Why Aren't There More Women __________ ?

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being the first woman to teach at LCBC (Lives Changed by Christ) www.lcbchurch.com, a 7000-plus member church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The response was overwhelmingly positive due to the gentle leadership of Pastor David Ashcroft and his leadership team. I taught in all four services, and throughout the weekend people came up to me and said that after listening to my message on the love of God they went home and invited their spouse, friend, child, or grandparent. Then they returned to the church to hear the same message again.

Some of the people I spoke to admitted they weren't members or even regular attendees of LCBC. They had simply come out to hear a woman teach on a Sunday morning—something that many had never seen before. Others were surprised that I was actually teaching—not just sharing through a Q&A format.

The most meaningful compliment I received was from an elderly woman who walked up to me and said, "You made my heart tingle, and at 87-years-old that doesn't happen very often anymore."

The time at LCBC was a real privilege and one I am grateful for and so humbled by. But I wish that I wasn't the first woman to speak at their church or any other church. I wish I was the second, or the third, or the forty-third. Why?

Because that would mean that local churches have the systems in place to raise up and unleash teachers and evangelists and leaders regardless of their gender. Let alone their race, handicap or socioeconomic background.

I know this is the desire of so many churches, yet developing the systems that allows people to discover their gifts and talents as well as use them effectively takes time, energy and intentionality. I know that many churches are committed to building these systems and I have heard about women around the country who are well on their way.

But before we ask the question, "Why aren't there more women ___________?" (fill in the blank—teachers, leaders, speakers). Maybe a better question to ask is, "What am I doing to raise up and unleash everyone in my church to use their gifts for God's glory?"

 

1 Comment »

1. Thanks for your article. I would be interested to learn in what significant ways others helped to raise up and unleash your talents in the church? What roles did other women play? How were you mentored, particularly in the area of leadership? What are you doing now for other future women leaders that is most effective?

   Comment by Ellen - Jan 16, 2009 @ 05:40 PM

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