Advocacy Through Excellence

So many important ideas about ways to advocate for women clergy have been shared in this blog recently. Among them are:

• Providing visibility and opportunities for women in leadership
• Facilitating the training and ordination of women
• Developing mentorship pathways for girls and women
• Exposing others to women preachers
• Fostering partnerships among men and women in ministry

These steps are sorely needed, as is another– advocacy through excellence. A seasoned leader whom I greatly respect recently told me, “The best way to advocate for women clergy is for you to be the best pastor you can be.” He then shared how his own theology on women in ministry changed after experiencing the ministry of a gifted woman pastor.

My story is the same. Having heard traditional interpretations of biblical texts as prohibiting women in leadership, I had always believed women could not be pastors. Then we began attending a nondenominational church whose associate pastor was a woman. She was a gifted preacher. More so, in fact, than the men on staff. Experiencing God work in my life in powerful ways through her preaching was the beginning of a theological journey that has brought me to where I am today.

Excellence in ministry speaks volumes to those who doubt that God calls women as pastors, teachers and leaders. It is hard to deny the calling of God when you see it in action.

Sisters, be the best pastors you can be. Preach the word with boldness and faithfulness. Lead and serve the church with humility and fearlessness. Equip and empower the Body of Christ to spread the Kingdom of God. As you strive for excellence and passionately serve the Lord with all gifts He has given you, know that the Lord Himself will advocate for you.