Greetings my sisters,
As I was writing and posting my Bible Study Lesson, I wondered how have our ministry impacted the church as a whole. We know women make up the majority of the church but does it really reflect in the church structure?
Have our lives a women preachers caused changes or things remained the same? If preacher is suppose to bring about change why are so many churches still lagging behind the Great Commission?
What are you going to do to make an impact in your church in 2011 if you haven't done it in 2010?
Praising God
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Charlotte SistersNMinistry Breakfast
After a long summer break, we are restarting the monthly breakfast. The Breakfast will be the 4th Saturday at 9am @ Maria's Grill in Derita. All Clergy women are invited and welcome to join us for our time. This is just true downtime. Come the way you feel and just enjoy the bonds of sisterhood.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Caretakers
We the women called by God to feed the sheep. We also are the caretakers for our spouses, children and parents. Just because we hold the position as pastor or minister we are not removed from being caretakers to our family.
Typically we as women will put ourselves last so we can run ourselves in the ground caring for others first. There comes a time when we need to make ourselves a priority. We need an outlet to just be real with ourselves and others sisters in ministry.
It still amaze me that some brothers still expect us to run the entire household when we come home from a long day at church dealing with financial issues, martial and relationship issues, staff issues and congregation care. I noticed many of the brothers who are in ministry may not lift a finger to do a thing knowing their spouse works outside the home. There needs to be a balance when both work outside the home.
When we are the caregivers let us share the responsibility with others so we do not burn ourselves out or unable to provide the accurate care needed. Rethink caregiving and what can be done to change the perception that only woman can be the best caregiver.
Typically we as women will put ourselves last so we can run ourselves in the ground caring for others first. There comes a time when we need to make ourselves a priority. We need an outlet to just be real with ourselves and others sisters in ministry.
It still amaze me that some brothers still expect us to run the entire household when we come home from a long day at church dealing with financial issues, martial and relationship issues, staff issues and congregation care. I noticed many of the brothers who are in ministry may not lift a finger to do a thing knowing their spouse works outside the home. There needs to be a balance when both work outside the home.
When we are the caregivers let us share the responsibility with others so we do not burn ourselves out or unable to provide the accurate care needed. Rethink caregiving and what can be done to change the perception that only woman can be the best caregiver.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Single and Clergy
Over the last two decades women have been called into the ministry. Some of the women are married and some are single. Most women who are married have the support of their spouses, family or friends on the journey. However, the single women support maybe family or friends.
Single women in ministry have flexibility to do more in ministry because they may not have the demands of a spouse or family but they may have other demands for instance caring for their elderly parents, supporting members of their family or working in another profession. Just because a clergy woman is single doesn't mean she want to always be in the company of other single clergy women or always at the church every time the doors are open.
Being single and clergy is not a curse, it gives us more time to focus on what God as for us to do. We have less interruptions and we are able to travel on moments notice. Then we have those days when we want to be in a relationships. Some clergy women find it hard to date because once the man find out they are a women of the cloth it changes everything.
I was told one time that most women enter into ministry to find a husband. That was an interesting comment from a single clergy male. If that was the case then many single clergy women would run into ministry with the mindset of just getting married. If we recall women went to college to get an education but also to get a husband. In the life we live in today women are delaying marriage or getting remarried.
One issue single clergy women face is dating a suitable or potential person. Dating is hard for anyone but when you add Rev, Minister, Dr. or Prophetess in the mix it makes women off limit. There are some men who are brave to date clergy women and some are clergy and non-clergy men. When it comes to non-clergy men, some of them are hesitant to date a clergy women for a variety of reasons. The main reason I've heard from some men was they are not spiritual enough and feel they may go to hell because of what they are thinking or doing.
Why is the thinking different when the clergy is a woman instead of a man. Women are open to dating a clergy man, but why are some men not as open?
