Women in Ministry - A Few Final Thoughts

This past weekend, I had the privilege of hosting a precious young woman from Tacoma, Washington. She spent the weekend in my home, learning about my work as she considers her own future in missions. It was, in a sense, a business meeting, but in reality it was so much more.

For me the weekend was a gift from Father. It was an opportunity to share my life and the many lessons learned along the way with a young woman brimming with vision and potential. I have always known that one of the greatest calls to the women of my generation was to lay the foundation for those coming behind us. I see an incredible anointing on the women of God rising up today. I am confident that they will do far more than I or my generation could accomplish. It is therefore an honor and privilege to sow into their lives. Our ceiling becomes their floor to build upon. What joy!

In two days, the young minister and I prayed, laughed, fellowshipped, studied, worked, and dreamed of what God might do. This is mentoring. It is opening our lives to another and allowing them to glean all that has been deposited in us over time. It's not that we have all the answers - surely not! It's not that we've been perfect - absolutely not! It is simply allowing them to learn from our strengths and weaknesses; our successes and failures. Mentoring is when the older "sisters" spend quality time with our younger sisters, simply loving and receiving their love.

Some would diminish mentorship to relating truth and correcting wrong perspectives or behaviors. I fear that sometimes I myself have thought that my way was the only way, or at least the better way. Years have taught me that this is not true. My goal as a mentor or "older sister" therefore is simply to share what I know and have experienced. I allow them to determine what they will do with the information - who they will be and what they will do. Mentoring does not give us the license to control our younger sister, but rather to edify and equip her. When mentoring is offered in this framework, it is more readily accepted.

Perhaps, like me, you have daughters or daughter-in-laws that you love and wish to mentor in some way. Remembering that mentoring is optional - they have the right to accept or reject it - and must be offered with no strings attached is key in these situations. When our daughters become adults, they are women who have the right to choose their own course. Though they may not do things the way WE think they should, it doesn't necessarily mean their way is wrong. For me, that was a difficult lesson to learn! Smile. It takes time for mothers to see their daughters as mature women of God.

Last week I met with a woman pastor much younger than me, carrying a God-dream and ready to go. Sitting with her at the table, I was reminded of the fire and zeal of my youth. I left inspired to continue in my own God-dream with the same determination. I understood then that mentoring is a two-edged sword - it blesses both sisters in the process! The younger "sisters" in my life - my Washington friend, the woman pastor, and my own daughters have encouraged and challenged my life in so many ways. Thank God for the two-edged sword!

I feel led to conclude the series on women in ministry at this time. I'm waiting for questions and personal insights from you to determine where the blog will travel next. Please send me your suggestions. The purpose of this blog is simply to encourage this wonderful sisterhood of godly women in relationship and spiritual growth; to facilitate discussion and opportunities for mentoring. I challenge the older sisters like myself to feed into the discussion and the younger sisters to let their voices be heard! Whether we like it or not, we need one another...the Bible tells us so.

Know that you are loved today. God has a wonderful plan for your life. He has a God-dream for you. What He speaks, He will do. Together, we will see His Church arise, His glory come, and His world changed!

Submitted by: Pastor Carla Ives
Heart Cry International