Women In Ministry

I had my counsellor (MDiv appointed requirement - for everyone, not just me) as if I am uncomfortable that the prof has not come out on one side or the other regarding women in leadership within the church.

I really don't care. He's here to teach and is a careful theologian and has spent time on the issue. To teach here you have to sign a declaration that you accept that women will be taking classes and to uphold that right. That's enough for me.

I have read both sides of the argument and I can understand both sides. I have a calling and that is what I have to go by. It may not be the best answer (after all the devil is a cunning liar) but I certainly tested the call enough to stand by it.

I guess I look at the women in my class and think "what, what great leaders" - I'd love to have some of their qualities.

I am so fortunate not to carry this burden of feeling the need to prove myself to others as a woman - I'm too busy trying to prove myself as a person that I don't have time to worry about the rest. Maybe this is part of my problem -maybe I need to start understanding that when people see me they see gender and I need to work to extinguish that.

My own bias, I'm not crazy on women preachers - its there delivery that throws me off - I like a distinct - this is the way it is and I don't think we have encouraged women to deliver a speech that way - again - I think this is what gets me into trouble. My brother Ian can say the most direct blunt thing and people see him as being decisive. I can't even go as far as the things he says and I get that I'm shutting people down or I'm a "strong woman". Show me the weak man I'm supposed to emulate!