Just when we think we are past some of the many unnecessary issues that plagued the body of Christ in the past something comes up and rear its ugly head. We are all familiar with Gospel Today magazine and its founder Teresa Hairston. Her magazine has featured many interesting articles and profiles of those in ministry that we would never find in mainstream media. I for one have always enjoyed seeing at least one minority magazine when I walk into my local Christian bookstore.
Unfortunately, many of her readers around the country may not get to see this month’s issue. She chose to feature female pastors on the cover and Lifeway Christian bookstores pulled them from their shelves. Apparently, Lifeway Christian Bookstore, whose owner is the Southern Baptist Convention, wasn’t too happy with Hairston telling the story of female pastors, because the women go against their 2000 decree that only men can serve in the role of reverend or pastor.
Moreover, according to Hairston, they did not attempt to contact her. She found out through others sources and contacted her distributor to confirm that in fact the magazines were behind the counter in Lifeway’s 100+ stores around the country.
So, what is the issue with women in leadership roles in the church?
There has been much theological debate for centuries regarding this very question. Many who share the Southern Baptist Convention’s beliefs use the following scriptures to support their position:
As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. (NIV, 1 Corinthians 14:33-35)
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. (NIV, 1 Timothy 2:11-12)
When interpreting these scriptures we must take into consideration the culture of social hierarchy of their society. Women were not allowed to study openly until Paul presented this new opportunity to them, provided they did so with a submissive attitude. Total silence was neither his mandate nor intention.
Jesus chose the 12 to be his disciples. However, many women were among Jesus’ larger circle of disciples.(Luke 8:1-3), and many women also held important positions in the early Christian Church Jesus allowed these women to travel with Him showing that all people are equal under God. This opposed Jewish culture. Jesus was sending a very specific message. (Acts 1:12-14, 18:24-26, 21:7-9, Romans 16:1-16)
Many others view the New Testament prohibitions simply as practical advice to keep peace and order in the church. Although the New Testament writers reluctantly accepted slavery (1 Corinthians 7:20-24, Colossians 3:22-24, 1 Peter 2:18-21), none of us would today believe that we should return to the horrors of slavery. In the same way, although the New Testament writers reluctantly accepted the oppression of women, it does not imply that a leadership role for a woman would be wrong in today’s very different society. In fact, some of the great leaders and prophets of Israel were women so God could not have intended to exclude women from spiritual and political leadership. (Exodus 15:20, Judges 4:4-5, Esther 4:15-17, Luke 2:36-38, etc.)
Paul proclaimed that we are all equal in Galatians 3:26-29. The fact that Jesus willingly defied convention and accepted women into his larger circle of disciples should be our guiding principles rather than the customs of empires of the first century. (Luke 8:1-3, 10:38-39) Women took as large a role in the early Church leadership as they were allowed by the conventions of their society, so women today should be able to serve the Church in whatever positions they are qualified for. (Acts 1:12-14, 18:24-26, 21:7-9, Romans 16:1-16)
I have had the privilege of coming into contact with many female pastors and ordained ministers that have brought many souls to Christ. I have no doubt that they are sure of their call and election (2 Peter 1:10). They live Spirit filled lives and the fruit of the Spirit is certainly evident. These types of doctrinal fights are exactly what drive many people away from the church. We should be focused on kingdom building rather than allowing these issues to distract and divide us. A house divided will never stand! Share your thoughts!
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (NIV, Galatians 3:26-29)
Note: I wonder if Lifeway has a problem with accepting money from women in leadership roles that shop in their stores?
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