In this episode, we are joined by Brenda Leavenworth, Jody Ponce, and Rosemary Cady to discuss how we can more effectively disciple through generational shifts. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit.

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When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Jody Ponce, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.

Email us at whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram at @whensheleads

LEADING PEOPLE TO EVANGELIZE (Released February 15, 2022)

Do you have the gift of evangelism?

In this episode, we talk through our experiences with sharing our faith and identifying the gift of evangelism in those in our ministry. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit.

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SERVANT APPRECIATION | DO’S AND DON’TS (Released February 1, 2022)

We’re very blessed to serve alongside some faithful servants over the years. In this episode, we talk through our experiences with showing love and appreciation, as well as the ways we’ve failed to appreciate those we serve with. We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit.

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When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth. With over 30 years of ministry experience and a degree in biblical studies, Brenda is uniquely qualified to train and guide the next generation of women leaders in the church. Co-hosts include Jenn Benham, Jody Ponce, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell, each bringing their collective experiences, research, victories, and failures to consider and discuss a range of topics from a biblical and practical perspective.

Have a topic for the show? Share it with us at whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com!

Today on When She Leads, we talk through how to practically and effectively reach out to our communities.

There are many outreach resources we can work with through humanitarian organizations, local ministry opportunities, and partnerships with other churches. As leaders, how do we lead the charge? What does the Bible say about outreach?

Reference Article by Kelly Bell.

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The Pastor’s Wife & Friendships

• It’s been said, “Being a Pastor’s wife is the loneliest role in the church,” and we would generally agree. Although we wouldn’t say, “I’m lonely,” we often feel alone. In this episode, we talk through the complexities in navigating friendships distinctive to the Pastor’s wife.

  Reference Article by Brenda Leavenworth.

  Book Recommendations:

• Help! I’m Married to My Pastor – Jani Ortlund
• Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry As a Pastor’s Wife – Kay Warren
• The Privilege: Lessons from the Heart of A Shepherdess – Kay Smith

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When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Jenn Benham, Jody Ponce, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.

Email us at whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram at @whensheleads

In these episodes, we talk through the processes and nuances of developing and bringing new life into a women’s ministry. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we discuss the ways we’ve had to readjust or change how we lead women’s ministry.

When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Jenn Benham, Jody Ponce, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.

Email us at whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram at @whensheleads

Starting a new ministry can feel like a daunting task. It is hard not to feel overwhelmed with what to do first, wondering if it will succeed, and then feeling uncertain if you are doing it right! These feelings are understandable. In three churches, I have had the opportunity to lead in women’s ministry. In two of those three ministries, I transitioned into an existing leadership role, and in the third, I opened a new ministry. Each time, I wondered if I was going about it wrong.

As part of the Calvary Chapel heritage, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa has been a thriving ministry to women over the decades from Kay Smith’s Joyful Life, teaching the Bible and helping women grow in faith. Likewise, we at CGN desire to see women in our churches grow in Bible literacy and reap the benefits, which we list in our previous article, “Is Women’s Ministry Necessary?”. So, how does one go about starting a women’s ministry? Here are simple steps I have learned:

It is crucial to evaluate the season your church is in and to give thought to the timing of launching a new ministry. Do you have many new believers who are eager to get together and learn the Bible? Is your church busy with commitments? What type of obligations do the ladies in the congregation have, whether at home, work, school, etc. Would it be a good time to introduce a new women’s ministry?

As you assess the right timing, here are a few guidelines I have learned to use:

Pray

Seek the Lord’s guidance. Then invite one or two like-minded women to join you in praying for a ministry to start. Do not talk about it publicly until you speak to the leadership of your church, out of respect for their decision-making process.

Talk to the Pastor

Make an appointment and ask the pastor to discuss plans for this ministry with you. Explain what you feel God has put on your heart to do. Ask the Lead Pastor what his vision is for the church, and consider how a women’s ministry could help fulfill that vision. For example, if the vision for the church is to win souls and disciple people, a women’s ministry can help meet that.

Vision

Solidify your vision for this ministry, which means asking the question, “What would you like to accomplish in a women’s ministry?”

Leadership

The leader does not have to be the pastor’s wife, although that is often the pattern seen in our Calvary Chapel circles. If she is not called to this role, it is ok! It is a matter of gifting and calling, rather than a traditional way of fulfilling that leadership role.

