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I read through all the comments above, just to make sure you hadn’t already addressed my questions, but I’ve yet to encounter it, perhaps somewhere else?

The topic is interesting, and I was excited to read your thoughts. I was just a little disappointed, though, that in your defense you didn’t use any scriptural arguments. I’d love to read your case when argued from a Biblical perspective, referencing specific scripture, rather than the ‘bigger story of Jesus.’ When it comes to the decision of choosing to interpret the “bigger story” vs. specific scripture, I believe there’s much more of an opportunity to find oneself on a slippery slope with the former, where nearly any behavior could be justified in the name of freedom; left up to personal interpretation rather than understanding & investigating original text.

I’ve never responded to a blog post before to express my disagreement, and that’s not even what I’m doing here … my personality doesn’t lend itself to that I am truly very interested. I am honestly completely open to being convinced of a scriptural argument. I don’t expect you to provide me with a detailed thesis, either, by the way. But perhaps some resources that pointed you in this direction?

Thank you so much for your blog.
Respectfully,
Rebecca

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It surprises me that Christianity is still so phallocentric. I really don’t see the big deal, and it frustrates me.

The church I’m currently attending recently had a health consultation done. One of the problems the consultors found was that the women were being severly undervalued. We have no female pastors, no female elders, and not ONCE has a woman ever preached on Sunday. I was so happy that someone FINALLY pointed it out. I have been to other churches with female pastors, and they are wonderful, capable leaders, just like their male counter-parts.

But here’s my problem: the consultors told us that the women deserved an apology, and just kinda left it at there. They didn’t suggest that we put a woman on the elder’s board or anything. That seems like a good first step, but it wasn’t suggested. I’m worried that all I’m gonna get is an empty apology and no equal rights.

I don’t want to be a pastor or a preacher or an elder. But it’s the PRINCIPLE of the matter, just like you said. Kathy, if you wouldn’t mind, could you pray for my church? I don’t know how much good it’ll do, but it’s all I’ve got now.

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Such good points, that the restrictions are based on the “hierarchy setup” that should be absent in the first place.

My own story is being in evangelical churches for 25 years. I didn’t feel oppressed, because I was “free” to minister to women, be a Bible teacher, mentor younger women, etc. I had underlying anxiety all those years, but didn’t know why.

Then, I approached the leaders with a concern and was promptly called “arrogant and condescending for attempting to instruct them.” Their misogyny came to light. More shunning, gossip and slander followed. And it brought to light the system I had for some reason accepted.

Kathy uses the word “misogyny,” and I am just now learning the full truth of that. I am learning that I actually was feeling “less than” all those years. I am seeing that something inside me “stayed in my place” in ways I didnt’ even recognize.

I’m just now beginnning a journey to find out what my actual voice is, and what opportunities God actually has for me in His kingdom. I’d appreciate prayer. Old patterns are hard to break from the inside out.

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