survey sez!
Reader's responses to The Big Question.
The Question: Why are there so few women on church boards, district
boards and national boards? Is it
sexism, demographics or something else?
The Answer:
"I hope the church is endeavoring to obey
Scripture (1 Timothy 2:11-14) rather than base these decisions on emotions and
modern examples (i.e., ‘What about Sister So-and-so?’). The question is not one of intelligence or anointing.
Paul appeals to God's creative order and Eve's deception.
How can a woman be on that level of leadership and not violate Paul's
command not to teach or have/exercise authority over men?
Those who say that she can do it as long as she doesn't ‘usurp’
authority do not (or do not want to) understand the original Greek text.”
The Answer: “Traditional
sexism. Although we've had a
history of a few women leaders, our leaders (whether church or state) have been
predominantly male. Our society has
been patriarchal since its conception and will probably remain that way until
God's return.”
The Answer: “I say
the answer is 'something else.' While
there are women who desire to be directly involved with church boards, more are
happy to work things from behind the scenes. They trust what the men have to
say, but rest assured, if they see problems, don't think women won't speak
up!”
The Answer: “Traditional
values based on a misunderstanding of the biblical concept of ordination.”
The Answer: “I think
we need to get outside our traditional box.
There have always been female leaders in God's church and among God's
people (e.g. Miriam, Deborah, Euodia, Syntyche, Phoebe, and Priscilla).
I believe a woman can and should hold positions of leadership in the 21st
century Apostolic church. All this
from a chauvinistic man!”
The Answer:
“The
reason is because of women. Men
often will take their leadership position in the church and women then play
second string. Many women have the
capabilities, but fall into a habit of doing what Everyone Else Does.
If women took a hold of their burden and stepped up to bat more, then we
would see more women. I could name quite a few women who do hold high positions!
And how reverenced they are! But
it’s because they have that burden and calling. So simply step up to bat!”
The Answer:
“Tradition.”
The Answer: “It
mirrors secular society where only a tiny percentage of women occupy executive
level positions. We're just a
historically male-dominated society. It
will probably take a good while to even out.”
The Answer: "Whether
or not the American culture likes to admit it, God is sexist. At least, He's
sexist in the way the term is used in today's judicial system. He does not love
women any better than men, nor does He love men any better than women. He is our
creator, however, and He knows what He designed us to be. He made women to be
emotional creatures, and men to be more logical. Men are and should be at the
head of every God-ordained structure, from the household on up. I see nothing
biblically wrong with female speakers, teachers, or preachers, but pastoring and
board memberships are not female arenas unless that board membership is under
the authority of a man."
(If
you would like to submit a Big Question for other readers to answer, email
editor@ninetyandnine.com.)
ã 2001, ninetyandnine.com
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