Interview: Pastor Dorcas George (Part 3)
Do you perceive that you serve the church differently because you are a woman? Is there anything in your leadership style or whatever that you think of as “feminine”?
Honestly, I care about the flower and candle arrangements in the church. I doubt many of my male counterparts do, but some certainly may. That has nothing to do with leadership, though, does it? Well, I think a good pastor is going to have certain characteristics. A pastor should be courageous, able to preach and teach, flexible, have a sense of humor, be approachable, not afraid to do the difficult thing, and so on. Those are not gender related, in my opinion. However, people do tell me that I am more relational than their male pastors have been, more diplomatic, more open about myself and my struggles. I do not know if that has anything to do with gender. I also don’t know if it is about me or about their former pastors! I don’t think of my leadership as “feminine,” though I do think most would describe me as a feminine person. I’d actually be interested to see if others who are looking on (or following) do see it that way. And I admit to having gotten teary-eyed a few times on Sunday morning.
What do you wish churches understood about women in ministry?
I wish they understood that there are often some extra challenges. I recently saw this list on the blog “Christian Egalitarians.” These are simple things to do, but would make a difference.
1. Be intentional about quoting females.
2. Be an encourager and advocate to women who are working with you and under you.
3. Provide scholarships for women to attend important gatherings and provide childcare.
4. Be intentional about having women be part of the planning team.
5. Leave some space in the conversation for women’s voices.
6. If you are asked to speak somewhere, ask if some of your honorarium can go towards making sure women are there.
7. Invite women in to publish in your journals and books.
8. Keep your eyes open for women doing outstanding things under the radar.
What would you say to girls and young women who are wondering about how they fit into the Body of Christ?
I have a vivid memory of a young Hispanic woman who approached me after joining in worship at an ordination service as I receive my first level of recognition as a clergywoman. I was the only woman in a fairly large group of people receiving credentials. It was about 20 years ago, but I’ll never forget her. She looked at me with amazement in her beautiful brown eyes, and she kept repeating, over and over, struggling a bit to use English, “I had no idea.” After she repeated that about five times, she added, “How you do this? Women can really be preachers? I had no idea. I had no idea.” Others were approaching to offer congratulations, but she began to cry, so I hugged her and said a quick prayer. As she slowly backed away to allow others to speak to me, she said again, “I had no idea. It could have been so different.” I don’t know what she meant, and I did not see her again, but her eyes and her anguished expression haunted me for a while.
The Body of Christ is weakened by our foolish notions of strict gender “roles”—a word I’ve come to detest. Sometimes I wonder about how it affects males as well as females. My son wanted to serve in the nursery and was denied that opportunity. He was great with children, but the rejection he experienced took a toll.
As for girls and young women, one of the joys of my life is simply being an example by standing behind the pulpit. I rejoice in the opportunities I have had to influence young women in a positive way. I was silently rejoicing at last years’ Christmas drama at my church when a thirteen-year old girl played the pastor part in a skit. It was an exciting moment! I say the same thing to everyone, male or female, “There is no list of gender requirements when it comes to spiritual gifts. Seek to become the person God created you to be. Then be that, to the glory of God. Let no one hinder you, once you know what you are to do. You can be anything God calls you to be. Anything.”
