Mel, good for you! While I have never pursued ministry, the patriarchal teachings in many ways caused me to push ideas in my own marriage. My husband thankfully never was the patriarchal type but I felt like he wasn’t living up to what I was learning about “head of home” etc. I have been working on an essay on my journey into and out of biblical womanhood. I’ve been sitting on it for a couple of months because…, well you know. What will some readers think. I will be publishing it Friday. Your writing here was just one more confirmation. Thank you for sharing your story.
Also. Have you listened to the podcast “all the buried women”. By Beth Allison Barr? It’s excellent
I can't wait to read your newsletter, Janet! I do know it is challenging to write about these things and put them "out there". I have family and friends who won't agree with me.
My journey has similar issues, but for different reasons. I am a male, but I was strongly called to do ministry. I did ministry immediately after saying "Yes" to God at age twenty. However, I was never interested in what I grew up seeing as being a 'Pastor' or serving a congregation.
I became a teacher, college dean, and therapist, and served Christ in each professional position.
Twice, I held positions in congregations, teaching, counseling, and equipping people as Paul commanded in Ephesians 4.
When ministry is restricted to specialized positions with rigid rules for licensing and inflexible boundaries, spiritual service becomes just one more role I learned about in vocational counseling.
My grandmother was filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, sought by clergy and laity about all kinds of matters by most people who knew her. Still, she could never have been a 'Pastor' despite shepherding everybody in need.
Greek Dualism separates us into 'secular' and 'spiritual' people. I do not find that split in the Bible. I follow Jesus, whose mission was to 'Heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free.' As a Therapist, I had a Christian clinic with many therapists who followed Jesus' mission and trained hundreds of ordinary Christians to do the same, and only a very few were ordained.
Thank you for sharing this, Mel! You are and have long been a pastor, preacher, and teacher! I remember your sermons to our group in Belize. I’ve read your writing. God is not wrong is how he has gifted you and I’m so glad you’re living this out now.
Thank you, Mel! I loved this. I read it this morning before heading in to church where my role expands by inches (which is exactly as it should in my circumstances), but I'm noticing how God is preparing me. I look forward to your next post and I'll be getting the title you featured.
I’m glad that you have kept pressing forward in the face of resistance, bad messaging, and lack of support from those who were trapped in the system. Thanks for sharing!
Mel, good for you! While I have never pursued ministry, the patriarchal teachings in many ways caused me to push ideas in my own marriage. My husband thankfully never was the patriarchal type but I felt like he wasn’t living up to what I was learning about “head of home” etc. I have been working on an essay on my journey into and out of biblical womanhood. I’ve been sitting on it for a couple of months because…, well you know. What will some readers think. I will be publishing it Friday. Your writing here was just one more confirmation. Thank you for sharing your story.
Also. Have you listened to the podcast “all the buried women”. By Beth Allison Barr? It’s excellent
I can't wait to read your newsletter, Janet! I do know it is challenging to write about these things and put them "out there". I have family and friends who won't agree with me.
I am here for it! My marriage was in such tatters because of my goofy ideas! I am thrilled to read your journey!
Loved, loved, loved this, Mel.
Thank you dear.
Get it girl!!! I love that the past 5 years have been such a pivoting time - for me too!! So crazy!
So Crazy! I love it.
Beautifully written with truth and grace.
My journey has similar issues, but for different reasons. I am a male, but I was strongly called to do ministry. I did ministry immediately after saying "Yes" to God at age twenty. However, I was never interested in what I grew up seeing as being a 'Pastor' or serving a congregation.
I became a teacher, college dean, and therapist, and served Christ in each professional position.
Twice, I held positions in congregations, teaching, counseling, and equipping people as Paul commanded in Ephesians 4.
When ministry is restricted to specialized positions with rigid rules for licensing and inflexible boundaries, spiritual service becomes just one more role I learned about in vocational counseling.
My grandmother was filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, sought by clergy and laity about all kinds of matters by most people who knew her. Still, she could never have been a 'Pastor' despite shepherding everybody in need.
Greek Dualism separates us into 'secular' and 'spiritual' people. I do not find that split in the Bible. I follow Jesus, whose mission was to 'Heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free.' As a Therapist, I had a Christian clinic with many therapists who followed Jesus' mission and trained hundreds of ordinary Christians to do the same, and only a very few were ordained.
It is a Great Commission!
Gary, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. There is a lot of wisdom here. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing this, Mel! You are and have long been a pastor, preacher, and teacher! I remember your sermons to our group in Belize. I’ve read your writing. God is not wrong is how he has gifted you and I’m so glad you’re living this out now.
Me too. What a long journey it's been. Love you Jenny!
Thank you, Mel! I loved this. I read it this morning before heading in to church where my role expands by inches (which is exactly as it should in my circumstances), but I'm noticing how God is preparing me. I look forward to your next post and I'll be getting the title you featured.
Thank you, Sue! God bless you in the ministry you are doing. You will love the book.
I’m glad that you have kept pressing forward in the face of resistance, bad messaging, and lack of support from those who were trapped in the system. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the encouragement, Bobby!