Comments on: Paris Hilton’s New BFF http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/ Safety.Community.Direction Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:29:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Renee http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-3654 Renee Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:18:42 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-3654 Gloria, Good to hear from you. It was great to see you again at the party. It's amazing how we go way back with the same people but didn't know it! Thanks for your encouragement and thanks for passing along with info about WifeBoat when you see the need. Blessings to you as well! -R Gloria,
Good to hear from you. It was great to see you again at the party. It’s amazing how we go way back with the same people but didn’t know it! Thanks for your encouragement and thanks for passing along with info about WifeBoat when you see the need. Blessings to you as well! -R

]]> By: Gloria Stullich http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-3653 Gloria Stullich Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:05:17 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-3653 Hello Renee, I really enjoyed your website. Reading the women's and your comments illustrates how well your ministry reaches and touches women's hearts in a significant way. So glad we met at HIV Christmas party. Have kept your cards in case someone I know may benefit. Blessings to you, Gloria Hello Renee,
I really enjoyed your website. Reading the women’s and your comments illustrates how well your ministry reaches and touches women’s hearts in a significant way.

So glad we met at HIV Christmas party. Have kept your cards in case someone I know may benefit. Blessings to you, Gloria

]]> By: Who Is Holding Your Trampoline? — WifeBoat: Help for Women in Crisis http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-440 Who Is Holding Your Trampoline? — WifeBoat: Help for Women in Crisis Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:55:01 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-440 [...] For more ideas on support and friendship, see my post Paris Hilton’s New BFF. [...] [...] For more ideas on support and friendship, see my post Paris Hilton’s New BFF. [...]

]]> By: Renee http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-130 Renee Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:11:33 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-130 Susan, Thanks for writing, and sharing some of your thoughts on leadership and church life. You know, I think you did the right thing in stepping down, not because of any gender issue, but because of your discomfort in that position. While I don't think there's a problem with a women leading a mixed group, (especially if it's not a group that requires senior leadership) perhaps in this instance you felt you needed additional support/covering from male leadership and that was not available to you. I really believe when we're called to leadership there's a core of strength, a feeling of the "rightness" of the work, and a leading of the Spirit. If that's not there, then we need to pay attention. We go by faith and not by feelings, of course, but our feelings and emotions can be clues to pray on, taking into consideration what the Bible teaches in any paticular situation. But Susan, I really would encourage you to get plugged into another church body, because more than ever our fellowship and strong community is so critical. I'd suggest plugging into a good Women's Ministry where you can get to know like-minded, strong ladies who can build you up. You probably have a gifting in the area of leadership/ministry and that is the best place to explore where God wants you. He may want you to sit under some teaching for awhile and then He may confirm something to you in the direction of ministry. Who knows? But we are all members of His Body, the Church, I hope you don't miss out on the joy He has for you there! Thanks, Susan - good meeting you here too... please keep in touch. God Bless. -R Susan,
Thanks for writing, and sharing some of your thoughts on leadership and church life. You know, I think you did the right thing in stepping down, not because of any gender issue, but because of your discomfort in that position. While I don’t think there’s a problem with a women leading a mixed group, (especially if it’s not a group that requires senior leadership) perhaps in this instance you felt you needed additional support/covering from male leadership and that was not available to you.

I really believe when we’re called to leadership there’s a core of strength, a feeling of the “rightness” of the work, and a leading of the Spirit. If that’s not there, then we need to pay attention. We go by faith and not by feelings, of course, but our feelings and emotions can be clues to pray on, taking into consideration what the Bible teaches in any paticular situation.

But Susan, I really would encourage you to get plugged into another church body, because more than ever our fellowship and strong community is so critical. I’d suggest plugging into a good Women’s Ministry where you can get to know like-minded, strong ladies who can build you up. You probably have a gifting in the area of leadership/ministry and that is the best place to explore where God wants you. He may want you to sit under some teaching for awhile and then He may confirm something to you in the direction of ministry. Who knows? But we are all members of His Body, the Church, I hope you don’t miss out on the joy He has for you there!

