“As we reflect on the installments from the last three days that focused on biblical and historical boldness in teaching, let us now add a current example.
The Rev. Elizabeth Alvina Platz was the first woman to be ordained in the Lutheran Church in America on November 22, 1970. In 1991, the percentage of ordained women in the ELCA stood at 8 percent. In 2007 that number increased to 20 percent. Today, women make up at least 50 percent of our ELCA seminary student populations. We continue to encourage women to boldly accept their call as deserving teachers of the gospel.
Questions to consider:
Do you remember the first time you heard a woman preach?
What does it mean to your spiritual life when you hear the gospel spoken and interpreted by a woman?
Have you ever considered ordination yourself or encouraged another woman to accept that call?
Consider all the ways that you share the word of God and the good news (in word and deed).
In all ways of bold teaching, which way is most like you?
Lord, let my light be a model of bold advocacy, caring, and teaching, forever praising and glorifying your name. Amen.
This message was adapted from the “I Am She” resource available from the Women of the ELCA website.
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