My pastor and his wife do not seem to be interested in starting women's ministry in our congregation. Is it possible to start a chapter without going around them or offending them? Many other women in my area are excited about it and are willing to help.
Circumstances may limit the ability of your pastor or his wife from becoming involved. However, you can do two things right away: Pray, asking God to give you the wisdom, patience and understanding you need, and to guide the pastor, his wife and you to do what is best for the women in your congregation. Enlist the prayers of the other women who want to be involved.
Second, ask for a meeting with the pastoral couple to discuss women's ministry. Explain that you would like to work with the pastor and his wife, and would like any guidance, help and support they may be able to give.
If your mutual decision is that you will be the one to implement women's ministry, be sure to keep the pastor informed of all your activities. Invite the pastor's wife to all the meetings and activities. Even though she may not be able to be actively involved, she may offer advice and provide information she has received from Pasadena. The pastors' wives attend women's ministry sessions and workshops at conferences and can be a valuable resource.
We don't want people to feel pressured into doing something they feel is not their interest or their calling. The pastor and his wife may feel women's ministry is not something they can get involved in at this time. Some women in your congregation may feel the same way. Women's ministry is a tool, to be used by women who feel the urging of the Holy Spirit to serve others in this way. Under the new covenant, we have the freedom to participate or not participate in any of the ministries of the church, according to our gifts and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
May 20, 1997, WN, page 9
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