tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67486101392438952872024-03-04T22:21:04.039-06:00Equal TimeEqual Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-57547173092231133892009-04-17T17:34:00.011-05:002009-04-17T18:54:40.593-05:00What's in a name?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEO3EVlXEkjiYjZYE-0a218UrgB8IRWHVflGrKynEhImCLw_NiLGfqAeaL_G8wLlSrz6yyOm5pd6mcXBiZCi6bYBEGRGh6ese_sgnobaor-7c7IztkaGNrivrbdvywLrI4yk_XPWthQQ/s1600-h/hancocksignaturelg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325810910149051682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEO3EVlXEkjiYjZYE-0a218UrgB8IRWHVflGrKynEhImCLw_NiLGfqAeaL_G8wLlSrz6yyOm5pd6mcXBiZCi6bYBEGRGh6ese_sgnobaor-7c7IztkaGNrivrbdvywLrI4yk_XPWthQQ/s320/hancocksignaturelg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My friend Pastor Tara Sloan (excuse me, Pastor Tara Denson-Sloan) did a post on her personal <a href="http://www.tarasloan.com/">blog</a> about the hyphenation of of her name or the lack thereof. I understood her issues with this. The "D"as my middle name that is always on any of my signatures or documents stands for Doss (my maiden name) that I took as my middle name when we got married. My grandmother (most Godly woman I ever knew) did this herself. When she got married her maiden name became her middle name. She was Jura Ressler and when she married a Lewis she became Jura Ressler Lewis. (If my grandma did it, I assure you, God is alright with it.) I always admired her for so many things and when I got married, I always knew I would do the same, following her example. I had other reasons than that too as I'll soon explain. Anyway, I dropped my original middle name (Lynn) never to be used again, and immediately went with Doss when we got married, and so therefore Deanna Doss Shrodes is on my...<br /><p><br /><p>Checks<br />Social Security card<br />Debit Card<br />All my credit cards<br />My insurance card<br />On almost every single piece of free lance writing I've ever done.<br />In the book Chocolate for a Woman's Courage published by Simon and Schuster books, I'm listed as...you guessed it -- Deanna Doss Shrodes...<br /><p><br /><p><br />But do you know the one place my name is not that and never has been? My minister's identification card and certificates! Drives me crazy. Way back when I applied to become a minister, on the application I wrote very clearly my full name, expecting them to write it just like I did on the official documents. Well they did not. They dropped the Doss and kept the Lynn. I remember as clear as day going to the mailbox to get the mail and finding the large envelope with my minister's card and certificate (which is framed in my office) and being so excited it was there........then reading it and going, "uuughhhhhhhhhhh". Larry said, "what's wrong honey?" I hung my head and said, "nothing, they just got my name wrong." I should have called them up right then and there and asked to have it changed but I didn't want to go through the rigamarole of defending it. I didn't know if it was just a secretary's mis-judgment, clerical error, or a well thought out decision. In any case, I had a twinge of disappointment. I regret that now and don't know if I could change it this late in the game.<br /><p><br /><p>It's a joke between Larry and I...but when we get into an argument he'll call me Deanna Lynn, just to get under my skin. I usually walk out as soon as he says it and say "there's nobody here by that name..." and ignore what he's saying until he calls me by my proper name (just Deanna, dropping the Lynn) Of course if he keeps it up, I turn around and call him by his middle name (which he hates and I won't print it here out of respect to him) but suffice it to say, we have an understanding in good times of exactly what we want to be called, and why. I would think this is just a basic personal request.<br /><p><br /><p>Keeping my maiden name as my middle name makes it easier for people to find me who might have known me in times past and lost track. When I write a piece and it is published, anyone who has ever known me for 42 years knows it's me, not a Deanna someone else. There's no doubt, it's Deanna Doss who grew up on their street, or who they went to high school with, or sang in the choir with in school. It's the same reason I've had the same exact screen name the entire time I have been on the internet. I don't want to change names - somebody might not be able to find me that I want to hear from! (And if I don't want to hear from them, I just press delete, ha ha!) Besides, it's just part of my heritage! Part of who I am. I grew up a Doss, but I am now Larry's wife and we have a family together. Why can't my name