This fall I've been through one of the biggest transitions in my career, and it's not just the job responsibilities. After spending seven years in working almost exclusively with women, I now spend the majority of my time with men.

And I love it.

For a woman as "pro-women" as I am, it's a little hard to write that sentence. I have a stake in promoting women. I want to be part of a generation that works to bring women to the table in all areas of leadership. I think it's time, and I think it's good for the church.

But all too often, the pro-women conversation can get a little sharp. Conversations with women about finding their place in ministry easily morph into "what's-wrong-with-men" gripe-fests.

So I don't blame our male leaders for being wary. We are asking them to make room for women in male-dominated arenas. We are asking them to break through rigidity in role and embrace some ambiguity as we all try to figure out how to work together. Those are not easy tasks, and in our haste to make space for women, we can easily skate by the opportunity to appreciate what men bring to the table. So in this season of celebration, I think it's time to appreciate what men bring to church leadership.

Here's a cheer for recognizing differences.

It's normal in women's ministry that women do all the work. This, in my case, meant hauling tables and stacking chairs and promoting the do-it-yourself attitude at every turn. When I made the move to student ministry, I noticed something wonderful: men who step up and make things easier for me. Men, who carry tables and take chairs out of my arms and teach me to rely on them for their gifts—even if that's height or brawn.

Men also bring a unique perspective to our student ministry—and not just in their leading of teen boys. It's also the strong-but-gentle, silly-but-godly way they conduct themselves that models for girls what boys can—and should—grow up to be. That's something that I just can't do. So here's to men for their men-specific differences.

But here's a cheer for acknowledging similarities.

When I come to the table in ministry leadership, I bring a voice. That voice developed through experiences, culture and gender. But gender is only one piece of the puzzle.

So here's to the men in ministry who make room for the female perspective and recognize that we can actually think quite alike. Whatever the specific area of ministry, we have one heart: to bring Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. To create opportunities for transformation and growth and relationship. And whether that manifests itself in a high tea or golf tournament or Bible study class, knowing that we are all working toward the same goal—men and women—is worth cheering about.

I appreciate men in ministry who are brave enough to know that we are more similar than different and who honor women's voices by acknowledging those similarities. Consider the Message translation of Colossians 3:11:

"From now on everyone is defined by Christ, and everyone is included in Christ."

Regardless of what your church's leadership thinks of women, I think it's time we step back and give a cheer for what the men in our churches do. I've given out two cheers, and the third is up to you.

What do you specifically appreciate about the men who lead in your church?

Leave a comment here, then step out—consider a call or note of encouragement to honor those men today.