The weakened antelope, separated from the herd
Have you ever felt like the lone Christian among the lions? A wounded swimmer being circled by sharks? The weakened antelope, separated from the herd, stalked by the jackals in the tall grass? That’s pretty much how I felt this morning at my first ministers meeting of the Bordeaux region. When I first started my missionary career, raising funds in the States, I had to go to lots of minister’s meetings, and it is always a bit intimidating the first time.
Today was no different. The weather was odd: chilly in the wind, hot in the sun, and really hot in a lined polyester dress, pantyhose, and three inch heels. But I had chosen wisely: most of the men were in suits. I was greeted by everyone around the coffee table, but asked four times in the first fifteen minutes: “Which pastor is your husband?” Women in ministry do not exist in France; in fact, women cannot even lead the song service. Good thing Darlene Zschech wasn’t born here! Needless to say, there aren’t women aplenty at the pastor’s meetings.
My French colleague Laurent is the one that suggested that I go. He wants me to get better known, and is willing to promote me as a missionary experienced in Muslim ministry. He hopes that eventually I will even be able to get speaking engagements at churches. Judging by the reaction I got today, that may take a while. But Laurent, at least, is open to that possibility, and I appreciate his support. It’s certainly not my desire to be the Gloria Steinem of the French Assemblies of God—two things you never thought you’d see in the same sentence—pushing to recognized as an ordained minister. But still, it’s hard to feel that I have a calling and a motivation for a ministry that is largely ignored in France.
In other news: If you think that the American church is anti-DaVinci Code, you should see the French church. They are outraged that the movie was filmed in France, involves French actors, and the one of the “prides” of France: the Louvre. Sadly, the average French person doesn’t know one thing about Jesus Christ, even to the extent that if you asked him about Jesus, he would say, “Who?” So I’m not sure that the French Christians are as angry about the misrepresentation of Christ as they are about the misrepresentation of the French history and culture. But, hey, that’s just my opinion.
Today was no different. The weather was odd: chilly in the wind, hot in the sun, and really hot in a lined polyester dress, pantyhose, and three inch heels. But I had chosen wisely: most of the men were in suits. I was greeted by everyone around the coffee table, but asked four times in the first fifteen minutes: “Which pastor is your husband?” Women in ministry do not exist in France; in fact, women cannot even lead the song service. Good thing Darlene Zschech wasn’t born here! Needless to say, there aren’t women aplenty at the pastor’s meetings.
My French colleague Laurent is the one that suggested that I go. He wants me to get better known, and is willing to promote me as a missionary experienced in Muslim ministry. He hopes that eventually I will even be able to get speaking engagements at churches. Judging by the reaction I got today, that may take a while. But Laurent, at least, is open to that possibility, and I appreciate his support. It’s certainly not my desire to be the Gloria Steinem of the French Assemblies of God—two things you never thought you’d see in the same sentence—pushing to recognized as an ordained minister. But still, it’s hard to feel that I have a calling and a motivation for a ministry that is largely ignored in France.
In other news: If you think that the American church is anti-DaVinci Code, you should see the French church. They are outraged that the movie was filmed in France, involves French actors, and the one of the “prides” of France: the Louvre. Sadly, the average French person doesn’t know one thing about Jesus Christ, even to the extent that if you asked him about Jesus, he would say, “Who?” So I’m not sure that the French Christians are as angry about the misrepresentation of Christ as they are about the misrepresentation of the French history and culture. But, hey, that’s just my opinion.