Feelin a Bit Like Harriet Baker

Those having occasion to read this post may wonder, "who is Harriet Baker?"

Harriet Baker was once a well-known late-nineteenth century AME preacher.

Like many of her forerunners(Amanda Berry Smith, and Julia Foote), Harriet struggled to answer her call to preach, and experienced bitter opposition from her husband, church, friends, and relatives. Yet, she ultimately triumphed in her pursuit of full-time ministry and in her call to preach the Gospel of Christ.

Due to her public announcement...that she had been "called to preach," Harriet was verbally abused by her Bible class leader and was told to leave the church. However, she was determined that she had received "Divine commission" to preach the Gospel. Although the church held an open discussion about her announcement, she would not leave, for she had made a "solemn covenant" with God to hold fast to her decision. Several years later, around 1874 or 1875, the church authorized her to preach. Even though it was many years after her call that she was ordained and validated by her denomination to preach, she persevered, and God opened the hearts of the male ministers to receive her call as authentic.

Some 130 years later, in Churches of Christ, particularly, the African American church, women are still challenged by not feeling free to answer the call to preach. Yet we persevere.

It is in this way, that I feel "a bit like Harriet".

For many years, even while in seminary pursuing my Masters of Divinity (one of the highest theological degrees for persons pursuing professional ministry), I was uncomfortable with accepting the notion that it just might be possible that God had called me to preach and pastor. My denominations(although presently affiliated with the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ, I still honor my Church of Christ roots) stance on women's roles in the church is partially the reason for my apprehension. However, just recently and despite the prevailing viewpoint of the unspoken leaders in Churches of Christ, I made the decision to say "yes" to God. Since making that decision, I have been consistently pleasantly surprised, and awed by the movement of God.

In fact, this past weekend represented one of those surprising movements of God. You see, I attended an event that was exclusivley for male preachers. I was not invited by the conference conveners, however, the worship leader who happend to be a long time friend, insisted that I attend. And so I did.

Upon my arrival, I must admit I had anxiety. Unsure as to how the "brothers" would respond to me "crashing the party" so to speak, I was open to whatever was to come. To my surprise, I was received well. In fact, several of the brothers, including the conference conveners, expressed being happy that I was participating.

The next day I attended worship service where many of the ministers were also attending. When all preachers were requested to stand, I stood right along with them and was acknowledged as being in ministry. It was also announced during this service that at next years conference, I would be preaching on..."the Gender Issue."

One of the ministers said something to me I shall not soon forget, he said, "God has prepared us for you."

Thank you God for opening yet another door so that your people may know you, and the love that you have for all your creation.