Side by Side Leadership

 I attended a Women's Retreat over the weekend where Pastors/Speakers Dave and Sherri Hess shared about their research and subsequent book, "Side by Side", which addresses men and women working together in the church. It was a familiar topic for some, and for others, new concepts and interpretations of scripture were introduced. I personally am a sponge under Dave's tutelage, and learn something new every time.

Below is an impression I received from the Holy spirit in the early morning hours while I was in bed. I repeatedly smelled something burning, but everything in my hotel room was perfectly fine. I became fully awake and alert to what the Holy Spirit wanted to download into my heart. Read below: 

"God is burning away walls, structures and boxes that we have put ourselves in or others have put us in, and He is bringing us into a place of stepping out and breaking free of stereotypes, a religious spirit, labels and limited thinking. It’s not coming from a feminist mindset or a rah-rah-womanhood rally cry, but it’s coming from a place of stepping into our own, stepping into a surrendered life of being obedient to what God is calling us to do. We won’t have to push doors open and fight our way, proving that we are capable, because as the Holy Spirit burns down the walls, our gifts will make room for us.

20 some years ago, God birthed a thought in my heart that I would be a pastor. I knew I had pastoral giftings, and I thought God was confirming that gifting in me. I never dreamed I would hold the office of pastor. I didn’t have to push my way into this call. God, in his timing, supernaturally opened the doors for me. We need to be careful when we are introduced to a new way of thinking/newfound freedom, that we don’t let the pendulum swing too far and fall into ungodly and unhealthy thought processes and attitudes. God uses surrendered hearts, not those that are pushing an agenda. As we step out of those walls and boxes, let’s do so with grace and surrendered hearts, and step into the desires He has for us, allowing the gifts within us to be showcased." 

Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.