By Issac Bennett of Chennai, India

Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)

A deeply significant expression of mission within our ministry is the leadership of women in our congregation. In many traditional ecclesial settings, women are rarely permitted to lead, preach, or pastor. Yet within our mission centre, women have emerged as central figures in shaping the life and direction of the church.

Their presence is not just visible—it is impactful. Women lead with clarity, compassion, and commitment. They are the primary drivers of our fellowship meets, pastoral care, and community outreach. Their contributions of time, energy, and wisdom far surpass the conventional expectations placed upon them in patriarchal structures.

What makes this moment so powerful is the freedom these women now embody. They are no longer silent spectators but active leaders, mentors, and visionaries. Through their ministry, they are challenging long-held norms and showing us a new way of being Church—one that is inclusive, participatory, and Spirit-led.

This shift is more than a social adjustment—it is a theological awakening. It speaks to the very heart of mission: the unfolding of God’s reign through the empowerment of all people, especially those long pushed to the margins.

Prayer Phrase

“Bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2).

Spiritual Hunger

Jesus discerned hungers of body and spirit, and he fed them through a physical, verbal, spiritual ministry of presence. In a time of listening prayer, ask God to help you discern physical or spiritual hungers of people in your congregation, community, and global family. Invite the Spirit to move you to one hospitable act that “feeds” someone’s hunger today.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.