I met a new friend at the class I went to this week. She is a worship leader, drummer, mom and wife. She is all that and more! I loved sitting down to talk with this fellow chick worship leader and hearing how God is working in her life. I loved hearing how she does ministry, how she balances motherhood and ministry and eventually, the discussion turned to some of the unique challenges women in ministry can face. We laughed about some things - having our kids running around during rehearsal, singing while pregnant, being surrounded by guys, having to transpose songs to a lower key, etc. Other things, however, weren't so laughable. These issues were serious and, at times, painful.
She shared with me some resources her church posted on their church website that led me to some interesting blogs written by men about this issue of women in ministry leadership. I was moved to tears time and time again as I read the words these men wrote. They actually seemed to get some things that even I have struggled to express with clarity through the years.
I hope you'll read with an open heart. I admired their sensitivity and willingness to look at life from the perspective of another.
One male blogger writes here about "The Wounded Image of God" as the community of believers is harmed by some attitudes of sexism.
Another man, Jeff McQ, writes here and offers his apology to women in the church. I was touched by these words:
"To overcome the negative pull (of sexism), I believe we men must be much more purposeful and intentional in the affirmation and restoration of women. We need to make every effort to understand their struggle--a difficult task for us men, because we simply haven't had to deal with that constant level of resistance. We need to realize that even when we recognize female leaders in the church, a female in pastoral leadership will still have a more difficult road to walk than a man in the same role--and most other roles, for that matter. Not because she is weaker, but because there is simply more resistance for her than for a man.
We need to do more than just let women have a voice--we need to listen to that voice. Part of the healing of the wound will come when we hear, and understand, the cry of the wounded--and are moved to action."
I've said for years that Godly and compassionate men must be the first ones to see the pain, to see the injustice and to speak to the heart of the matter. As of this time in church history, men are the ones with power to lead change and to speak to this matter in a frank way. Whatever your "position", take the time to listen to the women who lead in churches and to hear what they share with you. Take it seriously. Ask them what could be changed. Ask them how they feel left out. Ask them how they long to contribute and ask them about the dreams God has put on their hearts. Let them share with you the pain you may have overlooked - and then take it seriously. Don't brush it off. Hear with an open heart.
Don't just do it for the sake of the women you serve with. Do it for the sake of the Church - the great community of believers that should be marked by UNITY and LOVE, which these attitudes threaten to destroy. Do it for the sake of the Kingdom, that we pray will come through all of our lives as we live out our relationship with God.
Be willing to listen, to hear, to move, to act.
Sexist attitudes have no place in the church, no place in loving relationships. In this area, may the church shine as a bright example of unity, love, and respect between genders.
Next week.....steps YOU can take to make a difference!
Recent Comments