OK – let’s open a can of worms here.
Mark’s message this morning. I must admit that this is an issue that I struggle with – women in leadership positions in the church.
Maybe it’s because I have worked for many strong and intelligent female leaders (and let’s face it, breathe in a near toxic level of estrogen just sitting in my house) but the idea of keeping women out of the pulpit and off the elder board just doesn’t always sit well with me. Why are women not suitable for these? The bible speaks of man being created first and the woman being the one deceived in the garden – does this imply that women are more susceptible to poor spiritual judgment/leadership?
Your thoughts?
PS
Mark spoke about the “complementarian” view that we complement each other and I see the logic of one “head” of household In a family – I am interested in your views on church leadership for this post.
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9 comments:
Yes indeed, this is a can of worms...
Behind every great man, there is an even greater woman.
I truly believe that for that's how my house is run. I am the head of the house-hold and make all "final" decisions. However it is VERY wise of me to listen to my wife's thoughts/comments/concerns before I make any decisions. Does that mean she can't make decisions? Absolutely not! In our case, it's a team effort.
With that said, I have always read the bible verses regarding this manner in general terms. Generally women allow emotions to play a role in their decisions while men generally are "nothing but the facts". Also women may think and rethink their decisions (second guessing) while men make the decision and move on (for better or for worse). It is sexist to say men (again generally) are more of a solid foundation?
Here's a twist I'm been thinking about: May be the verses have nothing to do with a woman's abilities but the problem is with the a man's willingness to receive it. If that's the case then God is just looking out for men...
I agree wholeheartedly with your first paragraph. Anyone dumb enough not to take the counsel of his wife before making a decision will usually live to regret it. Having done this many, many times – there is no one more foolish than me…..
Your second paragraph is interesting. Legal issues aside (and being in HR I know them all too well) would the same logic apply in business? Would you advocate that a man provides a “stronger foundation” b/c women are (generally) emotional and second guess themselves?
Your final paragraph is funny! I’m fairly certain the point may be reading into the scripture something not there to make a point, but the point was humorous. “Theology by quip” as an old pastor friend of mine would say.
Dennis: Yes I would say that my second paragraph applies to the business world but I know there can be many legal issues. But there many examples that back it up. Women tend to hold on to "bad" employees longer because women (generally) feel bad letting them go. Women tend to get so many options (other view points) for a complete picture of the issue that there can be too much information to make a decision and the process gets drawn out. Etc...
Again these are generally points but society doesn't like generally points and rather have black or white answers (hence legal issues).
Just my thoughts.
Professional HR vows of silence forbid me from commenting on your post….:)
I was curious b/c I’ve heard it expressed both ways. Some contend that this extends to all leadership areas, others will say that it’s specific to the “spiritual” realm. In other words, women (again as a general rule) have less interest in theology and sound doctrine and are then more likely to be led astray on spiritual issues.
Are any of the ladies reading this? Will Andre and I have to sit outside at the next meeting??
Dennis: How many times do you play the HR card...
If there are no ladies reading this then may be we should pick another topic. Having men discuss issues involving women without a woman's voice is a limited discussion. It's like men making laws regarding abortion without getting a woman's opinion. May be interesting for the guys but is it really getting to heart of the matter?
Agreed.
And I play the HR card whenever the discussion turns to gender/race/age and the workplace....:) Habit.....(keeps me away from the EEOC)
I am reading your comments.... With that said, I don't tend to feel the same way that most other women feel. I agree with a lot of what you both are saying. Dennis, do you feel that women should be in leadership positions in church? I totally agree with the emotional aspect playing a huge role in the decision making process. I know that in my own experience, I tend to want to make irrational emotional decisions at times and need Chris' groundedness to talk me down. Maybe that's just me....
are the times correct on the posts?? What are you guys doing up so late, if so??
LOL
I think the times are not Eastern Standard Time.
To answer your question - I am not sure (decisive huh). Obviously if the correct interpretation is that they should not - I bow to that. However, I am very interested in the "why". B/C if it's more than just roles and there is a logical (as opposed to only spiritual) reason why then it makes sense that it would apply to other aspects of life.
That I would find very difficult to stomach
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