One thing I have really struggled with is the fact that I feel extremely called into ministry. I know it's not for the faint of heart, and that it can really put stress on your own relationship with God. I think that's one of the biggest reasons I've been so reluctant to seek out the next steps in following God's calling in my life.
But there's another problem.
A lot of folks in my life take the stance that women aren't supposed to be in leadership positions in church. Or in other words, hold authority over men. I mean, that's pretty much the position almost all Baptist churches take on the matter, and I was raised in a Baptist church. But I see some major flaws in this.
My mom was recently reading a magazine that had an advertisement for a book called "Troubling Her," which is about women in the ministry field, and combatting the naysayers who use the "usual" verses to go against women in this position. Of course, she suggested it to me, and of course, I immediately ordered it off of Amazon.
(Also, as soon as I ordered it, I realized that it is available to read online HERE.)
I've taken a lot from the few chapters I've read here and there. I thought I'd share this small bit with you.
No Bible Verse is an Island. I LOVE this. This came from a section about how some people isolate certain verses to advocate their cause, and in this specific case, to go against women in ministry. I've had this done to me, and it truly does hurt. Because when you actually look at the verses, you have to look at the verses surrounding them; they have a context in which they are correct. It's like soundbites on television and radio. You can hear a quote from a political figure, or a celebrity, and if it's not heard in it's complete context, you can twist it in so many different ways!
A lot of people (and even I) have been guilty of isolating certain verses, and viewing them as independent verses, and not as a cohesive unit of verses. And as the books states, this obviously leads to misinterpretation of the Bible as a whole.
I think a lot of people, and a lot of the older generation, are still stuck in the "women are inferior" way of thinking. Women are so capable, and it's not a question of whether or not God is 'okay' with a woman leading His people, because God uses who HE sees fit. Man or woman, God will use you in whatever way He wants.
I am taking the steps to see where God is leading me, and putting all of my trust in Christ - which is scary sometimes, if I'm being honest. I don't know where God is going to take me in the next few years, or even the next few months.
But there are a lot of naysayers in my life who don't agree with this choice I am making, and my question is: How does a fellow believer deem it appropriate to tell another that God's calling in their life is not correct?
problems can never be fixed unless we talk about them. I'm greatful you took the time to write this and are willing to bring it to everyone's attention. Follow where He is leading you and I'm sure it will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteSo good, I'm going to be running into the same battles. I want to be a worship leader!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! I wish you so much luck in that journey! Let me know how it goes, I'd love to hear! :)
DeleteHaley
I'm a seminary grad (and woman!) who came across your blog today. Please reach out to the fine folks at Christians for Biblical Equality. It's a fantastic organization, and you can find lots of resources on their site. http://www.cbeinternational.org/
ReplyDelete