A Word from Pastor Lisa: Trailblazers
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
– 2 Kings 2:9-14 (NRSV)
When I was ordained thirteen years ago, I knelt on the IU Auditorium stage surrounded by clergy mentors, in particular three female clergy who had nurtured and paved the way for me. With the weight of their hands upon my head and shoulders, I knew I didn’t walk this road alone.
None of us would have been on that stage at all, if not for the decision 65 years ago this week at General Conference to grant full clergy rights to women in the Methodist Church. Then on May 18, 1956, Maud Jensen became the first woman fully ordained as an itinerant elder in the Methodist Church. As we celebrate these milestones this month, we are mindful of the efforts of the Methodist Protestant Church to ordain a female deacon, Helenor M. Davisson, in 1866 in Northern Indiana. In 1896, the Methodist Protestants granted women the rite of ordination in Western Michigan. In 1894, the United Brethren ordained Sarah Hickey. These are just a few examples. There were many more local pastors, deacons, and female lay leaders who courageously led to the ordination of Rev. Jensen. To read more about the Methodist women in this historic journey, click here.
We are never self-made. There are always faithful people who go before us to get us where we are. I’ve always admired the relationship between the prophet Elijah and his mentee, Elisha. Before Elijah gets whisked up in the chariot of fire, Elisha asks to inherit a double portion of his spirit, which Elijah acknowledges is a difficult request. We’re not exactly sure what Elisha means when he asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. We know that the firstborn son was to receive a double portion of the inheritance. Elisha is asking to have the status of Elijah’s firstborn and to inherit more of his spirit than any other prophet. He’s not requesting more than Elijah had, but only a fraction of it – two-thirds to be exact. And with a fraction of his mentor’s spirit, Elisha is able to do amazing ministry, including 16 miracles, compared to Elijah’s 8, but who’s keeping track? In other words, when we pick up the mantles of those who’ve gone before us, we never know what God might continue to do through us, with us, and even in spite of us.
As we pick up the mantles of those who’ve gone before us, we still have much work to do for clergy women in our denomination. As of 2014, COSROW reports that women make up 58% of American United Methodists, but only 27% of the clergy. I’m in my fourth appointment, and at the last three churches, I’ve been the first female lead pastor. I could tell you many stories of discouragement and hope as a female pastor. It’s not easy. But I’m beyond grateful for the Elijahs in my life, the women and men who’ve mentored me, encouraged me, challenged me, and blazed the trail for female clergy.
It’s overwhelming to pick up their mantles, but their advocacy must go on, not only for female clergy, but also clergy who are people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals who still long to be ordained in our denomination. I feel called to educate congregations, insist on inclusive language for God and all people, share my call story with people who have doubts about women in ministry, and advocate for better opportunities for clergywomen and non-white clergy. I’m also passionate about those still excluded from ordination, and I seek to tear down the barriers preventing my siblings who are LGBTQIA+ from full clergy rights. I want to encourage all who are currently or previously barred from ordination until we shatter the stained glass ceilings that have held us back for far too long.
Want to learn more about the journey of clergy and lay women in United Methodism? Check out the Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) website here or request to join the Indiana COSROW Facebook page here.