Single women in ministry have flexibility to do more in ministry because they may not have the demands of a spouse or family but they may have other demands for instance caring for their elderly parents, supporting members of their family or working in another profession. Just because a clergy woman is single doesn't mean she want to always be in the company of other single clergy women or always at the church every time the doors are open.
Being single and clergy is not a curse, it gives us more time to focus on what God as for us to do. We have less interruptions and we are able to travel on moments notice. Then we have those days when we want to be in a relationships. Some clergy women find it hard to date because once the man find out they are a women of the cloth it changes everything.
I was told one time that most women enter into ministry to find a husband. That was an interesting comment from a single clergy male. If that was the case then many single clergy women would run into ministry with the mindset of just getting married. If we recall women went to college to get an education but also to get a husband. In the life we live in today women are delaying marriage or getting remarried.
One issue single clergy women face is dating a suitable or potential person. Dating is hard for anyone but when you add Rev, Minister, Dr. or Prophetess in the mix it makes women off limit. There are some men who are brave to date clergy women and some are clergy and non-clergy men. When it comes to non-clergy men, some of them are hesitant to date a clergy women for a variety of reasons. The main reason I've heard from some men was they are not spiritual enough and feel they may go to hell because of what they are thinking or doing.
Why is the thinking different when the clergy is a woman instead of a man. Women are open to dating a clergy man, but why are some men not as open?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Clergy Woman and Education
When one is called into the ministry is it necessary to attend seminary or a program that will help you become more aware of the social and economical conditions of the people in the Bible?
Why is education still a stigma in certain profession especially in the church as clergy. If you decide to not obtain additional education beyond daily reading of the Bible then why are so many people getting an attitude with those who decided to go to seminary, Bible College or Divinity School?
I ask these questions because of a interesting conversation I had today. We as women must put our best foot forward in all we do. We are still in a male dominate area in ministry. If we decide not to attend seminary are we allowing others to mentor us and the pastor setting up a mini-seminary to help educate clergy?
When I started this journey I wanted to know more about the people and situations of the Bible. I wasn't sure about seminary but after my church offered mini-classes in theology and history of the Bible I wanted more. As we enter into ministry let us be open to what is available to us. Learning is a two way street, the educated and uneducated can learn from each other.
I'm always fascinated by stories I hear about the wisdom of some of our elders who never learned how to read or write but they pushed their children to get their education. In many of their times or their parents time it was illegal to learn, but they knew education was the key. The old saying is still true if you want to hide something put it in a book. When we pick up our Bibles let us also pick up the history book, a newspaper and an atlas.
Why is education still a stigma in certain profession especially in the church as clergy. If you decide to not obtain additional education beyond daily reading of the Bible then why are so many people getting an attitude with those who decided to go to seminary, Bible College or Divinity School?
I ask these questions because of a interesting conversation I had today. We as women must put our best foot forward in all we do. We are still in a male dominate area in ministry. If we decide not to attend seminary are we allowing others to mentor us and the pastor setting up a mini-seminary to help educate clergy?
When I started this journey I wanted to know more about the people and situations of the Bible. I wasn't sure about seminary but after my church offered mini-classes in theology and history of the Bible I wanted more. As we enter into ministry let us be open to what is available to us. Learning is a two way street, the educated and uneducated can learn from each other.
I'm always fascinated by stories I hear about the wisdom of some of our elders who never learned how to read or write but they pushed their children to get their education. In many of their times or their parents time it was illegal to learn, but they knew education was the key. The old saying is still true if you want to hide something put it in a book. When we pick up our Bibles let us also pick up the history book, a newspaper and an atlas.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Volunteerism in Ministry
How long must one be a volunteer in a ministry before asking for compensation? I ask this question because there is a vast majority of seminary trained/ordained clergy women working in the church on a volunteer basis. There is something wrong with this picture. When I completed by MDIV, I incurred a debt that still needs to paid back. Over the years since I've completed my degree I haven't made any additional income to pay down this debt. (shaking my head). Some of us are blessed to have a church/denomination to pay for our education so we will not struggle with additional debt. I know many of us do not expect a large salary in ministry, but we ought to expect some kind of compensation or position that will help relieve the extra financial burden we added to our household. We all know a seminary degree is not cheap and our current job doesn't cover the cost for this added expense. We can not tell Sallie Mae, Direct Loans, SunTrust or Citibank can we just volunteer in your company to pay this debt.
