Several months ago, a small group of women serving vocationally in Louisiana Baptist churches and entities began discussing the possibility of and need for an affinity group.
ALEXANDRIA – Several months ago, a small group of women serving vocationally in Louisiana Baptist churches and entities began discussing the possibility of and need for an affinity group.
About 30 women gathered Nov. 12 at Emmanuel Baptist to discuss at greater length the concept of such an organization. By the close of the three-hour session the consensus was that enough interest existed for a second meeting, set to take place prior to the LBC Evangelism Conference in January.
“This first gathering was inspiring and encouraging to me as a woman in ministry,” said Andrea McKenzie of Oakdale, who spearheaded the group’s organization. “I can’t recall a time, even at seminary, being in a room with so many women who have also experienced God’s call on their lives.”
Women seated at half-a-dozen round tables were welcomed by McKenzie to the meeting and invited to partake of “chocolate and caffeine” set up at one end of Emmanuel’s fellowship hall; she then gave her reasons for wanting to help birth the organization.
“There are a lot of women serving in our churches and agencies in Louisiana who don’t have anybody to talk to about issues affecting them,” McKenzie said. “We all need a safe person to confide in. I hope we can be that for each other.”
The program included time for small groups, during which the women talked about their ministry responsibilities and got to know each other. They ranged in age from the 20s to the 70s, and in responsibility from preschoolers to seniors, and from youth to music and more.
Kathy Frady, a comedic dramatist from New Orleans, performed in red wig and edgy outfit as “Dr. Carolyn Carol, psychoanalyst to the stars.” She hilariously compared issues common to women in vocational ministry with similar situations experienced by Hollywood headliners and gave the same “live with it” answer to each.
Cindy Townsend, former WMU and women’s ministry leader for the Louisiana Baptist Convention and now living and serving vocationally in Temple, Texas, was guest speaker. Her topic: The good news of being a woman in ministry.
“God equips us with our passions and spiritual gifts,” Townsend said. She reminded the women of a famous quote: “God’s work done God’s way always has God’s supply.”
Nothing done has any eternal value unless God touches it, unless He anoints it with His power, Townsend continued.
“The point is that women need to realize that God is faithful to lead and guide,” Townsend said. “God sustains us. … Keep your focus on Jesus.”
Both genders, male and female, have passion for ministry, intelligence, gifts, drive, verbal skills, leadership skills, and ambition, Townsend said. Psychologists, however, report that males and females will often approach the same set of circumstances differently.
“Women need to celebrate bringing our approach to the ministry table,” she said, and listed several attributes women bring to ministry that are not always of first importance to a man: the ability to nurture, to freely feel emotion, sixth sense, attention to detail, global thinker leadership style, verbal skills, and an ability to discern and be wise.
Steve Folmar, pastor of First Baptist Houma, sent two women from the church staff to the conference for women in vocational ministry.
“He said he thought it would be good for us,” said Missy Valure, preschool minister for the last four years. “I’d been praying about this [ministry] for a long time. I knew I’d been called to ministry; I just didn’t think it would ever happen.”
When it did, she received excellent training from Carolle Green, LBC childhood ministry strategist, Valure said, but she liked the idea of also being part of an organization for all women in vocational ministry.
“Hearing Cindy today was such an affirmation,” said Sarah Melancon, student minister at First Houma, who added that like Valure, she had not known why their pastor sought them out to suggest they drive five hours to a meeting they didn’t know anything about. But, also like Valure, she was glad she had heeded his advice.
“I so needed this today,” Melancon added. “I’m so glad to be here.”
“This group meets my need,” said one woman unnamed so she could speak freely. “I can’t vent to people at my church because I work with them. In this group we can deal with real-life issues without my job being on the line if I say something someone takes offense to.”
While the original vision was a group for fellowship and mentoring, women at the first meeting expressed a need and desire for additional knowledge.
“We need training in how to deal with being the only woman on a staff,” one woman said.
The next meeting of the as-yet-unnamed group of women in vocational ministry is set for 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, on the campus of Louisiana College. A dutch treat lunch at a nearby restaurant is to follow.
McKenzie asked women to consider a name for the fledgling organization, and how they could be involved in it. The name and officers are to be determined at the January meeting.
“It was exciting to see firsthand how God is using women all across Louisiana to touch people’s lives in the name of Jesus Christ,” McKenzie said. “We left with new friends, the desire to meet again soon, and the will to clarify our purpose and focus for future events. I am pleased with the positive and creative contributions made by the participants. In my opinion, this first gathering was a great success.”