In the circles that I run in, it seems like there has been a lot of talk lately about women in ministry. And there’s good reason for that.

So there is a lot of positive conversation happening about the need for women to stand up, to lead, and to be strong. But, as is often the case when this topic comes up, there has been a bit of negative conversation happening, too.

But I don’t really want to talk about controversy right now, if that’s okay.

I don’t mind having hard talks, but I’d rather have them over coffee than over the internet. I just think there’s something significant about looking into someone’s eyes when conversations get difficult. It helps us remember (especially when we disagree) that we are all real people, with real stories… and that we matter, more than we could ever imagine, to the God who made us and re-makes us.

So I don’t want to talk about controversy right now. I don’t want to debate.

I just want to say something to the women who are trying their hardest to make a difference for Jesus and His Kingdom. It’s something I wish I had heard more often when I was trying to figure out my place in the Church.

Ladies…

Thank you. Your voice matters.

The leading, the mentoring, the discipling, the pastoring that you’re doing? You were made for this. You are called to this. And if someone tells you that you’re not… well, get on with it anyway. Do the Kingdom work that God has called you to do.

And if it gets hard (because it might), don’t let bitterness or cynicism crush the beauty of your spirit. The Church needs you to lead. But we need you to lead out of wholeness and courage, not anger or frustration or competition or a need to prove yourself to the world. Let your life and your ministry overflow with the graciousness and the joy and the strength of the Jesus that you love.

Be strong. Be brave. Be kind.

And in case you haven’t heard this recently… You matter. You’re needed. You’re loved.

And I’m so glad I get to do ministry alongside of you.

“Let us be women who Love.
Let us be women willing to lay down our sword words, our sharp looks, our ignorant silence and towering stance and fill the earth now with extravagant Love…
Let us be women who take courage and sing the song in our hearts.
Let us be women who say, Yes to the beautiful, unique purpose seeded in our souls.
Let us be women who call out the song in another’s heart.” 

– Idelette McVicker, Let Us Be Women Who Love

 

P.S. I love a good debate, and the internet is full of places where we can have that conversation, but the comment section of this post isn’t the place for that… because it’s my blog and I can do what I want. 🙂 So I’ve decided to moderate the comments of this post, not because I’m afraid of disagreement, but because I want this space to be a safe place for women who need some encouragement today. Thanks for understanding.