roots.  And watching another generation rise up to understand their power and their responsibility for returning what they've received and building on it, and allowing it to last another 175 years.