Accommodation

Choose accommodating meeting places, times and frequency. I suggest taking breaks over summer and holidays to bring anticipation for the ministry, when a fall and spring semester begins! It also gives women a chance to join the group and for others to take a break, if needed, rather than seeing it as a lifetime commitment.

Plan

Decide what you will do in your meetings. This will determine if you have a Biblical and mature teacher who can “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). If such a teacher is not available, there are many materials available for your group to use: Bible teachings on video with discussion materials, books to read through together, breakfast and prayer time, or Scripture reads and discussion.

Invite

Make the invitation for women to join the ministry in the way that your church makes announcements. Put it on social media, the church website, request a pulpit announcement, print flyers and start talking to the ladies to inform them!

Begin

Have your first meeting! Provide a little hospitality and show appreciation for each woman who joins you. Start with introductions and a little explanation of what your plan is. Don’t be surprised if you are the only one talking at the meeting, as women may need some time to get to know the group and build trust.

There is no need to think about all these steps at the same time! Just focus on one task, and when that step is complete, move on to the next one. The women will be reached through the power of Christ!

The start of this ministry may be a small group, and that’s ok! Be faithful to them, teach them, and lay a solid foundation on the Word of God. Do not “despise the day of small things” as, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). The ministry will earn a good reputation if the focus is on God, and the women in your church will develop an interest in it. It is God who adds the increase, as 1 Corinthians 3:6 says.

Finally, do not hold onto this ministry as if it were your own. The women belong to the Lord, and it is His church you are serving. Keep praying as you lead, asking God to guide you, and be willing to adjust the ministry as the Lord shows you.

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Rosemary cohosts a new podcast for women in ministry titled “When She Leads.” Learn more about the podcast and start listening today! Have a topic for the show? Share it with us at whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com

Today, on When She Leads, we talk through the complexities and nuances of leading through seasons of doubt. We will be discussing some common “doubts” we all experience and some tools we can share with others to help them come to a better understanding of God’s goodness and sovereignty. This will hopefully help them become more confident, not in their faith, but in the object of their faith, God Himself, who continues to pour out His blessings despite our doubt.

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When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth. With over 30 years of ministry experience and a degree in biblical studies, Brenda is uniquely qualified to train and guide the next generation of women leaders in the church. Co-hosts include Jenn Benham, Jody Ponce, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell, each bringing their collective experiences, research, victories, and failures to consider and discuss a range of topics from a biblical and practical perspective.

Have a topic for the show? Share it with us at whensheleads@gmail.com!

Enjoy episode 2 of the new When She Leads Podcast!

When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth. With over 30 years of ministry experience and a degree in biblical studies, Brenda is uniquely qualified to train and guide the next generation of women leaders in the church. Co-hosts include Jenn Benham, Jody Ponce, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell, each bringing their collective experiences, research, victories, and failures to consider and discuss a range of topics from a biblical and practical perspective.

Have a topic for the show? Share it with us at whensheleads@gmail.com!

Kathy Gilbert has been involved with the Calvary Chapel movement for over 50 years. Having attended Woodstock in 1969 and identifying as an “Earth Mother,” Kathy was a hippy in every sense of the word. But as she immersed herself in hippy culture, she began to feel empty. It was her encounter with Jesus Christ that gave her true and radical purpose in life. Kathy’s life was transformed and she became a “Jesus Freak,” engaging in the Jesus Movement that began to spread across the globe. She soon became connected with Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, CA, where she met Chuck and Kay Smith, with whom she began a dear and lifelong friendship. As a friend and mentor, Kay Smith made an indelible impact on Kathy. But Kay also became a key figure amid a tremendous outpouring of God’s Spirit. Her life was one of faithful, loving, service to those inside and outside the Church. In light of her recent passing into the next life, Kathy Gilbert shares thoughts about her friend, mentor, and beloved co-laborer, Kay Smith.

Why is Kay Smith such an important figure?

• Kay Smith was one of God’s key influencers in the Jesus People movement coming to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. She passionately sought God on how He would reach and save the Hippies (and she made others, especially her husband, Pastor Chuck Smith, join her in praying for them). The rest is history.

• Her love for women and seeing them know, love, and experience the same intimacy with God as she did.

• She personally practiced and encouraged women to practice the gifts of the Spirit. She loved waiting on the Lord in prayer and in afterglows, expecting God to speak to us and through us, and He did!

• Her priority was prayer and how it is a key to making a difference in our homes, ministries, and churches.

• Kay wanted everyone who came to Calvary to be greeted, loved on, and helped.

What teaching points from Kay Smith should Jesus-followers continue to emphasize?