reflect both? The answer is, it can. Incidentally nobody really calls me that verbally nor do I refer to myself as that when I talk (although there would be nothing wrong with it if I did), I have just chosen to have my official name as that in anything I write. Make no mistake, I'm very happy to be Larry Shrodes wife, and I'm very happy to be Deanna Shrodes. But I'm also happy to be Deanna Doss Shrodes, because when I married Larry it was just that, a marriage, not a baptism. You know, when you get baptized you go down in the water and you are a new creation...the old is gone...the new has come. You don't ever refer to that "old life" again. Well, on June 27, I was married, not baptized. Yes, I walked down the aisle and started a whole new chapter in life but that didn't mean the previous chapters in the book had to be thrown out and never referred to again! It's still okay to refer to prior chapters now and then if you want to, because they are a part of who you are too, the totality of your life. <p><br /><p>A couple in our church was getting married and the girl said to the guy one night that she was going to hyphenate her name or make it her middle name when they got married. He got real upset and angry, and said, <em>"don't do that, that</em> <em>would be a slap in the</em> <em>face to me!"</em> He told her he'd refuse to marry her. I knew right then and there the girl was headed for trouble. If he was that insecure, thought that was a slap in the face and would even break off the engagement over it, what other problems did the brother have? I guess now she's finding out, unfortunately as they have now said their "I do's". <p><br /><p>I don't believe a woman should apologize for who she is, or let uptight people in their environment convince them to drop anything including part of their name to make others mroe comfortable. Hypenating or retaining your maiden name is not for every woman, certainly not, and I believe having your own business it does make a huge difference in the equation. Most of the time, you face issues from women who don't agree with your choice to do this. I am convinced those are the ones who don't really live in the leadership world you live in or walk in the calling you have, and will never comprehend it. And that's okay, they don't have to comprehend it, they just need to leave you alone and let you live out your decisions in peace. <p><br /><p>Deep down inside, those women probably wish they had 1/4 of the confidence, accomplishments and courage that others do. I'm convinced, when some women make remarks about women like us, inside them there is a root of anger or resentment that they don't feel free to do as they would like to, or courageous enough to make this kind of choice. Because they lived without choices, or simply didn't take advantage of choices that were theirs, they think it's only right that you live the same way they do. <p><br /><p>I believe every woman needs to hear this. No, not that they need to retainn their original name. But that it's okay to have choices. On the name issue, I am pro-choice! It's okay to choose differently than others. It's okay to be yourself even if that "yourself" doesn't look like other married women, especially in your church or in your ministry. It's about not being afraid to do what you feel God leading you to do, or that which you feel comfortable with when He leaves it up to you to make the choice. Isn't it so interesting that it's usually not our husbands who grappled with these issues, but others in our lives? That's another thing I've found - people don't know what to do when you have this kind of husband...it just leaves them dumbfounded to say anything. <p><br /><p>We live in such fear sometimes of just relaxing with who we are. It's time we stop apologizing for living our God-given destinies. <p><br /><p>I don't care if Tara calls herself Tara Bara Bo Barah Banana Fanna Fo Ferra Fee fi Fo Fana!!! People should flow with whatever she asks them to call her. How many guys do you know who have names like Horace Egbert Beauregard Jr. and then end up calling themselves "Jr." or "H.B."