Today I received a visit from a colleague pastor from Colon. He was present at my Induction Service and gave me a warm welcome. Since then, every occasion that we meet has been a good experience.
While sharing with me today, he expressed what he said was his own personal commitment before God to support my ministry here in every way that he can. He also wanted to let me know that I have the full support of other colleagues in the Colon Baptist Association and that I am not alone.
Of course this caused me to reflect on another woman´s story that recently made the news in America. Unlike me she did not receive the support of the local Association. The congregation that called her to serve as their Associate Pastor was ousted from the Association. You can read the full story here on how a Baptist Association in Alabama ousted her congregation. [Click here]
This is the tragedy of our church today – that the proclamation of the Gospel is still being delayed because of the inability of the ´Disciples/Apostles´ to work together as one. My brother in Christ assured me that he and several others will rise to my defense as they feel they are supporting the work of Christ. In doing so they are following Christ’s own example in his attitude toward women. For him, IN CHRIST we are equal partners in ministry.
Supporting a female colleague in ministry is recognition of this equality. How I wish that this was the feeling of all my sisters and brothers – imagine how much more we could accomplish for God! It is time for more brothers to publicly defend their sisters and female colleagues in ministry. Congregations follow the example of their leadership…
Paz,
Marvia
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