I first met Sheryl about 3 years ago. She is the co-pastor of Christ Community Church. My father, Richard New, is the “other” co-pastor. I asked Sheryl to tell her story because I think it is one of hope, joy, and perseverance.

It has taken some 3000 years since the time of Deborah, and over 400 years since John Knox, but in the latter part of this century most of us have realized this truth. If God raises up women as leaders, in the military, in secular politics, or in the Church, who are we to take up the trumpet against them?

As I reached adulthood, I recognized that inherent in the structure of Korean society was gender discrimination. I also recognized that gender discrimination extended even into the Korean churches. When I felt called to attend seminary to train to be a full-time minister, my gender stood as an obstacle. 

I got on the phone with a number of like-minded women, who are also moms and floated the idea of a “retreat for the whole woman.”

Is a Woman Diminished by Marriage?  |  Should a Woman Hold Back to Elevate Her Husband?  |  The Importance of Gender Inclusive Language

The SBC Statement on the Family, and the controversy around this statement, have provided many opportunities for new conversations.

As a couple, we have always valued equality, even if we haven’t always practiced it. It seemed to be not only an issue of basic fairness but also a practical way to share the joys and burdens of our life together. But implementing this ideal has been an incremental process.

Is there a principle clearly taught and consistently applied in the Bible that states women are universally limited in their rights, opportunities, and authority (whether personal, cultural, or spiritual) solely on account of their sex, and, if so, what is the logical and theological explanation for this?

We’re learning how to communicate biblical equality in plain English. In the next several issues of Mutuality we’ll take a look at the different methods of “diffusing” the truths of biblical equality to the broadest possible audience.