Why do some churches and pastor believe that the work of the church by ordained staff should be volunteer work? If we continue to run the church with volunteers only, the commitment over time will fade away. As I was reading in the USA Today they talked about the compensation of a position in the church doesn't even come close to the amount of debt one obtains in seminary. Also they talked about the inability of clergy securing a position in a church during these economic hard times. The interesting point of the article is that there will be a discussion in Boston about the salary of clergy and how to increase it even during these hard economic times.
Why do some churches and pastor believe that the work of the church by ordained staff should be volunteer work? If we continue to run the church with volunteers only, the commitment over time will fade away. As I was reading in the USA Today they talked about the compensation of a position in the church doesn't even come close to the amount of debt one obtains in seminary. Also they talked about the inability of clergy securing a position in a church during these economic hard times. The interesting point of the article is that there will be a discussion in Boston about the salary of clergy and how to increase it even during these hard economic times.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Ministering to Women
As Clergy women who are not pastors, we have been drafted to work with the women of the congregation. Some clergy women do not have the gift to work with women at all. Yes working with certain gender and age group is a spiritual gift. There are some clergy women who do not get along with women at all but they try to work outside of their gift. When we do this we make a mess of things.
Have you notice when trying to work with women they are either open, closed or indifferent to a clergy woman being the leader or advisor. Most of the women do not want to work with clergy women who are younger than them because they haven't experienced what they did. Of course there are women who will work with us because they see we are gifted and really have the passion in this area to help with the issues we all face.
Before we take on the challenge let us make sure we are working within our gifts. Let us search and be honest with ourselves in the areas we are being drafted. If we know this isn't for us speak up now rather than later. We will thank God we listened to the spirit and not just our perception.
Always in the Potter's Hand
http://onthemoveministries.blogspot.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Have you notice when trying to work with women they are either open, closed or indifferent to a clergy woman being the leader or advisor. Most of the women do not want to work with clergy women who are younger than them because they haven't experienced what they did. Of course there are women who will work with us because they see we are gifted and really have the passion in this area to help with the issues we all face.
Before we take on the challenge let us make sure we are working within our gifts. Let us search and be honest with ourselves in the areas we are being drafted. If we know this isn't for us speak up now rather than later. We will thank God we listened to the spirit and not just our perception.
Always in the Potter's Hand
http://onthemoveministries.blogspot.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dressing for the pulpit
A question was asked how should the women dress in the pulpit. Depending on the church it may not matter because clergy always where a robe.
What if the church you attend do not wear robes. Well as a non traditionalist I wear pants, african outfits and suits at times when I'm at my church. However when I preach out I will put on a suit pant/skirt and take my robe with me.
We can talk about dress, jewelry, makeup, colors and etc. The list goes on and on. Remember we are women preachers and not men. Let us dress and conduct ourselves as powerful women preachers.
Always in the Potter's Hand
http://onthemoveministries.blogspot.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
To Move or Not to Move....
To play on the words of Shakespeare, "To Be or Not To Be". Many women in ministry struggle with a call to ministry and then they struggle to be accepted. While I was in seminary several women changed churches because their current pastor did not give them the support needed as they pursued their calling. Some of women joined "mega churches" where their gifts were recognized and appreciated.
As I talk with some of my classmates I hear the stories of how their pastor have mentored and opened doors for them. Some have been moved beyond the volunteer position to a paid position in the church and some have been placed into a pastoring position.
