Look who’s back…

Back agin…

Nikki’s back. Tell a friend.

What can I say, I’m from metro Detroit. Of course I had to quote Eminem as I return to blogging (no endorsement intended). I don’t think I meant to be gone this long, but I haven’t written a word in almost 4 years on this platform. So why now? What could have stirred in me so much that I would dust off my keyboard and share my thoughts? Well… that was a little dramatic. My keyboard isn’t dusty at all. I have been writing, just not here. Yet, this morning as I spent time in prayer the feeling came. I knew it was time to write. I was compelled to address a topic that really encapsulates my life. The ever controversial call of women to lead in the Church of Jesus Christ. How appropriate that on the last day of International Women’s Month I would feel led to address this topic.

This past Sunday I was once again reminded that as a female pastor and preacher I have experiences my male counterparts will never have. They will never know what it is like to have people walk out of a church service as they begin to preach simply because of their gender. Full transparency, I have been doing this for over 10 years now so people disagreeing with female preachers isn’t something that rattles me at all anymore. But it still saddens me. I think it will always sadden me. Not because I grieve for me…it’s not about me. No, I grieve because there are many who would rather a female walk in disobedience to a call God has placed on her life than have the audacity to preach the Word of God.  

However this morning as I prayed I found myself thanking God for this gift He has given me. The gift to serve Him and His Church, to lift up the name and Jesus, to help people fall in love with His presence and His Word. This gift doesn’t come easily, resistance is all around me. Yet, it is the resistance that reminds me that is not about me and it most certainly isn’t about girl power, it’s only ever been about Jesus. And serving Jesus is worth any obstacle we might face. Think about it, serving God has never been a path marked by ease. Abraham leave your home…Moses face the most powerful man in the world…Deborah lead God’s people with strength and integrity in the midst of a battle…David take down Goliath…Rahab harbor the spies…Job be willing to lose it all…Mary say yes to pregnancy before marriage…Peter and Andrew drop your nets and walk away from your livelihood…Mary of Bethany sit in a room where women aren’t allowed…Samaritan woman go, tell the people that shamed you the Good News of Jesus…Paul die to yourself so that you can bring the Gospel to all nations. Nope, not many examples of the easy version of walking in God’s calling. The truth is, we all face obstacles as we serve Jesus, it’s how we respond to those obstacles that makes all the difference.

There is a little girl named Brinley. Sweet Brinley lives in Oregon and watches The Woods Church online with her mama. Her grandparents and extended family live local and attend our church in person. Every Sunday this 5 year old watches and she praises Jesus. This fall when her kindergarten teacher asked what she wanted to be when she grew up her response was, “Pastor Nikki.” With tears in my eyes and my heart completely undone, as her great aunt shared this story with me, I thought, “THIS is why I do what I do.” This little girl doesn’t want to be me, per se, she wants to be a preacher. She wants to tell the world about the Jesus she loves and worships…as a 5 year old. This precious little girl saw a woman preacher and knew instinctively, “if she can do it, so can I.” If all I have to do is suffer some ridicule and people walking out of the room when I preach so that other women might know it’s not only ok but good to be obedient to God’s calling, then I am unashamedly here for it.     

At the end of the day, if you have ever read one of my blogs you know I am not here to convince anyone that what I do in Jesus’ name is ok or permissible. With all due respect, I do not answer to anyone other than God. When He calls, I go. What He calls me to, I do.  When the light of this life goes out, I want to stand before my Lord and say “I served You the best I could. I was obedient even when many told me my obedience was wrong.” You see, I cannot speak for all female pastors but I can speak for me. Female leadership in the church is not contrary to Scripture, it’s not about pushing a progressive agenda, it’s not about feminism, and it’s not about adapting or compromising to cultural norms. It’s about living in the truth that God uses His daughters as well as His sons as leaders. He did so all throughout Scripture, and yes, I do believe even Paul would agree with that statement. After all, Priscilla was one of his strongest ministry partners.

My prayer isn’t that my words might change anyone’s heart or mind, only the Holy Spirit can do that. My prayer is to encourage the hearts of women who are living out their calling in the face of opposition, God is pleased with your obedience. My prayer is to encourage the heart of the woman who feels the call to pastoral ministry and wonders if it’s wrong…obedience to God is never wrong as long as your desire is to exalt and serve Him and Him alone. My prayer is for us all to remember that the Church of Jesus Christ is better, stronger, and evidences Jesus in greater ways when we work together.     

It’s funny. I never really pay attention to things like International Women’s Month. However, today I honor the spiritual mothers that walked the extraordinarily difficult road to pave a way for me to serve Jesus as I do. Today I celebrate my spiritual sisters fighting the good fight for the Kingdom of God, stay strong and know that the fruit of your obedience is so pleasing to God. Today I encourage every spiritual daughter that looks at us and sees a pathway forward in ministry, the single greatest thing you will ever do is devote your life to Jesus. It won’t be easy, but sweet girl, it will be worth it!!! And finally, to the men who support us, there are not enough words to express the gratitude I have for you all. Thank you for having the courage to stand in the gap that gives us a voice. 

Grace and Peace

Nikki xoxo