Black History Month - Wisdom Inspired by Jarena Lee

Women have always been vital to the work of the Church. They were the first witnesses to the resurrection, they have shared the gospel with friends and family, provided resources for ministry, mentored others, and were committed to prayer. One of my favorite women of Church history was the African Methodist Episcopal preacher Jarena Lee. Born into a free black family in 1783, Jarena was the first African American female preacher. Though Church discipline did not allow women to preach, she preached wherever she could find the freedom to do so (hint: not in buildings unless it was her home).

When Jarena Lee was called, she wrestled with what God was doing in her and at the same time understanding she served within a system that did not allow women to preach. In her heart she wanted to see people connected to God through the saving power of the gospel and she felt compelled to fulfill what God was calling her to do.

As Jarena wrestled with her thoughts and searched her heart, she came to some theological conclusions:

"Nothing is impossible with God."

"The savior died for both men and women."

"Mary preached the resurrection (John 20:18). Maybe 'preach' did not mean what we think it means today."

When defending her call to preach she stated, "O how careful we ought to be, lest though by our by-laws of church government and discipline, we bring into disrepute even the word of life." To quote one of our younger congregants, I don't believe "God is in the business of keeping women quiet." Women and men have been gifted to share the good news of Jesus. Jarena was encouraged as people came to faith, and her heart was moved to be a part of leading people to the Jesus who had given her new life.

I think there are some good take aways from Jarena Lee's conclusions:

1. Nothing is impossible for God. Are there impossibilities that get in our way, and we forget that God overcomes the impossible?

2. Are there people we have a hard time believing Jesus died for and empowered?

3. Are we looking for the new voices and younger leaders? Not just those in our church family, or those who look like us, but are there everyday people who have a gift and a call we need to be paying attention to and nurturing?

4. Who do you need to learn from this month? What new voices do you need to give your ear to?