Understanding the Views of Women in Ministry and resulting implications for Today
Have you ever wondered how it is that so many of the churches that exist today, while all in agreement of who Christ is and the major elements of the Gospel that includes our sin and consequential salvation because of Him, differ in such vast ways when it comes to other theological or doctrinal ideas. Debates continue to exist and thrive over topics such as free-will and predestination, the ministration of spiritual gifting and what the end times may be or look like. I question and ponder this phenomenon often, especially when, depending on who you talk to and how well they can communicate their views, scriptural evidence is found as utilized at the root of their beliefs.
Generally, when we approach such topics, we come at them with our own biased lenses, carrying with us the ideas and preconceived notions imbedded in us from our own history of teachings, readings, and personal research. We can easily dismiss the alternative ideas, because in our minds, scripture can only say one thing – and that one thing, just happens to line up with the pre-determined belief that we carry into the debate/discussion. Rarely are we open to alternative ideas…rarely do we go to the very things we are taught to critically examine and compare our ideas with the other views that continue to thrive in churches and seminaries today. Rarely do we truly examine why two people with the same bible and a similar commitment to Christ, can hold to and exhort very different theological viewpoints.
Before I continue, let me clarify this one thing: I’m not promoting an adherence to relativism – meaning scripture may mean different things to different people and that’s okay. NO! I believe truth is absolute. BUT I also cling to Deuteronomy 29:29 which states that the “secret things belong to the Lord…but the things revealed to us belong to us…forever.” I don’t think it’s appropriate to say all views are correct. To say that is to say that scripture is not absolute and that scripture can and will contradict without loosing its credibility. I strongly disagree. I do, however, look at the existence of such widespread and long-standing debates and realize that either we’ve really missed the mark, or we’re beginning to assert absolute revelation in areas where God may have intended mystery to exist. I grant God the credit to any and all knowledge and scriptural understanding that I may have today, but I also acknowledge my own fallen nature…realizing that what I know or think I know now…may only be a knowledge in part, and that one day, I, as with all of us, will, by God’s grace know in full (1 Corinthians 13:9-12).
So…
Several months ago, I was reading through Titus. I became extremely burdened by the idea of intergenerational ministry for women. As I started praying for these ideas, my sensitivity for women in the church grew. Suddenly, everywhere I looked I began to see opportunities available for men to grow and develop in their gifting, but no alternative offering for women. I began to see gaps in the utilization of women in Christian events and in church ministries. My own desire to grow in my gifting and better use them for the Church grew tremendously. I tried to close my eyes and look away. For some reason, fear perhaps, I wanted to avoid having to examine the issues of gender roles and ministry. Lucky for me…I can’t shake it. Everywhere I turned the ideas came up and I began to realize that this is a path may be putting before me. For the past 6 weeks or so, I’ve been pondering over and reading about the various views of gender and ministry roles. The more I look…the more I realize that several views are supported…and all of those views claim to grow from scripture.
I started on this journey thinking there are only 2 views: The first being that only man can lead and shepherd in churches and in the family, the second being that men and women were created equal and should be viewed as such both in the home as well as in the church. What I’m discovering, however, is that while these views are very prominent they are only 2 in a circle of many. I know what I believe today, but do I only believe that because it’s the only view I’ve been taught? I find myself surrounded by questions:
Why is it that women are less allowed to lead and minister in churches, but then you see ministries of Beth Moore, Kay Author, and Nancy Ortberg which are thriving…and allowed…and encouraged?
Why is it that more and more women are becoming ordained?
Why is it that the Catholic Church threatened to excommunicate any priest who supports the ordination of a female priest?
Why is it that everyone seems to know what the bible says, yet so little agreement is found?
What does God really want? What does scripture say?
And perhaps more personally,
What are the implications for all of this for me and the roles that I may or may not be allowed to have? What does this mean for the gifting others have claimed to see in me? Did God give this to keep to myself? Or did He distribute them so that his kingdom might grow?
I am full of questions, and I’ve barely started out on this journey of discovery. I acknowledge that I walk into this with my own preconceived notions. I acknowledge that what I discover may produce convictions that may go against what I’d like to do in life, or may further open doors for serving and encouraging spiritual growth for others around me.
The questions are many…The time is exhausting…but regardless, I invite my readers to join me as I journey to find a place to stand, not only as a woman, but also as a leader and a Child of God.
