It has been over a month since the Elder Board communicated to the Church Board their decision not to ordain female pastors/elders.* I have to be honest and admit that I am disappointed by the EB’s position, but after praying to God about it, I am at peace in my heart. God did not call me to ECC to be ordained, nor is He asking me to fight for women’s ordination. God called me to shepherd His flock at ECC, and I am thankful that the Elder Board affirms my gifting, calling, and ministry, so that I can be faithful in answering God's call to minister through preaching and pastoring the Redmond Cantonese congregation.

God has blessed me with joy and freedom in Christ to serve Him at ECC. However, it is not without difficulty. I serve both as Wendy and as a woman, and while I feel fully affirmed and supported in the former, I sometimes question the affirmation and support in the latter. The struggle is real, but God becomes even more real in the midst of it. He fills me with His grace and mercy so that I too can act with grace and mercy. It is a journey of continually seeking and following God’s wisdom and love so that I can faithfully answer His call; be honest with myself, the church, and God; and stay consistent in my beliefs, calling, and service.

These words from God to Jeremiah have been a great encouragement to me on this journey of answering God’s call, and I hope they are encouraging to you as well:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; … Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid…, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jer. 1:4-9)

* Ordination and Eldership – “At ECC, ordination is the process we use to confirm the calling of an elder, a role we understand as being for qualified men based on Scripture, including passages such as 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. While this interpretation guides ECC’s practice of ordination and eldership, we respect and acknowledge other biblically grounded practices within the broader Christian community.”