OVERCOMING the Obstacles to Women in Ministry

Obstacle # 5: The challenge of a unique lifestyle.

The lifestyle God had specifically called me to was the fifth hurdle I had to conquer. The Lord had called me to full-time ministry, but not my husband. Bill was a businessman who loved his secular job, and I loved the kingdom's work.

The two of us did not struggle with this, but we heard and felt the opinions of others. Some said if God calls the wife, He would certainly call the husband alongside. Others warned having different callings would divide our marriage. We were told God's order was for Bill to be the head of the ministry, and I was out of order in leading.

No one questions a male pastor whose wife works in the secular world. But people constantly come against a female pastor whose husband works in the business arena.

I spent the early years in our marriage supporting Bill's occupational changes and moves. I never complained and always yielded what I was doing to follow and assist him. However, when I turned forty years old, God clearly spoke to me to start a church -- through a vision of handwriting on a wall while I was in a Mexican restaurant. At the same time God spoke to my husband, who was in another state on business, telling him to "help Sharon start a church." God showed Bill a "movie" of our past with me encouraging him year after year. Now it was his turn to help me.

We were both surprised at God's command, but who were we to tell Him no? We knew this format was not the norm, but we had God's grace for our particular lifestyle assignments. At that time I found comfort in the book of Judges, where I read about Deborah, who became a leader with her husband in a supporting role.