Women in Ministry

I have debated about writing this post for a while now. I have gone back and forth and back and forth. I honestly worry too much about causing other people angst. However, since I am really working through my own beliefs as a Christian -- not simply by denomination-- I feel that I need to get this out. I am really hoping that this will be something that I get lots of responses and commentary on. BUT - let me start out by saying that I am requesting all comments be respectful and full of Christ's love for the body of believers even if your opinion isn't the same as someone else's.
As you know, my husband has been appointed to another church and therefore we will be moving and leaving this place we've called home for the past two years. It was also announced to our church the same day who was to be his replacement. It is to be a woman pastor.

Now, I know there are many, many people who don't believe in ordination of women and there are many, many who do. As I said above, I am working through my beliefs and why I believe what I believe. Therefore, I am interested in all of your opinions on the subject of women as pastors. And while I haven't definitively decided what I believe (still researching and praying) I do want to say that I think the Church (the whole body of believers) spends way too much time debating things like this. Time that could be devoted to the Great Commission of Christ to go and make disciples and how this can be accomplished throughout the world.

But, here is what I am really struggling with. I've heard lots of folks tell me "You know, so and so is leaving because they don't want a women minister....". Here is why it bugs me. I have to wonder if these people have actually searched their bible and researched this and prayed about their beliefs. Or are they leaving out of the tradition of "I've never had a woman pastor so, I'm not going to start now."? Or maybe it is because they've never questioned the things they've been taught at any level.
I don't think those are reasons to leave at all. I think saying that a woman has nothing from God to say and cannot lead a church without even giving it any thought or giving her any chance at all is wrong. Not only that but I think that it is very unloving.

So, I guess I'd just like to say to the folks who read this who attend our church, please don't leave without searching and praying and knowing -- truly KNOWING what YOU believe. And definitely don't do it without prayer. And don't go into this change with the attitude that you aren't going to get anything out of church anymore. Besides that - we come to church to worship God (but that is another rant for another day I suppose) not to "get something out of it".
Give this new pastor a chance -- you might be surprised how well God can use her to shepherd the sheep.

For those of you out in blogland -- I'd love your take on this subject. So, comment away.

NOW - since we move in a little less than 6 weeks -- I've got to get back to getting things packed and in order. Have a truly blessed Tuesday everyone!