When I first felt called to be a pastor, I lived in an area of the country laden with denominations that do not ordain women. When I would speak of my sense of call, I would often hear, “There are no women preachers in the Bible.” When I would mention Deborah, I was corrected, “Deborah’s not a preacher, she’s a prophet.”
In other words, unless there was a cookie-cutter, black suit, white collar, booming voice and helmet-haired woman preacher in the Bible, then God must not want it to be. The Bible is full of women of great power. They save their families, rescue their husbands, teach apostles, carry on the family line, supply the funds, and share the good news.
For too long, we have suffered the idea that being outspoken or bold goes against the biblical standards of femininity. We are made co-creators with God through biblical call and through our baptisms. Since the beginning of creation, God has called, gathered, and sent women and men to do work with the Spirit in the world.
This message was adapted from “Faith reflections: Bold women” written by Julia Seymour that first appeared in the March 2012 issue of Cafe magazine.
Sign up for Daily Grace. If you enjoy this resource or our other free resources, please Donate Now.
reply
retweet
favorite