Thursday, January 31, 2008
Continuing the legacy of bold women
Biblical women and modern-day mentors gave me courage to visualize my ministry
by Irene Pak
"She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:27)
Many of us are familiar with Jesus’ powerful words, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). What we usually don’t hear or remember is the question following that statement and the response.
Jesus then asks, “Do you believe this?” He is talking to Martha, a woman, and she responds with a profound articulate theological answer. “Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
When I took the time to really listen to that response, I was surprised for a couple of reasons. I was surprised because throughout the gospels none of Jesus’ twelve disciples could articulate who Jesus was like Martha was able to do. They usually didn’t get it, or get him. They were the ones that asked questions of clarification and were told stories in parables. So, it surprised me to hear such a strong statement of understanding from a woman.
Then again, when I think about the women in the gospels, I notice a pattern. Women on the margins, women who are outcasts, the “other,” are the ones who dare to ask for healing and trust it will happen. They are the ones touching the cloak, wiping Jesus’ feet with perfume and hair, making bold faith statements, asking about living water, and making articulate claims as to who Jesus is as Savior.
Why is it then, even with these stories in my mind, I am surprised when a woman in the Bible or even in the present day can make strong statements of understanding and faith? Why is it that when I envision a “pastor” the first image that appears is an older white male?
As a young adult woman of color and candidate for ordination, these realizations bother me. It was what deterred me from responding to the calling I felt to ministry at a young age. Pastors were older, men, usually white, and “really holy.” I was none of those things and shoved the Spirit’s calling aside. I had never even seen or met an Asian American female pastor until I went to seminary years later!
Praise God for an older white male pastor who when I finally “gave in” to God’s calling gave me opportunities to lead, experience and share my faith and begin to articulate my understanding to God’s people. I am incredibly thankful for him and for the nurture and mentorship he provided me during those formative years.
It wasn’t, however, until I met other women and other women who looked like me in different forms of ministry that I began to fully enter into and feel empowered to do the work God was calling me to do.
In the recent celebration of 50 years of ordination of women as ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), my heart was grateful for all of the women who have paved the way for me so that I have the privilege to follow my own call. And yet, we all know that the line of strong women of faith traces its roots to biblical times. It’s amazing to know that I am a continuing part of that legacy.
When Martha responds, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world,” she affirms her belief in Jesus and who he is and springs forth life into his prior statement. This is the One who broke boundaries and dared to reach out, eat with, heal and touch those considered on the margins, including women. This is the One who she boldly affirms and puts her trust in.
As I dare to join the circle of women who have courageously walked in faith, I pray for a day when we automatically envision women and men of all races, ethnicities, age and abilities as leaders of the church. I am excited to be part of that vision.
Irene Pak is a young adult intern serving in the ministry of Racial Justice and Advocacy. A graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary, she is a candidate for ordination in the Presbytery of Utah.
by Irene Pak
"She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:27)
Many of us are familiar with Jesus’ powerful words, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). What we usually don’t hear or remember is the question following that statement and the response.
Jesus then asks, “Do you believe this?” He is talking to Martha, a woman, and she responds with a profound articulate theological answer. “Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
When I took the time to really listen to that response, I was surprised for a couple of reasons. I was surprised because throughout the gospels none of Jesus’ twelve disciples could articulate who Jesus was like Martha was able to do. They usually didn’t get it, or get him. They were the ones that asked questions of clarification and were told stories in parables. So, it surprised me to hear such a strong statement of understanding from a woman.
Then again, when I think about the women in the gospels, I notice a pattern. Women on the margins, women who are outcasts, the “other,” are the ones who dare to ask for healing and trust it will happen. They are the ones touching the cloak, wiping Jesus’ feet with perfume and hair, making bold faith statements, asking about living water, and making articulate claims as to who Jesus is as Savior.
Why is it then, even with these stories in my mind, I am surprised when a woman in the Bible or even in the present day can make strong statements of understanding and faith? Why is it that when I envision a “pastor” the first image that appears is an older white male?
As a young adult woman of color and candidate for ordination, these realizations bother me. It was what deterred me from responding to the calling I felt to ministry at a young age. Pastors were older, men, usually white, and “really holy.” I was none of those things and shoved the Spirit’s calling aside. I had never even seen or met an Asian American female pastor until I went to seminary years later!
Praise God for an older white male pastor who when I finally “gave in” to God’s calling gave me opportunities to lead, experience and share my faith and begin to articulate my understanding to God’s people. I am incredibly thankful for him and for the nurture and mentorship he provided me during those formative years.
It wasn’t, however, until I met other women and other women who looked like me in different forms of ministry that I began to fully enter into and feel empowered to do the work God was calling me to do.
In the recent celebration of 50 years of ordination of women as ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), my heart was grateful for all of the women who have paved the way for me so that I have the privilege to follow my own call. And yet, we all know that the line of strong women of faith traces its roots to biblical times. It’s amazing to know that I am a continuing part of that legacy.
When Martha responds, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world,” she affirms her belief in Jesus and who he is and springs forth life into his prior statement. This is the One who broke boundaries and dared to reach out, eat with, heal and touch those considered on the margins, including women. This is the One who she boldly affirms and puts her trust in.
As I dare to join the circle of women who have courageously walked in faith, I pray for a day when we automatically envision women and men of all races, ethnicities, age and abilities as leaders of the church. I am excited to be part of that vision.
Irene Pak is a young adult intern serving in the ministry of Racial Justice and Advocacy. A graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary, she is a candidate for ordination in the Presbytery of Utah.
posted by Noelle at 1:31 PM
4 Comments:
Amen Irene. I do hope the process is opening up for you somehow!
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for visiting the NNPCW blog! We hope you'll visit again.
Blessings on you and your ministry,
Noelle
Associate for NNPCW
Thanks for visiting the NNPCW blog! We hope you'll visit again.
Blessings on you and your ministry,
Noelle
Associate for NNPCW
May God bless you as you continue your journey toward ordination and Christian ministry. In Christ,
Luis
Luis
Hi Luis,
Thank you for visiting, as well. Your newsletter looks very interesting--I'll be sure to check it out in more depth when I have a chance.
Please visit our blog again!
Blessings,
Noelle
Associate for NNCPW
Thank you for visiting, as well. Your newsletter looks very interesting--I'll be sure to check it out in more depth when I have a chance.
Please visit our blog again!
Blessings,
Noelle
Associate for NNCPW
NNPCW
Welcome to Network Notes, the blog of the National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW).
NNPCW, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA), is a group of young women connected by their belief in God, seeking to understand what it means to claim a Christian faith that empowers women.
About Me
- Name: Noelle
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Hi! I'm the staff person for the National Network of Presbyterian College Women. I manage NNPCW's blog, but I am not the only person who posts to this blog. Each week a member of NNPCW's Coordinating Committee shares her thoughts with you through the blog, and every so often I chime in, too. Please join the conversation by leaving a comment. Welcome!
Archive
- current
- January 2005
- February 2005
- March 2005
- April 2005
- May 2005
- June 2005
- July 2005
- August 2005
- September 2005
- October 2005
- November 2005
- December 2005
- January 2006
- February 2006
- March 2006
- April 2006
- May 2006
- June 2006
- July 2006
- August 2006
- September 2006
- October 2006
- November 2006
- December 2006
- March 2007
- April 2007
- May 2007
- June 2007
- July 2007
- August 2007
- September 2007
- October 2007
- November 2007
- December 2007
- January 2008
- February 2008
- March 2008
- April 2008
- May 2008
- June 2008
- July 2008
- September 2008
- October 2008
