It has been almost 10 years since I heard the calling from God to go into ministry. It has been quite a journey...it has had its up and downs, but I would not have it any other way. I used to wonder why God would call me to something that so many churches are just not ready for or some don't even believe in. I don't anymore-as time goes by, I have felt more affirmed in my calling, even when I do not know where it will take me next. I trust in His leading, and am trying to be faithful to His voice. I heard someone say the other day that at first she thought that God was calling her into ministry in spite of the fact that she was a woman, now she knows it is because she is a woman. I like that.
I found this yesterday, and it seemed very fitting:
The national average for seminaries is between 25% and 30% women. They come with a clear understanding of the call of God to be pastors, evangelists, chaplains, missionaries, and other specific leadership roles.
We encourage them from childhood to be open to God's call. We encourage them to prepare in college and seminary for ministerial roles. We praise them for their achievements and take pride in their accomplishments.
Then something strange happens. Many of our women who feel called to a pastoral role are not placed as pastors in local congregations. They come to talk about this with those of us who work at the seminary. There are no easy answers. Some have gone to other denominations to be placed as pastors. Some have dropped out of sight. They talk about a "glass ceiling".
...God is calling Spirit-filled women to places of leadership in the church. He is girting them to fulfill their call. The church must respond to God's call and give these women equal access to places of leadership.
The ministry that God has called me into has definitely changed shape over time-it has expanded as my worldview has expanded, and as I see more opportunities as a time for ministry. We are all ministers in some way and to someone-in fact many times those I think I am ministering to end up ministering to me.
It has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to the adventure to continue...
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. ~2 Corinthians 3:5-7
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2 comments:
Interesting post, and in fact, I wrote a big paper on the nature of a calling. Would love to share it with you if you want.
Have you ever read "The Confident Woman" by Joyce Meyer? It talks a lot about women in ministry and being confident in ourselves and God. That book really helped me a great deal in the last several months and gave me a lot of courage. I don't know a lot about Joyce Meyer, but I would definately say that she has contributed a lot to helping women's ministry further along. Good post!
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