Comments on: Uh Oh. I’m Thinking Again. And That CAN’T be Good!

By: Charis

Charis — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:50:56 +0000

Hi Chewymom,
That is a cute handle. Hope you enjoyed Mother’s Day yesterday

I just came upon your post by following a link from here: http://www.waysidechurch.org/femdeacs/blogs.htm

I have been thinking along similar lines with one key difference. My church does have a woman elder who preaches now and then. Nevertheless, I have the same feelings as you about being devalued and unheard. To me, the “division” appears to fall more along clergy/laity lines. The “big” people in “leadership” don’t listen to nor respect the “little people” when it comes to receiving suggestions which could improve their effectiveness.

Nevertheless, I press on with my church because we have very powerful and wonderful worship. During the worship, the “little people” have a voice and the Holy Spirit is the leader.

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:09:50 +0000

We’re at a different church for different reasons…but mostly with the same people. =) Right now it’s just not a hill to die on for me, but we are moving to a different area of the country this summer(I’m in the South, too! Memphis), and I’d like to find a church that is more open to women teaching/leadership…but it’s not the tippy-top of my list right now. Maybe it will be in the future.

By: chewymom

chewymom — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:21:47 +0000

Hi Emily, Thanks for the book recommendation. I need to look into that! I am sure that was hurtful to you to be completely overlooked at your church. Are you still at that church, or have you sought one out that lines up with your theology on women?

Brian,YES! I think all of that holds our church back, along with fear. If they give a little bit, the next thing you know, women will take over the whole church! I don’t know–it’s a weird attitude. Maybe a lot of it is a southern thang. (Something you’ve managed to escape in your adult life! )

Heater, We do wonder if our denomination is the best fit for us. Scott and I need to be sure of what we believe the Bible is really saying about all of this before we make any drastic move. For now, I’ll just pop off at the mouth.

Rebecca, I think there are so many women like you. It’s not all bad–it leaves more time for the community which is in desperate need of our gifts as well. But it is a shame to have a group of women who feel excluded from serving within the church because their gifts don’t scream “HOMEMAKER!”

Barb, yes–every denomination, every church has some stuff that rubs us wrong. We’re humans in a fallen world. So definitely, we need to evaluate what is stuff we can live with and what is worth parting ways over. For now, we are where we are, and we’re praying for blinders to fall off and eyes to be opened.

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:04:06 +0000

Yes, yes they did. I, however, do not consider that a valid interpretation…and let’s just say the teaching wasn’t so good anyway. So I definitely have a problem sitting in a class under teaching that isn’t that great or well-researched when I know I could’ve done the text a little more justice…but I’m not allowed because I’m the girl. I realize that it was their convictions, however I don’t find those convictions valid according to the text, so I think it’s ok for me to feel slighted.

By: Barb

Barb — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:55:13 +0000

I’m part of the PCUSA denomination, like heater above. Women in ministry isn’t our issue, or that was dealt with years ago. We have other issues. Each denom. has it’s issues that need to be worked through and you need to decide which issues are Biblical essentials and which are cultural baggage. I think Skerrib said it well - if you can’t be a change-agent within your church should you move on?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:27:39 +0000

There’s a reason I’ve NEVER gotten involved with any ministry in any of the churches I’ve attended over the years: I hate cooking. I don’t plan parties. I don’t really like to go to baby showers or hold fundraisers. I’d rather peak at what the guys are doing because usually it’s WAY more fun ….. anyway, great post. Love to read your thoughts. Keep on writing!

By: Skerrib

Skerrib — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:11:44 +0000

Having just moved, I’m coming out of a church where my opinion was valued, and I was given actual, real responsibilities…and moving on to who-knows-what. I’m still in a place where I’d leave a situation like the above, rather than staying to be an agent of change. Or maybe if faced with a “men-work and women-cook workday” like was done several years and 2 churches ago, I’d show up with my power tools. I’d like to think so, anyway. =)

Great post.

By: Molly

Molly — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:15:47 +0000

I LOVE THIS POST.
*smooch*

By: heater

heater — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:32:05 +0000

maybe you need to switch to a Presbyterian USA church. Women and Men are equal!

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:13:04 +0000

Emily, is it safe to assume that the church you were attending held the complementarian interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:12? If so, then why would you decry their acting in concert with their biblical convictions? It shouldn’t occur to them to have you teach a mixed class if they see that as against God’s will.

On the other hand, Karen, you present a great challenge for complementarian view churches, not necessarily to rethink their interpretation of Scripture, but to evaluate how to fully unleash the women of their churches to exercise every gift they have for the edification of the body, evangelization of the world, for the glory of Christ. I think what holds them back are their “traditions” and lack of concern, vision, effort & creativity rather than their biblical view of roles.