• Kay Smith had the ability to communicate the Word of God to all women, with a special place in her heart for pastors’ wives. She encouraged and taught us to put the Bible into practice in our everyday lives, showing us how to study it, pray it, share it, and decorate with it!

• Kay Smith had a supernatural, Holy-Spirit-anointed gift of exhortation. When she shared the heart of God with us, we said YES to Him, wanting to do it, and knowing Jesus would enable us to do it.

• Her teaching on Pleasing God was and is a key to our living an abundant, joy-filled life. All we need to do is simply ask ourselves, “Will this bring me closer to God or push me further away from Him? Will this please God or grieve His heart?”

• Kay Smith was a true Titus 2 woman. She taught us to love God, our husbands, and our children.

Key Bible Passages, Quotes, and Recommended Reading

• One of Kay’s Favorite Bible passages:

” Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Quote from “Pleasing God”, by Kay Smith

“What does love for God look like? I remember when my youngest daughter first fell in love with Brian, who is now her husband. Cheryl had found her beloved. It was marvelous to be around her. Nobody had to tell her how to please him. She was constantly thinking of the food he liked to eat, the color he would like her to wear, and how she should do her hair. No one had to teach her to think of him. Clearly, no one has to tell a heart of love to please its beloved. Love’s desire is to please. And when you have the love for God that you ought to have, you will naturally desire to please Him above everything else.” – Pleasing God, p. 23

Recommended Resources by Kay Smith (All available at the KWVE Store):

. Attributes of a Godly Woman: Titus 2 Audio

. Colossians Bible Study, Book

. Dwelling in the Holy of Holies, Audio

. Heart for Ministry, DVD

. Philippians Bible Study, Book

. Pleasing God, Book and Audio

. Reflecting God, Book

These resources and more are available from the KWVE Store here.

We have a tradition in the West where the groom carries the bride across the house’s threshold on their wedding day. Do you know where that tradition comes from? In ancient Greece, women were only considered as having an existence within their family home. The domestic sphere was their life, and they existed only in relation to their father, their brother, and the “gods” of their household. Society did not believe women intrinsically had independent value or humanity. When they left their household to marry their new husband, they would have to be carried from their house to that of their husband’s because they ceased to exist in the space between households. When their husbands carried them across the threshold of their new home, they existed once more in their new domestic sphere with their husbands, fathers-in-law, and new household “gods.”¹

Often, you will hear people talk about Christianity as a misogynistic religion, but do you ever wonder where women in the West would be today if Christianity had not intervened in the Greek and Roman attitudes towards women? What changed the way society viewed women in the West? Well, many things, but inevitably, the most cataclysmic intervention in the story of women was the coming of Jesus Christ and the birth of Christianity.

From the beginning, Women have played a central role in the story of the Gospel and the Early Church’s history.

It was weeping women who first told of the resurrection of Jesus Christ when Mary sat at the feet of Jesus to learn from him with the men, while Martha inhabited the domestic sphere, Jesus said, “Mary has chosen the better part” (Luke 10:42). He did not condemn her for her desire to learn. He went out of his way to speak to the Samaritan woman at the well and sent her to become what many theologians see as one of the first Evangelists, as she went to her town and told her neighbors to come and meet the man who “told her everything she had ever done” (John 4). Phoebe carried Paul’s letter to the Romans, and as was the tradition of letter carriers at the time, it is very likely she read it to the Church on Paul’s behalf. Of the list of early church leaders, in Romans 16, 10 of the 28 leaders listed are women. Imagine a culture where women often did not receive an education and were kept almost entirely in the domestic sphere, where women had no existence outside of relational connection to their male relatives. What would it feel like to hear Paul declare that, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” It can be challenging to grasp how revolutionary these teachings were at that time, and how Christianity was a vital catalyst in the dignifying of women to engage their God-given gifts and be used mightily by the Lord throughout history of the church, across the globe.

Jesus made it possible for women to walk across the threshold; he opened the door and invited them to walk through. Now, we realize that there are many differing views on the roles women should play in the church within the body of Christ. We have hard complementarians, soft complementarians, egalitarians, and of course, those who are on the fence about where they stand. However, for women who are reading this and are already in leadership, we need to be reminded that Jesus opened the door, and we each must humble ourselves and walk through it, laying down our lives in service to him. When it comes to walking through the door of service to Christ, no one can carry us; it is for us to walk through to Christ.

