Answering the Call: Evangelist Karen White’s Journey

In this episode of Won’t God Do It? with Dr. Anita Turner, we meet Evangelist Karen White—minister, author, and a living testimony to God’s transformative power. From a surprise birth and early health struggles to being filled with the Holy Spirit at age 12, Karen’s journey into ministry began with prayer, devotion, and unwavering faith. By 15, she was not just attending church—she was preaching the Word, guided by mentors and missionaries who recognized the call of God on her life.

Saying Yes to God And No to the World

Karen’s youthful surrender to God was not without sacrifice. Saying “yes, Lord” meant saying “no” to parties, peer pressure, and sometimes even friendships. Her upbringing in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World taught her reverence, self-discipline, and deep biblical literacy. As a teen, she was already studying with adults, sitting with evangelists, and traveling to speak—fully immersed in a life of ministry.

The Hidden Weight of Ministry

Despite her public success, Karen vulnerably shares the toll that ministry took on her mental and physical health. Overworking led to a dangerous health scare, and unaddressed childhood wounds led her to suicidal thoughts—even while standing behind the pulpit. Her breakthrough came when she admitted the struggle, sought counseling, and began healing. “God doesn’t just want us to speak in tongues—He wants us whole,” she said.

Mental Health and Ministry Must Coexist

Karen and Dr. A dive deep into the often-ignored topic of mental health in the Church. Karen emphasizes that spiritual leaders must prioritize emotional and mental wellness, noting, “We’re preaching from trauma, not truth, if we don’t deal with the root.” Her godmother’s insistence on counseling was a turning point, proving that faith and therapy can coexist—and are often both necessary.

Know God. Know Yourself.

Evangelist White’s message is one of intentionality. Whether she’s mentoring young ministers or encouraging the broken, her charge is simple: know who God is and know who you are in Him. Before you preach, sing, or serve, make sure your spiritual and emotional health is intact. Her bestselling book, Daughters of the King, is a love letter to that truth—reminding women in ministry that their value is not tied to marital status or a pulpit, but to divine identity.