Women in Ministry
Over the years I suppose some would say that I've ridden several "hobby horses." As I think back, it's because of the particular chapter of life I was in at the time. One thing that's always been close to my heart, however, is women in ministry.
Don't misunderstand me now! The subject is not female pastors; it's women who minister in a professional way, whether paid to do so or not. You must know dozens of them. Some serve along side their husbands; some are single. Many teach ~ often in a location where there is no man to do so. Others lead ministries to women. I am priviledged to know women whose jobs are clerical and who fulfill their roles in such a way that we must consider them to be women in ministry. We certainly can't overlook the army of women who lead, direct, plan, serve meals, clean, (the list is endless) in your church and mine. They are truly women in ministry!
One of my favorite authors, Carolyn Custis James, has introduced me to new and deeper concepts regarding women who minister. Using the lives of Mary and Martha, shes challenges us to become women who know and understand God as theologians. She writes: "Theology manifests itself in everything we do, and God invests our slightest actions with enormous significance, because we do it all for him. Martha was back in the kitchen because good theology finds expression in service and ministry to others, no matter what form that ministry takes." Her conclusion can be wrapped up in the statement, "...every woman’s first and highest calling is to become a great theologian."
I have a question for you. Who ministers to the women who minister? Has anyone thought of creating a Women in Ministry Appreciation Month ~ or even day? Women in ministry who serve in paid or unpaid positions, have some special needs which are often overlooked. It's difficult ~ sometimes impossible ~ for them to find a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. Very few, if any, realize the need to provide ways and means when women in ministry can be encouraged by special times of fellowship, study, and just a good time. Some have tried to address such needs and I applaud them.
So, today I celebrate Women in Ministry! As a matter of fact ~ I think I'll declare this month Women in Ministry Appreciation Month! So call a the church secretary, your favorite Bible study leader, or your pastor's wife and take her to lunch. It's your turn to be a woman in ministry.
Don't misunderstand me now! The subject is not female pastors; it's women who minister in a professional way, whether paid to do so or not. You must know dozens of them. Some serve along side their husbands; some are single. Many teach ~ often in a location where there is no man to do so. Others lead ministries to women. I am priviledged to know women whose jobs are clerical and who fulfill their roles in such a way that we must consider them to be women in ministry. We certainly can't overlook the army of women who lead, direct, plan, serve meals, clean, (the list is endless) in your church and mine. They are truly women in ministry!
One of my favorite authors, Carolyn Custis James, has introduced me to new and deeper concepts regarding women who minister. Using the lives of Mary and Martha, shes challenges us to become women who know and understand God as theologians. She writes: "Theology manifests itself in everything we do, and God invests our slightest actions with enormous significance, because we do it all for him. Martha was back in the kitchen because good theology finds expression in service and ministry to others, no matter what form that ministry takes." Her conclusion can be wrapped up in the statement, "...every woman’s first and highest calling is to become a great theologian."
I have a question for you. Who ministers to the women who minister? Has anyone thought of creating a Women in Ministry Appreciation Month ~ or even day? Women in ministry who serve in paid or unpaid positions, have some special needs which are often overlooked. It's difficult ~ sometimes impossible ~ for them to find a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. Very few, if any, realize the need to provide ways and means when women in ministry can be encouraged by special times of fellowship, study, and just a good time. Some have tried to address such needs and I applaud them.
So, today I celebrate Women in Ministry! As a matter of fact ~ I think I'll declare this month Women in Ministry Appreciation Month! So call a the church secretary, your favorite Bible study leader, or your pastor's wife and take her to lunch. It's your turn to be a woman in ministry.
posted by Gladys Deloe @ 5:26 AM
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