Wesleyan Life - Spring 2009 Back to Wesleyan Life Home

We Never Would Have Made It Without You

By H. C. Wilson

With these poignant words C. S. Lewis, in his autobiography Surprised by Joy, captured for us all a sense of the value beyond measure of our mothers.

Mother’s Day will soon be observed. Nice things will be said. Flowers will be purchased. Restaurants will be visited. Special programs and recognitions will occur at church. The kids may even clean up their rooms. The husband may cook breakfast, which in my case would have more potential to make her feel sick than special!

We are all aware of the enormous contribution that mothers have made in our lives personally—and to the Church. What a debt is owed to them! Not to just mothers, but to all women. “Thank you” seems an inadequate expression of appreciation for the massive influence women have had and do have on Kingdom-building.

Historically in much of evangelical circle, men led the church and women nurtured it. For years the vast majority of nurturing of children and youth was done by women. As Sunday school teachers, VBS workers, children’s church leaders, children’s choir directors, and a myriad other ministry roles, women have had a great impact on generations of church kids. Before “discipleship” was popular, women were doing it. For this the church owes a debt that cannot be paid.

Women preachers have been given effective service as itinerant evangelists, pastors, or partners in ministry. Not all of us have had a woman as our pastor. But many of us who grew up in the church can name several women evangelists who crossed our life path with very meaningful ministry.

Women missionaries were a key to the globalization of the gospel. The worldwide missionary thrust of the church would never have succeeded to the extent it has without the enormous contribution made by women missionaries. Often serving as a partner in missions with a husband, but even more often serving alone as a single missionary.

Much of the success that has been attributed to male pastors and church leaders truly rests with their wives. These women supported their husbands and no doubt protected them from faulty decisions. “With her help, he flew high.” Conversely, much of the failure that has been attributed to male pastors and church leaders may also rest at the feet of wives who did not possess the giftedness or spiritual sensitivity to truly minister to and with their husbands and be a true helpmeet to them. “Without her help, he sank.”

Historically, the major share of the prayer burden and intercession in the church has rested on women — and old saints, most of whom are women. It’s not that men don’t pray; but often the women were the really serious prayer warriors.

In these and many other ways, women have sacrificially given of themselves and their talents to the cause of Christ. Many of us have been impacted beyond measure by a godly mother. I am one of those. Thanks to all of you for all you have done for the cause.

— H. C. Wilson is General Director of Global Partners, The Wesleyan Church

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