However, there is a flip side to all of this. There are ordained women who are still sitting in the second chariot/chair waiting for their pastor to mentor and open the door of opportunity for them. The opportunity to move beyond the volunteer position of the church or to pastor. Some pastor are still reluctant to push their female minister out as they do the males.
As female clergy we have a choice to make when this happens to us. We either leave the church after much prayer and fasting to seek a church that will appreciate and accept the gifts we bring to the ministry. We start our own church if God has called us to pastor. Lastly, leave the denomination and go to a denomination that is more accepting of women clergy.
Many clergy women have been too loyal for too long. Many have endure the abuse of leadership and the constant saying of just keep waiting. Some of us have been waiting for more than 10 years and we are still doing the same thing which have made us lose our flavor.
Maybe today we will honestly say to ourselves ENOUGH! I have not been obedient to the call God has placed on my life. Everything we do just doesn't work any longer. It is our time to take a spiritual inventory and ask the question do we move or do we stay.
As I talk with some of my classmates I hear the stories of how their pastor have mentored and opened doors for them. Some have been moved beyond the volunteer position to a paid position in the church and some have been placed into a pastoring position.
However, there is a flip side to all of this. There are ordained women who are still sitting in the second chariot/chair waiting for their pastor to mentor and open the door of opportunity for them. The opportunity to move beyond the volunteer position of the church or to pastor. Some pastor are still reluctant to push their female minister out as they do the males.
As female clergy we have a choice to make when this happens to us. We either leave the church after much prayer and fasting to seek a church that will appreciate and accept the gifts we bring to the ministry. We start our own church if God has called us to pastor. Lastly, leave the denomination and go to a denomination that is more accepting of women clergy.
Many clergy women have been too loyal for too long. Many have endure the abuse of leadership and the constant saying of just keep waiting. Some of us have been waiting for more than 10 years and we are still doing the same thing which have made us lose our flavor.
Maybe today we will honestly say to ourselves ENOUGH! I have not been obedient to the call God has placed on my life. Everything we do just doesn't work any longer. It is our time to take a spiritual inventory and ask the question do we move or do we stay.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
S.O.S.
SOS is an international morse code distress signal. The use of this code was to alert other of the danger that is around them. This morning the meaning of SOS is "Support Our Sisters". As SistersNMinistry we need encouragement and support from each other. We need to be committed to this support by our action and words.
It is hard to get this kind of support when sisters are trying to tear each other down, destroy their character or even destroy their life. Competition, envy, jealousy, deceit and manipulations in the pulpit and ministry is not what we should be about. Over the past few years I experienced all and more from other sisters in ministry. The remarks were "I can do that better", "She preach like she's the pastor" or "Who put her in charge, well I'm not listening to her" and etc.
This type of attitude makes it hard to do ministry effectively. Let us remember,
God has given each of us unique gifts for ministry which can not be imitated by others. If we find ourselves off our wall and trying to do ministry outside of our gifts let us check to see why are we really do this.
Instead of tearing each other down let us build each other up. In order for us to accomplish more we must stand united. Let us send out the distress call for some real praying sisters who are committed to the reality of ministry.
It is hard to get this kind of support when sisters are trying to tear each other down, destroy their character or even destroy their life. Competition, envy, jealousy, deceit and manipulations in the pulpit and ministry is not what we should be about. Over the past few years I experienced all and more from other sisters in ministry. The remarks were "I can do that better", "She preach like she's the pastor" or "Who put her in charge, well I'm not listening to her" and etc.
This type of attitude makes it hard to do ministry effectively. Let us remember,
God has given each of us unique gifts for ministry which can not be imitated by others. If we find ourselves off our wall and trying to do ministry outside of our gifts let us check to see why are we really do this.
Instead of tearing each other down let us build each other up. In order for us to accomplish more we must stand united. Let us send out the distress call for some real praying sisters who are committed to the reality of ministry.
