"Absolutely No"

Okay so there were no repercussions from that "absolutely no" incident to which I am a little surprised, however, the one in charge of hospitality has become a little distant, not just from me but from the congregation as well. She leaves without saying a word to anyone after service. I hope she comes to grips with the fact that some people will say "no" and that shes okay with that. I mean I have to deal with people saying no all the time when I ask them to participate in different things or to contribute in some way. I mean, if this is your area of ministry (that the Lord has given you) sometimes you have to press on and not wear your emotions on your sleeves (I had to learn that in recent days). So my prayer is that all of us wont take it personal when our area of ministry is not someone elses area of ministry and we are told "absolutely no" we wont do it.

I Drew the Line

okay I just finished seminary. I'm feeling like God wants to do something in and through me. I know He does. However, at my church this past weekend, I was asked to serve food at the picnic, rubber gloves and all. Now I don't think I'm a high minded person but when do I draw the line. I want to be seen in a different light. I paid a lot of money to go to seminary, a lot of time sweat and effort to learn biblical truths for me to now be relegated back to the kitchen...hmmm. I declined the offer to spoon out beans, macaroni salad and the like which was not a popular decision among those who were dishing up the tasty morsels nor those who sought to strong arm me into doing the deed.

I have a couple of reasons for my decline. First, its just plain ole hot outside. I dont even do that at my own home and I dont like doing it even indoors in the cool, however, I will tolerate it. but in 90 degree heat it just wasnt going to happen. I'll do something else for the cause, which I did do -- make a dish and help some with clean up. I dont think anything other than serving up food with those ugly rubber gloves (sorry they are) would have sufficed their need for my submission.

Secondly, as a woman preacher when do you decline certain tasks so that people can respect you in the light of a minister. In Acts deacons were appointed for the daily needs and service of the church so that ministers could attend to soul business. Its already hard enough particularly as a woman in ministry to have people respect you as a laborer in the gospel. I drew the line. We'll see what happens next.