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CommentsDisplaying Pastor Melissa's 10 most recent comments.

• Pope Francis Blasts ‘Cult of Money’ That Harms the Poor: ‘Money Has to Serve, Not to Rule!’

  May 16, 2013 at 3:17pm

  I think it was noted in the article and I believe, there is not enough information yet to assume Pope Francis is going to lean one way or another. I would say hold off on judgement until we see the actions behind the words. (The actions I have seen so far have been awesome in the awe category of the word.) Let’s see what he does on the subject, not just what he says.
  On a related note, when money becomes more important than the people. That is the problem. You won’t see your money on the other side. Nothing wrong with having it, just make sure it prioritized in the right place.

• Here’s What Pope Francis Did When Pilgrims Gave Him Doves in Front of a Live Audience

  May 15, 2013 at 11:58am

  In reply to TheStudent.

  Thank you so much!

• Here’s What Pope Francis Did When Pilgrims Gave Him Doves in Front of a Live Audience

  May 15, 2013 at 9:22am

  In reply to Pastor Melissa.

  Ah, but if that was the case Jesus would of had no reason to raise the Disciples to become Apostles. There is always need for shepherds to lead God’s flock. There is also always reason for people to be cautious of wolves in shepherd’s clothing. Idolatry is not in the shepherd but in making the shepherd greater than God. I respectively disagree with you. It is the rise of the nons that has signaled the real warning light to the future of Christian faith today. The loss of faith starts with the loss of respect for the people who teach it.

• Here’s What Pope Francis Did When Pilgrims Gave Him Doves in Front of a Live Audience

  May 15, 2013 at 7:44am

  Whether intentional or not, this Pope unifies. I think he is getting so much attention because he is doing what other contemporary faith leaders have not: garnered praise and admiration from more than one side (spiritually and politically speaking.)

• Failed Doomsday Preacher’s Radio Network Could Experience an Apocalyptic Demise of Its Own

  May 13, 2013 at 10:09am

  In reply to Gonzo.

  You wrote it before I could. Agreed.

• Is a Religious Revival on the Horizon in England?

  May 10, 2013 at 12:47pm

  In reply to Pastor Melissa.

  DLV: I apologize. I made an assumption. Just as I get frustrated when others make assumptions about me, I can see how you would be frustrated as well.
  Men/Women leadership roles? I believe both men and women can serve on almost any capacity as long as they are able to live up to the expectation of the job. Like a young male or female better know the boundary issues in being a youth pastor. An elder, in the Disciples of Christ tradition, better have the time to make visits and calls to home bound members. I think it makes sense for females to be ministers to, let’s say a, woman’s group and a male to be a minister to, let’s say a male group. (I know Doc Thompson brought up a situation to a feminist: Could females be drafted. I believe, if the female can live up to the same standards the men have, they should be allowed in. Based on conversations with vets, the genders should be completely separated. I don’t think females should be in the military if that means the requirements are loosened.) Therefore, if females or males cannot do the job in clergy or lay leadership roles, they shouldn’t have the job.

  Ok, y’all. I’m out now. Thanks for the spirited dialogue. I appreciated the conversation.

• Is a Religious Revival on the Horizon in England?

  May 10, 2013 at 12:12pm

  In reply to Pastor Melissa.

  Noncents: Well said. I consider the title to be like the collar of online ministry. I have pastoral friends, male and female, who wear a clerical collar everywhere they go so as to remain true to their calling at all times.
  I do have to say this about female ministry: at some point somebody is going to discover the truth. I would rather be willing to openly step into the furnace or be faced in front of a room full of lions than the possibility that I might be hiding something God wants me to be open about. Am I honest like Daniel or am I going to hear the crow of thrice denial.

• Is a Religious Revival on the Horizon in England?

  May 10, 2013 at 11:11am

  In reply to Pastor Melissa.

  Believe it or not, not even close. I know ministers who are liberal. If you only knew what liberal Christianity was. btw- it is mostly not in biblical interpretation but in biblical dogmatics and theology. Later this month I will lead a bible study on biblical interpretation. I am not going to advertise on this site. If you can find me, you are welcome to join and see where I am coming from.

• Is a Religious Revival on the Horizon in England?

  May 10, 2013 at 10:22am

  In reply to Pastor Melissa.

  I am fully ordained, with good standing in the Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ.) I have been raised by multiple congregations, and my ordination was through two in particular: a very spiritually centered congregation and a very educational congregation. I come from a long line of female church leaders found in the bible: Deborah, who was a female judge in the Hebrew Bible. Mary, who was the first to share the message of a risen God, and therefore the first to give a sermon. Priscilla, who is listed as one of the 70 Disciples and raised by Paul, the person many want to point to as the person who doesn’t believe in female ministers. While there are others, I just want to add, I could have easily made my name PastorMel, or RevM, or something that would have hidden my gender. I am not afraid of what I am. I am a female minister, raised by others, called by God. I am sorry to dash your hopes, but your dashed hopes allow me to bring God’s hope to others.

• Is a Religious Revival on the Horizon in England?

  May 10, 2013 at 9:42am

  Here is the blunt truth: The church is going to change. It will change out of something organic and wonderful. There is no training, preparation, or guide to prompt this change. There is no way the church will continue to grow in the state it currently exists. We can stare at numbers and charts, but when it happens we will know. Everyone will know, because it will just make sense. I would tell you what that looks like but that moment, that organic something has not happened yet. Believe me, we will know when it does because people will flock to it. Just keep your eyes open. It could happen any day now.