As I went for an evening walk, I was praying and listening to the Lord, and I felt him speak to my heart and say, “It’s time to get serious.” I know this applies to certain aspects of my own life, but I also believe the Lord spoke about women in ministry in the church. For a long time, women have served in the church, but often, we believe the lie from the enemy that God only uses men for serious work. Often, we have not been taken seriously, and consequently, we have not considered our roles and services as important or worthy enough. Though we may have been content playing secondary, less significant roles in the past, it is time for us to get serious about our service to the Lord. God wants to use women; he has opened the way for women to be an integral part of his mission to save and renew the world.

We have been a part of it from the start, and it is now time for us to walk into our God-given callings with new vigor and anointing from the Lord.

The world has drastically changed in the past year and a half. The global coronavirus pandemic has forced the Church to rethink local church gatherings and Gospel proclamation. And this transitional moment has provided a significant opportunity for women to engage in the needs of the Church. In large part, this article is a call (and an exhortation) to women:

1. Take up your crosses and serve the Lord in whatever ways he might call you to.

2. Be ready to walk across the threshold into the call God has for you.

3. Get serious; devote time to the study of scripture and daily rhythms of devotion to Jesus.

4. Humble your heart, and be ready for service to Christ.

The church has been through a time of crisis, but as Mark Sayers says in his recent book, Reappearing Church, “Crisis precedes renewal.” For renewal to occur in the church globally, the remnant of faithful believers need to step up and move into what God has called us to at this moment; this must include women!

It is time for the equipping of women, for the service God is calling them to.

Seeing this great need, Calvary Global Network has started a “Woman in Leadership” task team to build and encourage women in leadership and ministry for the service God has called them to. Women are important to God, and training and guiding women in the service of the Lord is vitally important. I have often observed that women in ministry feel inadequately equipped, isolated, and unsupported in ministry. But if women are to take up their cross and step into their call to serve and lead, they need to be supported and equipped for the task.

“Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21- 20-NLT).

Women who love Jesus, Jesus loves you! Jesus calls you to his service. He sees you; he knows you; he has gifted and anointed you! It’s time to get serious. It’s time to lay down what has been holding you back. It’s time to throw off your concern about what others might think of you and lay your life entirely on the altar of God. It’s time to let our lives be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), which is our reasonable service to our King so that we can play our part in seeing the Gospel communicated across the globe and the Kingdom of God come in all its fullness.

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV).

Join the conversation. In our most recent episode of “When She Leads,” a podcast for women in ministry, our team discusses “Being a Leader God Can Use.” Each month, we gather around the table to consider the complexities and realities of leading as a woman.

What do you think? If you have a topic in mind, email us at: whensheleadspodcast@gmail.com. You can also stay in touch by following us on Instagram @whensheleads

Notes

1. Siedenthorp, Larry, Inventing The Individual – The Origins of Western Liberalism (London: Penguin Books, 2014), 12

Women in Medicine: Today we will be looking at not one, not two, not three…but SIX godly women who God used in remarkable ways in the medical field, both at home and abroad! We will be talking about women from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences–pioneer missionary doctors, the first Chinese woman doctor, and even the founder of modern hospice care! These are all definitely women worth knowing!

• Her-Story: 366 Devotions from 21 Centuries of the Christian Church by Diana Lynn Severance

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Join us each week for a lively conversation between author Cheryl Brodersen and history teacher Jasmine Alnutt as they explore the lives of well-known—and not so well-known—Christian women in history. Trust us—these are definitely women worth knowing! Visit GraciousWords.com.

Ida Scudder (1870-1960): Today we continue with the fascinating story of Ida Scudder, the reluctant medical missionary who became a pioneer in providing medical care to the women of India. “Dr. Ida” and her groundbreaking work inspired a generation of women after her who would bring the Gospel to India through their medical service. You won’t want to miss this story!

• Dr. Ida by Dorothy Clarke Wilson

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Join us each week for a lively conversation between author Cheryl Brodersen and history teacher Jasmine Alnutt as they explore the lives of well-known—and not so well-known—Christian women in history. Trust us—these are definitely women worth knowing! Visit GraciousWords.com.

Ida Scudder (1870-1960): Ida Scudder came from a family of medical missionaries in India–but she wanted nothing to do with that life! Ida’s dream was to live in America, get married and live a comfortable life far away from the deprivation she had witnessed as a missionary kid. Yet the Lord had other plans for Ida, and used a stunning turn of events to change her heart. Join us today as we talk about the early life and calling of the irrepressible and vivacious Ida Scudder!

