Episode Summary
In this episode, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman speak with Elise Gross, a "Third Culture kid" from Antigua. Elise shares her personal story and spiritual journey, including her frustration with the perceived lack of active roles for women in ministry and her discovery of strong female figures in the Bible. The conversation explores how her background shaped her view of women in the church and her eventual calling to a ministry role that allows her to use her spiritual gifts in a way that honors God's truth.
Key Takeaways
Third Culture Kid: Elise discusses her experience growing up as a Third Culture Kid in Antigua and how it shaped her perspective on life and faith.
Women in Ministry: She shares her journey of grappling with the roles of women in the Bible and discovering figures like Lydia and the daughters of Philip.
Spiritual Gifts and Service: The conversation touches on the challenge of a spiritual gifts test that revealed her gifts of leadership and administration, and her struggle to find a place for them.
Academia Christo: Elise describes her work with Academia Christo and how it allows her to use her gifts effectively in a structured ministry environment.
Leadership vs. Headship: The episode concludes by distinguishing between the concepts of leadership and headship, emphasizing the importance of all believers being equipped for gospel proclamation while honoring God's design.
Links Mentioned
Academia Christo: The organization Elise Gross works with, which provides resources and training for ministry and church planting. The website can be found here: https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/latin-america/
Kingdom Workers: A global Christian non-profit that mobilizes believers to meet physical and spiritual needs. The website can be found here: https://kingdomworkers.com/
Jesus and Jetlag with Ken Cherney: A previous episode mentioned in the conversation. You can find this episode and more at the podcast's main page: https://www.gospelcenteredmentoring.site/s/jesus-and-jetlag
Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag
WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)
WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)
BWM = WELS Board for World Missions
CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system
Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.
Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.
