“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
I’m a Southern Baptist pastor. I am a 74 year old male.
And I blog, mostly for pastors and church leaders within the context of churches like ours.
They’re the only kind of churches I know.
(As a child, I attended the Free Will Baptist Church in rural Alabama and the Methodist Church in rural West Virginia, before they became “United Methodists.” As a 19-year-old college student, the Lord led me to become Southern Baptist. I have lived and worshiped and served within that context ever since. As a pastor, it’s all I know.)
I don’t write for Catholics, although if they read my stuff and find something useful, I’m delighted. I don’t write for the United Methodists, with their district superintendents and bishops and annual appointments, but am always pleased when they tell me some of these writings have proven helpful.
I don’t write for women pastors, but am pleased when they say these articles have been of assistance in their ministries.
No Catholic writes to criticize because I don’t mention the pope and nuns and their saints. No UMC pastors criticize because I fail to take into consideration how they do things. But women pastors regularly let me know they are offended by my use of the pronoun “he” in referring to pastors.
Most are gracious in pointing out what they consider my slight and/or oversight, which I appreciate. I’m not naturally confrontational and appreciate kindness from one writing to point out my errors. I would rather make love than war, as the 1960s slogan put it.
But, I need to say something here.