Women in Ministry

Hello Ladies!

This is an experpt from a book being written by one of our MessengerWomen - Carla Ives. We will be running portions of the book in coming posts, hoping for more interaction with you on topics relating to women in ministry. The portion below is from the Introduction to the book. Be sure to post your comment at the end of this entry...we love hearing from you!

It was happening again.

We were at my oldest son’s home in Maryland for Christmas. The two boys and their dad were once again debating the issue of women in ministry. They love to “playfully” argue their perspectives on various aspects of theology and ministerial philosophies, and I sometimes join in the fun. But when this topic was put on the table, I fell silent.

My oldest son posed the question. “Should women be pastors?” He challenged an absolute “no” as hypocrisy – how can we say a woman can be in ministry and yet not be a pastor? It’s all or nothing! My other son leaned the other way while acknowledging that women are used by God in powerful ways…a brave response considering both his wife and his mother are pastors. My husband shared his views, which are actually much different than my own. What a fun holiday discussion!

The issue of women in ministry has been controversial and debated by Christians worldwide for centuries. No matter how much research is done, statistics given, and opinions stated – and regardless of the thousands of women used by God in life-changing ways – the topic has never been closed. The arguments continue. Eventually most decide to believe what they think is correct and agree to disagree with the rest of the world.

Whenever I am in a room where this issue is debated, I suddenly feel like a lab specimen under a microscope. I listen as everyone around me discusses my life in theory. Sometimes I find it humorous….sometimes not. Over the years I have come to understand that I do not have the power to change another person’s opinion on the subject. I have also found it pointless to enter into the debate or to defend my calling. In the end, I point to the fruit and allow God’s Presence and ministry evidenced in my life to speak for me. No one can argue with the fruit. A good tree brings forth good fruit…a true calling produces genuine fruit for the Kingdom of God as well.

I am not writing this book from a theological position in an effort to change anyone’s thinking. The scriptures have been reviewed by experts and resulted in various conclusions. Think of me as the lab specimen that suddenly speaks to the probing microscope that stares and evaluates, “Stop looking and ask me what I am!” I am writing this book to give insight into one woman minister’s life and perspective, hoping that my honesty and transparency might take the sting and edge from the debate. This does not need to be a divisive issue in this century.
My second purpose in writing the book is to encourage the young women called to ministry today. Perhaps my experiences and/or insights will make their journey a bit easier. If nothing else, they will learn how to avoid a few of the pits I’ve fallen into as a result of this issue. May they learn from my mistakes and gain confidence with my triumphs!

A Question for You...

What are your current thoughts on women in ministry? What have been some of your most significant challenges as a woman in ministry?