From the Desk of the Transitional Synod Leader | July 2023

The Presbyterian Women met at Stony Point for their Summer Gathering this past weekend. As their keynote speaker, I had the privilege of sharing on the theme I.O.U. Inward, Outward, and Upward. The event was attended by 40-plus dedicated women unstopped by the challenging road closures and summer storms. With purpose, the woman gathered to do what women have done for centuries, meet to encourage one another and strategize for action. Rev. Kathy Reeves from the national offices provided a report, new moderators were installed, and others were commissioned for a mission on the Arizona border. Elder Bisi Sofu completed her moderatorial service, and Elder Virginia Chapman was installed as the new moderator.

The theme inspired me to recall my formation as a woman. In my tween years, my grandmother took me with her as she carried out her weekly errands. I tagged along, not knowing that her routine was a course in missional living. These weekly adventures included visits to local state hospitals, taking food to the homebound, and reconnecting with people in the old neighborhood. Like most youth, I experienced the outings as one other thing that had to be done before we could do something I consider entertaining. Today, I understand better the quiet power of my grandmother’s actions. She modeled what a good woman did—godly women served others. Godly women are mentors. Women who know how to master work, family, relationships, and life must teach. Young women who want to manage these life skills must be willing to learn.

As stated before, times are changing, and women are leading in unprecedented ways. Forbes made this point in a recent article citing that 10 percent of Fortune 500 companies are led by women C.E.O.s. The Rev. Bronwen Boswell is serving as the first female P.C. (U.S.A.) Acting Stated Clerk. Within our Synod, 12 dynamic females lead our mid councils. As we celebrate these important milestones, Cindy Adams, President of Leadership Circle challenges corporations to consider their responsibility to create a pipeline for more women leaders. Adams highlights corporations are growing because women bring unique competencies in relating, self-awareness, authenticity, system awareness, and achieving. “Play for all to win” is the creative mindset researchers have attached to female leaders making an impact.

We have a spiritual invitation to create a pipeline for new women leaders as the church reclaims its sense of call. Each generation can learn something from previous generations. Women across cultures have models of those who are bold in their determination to accompany others, to be disturbers of the status quo and strategists.

Romans 8:28-30 speaks about individuals who find their identity centered in their relationship with Christ. The mere fact that we were created for good and predestine to live counterculture to society means that our footprints in life should point to a different kind of living. We live our lives through good works and being instruments of justice, bridge builders, and collaborators. We are missional as we engage in mentorship. We have something to say when we share our stories of true overcoming.