Thanks, Susan – good meeting you here too… please keep in touch. God Bless. -R

]]> By: SusanH http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-123 SusanH Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:16:41 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-123 Hi, Renee! I found your website through a link on Randy Thomas' blog. I really appreciate your heart and helpfulness to women. I've been out of church for 3 years now. I have a close relationship with the Lord and have been a Christian for many years but I stepped away from a church and haven't gotten plugged back in. I've been in both types of churches. Those who believe only men should have leadership roles and those that have both men and women in those roles. I, personally, find being the leader of a mixed group somewhat uncomfortable. I've inwardly desired and actually asked that I be a co-leader with a man rather than sole leader involving both men and women within our church. I didn't get a co-leader and did eventually step down. But my stepping down was more an uncomfortableness due to perhaps just a traditional thing rather than thinking it's unbliblical. I think I stayed on as leader for as long as I did because in my heart after study and discussion seemed biblically okay. But, I'm more comfortable under the leadership of a man in a mixed group. I have led and don't mind leading a group of women. It's just mixed company I feel uncomfortable about, especially if the man/men aren't comfortable with it. Notice, I've given no biblical references to the 'wrongness' of women leaders. I don't have biblical references to back what I feel, therefore, I don't ever say women should not have a leadership role in the church. Only references I can think of right now would be in the Corinthian letters about women being silent in the church. But I think we need to look at that portion in context. I appreciate that you hold a high view of scripture. I do too. It's nice to meet you here. I have high regard for your husband. God bless you both. Hi, Renee! I found your website through a link on Randy Thomas’ blog. I really appreciate your heart and helpfulness to women.

I’ve been out of church for 3 years now. I have a close relationship with the Lord and have been a Christian for many years but I stepped away from a church and haven’t gotten plugged back in. I’ve been in both types of churches. Those who believe only men should have leadership roles and those that have both men and women in those roles. I, personally, find being the leader of a mixed group somewhat uncomfortable. I’ve inwardly desired and actually asked that I be a co-leader with a man rather than sole leader involving both men and women within our church. I didn’t get a co-leader and did eventually step down. But my stepping down was more an uncomfortableness due to perhaps just a traditional thing rather than thinking it’s unbliblical. I think I stayed on as leader for as long as I did because in my heart after study and discussion seemed biblically okay. But, I’m more comfortable under the leadership of a man in a mixed group. I have led and don’t mind leading a group of women. It’s just mixed company I feel uncomfortable about, especially if the man/men aren’t comfortable with it. Notice, I’ve given no biblical references to the ‘wrongness’ of women leaders. I don’t have biblical references to back what I feel, therefore, I don’t ever say women should not have a leadership role in the church. Only references I can think of right now would be in the Corinthian letters about women being silent in the church. But I think we need to look at that portion in context.

I appreciate that you hold a high view of scripture. I do too. It’s nice to meet you here. I have high regard for your husband. God bless you both.

]]> By: Sonya http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-100 Sonya Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:00:11 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-100 Sue, I completely understand where you are coming from, and hope I didn't sound harsh in my last post. With my own personal church background, I understand how and why people shield themselves from those who do not share their doctrinal beliefs. I do not agree with them, but I understand them. My heart hurts for them, because they are missing out on the whole point of Christ's sacrifice.....as well as, useful resources like this blog! May the Lord bless you and keep you. Sue, I completely understand where you are coming from, and hope I didn’t sound harsh in my last post. With my own personal church background, I understand how and why people shield themselves from those who do not share their doctrinal beliefs. I do not agree with them, but I understand them. My heart hurts for them, because they are missing out on the whole point of Christ’s sacrifice…..as well as, useful resources like this blog! May the Lord bless you and keep you.

