Empowered by Compassion - A Call to Action for Women in Ministry

Empowered by Compassion - A Call to Action for Women in Ministry

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
On today's podcast, we are talking about Empowered by Compassion,
a call to action for women and ministry Scripture focus
Matthew nine thirty six New King James version. But when
he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for
them because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having
no shepherd. As women called into ministry, we often find

(00:21):
ourselves in the midst of challenging situations, whether in the
church community or our personal lives. The demands are many
and the burdens can feel heavy. Yet in the midst
of all this, we are empowered through the example of
Jesus Christ. Matthew nine thirty six provides us with a
powerful lesson on how to lead with compassion, a vital
quality that is essential to our role as women clergy.

(00:45):
The Heart of Jesus Compassion for the Weary Matthew nine
thirty six paints a vivid picture of Jesus heart for
the people he encountered. When he looked upon the multitudes
he didn't see just to see if faces. He saw
hearts that were weary, scattered, and in knee of guidance.
Jesus was moved by compassion. His heart went out to
the people, recognizing their struggles and pain. As women in ministry,

(01:08):
we are often called to serve others in similar ways.
Whether we are preaching, leading Bible studies, counseling, or caring
for our congregations, we must first develop a heart of compassion.
Compassion is more than sympathy. It's an active, deep seated
care for others that moves us to action. Like Jesus,
we must see beyond the surface, acknowledging the real struggles

(01:30):
people face, be it in their personal lives, their families,
or their faith. When we allow ourselves to be moved
by compassion, we align our hearts with the heart of Christ.
This emotional connection to others strengthens our calling and fuels
the work we do in His name. Empowered to lead
with compassion, jesus response to the scattered, weary people was

(01:51):
not just emotional, It was also actionable. He knew that
in order to address their needs, there needed to be
shepherds to guide them. The harvest truly is plentiful, but
the laborers are few Matthew nine thirty seven and kjav.
As women clergy, we too are called to be shepherds,
equipped not just with knowledge and skills, but also with

(02:11):
the compassion that fuels our ministry. Being a woman in
ministry can sometimes feel isolating or overwhelming. There may be
moments when you question whether your efforts are making an impact.
Yet when we are moved by compassion, our service to
others becomes a form of empowerment. Compassion reminds us of
why we are called to this work. It's not about

(02:31):
titles or accolades, but about meeting people where they are
and walking alongside them as they grow in their faith.
Empowered by compassion, we can lead with grace, wisdom, and empathy.
We can embrace the calling to serve, even when it
requires us to go the extra mile or pour into
others in ways that may not always be reciprocated. Through compassion,
we find the strength to endure the challenges of ministry,

(02:54):
knowing that our work is about healing, helping and empowering
others in Christ's name, and the weary meeting people where
they are. As women in ministry, it is important to
remember that we too are not immune to weariness and exhaustion.
The demands of serving others can leave us feeling scattered
at times, but it's in these moments that we need

(03:14):
to be reminded of the compassion Jesus had for us.
Just as he was moved to action on behalf of
the weary, we must also recognize when we need to
take time for ourselves to rest and to be renewed
in His presence. Moreover, the church and community around us
are filled with people who, like the crowds in Matthew nine,
may be weary and scattered. They might be searching for hope, direction,

(03:36):
and a safe place to heal. Women clergy are uniquely
positioned to shepherd these individuals. God has placed us in
ministry with the ability to offer a listening air, a
gentle word, and the love of Christ that transcends all circumstances.
We are called to lead with compassion, gently guiding others
and pointing them back to the one who can restore
their weary souls, empowering the next generation of women clergy.

(04:00):
The empowerment of women and ministry goes beyond personal growth.
It is also about empowering the next generation of women clergy.
As we lead with compassion, we create an example for
others to follow. We become the shepherds who not only guide,
but also nurture, mentor, and encourage those who will come
after us. In our ministries, it's crucial that we make

(04:21):
space for the voices of other women who feel called
to serve in leadership by men touring them with the
same compassion that Christ showed. We can empower others to
step into their own calling with confidence, knowing that they
too are capable of making a significant impact in the
lives of others. Compassion is a tool for transformation. Compassion
in ministry is transformative. It has the power to heal hearts,

(04:43):
change lives, and even transform entire communities. As women clergy,
we are not just called to teach or preach the word.
We are called to embody it, living out the truth
of God's love through our actions, our words, and our
interactions with those we serve. As we reflect on matth
U nine thirty six, let us ask ourselves. Are we
moved by compassion for those we serve? Are we willing

(05:06):
to step into the messy, sometimes difficult work of shepherding
with a heart full of love? When we answer this call,
we not only transform others, but also empower ourselves to
continue our sacred work with renewed purpose and unwavering faith. Prayer, Father, God,
we thank you for the compassionate example of Jesus, who
saw the needs of the weary and took action. As

(05:27):
women in ministry, help us to reflect this compassion in
all that we do. Move our hearts with love and
care for those we serve, and empower us to lead
with grace, humility, and strength. When we are weary. Remind
us of your compassion for us, and help us to
pour into others with the same heart you have shown us.
In Jesus name, we pray Amen daily affirmation. My heart

(05:50):
is moved with compassion, and through God's grace, I am
empowered to lead, guide, and uplift those in need.