GENDERING THE PULPIT IS NOT TYPICALLY SOMETHING one can do alone. Rather, there are many people to thank along the way. Foremost, I am grateful for Rev. Dr. David Russell Tullock and the work of Parson's Porch & Company with its publishing services. Your mission is admirable, your work prophetic. I am honored to write with you. Gendering the pulpit also typically occurs within the confines of faith communities. So, I am thankful for four faith communities who have stood with me in this process, allowing me time and space in their pulpits: the Oaks Baptist Church, Parkway Baptist Church, Shell Ridge Community Church, and Wake Forest Baptist Church. It has been an honor to call myself your pastor at various times over the past thirteen years. Then there are those myriad voices we never hear. For those countless women and LGBTQ persons who have lifted your voices in bold proclamations, but who have not had the privilege of an official pulpit, thank you. This book is for you. And for all those women and LGBTQ persons who don't think that preaching could be a part of your future, it is my hope that this book will tell you otherwise. Know that you are beloved, affirmed, worthwhile, and called; do not let anyone tell you differently. Raise you voice. Affirm your body, for it is holy. My dear friends, family, and colleagues are foremost among those I wish to acknowledge. Wendy, Melissa, Ryan, Amy, Richard, Jen, Sharon, Trisha, Patricia, MaryBeth, Jill, Michelle, Diane, Andrea, Ron, Weave, Susan, mom, dad, Carl, Josh, and many others continue to be a support system filled with good humor and prophetic challenge. Thank you. And for Elizabeth, who listens to endless processing, proofreads countless documents, and makes me laugh every day, I am thankful. You make me a better person and gendering the pulpit in the direction of justice would be no fun without you. I remain hopeful for our future Tango and how we will make the world a better place together.
