april ibarra

I hate to say it, but progress is slow. IBC took a really well-thought move. If anything is going to change in the South, we have to put aside our anger and be the harbingers of grace. Its not fair, its not right, and it sucks for those who it squashes. I say this as one who feels continually squashed underfoot by the church. We, as a movement, have to move like water, moving through whatever crevice will allow us and breaking down the hardness however we can. We have to persist in what we know is right and trust that God will bring down the mighty and the proud.
The beginning of wisdom is fear of God, and while approaching the Scriptures we need to be careful to not judge another’s servant. Their feelings are to be regarded as importantant and as valid as our own. If we demonize them and disregard their faith, then we are the proud that will fall to our own destruction. Let them be the babbling idiots, who will reveal their true character in time.
I am a part of a church that considers itself progressive, that ordains women as far as children’s ministry goes but quietly dismisses women to their “roles” in its complimentarianism. I struggle everyday because I want to work in ministry, but I need cultivation and mentorship first. This has been very hard to come by and so far I have not been successful. I’ve spoken to Jackie Roese on the subject and she has simply kept her resolve, aknowledging the situation and perfecting her craft. Now IBC has opened this door. IBC is really influential in our area. I hope this opens doors everywhere.