At this year’s synod, a group of 35 women from churches and ministries in Canada and the U.S. gathered for dinner in Fireside Conference Room at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL, for our first Women in Leadership forum. Two days later almost 20 women gathered for prayer to call on the Lord on the evening before synod ended. Both events ended with the harmonious sound of all women voices singing The Doxology and The Lord’s Prayer. These were memorable moments: networking and celebration!
I was surprised when we ran out of chairs and tables during dinner time. It was beautiful to see how we spontaneously worked together to make adjustments for everyone to have a place to sit. We enjoyed working together to make it happen, and it didn't take anyone telling us what to do. I’m pretty excited when it comes to getting the right things done in order for something better to happen.
The forty days following synod have been filled with wonder and fruitfulness!
Having a good support structure is just one thing that needs to happen in the initial phase of developing this ministry in order for something better to happen. At our synod event, we came up with the names of men and women who could potentially serve on a volunteer discernment team for advising, advocating, visioning, and shaping this work.
I value listening for the sake of learning and understanding our history as women in the CRC; identifying where advancements are or are not being made; and assessing current needs and challenges. I’m learning a lot!
My calendar for the two months following synod contains meetings with ordained and non-ordained women; reviewing responses from the surveys given to women who attended the Women in Leadership forum; exploring partnerships and collaborations; and making plans for significant future events.
Of most importance, this work is aimed at supporting all women in embracing our calling and using our God-given gifts in ways that honor God and bear much fruit for the Kingdom wherever we are called to serve. Secondly, looking for innovative ways to connect with each other for praying, networking, learning, and sharing resources are key components for creating an integrated process for supporting women.
Your prayers are welcomed as this work progresses. If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share, please let me know in the comments below.
In case you did not have a chance to see the article in CRC News, see below.
Comments
I would love to know of future meetings, events, opportunities when women leaders in the church get together. I am a woman working to heed God's call into ministry, and I know I need the continuing support of other women on the same road I am. Is there an email list being compiled or other plans for women getting together?
Hi Tricia, thanks for reading this update on Women in Leadership and making a comment. I would love to connect with you to get to know about your journey and also what we can expect in the future regarding women gatherings. My email address is [email protected]. Please send your contact information and I will either call or send an email, whichever you prefer. Please pray for this work. We truly need God's guidance. I look forward to hearing from you!
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