Women in the Church

Women in the church

Even as I type that statement, my stomach turns to think of the emotional response some might have.

The emotional response has kept me from speaking up or leading out at various times in my life. It has lead to women feeling sinful simply for wanting to be more involved in the body of Christ. 

But slowly, men in leadership are starting to see the detriment to the church when half the church’s voice isn’t heard.  

So now women, it’s time for you to step up.  Pastor’s are trying.  You need to try as well. 

Because traditionally women use their gifts in “secret”.  By secret I mean in little pockets in the church.  Kids’ ministry, women’s ministry, etc…  

And this is awesome and so needed. 

But be honest women. If you’ve been in the church very long, the back corner supplies comfortability to you.  It’s where you have freedom to just be even if it’s not necessarily where you’ve been called to be.

However, sometimes we need to think through our traditions to determine if they are what God is asking of us or if He desires more.

We need visible spiritual mothers and spiritual sisters in every area of the church in order to be the body of Christ.

IF women are NEEDED in order for the church to function as a complete body(which they are), THEN we need to be “needed” in more areas than just a women’s or kids’ ministry.

I say this as a motivation to us women.  Most of the time we keep ourselves from being involved in other areas! 

So many women come through our newcomers class and ask, “what about your women’s ministry?”

I’m pretty passionate about equipping women and providing single gender Bible studies, BUT what most of these women are really asking with this particular question is “is there an area in your church where I can use my giftings and lead and study and fully embrace my place in the body of Christ? Is there a place for women to flourish?” Traditionally this place has only been found in a women’s ministry setting.

But times are changing.

Women, I think we do ourselves (and the church) a disservice if we continue to just desire a big women’s ministry. If we continue to keep to ourselves, in our own corner, using the gifts God has given us to only build up one section of the body of Christ.

What about the tech booth? Gifted women voices could be useful to the overall team. Think through the hospitality team? Or the finance committee? The administration team? Or the landscaping? What about the missions team? Or the theology class? Other equipping courses? Or……?

The opportunities are endless where you are needed to be an image bearer of Christ. 

Tokenism says “we see you women over there in the corner doing your women’s ministry thing all by yourself”. Inclusion says “we need you women fully embraced in the life of the church, walking in the roles God has given you, bringing His kingdom into every nook and cranny you can”.

You are needed women.

Don’t think there’s only one place for you in the church. Obviously there are roles designed just for you and roles designed just for men BUT there are also roles designed equally for both genders! 

We are  both image bearers of the most high King. Bear his image well in every single area of the church you are called to serve in. 

*To read more about spiritual mothering, this book is an excellent resource)

(*the quote above is from Kathy Litton. To hear more about her views on women in ministry, check out this amazing podcast episode)

*When You Start to Think “I’m Just Too Much”

*Dealing with Trauma in Your Life

*3 Steps to Identifying Fear in Your Life