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THE
GENDER ISSUE IS TOO DIVISIVE
By Alvera Mickelsen
Q: My church is unwilling to address the gender debate,
feeling that it is too divisive. I have tried many times to
advocate for women, but I am labeled as a trouble-maker and a
radical. How do I, in a non-threatening way, encourage my church
to examine the issue?
A: This is a familiar dilemma and there are no easy answers.
Perhaps some of the following suggestions will be helpful:
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Does your denomination have restrictions that eliminate
women from all positions of leadership? If so, your local church
cannot move toward equality. The only possibility may be to
consult the editor of your denominational magazine and suggest a
forum on the subject, in which both sides are presented. Many
people have never heard an alternative biblical view.
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If the denomination has no official restrictions, look at the
constitution of your local church. Does it contain any
restrictions that would prohibit women from serving in all
offices? If not, you may be able to make small steps within your
congregation, appealing to the constitution.
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No progress is ever made until the pastor is willing to
discuss the subject. So you need to start there. Perhaps you can
give him a short book on the subject and ask if he would be
willing to read it and discuss it with you. If he agrees and you
meet to discuss, listen carefully and respectfully to all that
he says. Carefully prepare questions that you can ask regarding
the biblical text (if that is his basis) or about the history of
the church. Don’t let it become a debate—just a sharing of ideas
on the subject. Offer to get more material for him (see the CBE
catalog!) if he seems open to further discussion. If possible,
make a date for your next meeting and discussion. Always appeal
on the grounds that you know he wants to be faithful to the
Bible, and to work for the good of the church. Thank him for his
willingness to talk with you about this.
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If the discussions with your pastor go well, you may
eventually ask how he would feel about the subject being
discussed in a women’s group, or in an adult Sunday school
class. In whatever venue the subject arises, make plain that
this is not for the benefit of women, but for the benefit of the
church which is being denied the gifts that God has obviously
given to some women. Not using women’s gifts limits the outreach
of the church.
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Make plain that you are not seeking to be a leader, but rather
opening the door to the gifts God gives to women. When and if an
opening becomes available for a woman, you need to have someone
else in mind to suggest so that it is clear you are not seeking
your own power or prestige.
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Pray. If possible, let your discussions with the pastor or
other leaders always begin with prayer. Pray that everyone will
have an open mind and show respect and love to those with whom
they differ.
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Persevere. Remember that those bringing prophetic messages to
God’s people were not often welcomed with open arms.
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Find community with like-minded Christians. If your church is
not egalitarian, consider starting or participating in an
existing CBE chapter in your area.
This article first appeared in
Mutuality (Summer 2008, Vol. 15, Issue 2) and is
used with permission. |
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 Alvera
Mickelsen has been active in Christians for Biblical
Equality since its beginning. She and her late husband,
Dr. A. Berkeley Mickelsen, both taught for many
years at Wheaton College and Graduate School and at
Bethel College and Seminary. They team-taught in many
churches in the Twin Cities regarding biblical equality
in marriage, church, and society. |
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Copyright © 2008,
Christians for Biblical Equality
Contact us:
Editor:
Jessica Colund
Associate Editor: Bethany Nelson
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