I have a question. If a woman has a tremendous love for teaching the Word of God, does she have to "be called to the teaching ministry" as a person is called to preach, before she is considered to be a Woman in Ministry, a woman who does more than teach at ther local church?
THe ministry gifts in Ephesians 4, are the people who walk in these gifts, "super-naturally" called to do so?
I dont think so. If you are a woman and you are ministering you are awoman in minstry. You do no have to have speaking engagements outside your four church walls before you are validated. That said I do beleive there is an anointing to teach and an office of teacher. Such women would be Beth Moore, Gloria Copeland and such. And I am sure many women in sunday school teachers in churches that we dont know their names becuase they are so faithful and passionate about their local body. There are many who teach but maybe not in the office of teacher. Its hard to explain but I know there is a difference in a gifting and an office. What all that entails I am not sure. I know God has called me to the office of a teacher yet I am not currently teaching. IS that more confusing or helpful? Just my opinion.
I am on the steering committee for the midwestern branch of the National Women In Ministry conference (Fall 2006...I know you will all have one closer to you, but I'd love it if you came to the MN one so I can meet you :o).)...
Anyway, we were discussing possible workshop presenters, and at first were going to limit it to just licensed/credentialed women...but the more we started talking, the more names of amazing women - some PWs, some church lay workers - who could teach and represent women in ministry who DON'T have their ministerial credentials.
If you are a pastor's spouse, you are "in ministry," whether or not you actually have credentials. Ask my husband .
I agree with Cassandra...if you are a woman and you are ministering, you are a woman in ministry.
Puppetmaster, I would differ with you slightly although you and I are usually two peas in a pod and agree on everything...
Everyone is unfortunately not like your husband. There are some people who are the spouse of a pastor and they are as far removed from doing the work of the ministry as one can be. This is one of the things that frosts my flakes, as I have mentioned prior -- when people have no ministry involvement yet they say they are "in ministry."
But I believe...if you are a woman...and you are actively doing something in the actual work of the ministry (and that could be any aspect of ministry...) then you are a woman in ministry.
I guess I do take it for granted that I have a supportive spouse...and that everyone on our ministry team has supportive spouses!
Now that I think about it, I have known pastors in the past (mostly youth pastors...our SP's wives were usually right in the trenches with their husbands!) whose wives were definitely NOT in ministry!! Those were also the pastors who burned out shortly after starting, and I can't think of any of them who are actually still working as pastors...
Thank you for your replies. Sorry that it took me so long to view them. My life has been quite full lately, but I am not complaining.
I must say that I was feeling like Cassandra described. I guess I needed to "hear" it for myself. As I was reading and meditating on the scripture in Ephesians, I began think about the testimonies of those who felt a "calling" from God to preach the Word. I love teaching and feel that my abilities are a "gift" from God, but I have never experienced a supernatural calling to teach. So I wondered if because of that, I could not be considered a woman in ministry. Ocassionally I will get an outside speaking engagement, but I enjoy teaching the word wherever I happen to be. Even if it is in a private conversation with a baby saint.
Thanks Pastor D and puppetmaster for your enlightment and wisdom as well.
You guys are such a blessing to me. I am going to pray that God will open up a special door for you....a want this time instead of a need.
Well noted, Puppetmaster -- everyone is most definitely NOT like your husband or your team. You are blessed. And you are right...many pastors who don't have supportive spouses burn out, very quickly. (or live in regret all the time - secret regret - about who they married.)
That's one reason I'm so passionate about this site. I believe the women who read it are heroes!
Just as many say, "Anybody can become a father/mother, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy/Mommy." Biologically we can become parents but to take up the call to actually "do" the work of parenting? That's another thing. It's the same way in the church. Anyone can marry someone and have the title "pastor's spouse." They are technically their spouse but it doesn't not mean they are fulfilling the actual "role" of pastor's spouse, as in spiritually parenting within the church.
Just had a conversation yesterday w/some pastor friends of ours who are in the midst of hiring an assoc. Sure enough just like we have experienced, it's hard to find someone whose spouse is really on board. I never thought there would be a day where people are so incredibly removed from the actual ministry. It's amazing.
Gals, you are all heroes to me, and your spouses who are supportive are also heroes! Thank you for taking up the call.
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