A friend of mine was recently asked to explain the gender prejudice noted in many Christian churches. Seated next to a stranger on an airplane, she was asked why the world’s major religions all fail to include women among their leaders. How would you have responded to this charge?
The failure to engage the talents and leadership of women discourages many people from participating in churches. Research suggests that gender prejudice is one of the most significant reasons young people become involved in pagan religions like Wicca—an issue addressed in Catherine Edwards Sanders’ important book, Wicca’s Charm: Understanding the Spiritual Hunger Behind the Rise of Modern Witchcraft and Pagan Spirituality.
As Christians, we boldly declare the truth that knowing Christ changes everything. Yes, but in what ways does our rebirth in Christ build reconciliation between men and women? Glen Scorgie, in his book The Journey Back to Eden, put it this way: “How we relate to one another as women and men may be one of the most significant criteria by which our God-likeness can be judged to be restored!”
Scorgie’s challenge—to live in Christ’s newness of life as Christian men and women, is as prophetic as it is profound. It is prophetic because it addresses the questions many are asking—can the church share authority and leadership with women? It is profound, because his book shows us where the biblical texts make clear this is precisely God’s intention! The message of Scripture—that Christ redeems all of life, bringing reconciliation to God’s image bearers—is a message the world is desperate to hear! If we ever got this right, if we lived as Scripture taught—in mutual submission and working without power and domination—think what an amazing witness this would be to the world!
Will you join us? Consider a “newness of life” gift to CBE’s ministry of gender reconciliation. Please share in CBE’s ministry today. If you are not a member, please considering joining and becoming one of God’s agents of renewal today.
In Jesus, whose image on earth is you and I—the body of Christ!
