The Center for Leadership Excellence, in partnership with COSROW, is pleased to lift up the voices of women in ministry encouraging
fellow women in ministry. Please enjoy this month’s Encouragement
from Gypsie Murdaugh, pastor at Piney Grove UMC in Maxton, NC. Anyone can sign up to receive these monthly emails here.
As I learned the names and genders of the newly elected bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, oh what joy that filled my soul when I realized that two of the three were our sisters in Christ. Not that we don’t have some amazing male bishops, but this was definitely a blessing for us as women in ministry. It was an affirmation of our call, both clergy and lay, and confirmation that God is elevating us to new levels in this Kingdom work. In this season of Thanksgiving, we are very grateful that the Lord has chosen us to serve God and the people of God.
In Peter’s sermon in Acts, he shares God’s call and lifts God’s anointing from Joel 2:28-29.
Read: Acts 2:17-18 (CEB):
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams. Even upon my servants, men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Reflect: This passage is a constant reminder that as women in ministry, we are walking in our call and anointing. God has created and raised us up to do mighty work and we must serve God without timidity or hesitation. We may always encounter some who question our roles in the church, but we must be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in this good work of the Lord. God is calling us to be bold as we step out on faith to do that which is much needed to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Where do you see yourself in God’s plan for the healing and transformation of this broken world? How can you encourage other women to be confident enough to step out and take leadership in the church universal, as well as in our denomination?
Take Action: We can begin by ministering to young women, including youth girls, to help them gain a healthy and bold perspective of how they can be effective in ministry. So many times, they are victims of people discouraging them, so they need strong women to encourage them to aspire to be all that God created them to be.
We must encourage our sisters, again clergy and lay, to reach the highest level of authority in the United Methodist Church and all other denominations/movements. We are called to be district superintendents, bishops, leaders of faith-based organizations, and much more. God has empowered us to take our rightful places.
In partnership,
Center for Leadership Excellence and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Check out these events open to women clergy and laity alike.
Just Energy 4 All Monthly Webinar
United Women in Faith
November 16, 2022
Faith Talks
United Women in Faith
November 17, 2022
Biblical Women, Advent Waiting, and 21st Century Lives
BeADisciple.com
November 28, 2022