29 March, 2024

What We Can Do if We Can”t Agree

by | 10 May, 2006 | 0 comments

By Mark A. Taylor

Can we ever agree about women in ministry? Given the huge breadth of belief and practice among Christian churches, maybe not.

Some Christian churches, for example, have decided to add women to their board of elders.

But then there’s the church that will not ordain the women on its ministerial staff or let these ladies attend an off site overnight planning retreat with the male ministers and elders.

Our major conventions welcome women speakers to their platforms.

But I heard about a Christian church that hired a woman music director with the stipulation that she face only the choir; she was never to turn and lead the whole congregation in singing.

Women perform virtually every ministerial function on many mission fields, and we support women as military and medical chaplains.

Yet I remember an American congregation that would allow a woman to teach junior high boys, but not 10th graders because those fellows now qualified as men.

Most of us are willing to be inspired and instructed by a female soloist or writer. Many of us are afraid to be inspired and instructed by a female speaker.

Most of us are willing to let a woman lead a major enterprise like VBS (and that leadership usually involves recruiting and directing men). But many of us still debate whether women can pass Communion, let alone chair a ministry team for something like small groups or seniors.

I have my take on all of this: my preferences, my comfort zone, my understanding of Scripture and my questions about what Scripture really prescribes. I doubt I’d change anybody’s mind by outlining my position in this short space. And I wonder: Why can’t all of us both the “liberals” and the “conservatives” on this issue acknowledge that those among us who differ about women in ministry are seeking to glorify God and obey his Word?

I spoke with a minister whose elders have discussed whether women could be elders too. They’ve decided no, despite the opposite conclusion by a Christian church in the next town. “I have no problem with their decision to recruit women as elders,” my friend told me. “I just hope they will respect us for the position we’ve taken.”

That’s what those on every side of this debate are seeking. Respect. Respect for God’s Word. Respect for women’s gifts and their call to serve God. Respect for the person across the table, whom Scripture directs me to consider more highly than my own opinions (Philippians 2:3).

Can humble respect help us agree about women in ministry? Maybe not. But at least it frees those who disagree on this subject to minister effectively in fellowship with each other. And isn’t every woman and man in our churches happy when that happens?

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) is seeking an executive pastor. The Christian Campus Foundation (CCF) at the University of Illinois is seeking a full-time director of campus ministry. New Brighton (Minn.) Christian Church needs a new senior minister. Summit Christian College (Gering, Neb.) is accepting applications for the position of academic dean. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Easter Church Attendance’ (1949)

“This Lord’s Day will find nearly all the churches having the largest crowds of the year,” editor Burris Butler wrote in 1949. “It has become almost proverbial that many people attend church on Easter Sunday who never come at any other time” . . .

News Briefs for March 27

Ozark Christian College has updated their logo. Also, briefs from Harlan (Ky.) Christian Church, Summit Christian College, and the Common Grounds Unity Podcast.

The Best Sermon I Never Heard

“Can I tell you about the best sermon I never heard?” Matt Proctor asked the crowd at ICOM last November. “If I could time travel just once . . . I would go back to Luke 24. On that very first Easter Sunday . . . the resurrected Jesus is walking on the road to Emmaus, talking with two travelers. . . .”

KCU Announces Agreements with LBC, NEOBC

Kentucky Christian University has announced separate agreements to enable those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisville Bible College or Northeast Ohio Bible College to seamlessly transition into the graduate programs offered by KCU’s Keeran School of Bible and Ministry. . . .

Follow Us