Women are seeking more than ever to understand their power and purpose in the Kingdom. This means that many are stepping out of the boat, out of comfort zones to do what God is calling them to do. I just came back from a powerfully anointed women in ministry conference sponsored by Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cooke and I must say that no matter how much time goes by, women are still dealing with the same issues concerning their place in the kingdom. One of these issues is their role in church leadership.
I was once called a Feminist in NYC by a woman who read my monthly columns in the Tristate Voice Christian Newspaper. In the Letter to the Editor she sent in response to CEFL's partnership with the Tristate Voice to honor women in ministry, she said "Since when it is great to disobey God?" When did it become ok for a woman to be a pastor?" And she went on but I won't bore you with the details. The sad part about her letter is that first it was a "her". Women are just as likely as men to oppose other women in ministry or leadership positions. That's right...whether in church or society, women can be women's greatest obstacles.
I would like to challenge all women in the churches and ministries that have women pastors and leaders to affirm them. I am not saying to say something you don't actually feel but when a message stirs your soul, when a particular ministry impacts your life, say so. Let the women leaders who got out of the boat to make such a ministry happen know that you value them, that you appreciate them, they need this too trust me.
Women in ministry are constantly challenged about their role. It hurts when other women can see them in the role but our job as leaders to quote Paula White is "to stay focused on driving the bus, because people will get on and get off...just keep driving." We can easily lose focus, change direction, even quit because affirmation was held back from the very people we sought to serve. No, that is not what God wants us to do but since we are human, the thoughts do come into our mind. Your encouragement of a female leader can make the difference in "a moment".
So go ahead, tell that women leader who has blessed your life know...today...with email you can do that but if you prefer to send a card, go ahead or a call, get out that dailing figure. But by all means, do it. Let's change the statistics, the expected. Let's affirm one another.
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