When I was a young woman trying to map out the path my life would take me, I often struggled with whether or not I should be go into ministry. There was never a question about whether or not I could be a minister, for to me, there was no reason I could not. From my first steps as new believer reading the Bible for the first time, to now, as a mature believer who has read in-depth translations, studies and commentaries regarding what Paul said to women in the Church, and has heard enough theological debates for both perspectives regarding women in leadership and ministry,the scriptures have only reinforced this to me.

Perhaps, because of my Lutheran, Charismatic and Pentecostal background, for many years, I did not even occur to me that anyone would actually questionsanyone had a question about  being ministers. It was only in recent years that I was chagrined to find out what a hotly debated topic this is in Christendom. I thank God that I made it through my formitave years as a Christian blissfully unaware of this. I was lucky-- unlike some women who long to fulfill a calling preaching the word or pastoring a church but feel stifled by voices saying, "You do not have the right equipment to lead", my struggle was whether I was obligated to be in ministry, even if I didnt' want to be a pastor or a missionary.

I don't want to go into a theological debate regarding what the Bible says regarding women in ministry, because it seems like it has been debated eloquently and scripturally (on both sides of the argument). If you want more information on the argument for women in ministry, please check out: Rachel Held Evans link, Women in Ministry Link, or read : (book suggestions).  If you have any other recommendations, please leave a link or author and book name in the comments. I think that this issue is being tackled in the Christian blogosphere and in ministry circles someetimes with great grace, but for the most part it seems like a lot of yelling, with very little listening. So, for me, I don't really care to argue about it. Because, if God has called me to lead or to minister, I will, and He will make a way. GGiven my early experience in the Church, clearly there are plenty of places and believers who will make room for a woman's gift. If I am not welcome in one place, I will simply "shake the dust off my sandals" and leave.

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