Called to Encourage
The privilege of serving the Lord in his Church is not exclusive to a few; it is a privilege for all who hear the call and follow it with perseverance, carrying out this call with hard work. The role that we play within this great privilege is summarized in empowerment first, and in many cases, on the part of a person who is with you during this period of growth.
God calls us, without a doubt, but we also need someone to confirm that call.
Since the PreacHer Sunday campaign began, it has been a challenge as a minister in my congregation. Currently, I am the only woman who is an ordained minister in our church. I began to consider how to keep this from impeding the promotion of women ministering in our congregation. We have the privilege of having the full support of our pastor, who is also my husband. He always encourages us and pushes us to carry out the work of our Lord. That encouraged me to be creative, and God put on my heart that I should encourage some women this September to join in ministry in innovative ways. They are women full of gifts and with much to give for the work of the Lord. I encouraged them to be part of a monthly team that would lead the service on Sunday. This would include announcements, receiving of tithes and offerings, encouraging the congregation to be part of upcoming activities, and introducing the preacher. Seeing this small change in our logistics was beautiful as it opened a way for my sisters to leave fear and shame aside, confirm that calling in them, and begin taking steps in ministry. Last September, on PredicaElla Sunday, two of the sisters I encouraged shared a word from God in the pulpit. I know that God will continue to form ministers in our congregations, raising brave women full of the Holy Spirit of God to do great things for his kingdom. With the respect and love that characterizes our lives and ministries, it is time for us to break with stereotypes and those patterns that have been implanted within our churches, transforming our lives and ministries into mentors, disciples, and friends, encouraging each other to believe in that call that God has given to all of us.
We have all received gifts and talents from God.
We all have some special ability.
We must all make good use of what God gives us.
Your community needs you.
Your gifts and talents are not just for you; they are to serve others. So it is no longer just about you but about your neighbor—a double responsibility.
Each of you has received some unique ability from God. Use it well in the service of others.
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of God’s manifold grace.
Rev. MaríaJosé Chacón, along with her husband Asdrúbal Chacón and their son, have been pastoring a multicultural congregation with bilingual services at El Monte Wesleyan Christian Church for more than 15 years. Rev. Chacon became an ordained minister three years ago.
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PreacHer Sunday celebrates your call to preach the Good News!
The PreacHer Sunday initiative seeks to encourage Wesleyan churches to invite a gifted and called woman to preach in local churches that do not already have a regular rotation of women in the pulpit.
It is also a time to celebrate the many churches that recognize the gifts of women and men, have a regular rotation of women bringing the Word, or have a female lead pastor during regular worship services. Learn more about this here.
Now available–PreacHer gear, including tshirts, sweatshirts, bags, mugs, and water bottles…
Get your PreacHer gear here: https://preacher-sunday.myspreadshop.com/all
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Check out the Women in Ministry shirts…Two different styles, multiple colors, and multiple sizes are available. Check out our merch HERE
All proceeds help provide ministry training scholarships for students and women.
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Any amount will be greatly appreciated, and 100% of your gift will be used for these scholarships. Click here to donate.
For more info on donations or scholarships, contact womenministry@wesleyan.org.
