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Connection
REFLECTIONS
Embracing the Jethro Principle:
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SUMMER 2024
PRESBYTERIAN
33
Finding Strength in Community as a Woman of Colour in the PCC
fellowship and solidarity.
The warm embrace and unwa-
vering support of the people of Wexford Presbyterian and Knox Agincourt have been a source of immeasurable strength and en- couragement throughout my jour- ney as a Black female pastor. This support from my congregants has been evident in countless ways, whether through heartfelt words of encouragement, acts of kindness and hospitality, or a willingness to engage in difficult conversations about race, gender and privilege. Their openness and receptivity to my leadership have affirmed my calling and inspired me to serve with greater confi- dence and authenticity.
One of the most remarkable as- pects of serving God’s people as a woman of colour is the sense of camaraderie and collaboration that permeates every aspect of our ministry. Equally impactful has been the support I have re- ceived from my colleagues within the Presbyterian Church. As fellow ministers of the Word and Sacra- ment, they have walked alongside me, offering wisdom, guidance and solidarity in times of need. Through shared experiences, mu- tual encouragement and collabo- rative ministry endeavours, I have come to realize that I am not alone in this journey. We are part of a larger community of faith, bound
together by our shared commit- ment to proclaiming the gospel and embodying the love of Christ in the world. In times of doubt or discouragement, it is the collec- tive strength of this community that sustains me. Knowing that I am surrounded by a network of fellow pastors, elders and con- gregants, who are rooting for my success and cheering me on from the sidelines gives me the courage to persevere in the face of adversity. Together, we form a tapestry of diverse voices and experiences, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the church’s witness in the world.
My journey as a woman and a minister of word and sacrament has been both challenging and rewarding, but throughout it all, I have never felt alone. Just as Je- thro advised Moses to delegate his responsibilities and appoint capable leaders to assist him in guiding the Israelites, so too do I find myself surrounded by a net- work of dedicated colleagues, el- ders and congregants who walk alongside me on this journey of ministry. I am blessed to be part of communities that embody the spirit of the Jethro principle. From my fellow ministers and elders, to the congregants who fill our pews each week, I am surrounded by individuals who offer unwavering support, encouragement and love.
By the Rev. Sandrah Mashingaidze, Wexford Presbyterian Church
and Knox Presbyterian Church Agincourt in Scarborough, Ont.
In Exodus 18:21, Jethro coun- selled Moses to “select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
In the book of Exodus, Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, offers timeless wisdom that resonates profoundly with those navigating leadership roles within religious communities. Exodus 18:21 ad- vises Moses to select capable, God-fearing, trustworthy indi- viduals to share the burden of leadership. This guidance, known as the “Jethro Principle,” not only provides a blueprint for effective governance but also speaks to the essence of communal sup- port and shared responsibility. As a woman of colour serving two congregations in the Presbyterian Church—Wexford Presbyterian Church, and Knox Presbyterian Church Agincour t—the Jethro Principle has been a beacon of assurance in my journey. The landscape of religious leadership often presents unique challenges, particularly for marginalized voic- es like mine. However, through the lens of Jethro’s counsel, I have found solace in knowing that I am not alone in my service. In selecting capable individuals to assist in the governance of the community, Moses was encour- aged to prioritize qualities that transcend superficial distinctions. Similarly, in my experience, The Presbyterian Church in Canada has embraced diversity and rec- ognized the inherent value that individuals from all backgrounds bring to the table. As a woman of colour, I have been empowered to lead and contribute, knowing that my voice is valued and my pres- ence welcomed.
In this reflection, I wish to share my perspective on how the church is evolving toward inclusivity and diversity, and the significance of
this journey for our growth and vi- tality as a faith community. When I first entered ministry, I was acutely aware of the underrepresentation of women of colour in positions of leadership within the Presbyte- rian Church. However, the warm embrace and unwavering suppor t of my congregations have been a source of strength and encourage- ment. Together, we have embarked on a journey toward a more inclu- sive and diverse church communi- ty, where women of colour are not only welcomed but celebrated for their unique gifts and perspectives.
The transformation I have wit- nessed within our congregations is a testament to the power of intentional inclusion. By actively engaging in dialogue, education and reflection, we have chal- lenged long-standing biases and dismantled barriers that have historically marginalized women and people of colour. As a result, our church communities have be- come spaces where individuals from all walks of life feel valued, affirmed and empowered to par- ticipate fully in the life and min- istry of the church. Embracing diversity is not merely a matter of political correctness; it is essen- tial for the vitality and growth of the church. When we open our- selves to the richness of diverse voices, experiences and perspec- tives, we create opportunities for mutual learning, growth and transformation. In embracing in- clusivity, we reflect the boundless love and hospitality of Christ, who welcomed all into his embrace without exception.
As I reflect on the journey of our congregations toward inclusivity and diversity, I am filled with hope for the future of the Presbyterian Church. I envision a church where womenofcolourarenotonlyrep- resented in leadership but actively suppor ted and empowered to ex- ercise their gifts for the flourishing of the church and the world. I en- vision a church where diversity is celebrated as a reflection of God’s creativity and love, and where all are welcomed as beloved children of God. The journey toward inclu- sivity and diversity is not always
The Rev. Sandrah Mashingaidze.
easy, but it is essential for the church’s growth and vitality. As we continue to embrace the rich- ness of diverse voices and expe- riences, may we be transformed into a community that reflects the love and hospitality of Christ to all who enter our doors. In the Presbyterian Church, I have found a community that not only em- braces diversity but actively cel- ebrates it as a reflection of God’s boundless creativity. In a world often marked by division and iso- lation, the Presbyterian Church stands as a beacon of unity, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together in
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