Women Pastors: Are Our Assumptions Accurate?
Returning from the hospital's emergency room, Pastor Joan hurriedly parked her car. The church's 150th Anniversary Dinner would begin in two minutes. She had planned to arrive early and greet people. But that was not possible.
The fellowship hall was packed with people, excitement, and the smell of baked casseroles. As Joan arrived at the head table, the governing board chairperson welcomed the crowd and asked her to give the invocation.
Before praying, Joan said, "I know that several of you are aware of Harry's heart attack. I'm happy to report that Harry is now stable and he is expected to live."
As she sat down, the board chairperson rose again. He called everyone's attention to the 150th Anniversary "placemat" - designed by the Anniversary Committee and delivered by the printer late that afternoon. The colorful sheet listed the names of all forty-seven pastors in the congregation's history, along with their dates of service. The last entry read: "Joan Kalder, 2008 to present."
The board chair said, "Joan, this placemat puts you on our official list of pastors. But more than that, after only one year with us, you are not merely on the list; you are our pastor."
The audience exploded with appreciative applause.
Download the Parish Paper to read more.
- Download: Parish Paper, October 2009
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