Sending Forth
Our purpose in writing this resource manual is to provide wisdom, insight, and recommendations for all those walking the tightrope that spans between the areas of gender, theology, and ministry. We pray that this resource is a springboard and a diving board into future areas and deeper places in and of research and ministry. We hope that this resource will help make us all fuller, freer, and more honest ministers to God’s people and the world at large. Though it is often assumed or implied that “gender” must always be speaking about issues related to women, we have tried to show in this manual that the efforts and concerns of all genders are important to the life and ministry of the Church. Therefore, this resource is not simply a resource for women alone. It is for all of us who struggle in and around the Church for the pursuit of truth and evidence of a life lived fully in a mighty, marvelous, and mysterious Gospel.
As we send forth this manual to you, it is also our hope that each of you go forth in both the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Go forth in peace.
Jessica E. Terrell & Theresa S. Thames
Spring 2006