Have you ever changed your mind on something important? I have.
Changing your mind about a fundamental issue or belief can be one of the hardest mental shifts to go through.
Perhaps you’ve adopted a new system of beliefs, experienced a 180-degree shift in thinking or reconsidered an issue or topic after learning more information.
One of my major life mind shifts is related to this issue’s topic — women in pastoral ministry. I’ve come to understand that God calls both men and women into pastoral ministry, but I didn’t always have this understanding.
Growing up, I assumed that pastoral roles were for men, like my father, and teaching roles were for women, like my mother. They followed God’s leading so well in their life and ministry that this made the most logical sense to me.
In my early adulthood, I encountered women in pastoral ministry and was initially skeptical, thinking their motivations were personal ambitions rather than a divine calling.
Then God began to change my perspective. Through personal and professional encounters with female pastors, my viewpoint gradually shifted. I witnessed the strength of their conviction in God’s calling and purpose in their lives.
I learned from the depths of their sermons, Bible studies and small groups, and I experienced a new level of pastoral care. Over time, I listened to their advice, disagreed occasionally and grew in my overall appreciation for their Spirit-led mentoring.
As time went on, it became clear to me that personal biases often overshadow theological understanding in discussions about women in pastoral ministry and women's ordination.
God used first-hand encounters to change my viewpoints and connect me with a tribe of multi-generational female pastors and spiritual leaders. It's often been this group that receives my first phone call or text message on my darkest days. Time after time, these dedicated pastors have followed God’s promptings to offer specific encouragement, often before I even knew I needed it.
Maybe this topic of women in pastoral ministry isn’t a sticking point for you, but there may be another spiritual, relational or theological area you struggle with. The same principles apply: As we follow God’s leading, He can transform our mindset through scripture study, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, prayer, reflection and daily interactions.
We have a sacred mission to "Reach One More," and this requires all of us — men and women, young and old, pastors and members — to work together with the Holy Spirit.
Let us remain open to how God works in our lives to broaden our understanding and perspective, allowing His truth to shape our hearts and actions as we grow together in faith.
Table Talk Prompt
Is there a belief or perspective in your life that the Holy Spirit might be prompting you to reevaluate? How open are you to embracing a change of view?
