| Subject: |
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Age, gender and theology . . . don't mix? |
| Name: |
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Editor |
| Date Posted: |
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Mar 24, 06 - 9:01 AM |
| Email: |
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dennisocallaghan@msn.com |
| Message: |
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This letter came accross my desk well worth the read DMC
Without arguing IF someone is called. . . assuming you are called, there is tremendous prejudice in the church for gender, age, education, experience, doctrine, etc. It seems that pulpit committees are not trying to find the right person, but rather the person who meets the criteria of their little club.
Oops, didn't mean to sound bitter! My husband and I have been called to the pastorate. We both have many years in non-pastoral church leadership. I have a Ph.D. in theology. My husband is a successful marketing man with a wonderful track record in church growth. I am, according to my students, an excellent Bible/Doctrinal teacher.
We have, between us served in all areas of the church. We have helped three new church plants get started. We 'aced' a church planters boot camp. Although we have made it through several rounds with pulpit committees, we are ultimated not chosen and have been told it was for the following reasons:
1. They don't accept female pastors. (Me)
2. They don't accept older men as pastors. (My husband is 61)
3. They don't accept charismatics. (Even though we're considered conservative and balanced in application of the holy spirit in church services)
4. They don't recognize the institution where I received my degree.
5. They don't want the wife to be so involved, just the husband. (We are a pastoring couple, co-pastors)
The American church is extremely divided for too many reasons. We're all about rejecting what God has accepted. Seems like the same problem Peter had. So, we work tirelessly building and growing ministries and churches for others, never receiving an opportunity to do exactly what we are called to do. . .Pastor.
This, we believe, is the reason so many independent non-denominational churches have started in this country. The church won't let us in, but we must do the work to which we are called.
by Dr. Linda Smith and Robert Smith |
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