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EDITOR'S NOTE
A search for sermons
from a popular Bible resources website renewed my resolve that
an issue on preaching and teaching is needed. I found hundreds
of sermons about women but only a handful, however, that
affirmed women’s ministerial gifts and encouraged them in their
first and most important identity as daughters of Christ. Many
sermons on women engaged in inappropriate jokes and harmful
stereotypes. They spoke of the “proper” place of women (under
the authority of a man); they encouraged women while they waited
for Mr. Right to come along (and how to find him); they offered
jokes about those “wimpy” men who let their wives drive them
around; they stereotyped and poked fun at women for their
“dramatic” ways.
A harsh (and
admittedly extreme) reminder to me of the blatant sexism running
rampant in our churches.
Where were the
sermons about Deborah, Huldah, Junia, and Priscilla, and their
faithful examples of following
 God’s
call? Where were the preachers challenging women to first and
foremost find their worth in Jesus before they start their
sermons on how to be loving wives and mothers? Why
were preachers encouraging women to be patient in their search
for a man instead of challenging them to find their
calling in Jesus, and Jesus alone? And why were more pastors and
ministers conforming to culture by repeating harmful stereotypes
about women (just to begin their sermons in a “catchy” way,)
rather than following Christ’s example of promoting respect
between the genders?
I recognize that
these preachers are well-intended and even convinced they are
right in their interpretation of God’s word about men and women.
But there is another way to preach and teach—a way that affirms
God’s gifting of all people. A way that allows for a unified
Church, full of diverse members who are brought together only
through the love and grace of a God who sees his precious
children in need of redemption and purpose. A way that
challenges the Church to encourage those members who want to
further the Kingdom, rather than first labeling them by
ethnicity, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or…gender.
This issue of
E-Quality is both a celebration of those preachers and
teachers who are working to further this vision, as well as
practical encouragement on how to preach and teach equality. It
is full of personal stories, reflections on Scripture, and
preaching insights gained over years of our authors’ faithful
service to Christ.
Our first article,
written by Dr. Michael Hegeman, is an exegetical look at
Galatians 3:28. Michael presents the implications for pastors in
light of Paul’s radical message of equality to the Galatians.
Second, Lorie Schleck and Jean Bearden share their thoughts on
both the mystery and the gift of gender, and how it may be a
tool for preachers to teach about the nature of God. Third, Dr.
Beulah Wood shares her personal experience as
a woman
preacher, teaching on gender in both New Zealand and India.
And finally, Dr. David Scholer chronicles the growth and changes
of a course he teaches on men, women, and the Bible, with practical steps on how to address various issues
which arise in the gender discussion.
The links on the
right margin of the page will direct you to more preaching and
teaching resources. First, read Jane Spriggs’ review of This
is My Story, a compilation of stories and sermons by African
American women ministers, and then find it, as well as other
books related to preaching and teaching, 25% off in our
E-Quality
book sale. I would also like to direct your attention to the
featured audio message, a sermon from Greg Boyd, as well as the
featured blog thread, where you are invited to share your
comments on the recent news from Watertown, New York. Finally, I
hope you will take a few moments to reflect on this issue’s art
and accompanying devotional on the parable of the lost coin, by
Fr. James Hasse.
Blessings to you as you read and reflect,
Megan Greulich
E-Quality editor
We welcome any
comments, questions, or concerns you might have about E-Quality.
Email them to
mgreulich@cbeinternational.org.
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Megan Greulich is a 2006 graduate of Bethel University with a
degree in psychology. Her interests include art history,
reconciliation and justice issues, singing,
and baking and cake decorating. Besides
editing E-Quality, Megan also currently serves as
Membership Coordinator at CBE.
©2006, Christians for Biblical
Equality, 122 W Franklin Ave, Suite 218, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Customer Service:
612-872-6898
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