Friday, May 21, 2010
A Conference for Female Clergy
A Conference for Female Clergy
August 19-20, 2010
New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church
Detroit, Michigan
Dr. Wilma Johnson, Host Pastor
SPONSORED BY
National Ministries,
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Three learning tracks will be offered: a pastors track; a general
ministry track for all licensed and ordained clergy; and a track for ordained clergy doing ministry in areas such as chaplaincy, counseling and denominational ministry.
Conference leaders include:
~ Dr. Jan McCormack, Assistant Professor of Chaplaincy and
Pastoral Counseling, Denver Seminary
~ Rev. Marie Onwubuariri, Pastor, MacArthur Community Baptist Church, San Pablo, California
~ Rev. Peg Nowling, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Indiana
~ Dr. DeeDee Coleman, Pastor, Russell Street Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan
~ Dr. Michelle Holmes, Vice-President and CFO, American Baptist Seminary of the West
The closing worship speaker will be Dr. Charles Adams, a great friend and encourager of women in ministry
Registration: $80/person
Accommodations at The Westin Southfield Detroit:
$75 plus tax, double occupancy
Look for registration materials in April.
For more information, contact Rev. Yvonne B. Carter:
1-800-ABC-3USA x2257 or yvonne.carter@abc-usa.org
“You obey the law of Christ when you
offer each other a helping hand.”
GALATIANS 6:2 (CEV)
IF FLYING/DRIVING:
PLAN TO ARRIVE IN DETROIT ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18, 2010 & DEPART DETROIT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Ministry presents many challenges,
and everyone who answers God’s call
has obstacles to overcome. Women in
ministry, however, face unique challenges—
we are often ignored, ridiculed and rejected
by those we are called to serve. We
share the need for encouragement of our
gifts, support for our calls, and a shoulder
to help bear the struggle. You’ll find it
all at this conference.
TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE...PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW
https://www.bimwebport.org/etrakwebapp/meetings.aspx
For more information, contact Rev. Yvonne B. Carter:
1-800-ABC-3USA x2257 or yvonne.carter@abc-usa.org
SPONSORED BY
National Ministries,
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
***NOTE:RSVP ON THIS SITE DOES NOT REGISTER YOU FOR THE ABOVE CONFERENCE. IT ONLY LETS US KNOW WHO AMONG WEWP WILL BE ATTENDING.
August 19-20, 2010
New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church
Detroit, Michigan
Dr. Wilma Johnson, Host Pastor
SPONSORED BY
National Ministries,
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Three learning tracks will be offered: a pastors track; a general
ministry track for all licensed and ordained clergy; and a track for ordained clergy doing ministry in areas such as chaplaincy, counseling and denominational ministry.
Conference leaders include:
~ Dr. Jan McCormack, Assistant Professor of Chaplaincy and
Pastoral Counseling, Denver Seminary
~ Rev. Marie Onwubuariri, Pastor, MacArthur Community Baptist Church, San Pablo, California
~ Rev. Peg Nowling, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Indiana
~ Dr. DeeDee Coleman, Pastor, Russell Street Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan
~ Dr. Michelle Holmes, Vice-President and CFO, American Baptist Seminary of the West
The closing worship speaker will be Dr. Charles Adams, a great friend and encourager of women in ministry
Registration: $80/person
Accommodations at The Westin Southfield Detroit:
$75 plus tax, double occupancy
Look for registration materials in April.
For more information, contact Rev. Yvonne B. Carter:
1-800-ABC-3USA x2257 or yvonne.carter@abc-usa.org
“You obey the law of Christ when you
offer each other a helping hand.”
GALATIANS 6:2 (CEV)
IF FLYING/DRIVING:
PLAN TO ARRIVE IN DETROIT ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18, 2010 & DEPART DETROIT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010
Ministry presents many challenges,
and everyone who answers God’s call
has obstacles to overcome. Women in
ministry, however, face unique challenges—
we are often ignored, ridiculed and rejected
by those we are called to serve. We
share the need for encouragement of our
gifts, support for our calls, and a shoulder
to help bear the struggle. You’ll find it
all at this conference.
TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE...PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW
https://www.bimwebport.org/etrakwebapp/meetings.aspx
For more information, contact Rev. Yvonne B. Carter:
1-800-ABC-3USA x2257 or yvonne.carter@abc-usa.org
SPONSORED BY
National Ministries,
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
***NOTE:RSVP ON THIS SITE DOES NOT REGISTER YOU FOR THE ABOVE CONFERENCE. IT ONLY LETS US KNOW WHO AMONG WEWP WILL BE ATTENDING.
If It Wasn't for the Women
This is a title of a book written by Cheryl Towsend Gilkes. As a womanist scholar, Dr. Gilkes addresses the Community, Church work, Culture and Crisis of women. Just the title alone will make you want to pick up the book. One Saturday morning a small group of clergy women came together to fellowship and we asked the question where would our community and church be if it wasn't for the Women. Since women make up more than 85% of the congregation why is it we are not shouting that our voices need to be heard from the pulpit other than Mother’s Day and Women’s Day.
Women in ministry is not a new concept but the role for Women in the church have changed from Sunday School Teachers to Pastors. We as women in ministry have several barriers to cross when it comes to pastoring in traditional churches. These barriers are still present in several denominations. As a woman who started ministry in the Baptist denomination I was told on several occasions that it would be impossible to pastor a traditional Baptist church, I need to start my own church or do institutional ministry. I find this offensive when there are vacant churches that need pastor but refuse to give a sista a chance.
It is ironic that women will further their education to be well prepared for leadership but will be passed over for a man with the same or less education. The time has come for us to stop talking about the injustice seen in the pulpit for women and do something about it. There are some men of God who are encouraging the sisters. Also, there are men of God who give lip service just to say they support us. It’s time for us to be heard as well.
Women in ministry is not a new concept but the role for Women in the church have changed from Sunday School Teachers to Pastors. We as women in ministry have several barriers to cross when it comes to pastoring in traditional churches. These barriers are still present in several denominations. As a woman who started ministry in the Baptist denomination I was told on several occasions that it would be impossible to pastor a traditional Baptist church, I need to start my own church or do institutional ministry. I find this offensive when there are vacant churches that need pastor but refuse to give a sista a chance.
It is ironic that women will further their education to be well prepared for leadership but will be passed over for a man with the same or less education. The time has come for us to stop talking about the injustice seen in the pulpit for women and do something about it. There are some men of God who are encouraging the sisters. Also, there are men of God who give lip service just to say they support us. It’s time for us to be heard as well.
Welcome to SistersNMinistry
We want to take the opportunity to welcome all the Sisters who are called Rev, Doc, Bishop, Elder and Minister. We have been called by God, from all walks of life to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in and out of the pulpit. We are apart of God's paradigm shift. A shift that is taking Ministry to a new level because the voices of Women are no longer silent. We are
SistersNMinistry.
The initial purpose of this blog was for Sisters in the Baptist Denomination due to limited resource access to help us grow in ministry. However, as we began discussing the concerns of SistersNMinistry we heard several Sisters say they need this type of fellowship. This blog is a sounding board and a fellowship for us to talk about our concerns in ministry, mentoring each other, providing support, encouragement and letting our hair down on this journey.
This fellowship is not limited to blogging. We want to create a monthly fellowship where we can meet as a group to discuss topics such as: How to create a ministry resume, What does it mean to be a Worship Leader, Where can I use my spiritual gifts in ministry, Is the pulpit for me, How can I balance Ministry, Work and Family, and etc...
We want to share notes and tips concerning our roles as pastors, teachers, chaplains, executive ministers, associate ministers and more. Please provide some feedback so we can make this blog a source of information.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!!!
Always in Potter's Hand
Rev. Lettie
We are looking forward to hearing from you!!!
Always in Potter's Hand
Rev. Lettie
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