Gender Roles in the Church
Has anyone ever wondered how feminism has influenced the evangelical church? When a female has received an MDiv or MA in seminary and has the same gifts as a male pastor, what are the chances that a woman will have the same career path as a man? Perhaps this is not a matter of feminism, but referring to a redemption theme in the Scriptures which is spoken in a quiet way.
What is the trajectory in Scripture regarding women in leadership? What if instead of living out of the Fall, we look at what Jesus Christ has done. In Galations 3:29 (Amplified Bible), Paul writes that all are one “in Christ” (no one can claim spiritual superiority) - “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male nor female.” In another place, Ephesians 3:21, as believers we are to submit to each other (found before the more often quoted verse of “wives submit to your own husbands.” We cannot say that we do not need each other, that one is more important than the other (1 Cor 12.16).
Take a seat and look at the Christians for Biblical Equality International at https://www.cbeinternational.org/. They have a recent article on the site interviewing a male and female pastor, not married to each other, who are co-pastoring the Refuge in north Denver. An evangelical Presbyterian church in Capitol Hill, Denver - http://www.coronachurch.com/ currently has a couple - Katy and Chuck Fowler - co-pastoring a church plant, giving its people similar benefits.
People of such churches are privileged to witness egalitarian leadership - women in ministry with men in creative collaboration using their gifts to complement each other. I believe they model more of what marriage was in the Old Testament culture. If you read Proverbs 31, you have a picture of a woman involved in managing her home, involved in commerce and being praised by her family. The egalitarian church elevates women and shows respect for individuals - how each person reflects God’s image. This is authentic complimentarianism rather than the pseudo-version that has men in intellectual leadership roles and women in stereotypical supporting roles teaching children, in the kitchen or as a deaconess.
Amazingly there is a CBE conference happening in Houston, Texas this week. I say that having had close contact with several Texans during my grad school time at Denver Seminary (graduated May 2015). For at least one person, the sight of alcohol on campus, the dance classes, or the dating scene may have been either exhilaratingly freeing or offensive. I know that questions of women submitting to men and women in church leadership may not be a comfortable dialogue or even a topic for discussion, even among some Millennials. Things are changing here in Denver, that is for certain. I am glad to be part of that change which treats both women and men as valuable and unique.
The outcome of what church leaders call egalitarianism has the hope for many returns. Less hiding and reputation management. The double standard for men and women has a chance of being rectified. We are accountable to each other, which makes for a healthier and safer context for all, especially the vulnerable. Young girls see role male and female role models who are vulnerable and humble. We have a chance to course correct each other in a timely and kindly way rather than accumulating anger and dealing with wrongs way after the fact. Just these few things I believe will make the Christian family a more unified and loving place to be. Lord Jesus, I pray for Your justice and peace to be real in the Church.
