I am officially a senior in High School and as a result I've spent a lot of time over the past couple of weeks thinking about "future" things and looking at college options and praying like a madman about what God needs from me over the next couple of years. "What do you want to be when you grow up, Samantha?" Well, right now, a Youth Minister. I have a lot of love for my generation, and feel like God wants me to minister to them.

However, I'm a girl! - Which poses a problem when I start talking about ministry or my desire to lead in the church. There are many people who would speak out in opposition of women holding certain positions in the church; and surprisingly enough, I don't disagree. My dad gave me a couple copies of the Christian Standard to check out (8/17/08, 8/24/08) and inside one (8/17/08) there was an article presenting two sides to my "situation". BEST PART.. they both have cool names-

Egalitarian: those for and Complementarian: those against

I fall somewhere between the two… Wishing I had some cool "-tarian" to place at the end of my name! But, let's see if I can explain this to you in a way we'll both understand.

I believe that man and woman were created equal. Both of us fearfully and wonderfully made. In the image of God, both valued and both loved. Equals. However, I also believe that man and woman were created for different purposes. Both incomplete without the other. Men with gifts that women are without and vice-versa. Man: Created to rule over the fish of the sea and birds of the air, to subdue the earth and rule over it. I think that even today the man has authority and responsibility over his family, including his wife. Woman: Made as a "Suitable Helper" for man. It was not good or safe for the man to be alone and so God gifted him with a bride. Not one under him, but one to aid him and live along side him.

All throughout the Old Testament men were given priority. They were those closest to God and in charge of the spiritual well-being of their family but also of their community and nation. As it was, up until only a few decades ago, only the men were counted or heard from in most situations. However, women such as Deborah (judges 4,5), Huldah (2 chronicles 34) and the "wise woman of Abel" (2 Samuel 20) were all influential in the tales of the Israelites. Each an instrument in God's epic story. Maybe not holding positions of authority but serving God powerfully.

When we move ahead a couple hundred years Jesus chose 12 men to be closest to him in his ministry. He taught them and trained them and sent them out as preachers for the kingdom of God. While it is unlikely that there were women among the 72 in Luke 10, the women that Jesus hung out with were pretty awesome and treated with respect. Mary and Martha were considered some of Jesus' closest friends and the two Marys were first to see Jesus after his resurrection: making them two of many credible witnesses to the gospel message. They were commissioned, along with the men, in Matthew 28 to go and spread that message across the world.

Now, of course, there's Paul- Worthy of respect, but frustrating when it comes to talking about women. This is where I run into the parts that I don't like. But you have to give him his props, ‘cause he knows what he's talking about! Paul says things like "women should remain silent in churches"(1 Corinthians 14) and "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man"(1 Timothy 3).

However, In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul talks about head coverings. He says that when women pray and prophesy they should do it with their heads covered, but in saying this Paul implies that the women were in-fact: Praying and Prophesying. The women were participating in worship, and in a public way that would edify/benefit the whole congregation.

In Galatians 3:28, Paul says "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus... Neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female." Man and Woman. Receiving the same salvation. Living off of the same hope. Filled with the same spirit, for the glory of the same God.

And that’s my favorite part. Filled with the same spirit, for the glory of the same God. The same Holy Spirit that enabled the disciples to speak in tongues and now manifests Himself within believers for the "common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). -Spiritual gifts given to each as the spirit determines. Both men and women given purpose and power by the Holy Spirit-- Some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, and still others to be pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4). My dad said in a recent sermon that we were created for God's pleasure -- to do good works. A holy purpose intended for both women and men.

Now, there's a lot more to this than just a "that" which is partly why this is so frustrating. Within the church it is not "normal" to have women in places of authority. Beyond Children's Ministries and Worship Leaders it's only an exception to find women serving in an eldership or as a "Minister". It's unnatural I suppose, but not unheard of.

So, Where does that leave me?

Well, I don't think a woman should serve as a preacher/head minister. Because no matter where you look, the men have taken on the responsibility of that role and done splendidly. That was and is God’s intention. And it would—understandably—be difficult for a woman to carry that authority. And although I have a bias in this situation, I think women have the strength, right and even obligation to lead, teach and be heard within the church.

I guess this all makes me feel better! But more than feelings and words, ideas and interpretation, I think this is something that God has called me to do, something that He wants for me and from me. I believe that in that, He will be the one to make my paths straight. I'm ok with saying that Women have a place in God's ministry because God has asked me to be a Woman in His ministry. I'm ok with being an exception.

Because God's used crazy women before.

Because my purpose and power comes from the Holy Spirit.

Because God has a plan and "understanding" isn't my place.

Finding my Place,
Samantha Holley