There’s a lot on my mind when talking and thinking about being female and also being female in ministry. For the last decade I’ve been watching, thinking, listening, having safe conversations with people like me and also with people who have different views than me.
I have loved learning the other perspectives and I have also loved learning to develop my own, with thoughts steeped in prayer and a genuine desire to help instead of hurt.
I’ve had wonderful conversations with wonderful leaders who love women and support them in minsit “they don’t know what to do with one Scripture” is typically their reason for not allowing women to become elder leaders or preachers are learning that maybe it’s time to decide what to do with that one Scripture.
There are many Scpritures that aren’t given to a black and white interpretation. Why should we err on the side of limiting freedom if there is a freedom in question?
I’m not ready, nor do I have what it takes to really flesh this out in a blog yet, but Kathy Escobar’s blog post today reminded me of this fire that burns deep in my soul.
“elizabeth cady stanton, one of the greatest advocates for the rights of women, said this important reality that’s good to remember: “the bible and the church have been the greatest stumbling block in the way of women’s emancipation.” instead of being the ones who catalyze freedom, we have been the ball and chain.
Jesus came to set the captives free, to turn the forces of this world on its head, to break down strongholds and show us a better way was possible. he left this earth and commissioned us to carry on his work. and it won’t drop out of the sky.
we are called to play our part in balancing the power between men and women, to step into our freedom and help others step into theirs.”
What does it mean to ‘Catalyze freedom’? Or how is that demonstrated? Do you, as a woman, feel confined as someone who ministry because you are female?
Catalyzing freedom is doing things that encourage freedom around you. I don’t feel confided in ministry because I’m female. I feel liberated and free–serving in mutuality.