Women in ministry?
I’m a woman and a pretty darn good youth pastor. It’s hard to be a woman in ministry. Let’s face it–women in pastoral leadership have not always been well received. It’s rare to see women leading the charge and it’s even more rare to find women in youth ministry.
Why is this?
Well, it’s kind of a boys club. That’s not meant to be offensive, it’s just reality. Youth ministry is a male dominated field, but it doesn’t have to be. I want women and men to be caring for our teenagers, but I think people are afraid of what they have never experienced before. If we want to see gifted leaders lead, regardless of gender, then we (ladies) can’t be afraid to step up. And yes, I know it’s hard. I know you’ll be the “only one”. But we need some pioneers to pave the way. Women add a necessary and unique perspective to ministry, and Vineyard churches need them.
Do we have to do it the way it’s always been done?
Absolutely not. For me, this is the most freeing thing. For example, I never do gross games. No eating random foods all blended together into one shake of disgusting-ness. No all-nighters (why would we want to teach our students that eating junk food all night and not sleeping for 24 hours is a healthy idea?). But thankfully, those aren’t the things that make me a successful youth pastor.
I’m a good youth pastor because I first said “yes” to the Father’s call. He called me and continues to equip me to share his love and truth with a world that so desperately needs to hear it. I want to follow Him and use the gifts He has given me for His Kingdom.
The bottom line is that teenagers need pastors (men and women) who are willing to love Jesus with everything they have and to teach them how to do the same. And loving Jesus means loving your students by investing in their lives, redirecting them when they get off-course, making them a priority, telling them how much God loves them, and assuring them that they are the righteous sons and daughters of the King. And of course, none of that hinges on the fact that you are a man or a woman.
5 things to think about as you pursue a life in ministry
- Stay intimately connected to the Father. (John 15:5)
- Be confident. Don’t second-guess the calling. Just keep doing the last thing that Jesus told you to do.
- The best leaders are servants. (Follow Jesus’ example! Mark 10:43-45)
- Leaders lead. If God has given you the gift of leadership, use it well.
- Stay positive. Attitude is everything.
Go for it!
Whether male or female, if you are called and willing to lead, and if you have a passion for seeing the lives of teenagers dramatically transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit as they learn who their identity is in Him, then start taking the steps that might just lead to you becoming a youth pastor. Don’t wait. Our teenagers are waiting and they need us.
- Women in Youth Ministry - June 10, 2013
This isn’t about this article in particular, but it is exemplified in this article. One thing the Vineyard has lost through the years is in looking to scriptural authority (Mt. 4:4). Some churches debate a topic with chapter and verse on every point. There’s rarely chapter and verse cited at the Vineyard anymore. Just assertions on controversial topics, and “the Lord’s leading” – which is a document that is easily forged. (Jer. 23:9-11)
What I’d like to see is more than an assertion about women pastoring. Some of my friends have left the church on account of this very issue. It needs to be powerful enough to combat 1 Ti. 2:12. And it should account for the fact that “adulthood” was traditionally 13 years old in Judaism, and that is affirmed in the parable of Ez. 16:6-8.
I haven’t given up on the Vineyard. It’s my home. There’s false doctrine as a part of any church. I’ve had to correct my own doctrine a thousand times. But I would like to see our community made stronger. I sometimes ask people, “How did Elijah die?” I get blank stares from leaders in the church. That “death” was pretty famous. They don’t know who Balaam was. I don’t want a new church. I want a Biblical Vineyard.
I leave you with this verse. I know it cuts both ways, and I welcome your correction.
Pr. 9:8 “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”
Brian–I really appreciate, and agree with, your desire for Biblical authority. We want all believers in Jesus to pursue this. This article was not meant as a scriptural defense of a position that has already been adopted in the Vineyard (namely that women can function in full equality to men in leadership)(http://www.vineyardusa.org/site/files/about/VUSA%20Position%20Ordination%20of%20Women%209.06.pdf)
Rather, I was trying to apply that to youth ministry in particular. If you would like to discuss a more detailed and Biblical defense of this general position, let’s talk off line. 🙂 Or feel free to email the editor of Redpoint, as he would be willing to share his position on this topic as well. Thanks!
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Thanks for your article. Have you read Scot Mcknight’s Blue Parakeet? It does a great job of addressing a lot of the inequality issues women face in church leadership. I am always a fan of meeting other #ymwomen
I’ve been a mom and youth worker for a long time.
Yes–it’s a fantastic read! Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom! 🙂
Thank you so much for this article, it was really encouraging for me. I am at this place in my life where I feel God’s nudge to step into youth ministry, not just as a leader but as a pastor. One of my biggest hesitations is being a girl. Because, like you said, it is a boy’s world. Thank you for reminding me that no matter what, if God has placed this call on my life it is worth pursuing.
So glad you were encouraged! Praying over you and your call to pastoral leadership!
Thank you for this post. It is really encouraging. I will begin Seminary in January for my Master of Arts in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry and, obviously, I am a female. I have been a preschool teacher and a stay at home mother. I knew I was called to do ministry when I was in high school, but some personal trials had me pushing off this calling. I have returned to my First Love in Christ and have felt the tugging to begin my ministry journey. I have been really nervous because sometimes, female ministers aren’t received well. I am glad that I came across your post.
Praying for you as you follow the Father, Marissa! 🙂
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