Equal but Different
The date was around 1990. The place Lake Tapps Christian Church. My position was an unpaid Associate Pastor in a small growing church plant. The issue being discussed in our meeting was installing elders for the first time and whether we should consider a woman who was active in the church desiring to be an elder as a candidate. Up to this point we had never had a reason to look at whether to consider women elders. Since we were just a young church plant, we were guided by a ministry council and the council was divided. There were men and women with opinions on both sides, some for, some against. We openly weighted the biblical text looking at the original Greek as much as possible looking for answers. We looked, as much as, we could as to whether there was a biblical cultural issue that could bring us answers. At that time based on our study we could not come up with a solid answer. Finally, the consensus was to stop looking at the issue of gender and look solely at the spiritual qualification of an elder and the individuals track record at the church when it came to their ability to minister to others. Interestingly enough when the gender issue was removed, and the qualifications and character of the individual was the focus it became unanimous that this individual wasn’t ready to be an elder.
I can’t help but wonder how things might have been different if we had Katia Adams book Equal and Lucy Peppiatt’s book Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women: Fresh Perspectives on Disputed Texts available to guide us in the integration of elders in the church planting process. Katia Adams a cultural architect with a background in medicine is the director of Frequntsee a company focused on gender equality. Lucy Peppiatt’s is the Principle of Westminster Theological Centre. Part of her focus of study is looking at women’s roles with the writings of the Apostle Paul. Each author takes the time to look deeply into the biblical text coming up with similar answers. Whether one agrees with their exegetical processes and outcomes it should be agreed that they both bring insight and value to the highly controversial topic of women in ministry. Both dig deep into the 1st century culture drawing from its valuable information that assists their reader in understanding their point.
Peppiatt uses NT Wright as a support as she discusses the social implications in the book of Philemon that had drastic ramifications within that culture.[1] In NT Wright’s latest book, The New Testament in Its World: An introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians takes a deep look into the new testament culture at the time each book was written. When looking at the issue of women speaking in church Wright points out that the location of this passage in inconsistent and varies from manuscript to manuscript. Given the understand of 1 Cor. 11:5 it is obvious that Paul expected women to Prophesy so it would be unlikely that he was prohibiting women from being teachers or prophets. The more likely issue was cultural and women were disrupting the service by trying to discuss things with their husbands.[2] When looking at Paul’s writings in Romans women leaders are a non-issue. Most likely “Paul’s colleague, Phoebe, probably carried the letter to Rome and expounded its theology on behalf of Paul, then provided oversight in the preparation of the community for the next phase of Paul’s missionary program.”[3] I think it is important to note that in much of Paul’s writings he is trying to bring a sense of unity to the church that was in struggle wading his way through the cultural issues of the day. Like Paul we will have to wade through the many cultural issues of our day in hopes of bringing a sense of unity.
Why is it so hard for us to seek to understand the biblical message through the cultural context it was written before we try to make a black and white application in our current culture? It would be easy to say that the gender equality issue is solely due to a male dominated society not wanting to relinquish power. Though there is some truth to that is it really that simple? There doesn’t appear to be a lack of opinions on both side of the gender gap. I am usually not one to default gender roles in scripture in a traditional matter, nor have I been one to side with those that desire to de-gender men and women who are obviously created different. This issue is a hot bottom in our culture and within the church and needs to be struggled with. In my case I have seen the benefit of having strong women in my life. My spiritual heritage came from my mom and from my grandmother not from my father. As a father of three strong daughters all of which have been given gifts and insights to benefit the kingdom of God, I understand the limits this culture tries to push on woman. I married an amazing woman who tends to be far more traditional than I am but who is an amazing leader in her own right. Will we ever get to a place where we can embrace the many nuances and differences between men and women and embrace equality as well? As a man I don’t have the answers, but I can make sure I don’t perpetuate the problem.
[1] Lucy Peppiatt, Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women: Fresh Perspective on Disputed Texts, (Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 2019), 37
[2] N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, The New Testament in its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Century Christians, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2019) 492
[3] Katherine Grieb, The Story of Romans: A Narrative Defense of God’s Righteousness, (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2002), xii
About the Author
Greg Reich
Entrepreneur, Visiting Adjunct Professor, Arm Chair Theologian, Leadership/Life Coach, husband, father and grandfather. Jesus follower, part time preacher! Handy man, wood carver, carpenter and master of none. Outdoor enthusiast, fly fisherman, hunter and all around gun nut.7 responses to “Equal but Different”
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I think it’s a little “funny” that the qualification of hospitality is often overlooked in elder candidacy. I know several elders who meet the traditional, conservative requirements for eldership but don’t know how to welcome someone into a space, a conversation, or a home. Hospitality is the most feminine quality based on stereotypes, and I think this is also something to add to the conversation.
Greg, I think your title says it all: “Equal, but Different.” In terms of status within the church, there is none greater than the other (something we tend to forget due to the structure of power found within and throughout the church’s history). There are so many incredible women found throughout church history who have worked tirelessly for the Kingdom of God and it’s a travesty that their stories aren’t told more often. One such woman that I wasn’t aware of until I moved to Hong Kong is Jackie Pullinger. She started a ministry in what’s known as the Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong that served as a ministry to drug addicts and members of the Triads. She details her story in her book, Chasing the Dragon.
When we dismiss the differences in men and women or when we completely ignore one or the other, we miss out on the beauty of the imago dei. There’s so much we can learn about God and one another when we take the time to listen and examine those differences.
I absolutely love that opening story and the way that your church plant resolved the question. So beautiful. Ah…if only that was the approach across the board.
I also really appreciate the way you concluded this piece. My question is, what does it mean to you to not perpetuate the problem? And…is it enough to simply not perpetuate it? How are you utilizing your role as a professor to actively engage in the topic? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Jer,
I feel a good place for men to start is to honor and respect all women and find ways to support those in power. My campus pastor is a women and my managing broker is as well. I try to let them know how much I appreciate their leadership and try to find ways to champion them when I can.
Where I teach in Canada most of the students are from very conservative homes and most likely homeschooled. The churches I work with are very conservative traditional minded charismatic churches in practice and theology. The students In some ways are emotionally better grounded than students I interact with in the US but less academic capable. I really don’t get much of a chance to interact on the women in ministry topic ‘One of the main classes I teach is Life Management. As part of that I teach leadership styles. It is fun to watch girls learn about influence and leadership and begin to see themselves as capable leaders. I don’t focus on gender but try to focus on empowering each student.
we talk about a “dominant” hand but I’ve never heard of a complimentary hand. I hope I am a compliment to my wife, because she sure is a compliment to me. I know you know about the term zero-sum game. Working together we far surpass a zero-sum game.
I like how you look back and how that will influence your future.
Your opening story reminded me of another “council meeting” in Acts 15. It seems we’ve always wrestled with who gets a seat at the table and never fully admitted how much we like power and authority.
So true! But as one who has been in first chair multiple times I can attest to it is not all it’s cracked up to be. I am very willing to be second seat and perfectly satisfied.