But there have also been some neat things that I’ve seen happen — and they have happened just because I’m me. For example, one of my friends is married to a guy who is a pastor who up until about a year ago believed very strongly that women should not be pastors. He would never say anything to me on the subject, but the way he would dance around that issue, out of respect for me and my friendship with is wife, I had no doubt where he stood on the issue. But last October he told me that he had something to tell me. Through more study and through observing me and hearing stuff from his wife that he actually came to the place that he now embraces women in ministry. I was speechless — because getting this man to change his mine on a theological issue is not simple one. So those moments are ones that are incredibly rewarding and affirming. He changed his course not because of arguments or debate — God worked in his heart and mind and happened to use me as a catalyst. That is a neat thing to be part of. I wonder sometimes if this “issue” could better solved by women doing their best to lead and serve as God has called them to and allow that to be a witness.

You’re right we need to focus less on issues, bylaws, and keeping the status quo, and focus more on Jesus. I don;t mind rockin’ a few boats, after all Jesus rocked our world!

I also laugh when I think of examples in Scripture of Jesus telling people off… all men I might add

I was thinking that maybe, one of the problems Christians have is that we have viewed the church as a corporation headed by a CEO, and all the members of the congregation as workers for that corporation. This model tends to make our church services like spiritual business meetings with our focus on members signing up for an institution not unlike being employed by Chapters or Starbucks. It also makes us quite competitive and puts the weight of keeping the heavy machinery running on the pastor’s and elders’ shoulders. This is usually seen as a man’s job.

But if we looked at the church as a body, as a living organism that is intimately connected, where all the parts work together to support one another, we could ease up a bit more. Jesus is the Head of his body and everyone in that body grows together with Him. Seeing it this way might help men be less threatened by the inclusion of women leaders. (I’m probably a dreamer.)

Of course, it also might mean we would pay less attention to who’s the boss, either men or women, and give more attention to Jesus. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate my pastor. Dave King is one of the finest men I know – an example of humility and servanthood. I feel privileged to know him.

Thanks again.