Christians from around the world gathered in Denver to explore not only the biblical foundations of gift-based ministry, but also the biblical and theological basis for gender justice and Christian service.

The glow of the moon leaves cold circles of light on the rooftop of the Pharisee’s home. He has waited for the darkest part of the night to meet with his guest. He often goes to great lengths to avoid the prying eyes of self-righteous neighbors. Eagerly, he converses with the visiting Teacher.

Women were considered physically and emotionally frail and in constant need of men’s care and protection. These were the values that I grew up with, but I always considered them to be demeaning of women.

When is the right time to speak out on issues of biblical equality and justice? The Bible instructs us to be careful with our words, saying less rather than more.

If God’s design for male-female relationships was unity and interdependence, and if hierarchy in relationships came as a result of sin, perhaps we need to reevaluate teachings on male “headship” in marriage today.

Racism and sexism are always about power. And pride is the root of power.

I once wholly believed in a patriarchal view—not only believed it, but lived it. I didn’t care if it didn’t feel good, I cared about obeying God.

As Christian egalitarians, we believe that marriages should not resemble the master bed, but rather the marriage bed. Such marriages should value intimacy in its multiple facets, the sharing of life as equal partners, mutual submission, and “us” above “I.” 

Possibly half the shepherds in Jesus’ day were women, and probably half the shepherds of the world today, too, are women. I am one of them.

Women who are called to teach or preach face opposition to their ministries from people who believe that women’s role is to remain quiet in the church and submissive at home.