Lisa Notes: Women in Ministry

Women in Ministry

Some people just sympathize; others sympathize and do.

Ed does.

Ed Cyzewski looked around him and saw inconsistencies in opportunities for women in ministry. So he questioned and studied and learned.

And now he’s doing.

Since January 13, he’s opened up his blog—In a Mirror Dimly—to a female voice each Friday. Not for debate, but for stories.

I’m not sure why he asked me to contribute, but today I do. I hope it will encourage you to do what I’m doing: pray.

Read it here

(And as you visit, remember Ed’s request to play nice. That makes me happy.)

* * *

RELATED:

5 graces when a woman prays
Praying with my husband—I’m humbled
Bigger than your prayer

And while I’m talking about Ed, I want to plug (unsolicited) his latest eBook, Divided We Unite: Practical Christian Unity, because when I read it in January, I didn’t know how beneficial it would become to me.

God is good to work like this, yes? Pray for unity.

Comments (14)

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Debbie · 689 weeks ago

Now I understand a previous post of yours! Oh Lisa, I've had a bit of this recently in a church I've been attending while living in our temporary home. I look forward to returning to my home church once we move back to town next month. I believe some take Scripture and distort it. I think the Bible is clear that men are to be the spiritual leaders in our home and church. I don't have a problem with that. But praying together?

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1 reply · active 689 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

Thank you, Debbie. I didn't understand until I got "grown-up" (if I'm there yet) that well-meaning people--even smart people!--could take the same scripture and come out with multiple interpretations of it. I wish it weren't so, but I know it is.

But I also learned as an adult about grace, praise God. I'm so thankful that God gives us his beautiful GRACE that covers even our blind spots. I'm sure I'd be appalled to see how many blind spots I still have myself if God revealed them all to me at once.

Yet it still hurts when we clash with each other. Sigh.

I continue to pray diligently for a quick resolution in my situation. And for you to have a sweet reunion with your home church next month.
My recent post Women in Ministry

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barbarah 65p · 689 weeks ago

I so appreciate the grace with which you are handling this rather than resorting to anger and vilifying the others involved, though I can imagine there have probably been some less than pleasant feelings to wrestle with along the way. I appreciate that your church leaders are taking time to study the issue out and hope and pray God gives them insight and then grace as they attempt to explain and then implement what they find.
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1 reply · active 689 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

One thing that makes it a little easier is I do believe everyone is sincerely trying to do what they think is the right thing. We may disagree on what that right thing is, but motives aren't being questioned (that I know about anyway). Respect goes a long way.

I was able to be in a meeting with our leaders this week and it was evident again that they are really working hard to wrap up their conclusions so this can be resolved and we can move forward from here. I think they understand the agony this is causing. I pray it won't be for much longer.
My recent post Women in Ministry

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Cherry · 689 weeks ago

Oh, my heart goes out to you - what a difficult thing to be going through. I pray that God will continue to give you grace and wisdom, and that He will shine through you in this situation.

1 reply · active 689 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

Thank you, Cherry. I don't want to start doubting that God can give those things, so I do need prayers.
My recent post Women in Ministry

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Kim · 689 weeks ago

Hi Lisa, One of my prayers has already been answered. I've spent lots of time this week in prayer and searching/bookmarking online studies about women's ministry. It's expanded my own studies on this topic. My prayer for our elders to be aware that this situation in its current state is hurtful to at least some of our members and thus we need a timely resolution has been realized. Of course, I'll continue to ask for the Spirit to lead them toward a resolution that satisfies and glorifies God's will in this matter. I'll add to that prayer that my heart's reaction, whatever the decision, will be pleasing to God. And ...since we're encouraged to pour out our hearts to Him and we're not limited in our requests, I'll continue to ask for unity of our diverse gathering of souls,echoing Jesus' prayer.
Thank you for being open & real with your struggles and allowing God's grace to change your heart in the process.
- Kim

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

I thank God for your heart, Kim. You’re always such a good example for me to follow: studying more, praying more, wanting to please God more.

It is reassuring to know that so many are in fervent conversations with the Father, wanting to do what he wants. That in itself is a huge blessing.

My recent post Women in Ministry

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Julie · 689 weeks ago

Hugs to you Lisa...If I have learned ANY thing in the last 51 years of encountering and enduring trials and challenges and faith-stretcher moments in life itself and YES! even inside the church family body....it is that God really DOES "allow" ALL things, and in so doing, HE already has the situation sewn up...HE knows the outcome ahead of time...and it is not the arrival to the destined outcome....not the final decision made that HE is watching for...He is watching the journey that each heart is going through in THE PROCESS of getting from that point A to point B. God is always connecting the dots in our own private journeys, and many times, I know....it is taking place inside a BIGGER picture than my own personal spiritual circle....Ripples....God works in Ripples. Saying a prayer. Love to you!!!
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1 reply · active 689 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

These are hope-filled words, Julie. I will return to them often. And not just for this situation, but for any.

Ripples. Thanking him for ripples today.
Love you too.
My recent post Women in Ministry

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@LisaColonDelay · 689 weeks ago

I'm been enjoying your blog since Ed invited me to the W.I.M. series and you were listed as a writer. Thank you for being gracious and vocal about your struggles.

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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

I appreciate the comment you left at Ed's (I replied there, but must not have hit "reply" so it posted as a new comment instead). It helps getting encouragement to believe in God's power. I don't want to start doubting what he can do. Thanks for lifting me up!
My recent post Women in Ministry

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tinuviel · 689 weeks ago

I'm so sorry your church body is going through this trial. Your transparency in the discussion is a blessing and opened up some good dialogue between A. and me today.

Thank you also for your loving comment on my Wed. post. I appreciate the encouragement from your media detox experience.

May the Lord work peace and unity into your worship community and give you joy in worshiping Him this weekend, even in the midst of the trial.

Love to you, friend!
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Lisa notes 103p · 689 weeks ago

I'm glad it spurred conversation for you and A. It's opened up quite a bit of dialogue between Jeff and me, too. Some good, some hard. Some too lengthy for him to put up with. ha.

I appreciate your blessing for peace and unity. I do desire that. And for joy in my worship tomorrow. I want that too. And that one is a choice I can make myself. Woo-hoo. Thank you, Christina. You are a blessing to me. I love you too!
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