A Legacy of Women in Ministry
Jun. 28, 2010
On May 13, about 25 women gathered for a West Michigan Women in Ministry Brunch at Kentwood Community Church in Kentwood, Michigan.
Pastor Kathy Resler Chambliss and Pastor Christy Lipscomb hosted the event. Women in various types of ministry across the district gathered for the purpose of networking and encouragement. During the brunch, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, a General Superintendent for The Wesleyan Church, gave a presentation on women in ministry in the early church, which included the story of St. Thecla. Thecla studied under Paul in the first century and later planted a church. Her ministry lasted over 1,000 years. Such stories of women in ministry served as an inspiration during the event.
Rev. Mark Gorveatte, who has served as the district superintendent of West Michigan District for ten years and was recently named president of Bethany Bible College, brought an exhortation for women to plant churches. Dr. Richard Waugh, national superintendent of The Wesleyan-Methodist Church in New Zealand, and his wife Jane, were in nearby Grand Rapids at the time of the brunch and talked about the role women are playing in the church in their country. In New Zealand, a rich history of women pastors exists, as approximately 30 percent of the current pastors are female.
The May 13 brunch ended with a question and answer time with Dr. Lyon as well as time to network, encourage, and pray for female leaders.
Used with permission from West Michigan Distr