• Dr. Ida by Dorothy Clarke Wilson

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Join us each week for a lively conversation between author Cheryl Brodersen and history teacher Jasmine Alnutt as they explore the lives of well-known—and not so well-known—Christian women in history. Trust us—these are definitely women worth knowing! Visit GraciousWords.com.

Granny Brand (1879-1974): In today’s podcast, we will be talking about a courageous woman known as “Granny Brand,” mother of Dr. Paul Brand. She entered the mission field and married in her thirties. For over sixty years she ministered in the Mountains of Death in India, fording wild rivers, enduring snake bites, dealing with malaria, enduring untold hardships, setting up medical clinics, building schools, sharing the gospel, and raising up Christian leaders. She was an unstoppable force for God!

• Granny Brand, Her Story by Dorothy Clarke Wilson

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Join us each week for a lively conversation between author Cheryl Brodersen and history teacher Jasmine Alnutt as they explore the lives of well-known—and not so well-known—Christian women in history. Trust us—these are definitely women worth knowing! Visit GraciousWords.com.

Cheryl will be leading a Training Track on women in ministry at the CGN International Conference on June 24-27! Ladies, this will be a great opportunity to meet and talk to Cheryl! Register now!

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I entered the role of a senior pastor’s wife when I was only 23. That’s probably the reason that I barely acknowledged it until a woman I met in San Diego brought it to my attention. Her husband was grandstanding at a children’s exhibition that my children were waiting to play on. I hadn’t recognized her until she turned to me. After introducing herself, she informed me that her husband was opening a church in our shared county. Then she gushed, “I can’t wait to be a senior pastor’s wife. What’s it like?”

It was a question I had never considered before.

It took me off guard. Somehow, I had never seen myself or my role as a “Senior Pastor’s Wife”. Yes, I was married to the lead pastor, but that’s as far as my thoughts had ever gone. It seemed to be the least of the roles I held. Foremost, I was Jesus’ follower. Following Jesus had brought me to and into the place I stood. I had hardly noticed the journey or the lookout point where I was standing.

Simply following Jesus, I had fallen in love with a godly young man who had a heart for God’s Word and His people. Simply following Jesus had led to marriage, ministry and children. I had never intentionally directed my life but had sought to be directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Suddenly, I realized that I was standing on a lookout point called “Senior Pastor’s Wife.” Who knew?

I had not been aware of my footing until the woman at the exhibit had asked me what it felt like. Not to sound overly spiritual, but I had had my focus so on Jesus, that I hadn’t really noticed my placement.

It was the same way during my years of childhood. Many people were in awe of my dad. I can’t even begin to recount the times I was asked, “What’s it feel like to be Chuck Smith’s daughter?” I never considered what it was like to be the daughter of “Chuck Smith”, but I could tell you in detail what it was like to be the daughter of my dad. To me, my father was not an idol, he was a loving even doting father who sung to me, prayed over me, laughed with me, and was a constant source of security in my life. Ask me what he was like, and I will define him by the relationship we shared. I knew him only from a distance as Chuck Smith, but I knew him intimately as my father.

So, I knew the role of senior pastor’s wife only from a distance, but I knew the relationship I shared with Jesus intimately. “Senior Pastor’s Wife” was only a precipice, a lookout point and a location. Following Jesus was an objective, a purpose and a lifelong adventure that would always be moving, curving and climbing.

“Pastor’s wife” is the call or placement of Jesus for me; it is not my identity, nor does it define me.

I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. For me, personally, this is a great relief; I don’t have to know or perfectly execute the role of the senior pastor’s wife. I don’t have to memorize lines and dialogue. I don’t have to wear the right costume, move my hands in a certain formation, and know where to stand on stage. Even in this place, my lifelong objective and purpose have not changed; I am a first and foremost a follower of Jesus.

Perhaps like me, you never saw your life heading to this place—Senior Pastor’s Wife.

Nevertheless, here you are. You might be wondering what is required of you or if there is a specialized handbook for this place that will give you all the instructions you need. There is not. Why? Because, being a senior pastor’s wife is a call, a placement, a location rather than an identity. What you do in this place stems from who you are in Christ. Who you are in Christ stems from the self-discovery inherent in losing yourself in Christ and thereby finding the person He created you to be.

Personally, this vital understanding of Jesus’ call on my life had made all the difference in my perspective, personal interactions, participation and enjoyment of this place.

