Feature Article
Dear Women in Ministry:
I am honored to step into a role that will encourage the spiritual
development and leadership capabilities of women across the
organization. I am indebted to Vollie Sanders and her team for the
foundation they established for the ministry. I am also aware that God
has a unique direction and special focus He desires to achieve through
me.
Shortly after I agreed to lead the National Women's Ministry, God gave me six simple phrases that could undergird the ideas, programs or direction of NWM. I was excited that God was confirming His will for me in this role.
God impressed me with several things He wanted to do in and through Navigator women: I believe He wants us to restore the joy, rebuild the wall, repair the breach, reverse the trends, renew the passion, and - only when absolutely necessary - review the past.
God gave me these words to help give shape to areas I long to see developed in the lives of women in ministry. Gradually, the words developed into concepts. My desire is to see more women in The Navigators fulfill their God-given gifts and abilities as they partner with men. While they are a reflection more of my thinking and values than they are a plan, strategy or direction, I believe these six concepts will surface again and again as future NWM programs and strategies are developed. Let me share them with you, briefly:
Restore the Joy
As women, we must first find our foundation, fulfillment and future in our identity in Christ. We must return time and time again to the source of our strength and to the fountain of our joy-the very life of Christ in us. Whether our circumstances are favorable or unfavorable, whether our lives seem full or empty, our joy in Jesus never changes, and that is enough. In Galatians 5:22, Paul describes joy as an evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit.
In the last week with His disciples, Jesus made sure they understood the necessity of abiding in Him as their source of joy. After describing Himself as the True Vine, and their need to abide in Him, He said, "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).
Rebuild the Wall
Once issues of our identity are settled, we are prepared to be used by God for the work of His kingdom. I was reminded of the importance of organization, planning and strategy needed to take NWM to the next level. The prophet Nehemiah's organizational skills and wisdom encouraged me. He placed the families along the wall of Jerusalem according to their gifts, abilities and self-interest (they were near their homes). As a result, their motivation and involvement was high. It was with a sense of joy and excitement that the Israelites began to work. They began with the end in mind. It is no wonder the enormous task of rebuilding the wall was finished in just 52 days.
Repair the Breach
This relates to smaller goals to be achieved. One of my goals is to see men and women fully partnering in the ministry of The Navigators with freedom and with grace. Progress has been made in this area, but there is room for improvement. We are not alone in our attempt to address the biblical teachings of interactions between men and women and between husbands and wives. The Body of Christ is growing in this area as well. Success in repairing the gender breach may provide stepping stones for repairing the breach of race and class. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, and I believe women are crucial to the process.
Reverse the Trend
Once we begin to do our Father's business in His name, in His way and by His ability, the effect will be a reversal of frustration to fruitfulness in life and ministry. We don't have to give into discontentment, discouragement or lack. Peter provides encouragement for us when he says, "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). Christ provides all we need. When we lay hold of this truth, we will see the tide turning, the trends reversing and the obstacles diminishing. A little here-a little there, with some cases happening more quickly than we ever dreamed. I challenge you to dream with me!
Renew the Passion
Renewing the passion is closely related to the first "R," restore the joy. When joy is restored it follows that passion will be renewed. When we understand that our joy is abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit is able to renew our passion for what is on His heart-the world and ministry to the lost and to the hurting. If I am ever discouraged with ministry or life's issues, it usually affects my desire to share Christ with others. I encourage you to join me in making God's burden for the lost our burden.
And finally, only when absolutely necessary . . .
Review the Past
Though we can learn from the past, dwelling there is usually unfruitful. The Apostle Paul knew this as well. After recounting his share of suffering for the sake of the Gospel, he says, "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:13). There is much to be gained from the past. But let us use our God-given ability to overcome the past and look to the future for the building up of the Body of Christ and His glory.
I am honored to step into a role that will encourage the spiritual
development and leadership capabilities of women across the
organization. I am indebted to Vollie Sanders and her team for the
foundation they established for the ministry. I am also aware that God
has a unique direction and special focus He desires to achieve through
me.Shortly after I agreed to lead the National Women's Ministry, God gave me six simple phrases that could undergird the ideas, programs or direction of NWM. I was excited that God was confirming His will for me in this role.
God impressed me with several things He wanted to do in and through Navigator women: I believe He wants us to restore the joy, rebuild the wall, repair the breach, reverse the trends, renew the passion, and - only when absolutely necessary - review the past.
God gave me these words to help give shape to areas I long to see developed in the lives of women in ministry. Gradually, the words developed into concepts. My desire is to see more women in The Navigators fulfill their God-given gifts and abilities as they partner with men. While they are a reflection more of my thinking and values than they are a plan, strategy or direction, I believe these six concepts will surface again and again as future NWM programs and strategies are developed. Let me share them with you, briefly:
Restore the Joy
As women, we must first find our foundation, fulfillment and future in our identity in Christ. We must return time and time again to the source of our strength and to the fountain of our joy-the very life of Christ in us. Whether our circumstances are favorable or unfavorable, whether our lives seem full or empty, our joy in Jesus never changes, and that is enough. In Galatians 5:22, Paul describes joy as an evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit.
In the last week with His disciples, Jesus made sure they understood the necessity of abiding in Him as their source of joy. After describing Himself as the True Vine, and their need to abide in Him, He said, "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).
Rebuild the Wall
Once issues of our identity are settled, we are prepared to be used by God for the work of His kingdom. I was reminded of the importance of organization, planning and strategy needed to take NWM to the next level. The prophet Nehemiah's organizational skills and wisdom encouraged me. He placed the families along the wall of Jerusalem according to their gifts, abilities and self-interest (they were near their homes). As a result, their motivation and involvement was high. It was with a sense of joy and excitement that the Israelites began to work. They began with the end in mind. It is no wonder the enormous task of rebuilding the wall was finished in just 52 days.
Repair the Breach
This relates to smaller goals to be achieved. One of my goals is to see men and women fully partnering in the ministry of The Navigators with freedom and with grace. Progress has been made in this area, but there is room for improvement. We are not alone in our attempt to address the biblical teachings of interactions between men and women and between husbands and wives. The Body of Christ is growing in this area as well. Success in repairing the gender breach may provide stepping stones for repairing the breach of race and class. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, and I believe women are crucial to the process.
Reverse the Trend
Once we begin to do our Father's business in His name, in His way and by His ability, the effect will be a reversal of frustration to fruitfulness in life and ministry. We don't have to give into discontentment, discouragement or lack. Peter provides encouragement for us when he says, "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). Christ provides all we need. When we lay hold of this truth, we will see the tide turning, the trends reversing and the obstacles diminishing. A little here-a little there, with some cases happening more quickly than we ever dreamed. I challenge you to dream with me!
Renew the Passion
Renewing the passion is closely related to the first "R," restore the joy. When joy is restored it follows that passion will be renewed. When we understand that our joy is abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit is able to renew our passion for what is on His heart-the world and ministry to the lost and to the hurting. If I am ever discouraged with ministry or life's issues, it usually affects my desire to share Christ with others. I encourage you to join me in making God's burden for the lost our burden.
And finally, only when absolutely necessary . . .
Review the Past
Though we can learn from the past, dwelling there is usually unfruitful. The Apostle Paul knew this as well. After recounting his share of suffering for the sake of the Gospel, he says, "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:13). There is much to be gained from the past. But let us use our God-given ability to overcome the past and look to the future for the building up of the Body of Christ and His glory.