This morning we had the honor of celebrating Baptist Women in Ministry and the privilege of hearing what God had for us through the words of Karen Woods.
I have been a part of Baptist life for most of my life. Having been raised in a Baptist church I learned all the lyrics to all the hymns good Baptists sing (I could sing all four verses, too!), how to evangelize “properly,” and why I was a sinner on my way to hell unless I repented.
During my time at my childhood church, however, I remember noticing that there were no women in major leadership roles. No women ever served communion. No woman ever preached. No woman ever shared testimony of God’s working in their lives from the pulpit.
I don’t remember wondering why that was – I simply just thought no women wanted those roles. It wasn’t until later in my life that the many things I saw and heard made sense to me – and that the exclusion of women was not only intentional but in some ways forced.
Today I stand before you a very lucky woman. Not only am I married to a man, your pastor, who believes woman have a place in ministry, but I have a church that I have called home for over 10 years.
It is here that I have had the privilege to share my heart and God’s moving in my life through several sermons that I have preached from this very pulpit – and will get the privilege yet again this Mother’s Day.
I served as deacon several years ago and had the opportunity to visit in homes with our then pastor, Sonny Gallman, as well as serve communion to this community of believers.
Just a few short months ago, I was able to baptize a very special lady, Bree, as she recognized God’s call on her life. Never in my life would I have imagined that I would get these opportunities within the walls of a church. Yet, here at Trinity Baptist we commit to empower ALL to have a place.
I am so thankful that my daughter, as well as many other young girls in our church, get to see women involved in more than just teaching Sunday School and Children’s Church. These girls will grow up with a much healthier image in their mind of church and their place in ministry. They will know and believe that they too have something great to contribute.
Thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, for making women feel a part of ministry! There is no other place I’d rather be than right here in this community.