I had a plan for this month’s blog post, but something is resting heavy on my heart and mind. As a woman in ministry, I have heard all sorts of comments about my fitness for ministry. This is not based on my skills, abilities, talents, or gifts, but on my sex assigned at birth and gender expression—female. As a life-long, third generation Disciple of Christ, I grew up with strong women leaders in the church and with men who encouraged and supported those women. Based on my experience with the church, I’m always surprised at comments I receive about my existence as an ordained minister. Perhaps that is naive, but surprise is my first reaction. Then it’s frustration.
Though some still deliver their opinions in person, it seems that the world of social media and online communication has emboldened the masses to share opinions and thoughts online that they would never offer to someone in real life. This includes comments to and about women and girls. While the world is speaking loudly on expectations and opinions about women and girls, I wonder what we, as the Christian Church in Oklahoma, are saying, specifically in our ministries with young people.
How are our ministries with children and youth promoting the ways of Jesus, who absolutely enabled and empowered women to share the good news that God’s love is for all people? Are we painting a picture of Jesus as a man who saw women as valuable members of a community? Are we teaching boys how to advocate for their non-male classmates, using their power to lift up their friends? Are we modeling respect and dignity for each and every child and teenager who comes through our ministries, as Jesus taught? Do we check our own biases and ideas about gender roles in our work with children and youth? Do we put ourselves in the place of young ladies in our ministries before we speak and act?
The world is hard. Many of the messages that boys and girls receive at a very young age from American culture about who they are and who they are supposed to be are loud, clear, and, frankly, contrary to the teachings of Jesus, who centered love, hospitality, dignity, and compassion. The church, though, must strive to be louder than these voices. The church has an opportunity to be sanctuaries for children and youth in a world that can be harsh, unforgiving, and quick to label.
’d love to know what you are doing to establish a culture of kindness and welcome in your ministries with young people. I’d love to talk with you about the practices in your ministries you would like to change but just don’t know how. I’d love to share with you what has worked for other congregations in their work to be places that shape young people to live in ways that respect all of God’s children.
May we live in ways that serve as a reminder to the world that all people are made in the image of God. This is who we are called to be as followers of Christ, as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, and as humans who delight in watching children and youth grow in their life as disciples of Jesus.