SOW Spotlight Tuesday - Shante Tefler
An Interview With Shante Tefler
- How do you define WORSHIP? (In other words, what does WORSHIP mean to you??)
Surrender and silence. Worship means I give up my entire being, my spirit, my thoughts and human inhibition to hear the voice of God. Worship happens 24-7 if and only when I surrender my perceptions, personality and human power/strength to open communication with God. It is a time to be silent and ask for nothing but to listen to the conversation that God wants to have with me. Silent and listen have the same letters and as I have matured spiritually, I recognize that the more I listen to the voice of God my life is better, every moment is sweeter. And even in the bitter tasting moments, I know that God is allowing me to experience those moments to build my character and testimony for others.
- What was your role in the film? (Vocalist, Instrumental, Production Crew)
Interviewee.
- Have you had any professional training? Vocal? Instrumental? Production/Film Crew?
Some, I majored in Speech and Theatre. I am also a professional public speaker.
- Are you active in your own church and if so, in which way/role(s)?
Currently, I am seeking a church home.
- What do YOU think are the biggest misconceptions people have when it comes to gospel music, worship, and/or faith-based films?
That the quality of them will not be like most major motion picture films. This misconception is being changed because there have been several faith-based films that have proven that myth wrong.
- Favorite Gospel artist?
This is whew! Jonathan McReynolds, Tamela Mann and Dorinda Clark and some folks that aren’t even well-known artists…yet!
- What is your go-to GOSPEL jam (song/artist)?
Anything by Mary Mary.
- Favorite PSALM or BIBLE VERSE?
Proverbs 31:30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
- How much of a role/impact would you say your faith has (or has had) in how you go about your everyday life?
It is my life. My spirituality dictates probably 90%of my everyday life. That other ten percent is…I am sure my flesh battling to thrive! And honestly some days the flesh wins…I am human.
- What are your thoughts on live-stream TV evangelists?
All things that God made are perfect and useful. I believe anyone or anything can be perverted if the intentions are not pure. I enjoy live streams because there are moments that I have had and could not get to an actual church and/or I needed a rhema word and the live streams were available.
- How long have you been a believer? Did you grow up in the Church?
Since I was a little girl. Since I could walk and yes I did grow up in the Church.
- Have you ever felt judged for your faith or your beliefs, and/or been criticized for being too enthusiastic in how you worship? Share a particular experience if you’d like.
No, and if so it probably happened in secret and I was unaware.
- Of the three, which do you most prefer: ministry, prayer, or worship?
I need all three to be present. I don’t prefer one over the other.
- What message do you hope is conveyed in the release of this documentary? What impact do you hope this film will have?
That worship is a lifestyle. That all people (unbelievers and believers) begin to understand What is worship? How to worship God? and the benefits of worshipping God.
- How do you know the director, Alan Nettles and what led you to become involved in this project?
I met Alan through his mom, Nancy. I remembered that he was working on a feature film and have been admiring him and his work ever since. I am inspired through what his work embodies.