Undoubtedly, there are unique challenges and unique benefits in this place, even as the lagoons in Hawaii are unique to the precipices of the Grand Canyon. It requires different attire, but not costumes. It requires different activity and concerns, but not acting. From this vantage point, the view gives a special perspective, but not an exclusive perspective.

Placement as a senior pastor’s wife is a divine call.

It is the way in which God, the divine and loving creator, has purposed for me, and you, to serve Him. Since it is a call, it has a purpose, His enabling power, and potential fruitfulness already resident. Since it is a call, it deserves our attention, our appreciation and our carefulness. Since it is a call, it cannot be ignored or refused, but humbly accepted.

This is what I’ve learned over the past 38 years as a pastor’s wife, and what I saw modeled by my mother in the 50 or so years I was able to watch her minister in this call.

There is so much to explore, enjoy and experience in this call. Just to reiterate, it is not a superior call—every call of God is priceless! However, it is a unique call. Like every great call of God, it is the divinely chosen way for you and me to serve our great God and Savior.

So many of our days are made up of ordinary moments. Clean the kitchen. Write an email. Do the laundry. Buy our groceries. We live in a series of ordinary, necessary patterns and somehow lose track of this truth of the incarnation:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

As followers of Jesus, we have seen glory.

That glory is Jesus Christ, fully God, fully man, all that God has to say to us (the Word) choosing human flesh to live and walk among us. And yet it is easy for us to forget that glory is unveiled, in our midst, resurrected within the mundane routine of our days. I have seen the glory of God in a handful of ordinary moments this past month:

. In our offices, as a group of Christian leaders gathered to pray for our town, one of our local, young people stood at the door and listened. As we finished, he announced to the 12 of us, “I think you know I don’t believe all this …but the way you prayed just now really touched me.”

. A text message that woke me, from a searching friend who wrote simply, “I wanna know more about this Jesus fella.” She is astounded by the concept that she is loved, having done nothing to earn it.

. An invitation from a local charity to join their mental health walk because, “their clients are coming to faith, and they don’t know how to talk to them about following Jesus.”

The story of glory is at once both ordinary and extraordinary, but part of the reality of our journey to know Jesus is that it requires sacrifice to know His glory fully.

We are not called to anything that God Himself has not willingly chosen. In the beautiful words of Linn Marie Tonstad, “The glory of God’s divinity is not an abstract glory in the way the world counts glory and power but a glory that fears not its own sacrifice: a glory whose content is sacrifice. God’s glory, expressed toward us, is willingness to pour Godself out on our behalf.“¹

We hear of glory and think of kings and palaces, Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry, a Tiffany diamond, a Super Bowl win. Our God sees a glory whose content is sacrifice. To glimpse the glory of God has required of me some clear sacrifices: leaving home and country and choosing another place to live and share the good news of Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh. Your choice may be less geographically drastic. It may look like the father and mother who sacrifice sleep for a new baby, a university student who sacrifices popularity to stand up for Jesus, a businessman who sacrifices lunch hours to pray with a friend. Whatever our place of sacrifice, our confidence is this:

“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5-7‬)

In order to proclaim, we must first willingly choose to be servants.

In a boldly “me first” culture, the message of the Gospel will always hold shades of unpopularity. Do you want to be great? Very few in our day and age would counsel you to do that by choosing to be a servant of all. In the words of prayer warrior Pete Greig, “but if this is a glory story, it is a peculiar kind of glory, mostly touching down in broken places and messed up people who rarely feel as spiritual as the story makes them sound .”²

Our broken places are present. They often flare up in the ordinary moments above all. Clean the kitchen. (Again?!?) Write an email. (How are there so many?) Do the laundry. (But do I have to fold it?) Buy our groceries. (Endlessly.) If you aren’t feeling very spiritual as you read this list…neither do I.

And if you heard that you needed to make the ordinary moments a story of glory, you heard wrong. Here’s the deliciously good news of the Gospel: We beheld His glory.

Are you weary? Sit and rest in the presence of a God who has done the work. Are you battling? Delight in knowing a God who has won the war. Are you overwhelmed at the ordinary? Know that the sacrificing God has come to give you grace and truth.

When we glimpse His story of glory, it shapes our days in the light of His presence.

Sarah will be sharing at the CCCM Women’s Christmas Coffee on December 1. Visit christmascoffee.cccm.com for more info!

Notes:

¹ Tonstad, Linn Marie. God and Difference: The Trinity, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Finitude. New York: Routledge, 2016, 14.

² Grieg, Pete. Dirty Glory. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2016, 11.