Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (Matthew 21:12-13 & Luke 19:45-46).
The above verses are over two separate occasions when Jesus clears the temple. Maybe it’s because we’re so dense and we tend to turn the church from a house of prayer into a place of business.
Please hear me when I say to you that I am not upset, angry, or bitter.
I must apologize that I have believed these facts and figures as truth.
After working for a Christian business I booked over 300+ events with pastors and churches across the country. I got to personally know over 100 speakers and comedians. I loved being able to fuel my heart for ministry. A few things I came to learn VERY quickly was this:
*Almost 100% of all church websites had white males on their staff.
*The minimum price churches paid for a male speaker was $2,500 ranging all the way up to $15,000.
*The maximum price churches paid for a woman speaker was $1,500. I booked less than 15 events for women because the average budget for women’s ministry is $500.
*Not one of the events I booked was for 20-somethings, which is what I am most passionate about.
I also need to apologize for thinking that I could only serve the church in one position. When I was single I thought it was because I was single. Now that I’m married I see it’s neither.
God wants to use the gifts He has given us no matter if we’re male, female, single and/or married. Fact.
I don’t know if I’m out of line by saying this, but I am almost relieved that I’m no longer phased by these stats. Because for the first time in a long time the church can’t be a place of business. The church is no longer the consumer. It has become once again a house of prayer.
It is my desire to continue to speak passionately and reach out to young adults, but one thing God has had to show me is that my worth is in Him–not how many books I write, speaking events I book, or churches I speak at.
No matter if another church invites me to speak at their church–I’m being obedient to the ministry God has called me too.
It is my heart and desire that you can say the same thing too!
Don’t let your relationship status or gender deter you from serving the Lord with ALL your heart, mind, soul, and strength!
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8)