]]> By: Sonya http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-93 Sonya Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:18:27 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-93 It's unfortunate that so many people miss out on deep relationships with others and the Lord, because they let doctrinal differences act as barriers. Sadly, they often rob themselves of the opportunity to see The Word through the eyes of those from a different faith, consequently losing an enriching learning and/or teaching experience. I, too, come from a "conservative" church background. However, God's Word is neither conservative nor progressive. It is simply truth. In all my studies on the matter, it is my belief that God's plan is for men to be in leadership positions in the church. Having said that, it is not for me to begrudge others their beliefs. Whereas we may all be passionate about our own understanding of Biblical truths, God clearly tells us to love one another. He doesn't say "Only love the people who believe as you do." As women, we are beloved daughters of God. How distressing that some of us cannot simply embrace that concept and love each other regardless. If I can love a man who has been unfaithful to me most of our married life...and with MEN...it should be no challenge to have close relationships with those who disagree with me on doctrine. Renee, I am blessed to have found this website, and your words of experience and encouragement. God bless you in your work. It’s unfortunate that so many people miss out on deep relationships with others and the Lord, because they let doctrinal differences act as barriers. Sadly, they often rob themselves of the opportunity to see The Word through the eyes of those from a different faith, consequently losing an enriching learning and/or teaching experience. I, too, come from a “conservative” church background. However, God’s Word is neither conservative nor progressive. It is simply truth.
In all my studies on the matter, it is my belief that God’s plan is for men to be in leadership positions in the church. Having said that, it is not for me to begrudge others their beliefs. Whereas we may all be passionate about our own understanding of Biblical truths, God clearly tells us to love one another. He doesn’t say “Only love the people who believe as you do.”
As women, we are beloved daughters of God. How distressing that some of us cannot simply embrace that concept and love each other regardless. If I can love a man who has been unfaithful to me most of our married life…and with MEN…it should be no challenge to have close relationships with those who disagree with me on doctrine.
Renee, I am blessed to have found this website, and your words of experience and encouragement. God bless you in your work.

]]> By: Renee http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-39 Renee Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:23:32 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-39 Thanks so much, Sue, for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your prayers for this work. And you know, I really respect the fact some churches disagree with having women in leadership. So I know some people will, just like you said, be very closed to what we do here for that reason. But to quote a wise old character, "I yams what I am!". :) I mean, being an elder at my church is a really crucial, meaningful part of my life. I wouldn't be "being real" with my ladies at WifeBoat if I didn't pretty much show myself as I am. But I'd love to hear anybody else's thoughts on women in leadership. We hold a high view of Scripture, but even among conservative, Bible believing churches like mine, I know there are different opinions on this. Anybody want to share theirs? Meanwhile, Sue, thanks again for dropping by. God bless you and your husband. Thanks so much, Sue, for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your prayers for this work. And you know, I really respect the fact some churches disagree with having women in leadership. So I know some people will, just like you said, be very closed to what we do here for that reason. But to quote a wise old character, “I yams what I am!”. :) I mean, being an elder at my church is a really crucial, meaningful part of my life. I wouldn’t be “being real” with my ladies at WifeBoat if I didn’t pretty much show myself as I am.

But I’d love to hear anybody else’s thoughts on women in leadership. We hold a high view of Scripture, but even among conservative, Bible believing churches like mine, I know there are different opinions on this. Anybody want to share theirs?

Meanwhile, Sue, thanks again for dropping by. God bless you and your husband.

]]> By: Sue Buchan http://www.wifeboat.com/2008/10/paris-hiltons-new-bff/comment-page-1/#comment-38 Sue Buchan Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:47:42 +0000 http://www.wifeboat.com/?p=247#comment-38 I will be praying for your ministry through this website. My only suggestion is that, if possible after prayer, you could eliminate reference to doctrine (women elders) and denomination affiliation. I know right now my husband and I are called to a very conservative demonination and our calling is to callenege their exclusivity that comes through lifting up man's thoughts often above the Lord's. We are called to unite and I believe our testimony does that. I am afraid that I could not refer any of my friends from church to this site because I know they so often get hung up on doctrine to the point of missing TRUTH! In Our Lord's Vineyard, Sue I will be praying for your ministry through this website. My only suggestion is that, if possible after prayer, you could eliminate reference to doctrine (women elders) and denomination affiliation. I know right now my husband and I are called to a very conservative demonination and our calling is to callenege their exclusivity that comes through lifting up man’s thoughts often above the Lord’s. We are called to unite and I believe our testimony does that. I am afraid that I could not refer any of my friends from church to this site because I know they so often get hung up on doctrine to the point of missing TRUTH!

In Our Lord’s Vineyard, Sue

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