One of the crucial, yet often unnoticed, roles of a woman in ministry is to create the atmosphere in the body of Christ.
The expressed vitality of a church and the warmth that is found in the heart of a local church can often be linked to the atmosphere that has been created by the women of the house. If a church is basking in peace and overflowing with joy, it is most likely due to the women who attend and serve at the church.
Conversely, if a church is rife with gossip and criticism, the source can reasonably be traced to the women who are the self-appointed leaders.
A man may be in charge as the senior pastor of the church but it is women who set tone and personality within the local body of believers.
A church will be no friendlier than its women are ... a church will be no more hopeful than its women are ... a church will be no more graceful than the sisters of the house are!
As a pastor's wife of nearly 39 years, I can assure you that although Craig is the head of our personal home, I am the heart of the home! The church often holds the same spiritual hierarchy as does the family home.
Women have been given the God-ordained opportunity of creating a rich and lively atmosphere in the home, in the church, in the halls of education and in the marketplace.
The atmosphere that a woman sets in the church can either be a fragrant garden or a stinking trash dump. The atmosphere that a woman creates in a body of believers can usher either in a tone of forgiveness and acceptance or a flavor of anger and exclusivity.
There is nothing like a woman who encourages the people in her sphere of influence to live with gusto and enthusiasm!
There is nothing like a woman who clings to hope in spite of hopeless and ornery circumstances.
There is nothing like a woman who breaks out in song when everyone else is complaining, grumbling and whining.
There is nothing like a woman who prays without ceasing in the face of dire events, who steadfastly declares the Word of God when all hell is breaking loose and who chooses to believe the best of every person in her life.
There is nothing like a woman who is gracious in her treatment of others and who insists on a spirit of joy and rejoicing in the church and in the home.
There is nothing like a woman who will stare down the enemy of division and confusion and declare, "Not in my house! Not on my watch!"
There is nothing like a woman! 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books, including No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released last August. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "A Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol at justjoyministries.com.
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