She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Proverbs 3: 14-15 NIV
Did you know that there are “elephants” sitting in our pews? Women in ministry frequently wrestle with them. Not so much what others do in our churches, but what we face alone and often in silence. For a variety of reasons, many female clergy face isolation due to issues that are unique to women.
In order to gain acceptance, at times, female clergy may deny the extent of their struggles in general as well as those related to their femininity in particular. For fear of being categorized as “weak,” “emotional,” or “incapable,” women sometimes ignore their feelings, the realities of changes in their bodies and “stuff” their frustration.
Loneliness, singleness (not by choice), depression, menopause, lack of financial stability, minimal support, jealousy and envy between, “sisters,” etc., all contribute. These issues become “elephants,” in the pews because we behave as if they don’t exist, yet they are looming large.
This year, three female clergy groups have come together to expose the proverbial elephants, discuss them, be transparent about them and together, receive wisdom from God’s word about how to address them.
Friday, July 31st – Saturday, August 1st, 2015, “Sisters United in Christ," (Founder/Facilitator, Rev. Dr. Crystal Walker), “Encouraging the Prophetic Woman,” (Founder/Facilitator, Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Ragin) and “Women Together in Ministry of Greater Cleveland – WTIM,” (Founder/Facilitator, Pastor Chris Smith) will host,
Our prayer is that women will have the opportunity to share their experiences openly, discuss the realities of their pain, and turn to God’s Word and “sisterly fellowship” for healing, guidance and wisdom.
Please pray with us as we seek to reach, bless and encourage as many as possible.
For more information or to register, visit Addressing the Elephants in the Pew
Pre-Registration, May 18th – June 3rd , 2015 (register now and receive a discounted rate!)
Regular Registration, June 4th – July 24th, 2015
After July 24th, 2015 (space and meal options limited)
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
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