She said the leadership language of women jives with descriptions of "abundance" in the epistles and in the Gospel of John.
It is a nurturing style that has always been under-appreciated, she said.
Second Corinthians lists the promises of gospel living, among them an abundance of consolation, love, joy, equality, balance and grace, Catron said, while Peter and Jude promise an abundance of peace, and John adds to the equation an abundance of love.
"And the leadership books say that women paved the way," she said, describing the crossover of nurturing values into even secular styles of leadership.
While acknowledging that women in the church have "a long way to go," she urged her listeners not to forget the progress already made and told them to "give thanks for who you are and the ministry you bring."
Several women at the luncheon were recognized for service in ordained ministry - for periods ranging from one year to 46.
Mary Elva Smith, the associate director for women's ministries, said five members of that staff were lost in the recent down-sizing at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville. She said Presbyterian Women will meet in a strategy session to decide how to address the loss.
Smith said she's proud of the leadership of Susan Andrews, the moderator of last year's Assembly, and Jean Marie Peacock, the current vice moderator.
"My dream for 2006," she said, "is to see a moderator and a vice moderator who are women" - something that has never occurred. "I hope you all will be thinking about and praying for that." |