? Nobody's got a problem with that. I know guys whose names don't even have anything to do with one another. My brother is Charlie and everyone calls him "Bubba." My father is Robert but he hates that name so everyone calls him Leon. Most people have no idea my father's name even IS Robert! Our best friend Pastor Randy's name is really William! Most people have no idea his name is William nor does he want them to. He won't know I told anybody because he hardly knows how to turn a computer on let alone blog, so this is my secret with the rest of the people on the web!!! So keep your Denson, girl! At the very least you're givin' those people in Chicago somethin' to talk about, and a great somethin' at <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34PZbHfUuCYxpUBsMesk6U6si8knqh9mWWKgf3u6lL9J0BZI_n1IDP2yYwcaONVME6S8jB2azwOH2YtRtvjpbt7P6kLKdsFqvkNC9MTch6QrymmR7nVQsyaJNabKyiYyWYODqVQTOjeU/s1600-h/deannaSignaturefinal.jpg"></a>that! <p><br /><p>What's in a name? Whatever you want there to be. <p><br /><em>Deanna D. Shrodes ~ Equal Time Co-Founder</em></p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-19665489538460950702009-04-15T22:30:00.006-05:002009-04-15T22:40:49.590-05:00Oh...you're one of THOSE?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH491VE3v0tHzBbaQta5DS8odRzkSbGBTS0o9VNLQBrrH34pA3WP-RMS9DaaeqjiD89E1ptBQqHwHyCkSG0gEycWNH965BakQVX0xGtp_L0fAfrZmp3TrxrHeYgYLsMXR3gYSBGuaVgY/s1600-h/rosieriveter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325128013735303698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDH491VE3v0tHzBbaQta5DS8odRzkSbGBTS0o9VNLQBrrH34pA3WP-RMS9DaaeqjiD89E1ptBQqHwHyCkSG0gEycWNH965BakQVX0xGtp_L0fAfrZmp3TrxrHeYgYLsMXR3gYSBGuaVgY/s320/rosieriveter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>By Guest Blogger: Pastor Leanne Weber</strong> <p><p><em></em>If I ever needed proof that a blog of this nature was necessary [if, for no one else, then for me!], that proof has just been provided for me. <p><p>I just overheard a conversation - one that I did not dare jump into, because I am in the office and do need to maintain somewhat of a professional demeanor - in which my very calling was challenged. If not directly, then definitely by proxy! <p><p>The person speaking - I'll call him Elmer (mainly because I do not know anyone named Elmer, and so no one can possibly accuse me of talking about them!) first brought up a heated debate he had had with a woman he knew who said that she was a liberated woman... <p><p>He said, <em>"Oh, so you're one of those Christian feminists? I keep looking for them in the Bible, but I can't seem to find them!" </em>She explained that she had been formed and designed by God, and he countered with some mumbo jumbo about how man was formed first, and then woman was formed FROM man, and so therefore, man leads and woman follows. Huh? First, the woman in question is single. Therefore, she is not in submission to any man, other than her pastor as her spiritual authority [and even then, there are limitations to how far that authority reaches!]. The Bible commands wives to submit to their husbands. No matter what your definition of "submission" is, and I'd venture to guess that this man's definition is vastly different than mine, the Bible does NOT say, "All women submit to all men." <p> <p>To his credit, he was saying that he needed to call and apologize to this woman - but not for his "Biblical point of view," as he made sure to point out. His apology was simply for letting the conversation become heated. He went on to talk about how he would not put a sign in his yard for a woman in the church who was running for city office, because he cannot support a woman in that position. She did win her seat, despite his lack of support...This was when I literally had to force myself to sit in my chair and not respond. Because basically, in the course of about five minutes, this man basically said: <p> <p><p>*All women are to be in submission to all men. <p> <p>*God did not create any women with a specific design, other than to follow a man's lead. <p> <p>*God does not call women to any type of leadership position, because they belong at home with their families, 100% of the time. <p> <p>And in one fell swoop, he basically [in his mind!] completely invalidated my calling. <p> <p>Maybe he thinks it's okay now, since I don't have kids, but will be an outspoken opponent of me and my ministry once I do have them. Maybe it's okay in his eyes because my husband and I do work as a team. Or maybe he's just biding his time, thinking that I'll leave soon. <p><p>Well...I have news for him: I'm not going anywhere. I WAS designed by my Creator for a specific task that ONLY I CAN DO. I am not His "Plan B." I am not doing this job because a man said no. I am doing this job because God looked out and saw that I was the one who was needed in this job at this particular time in history. And if his is, as he says, the "Biblical" position, bring it on! <p><p>For as much as he throws around the word "Biblical," I have only heard one verse used to defend his position. I look forward to discussing with him all sorts of passages from Scripture...that is, if he will acknowledge the fact that some women can read.<br /></p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-45071500013818226592009-02-10T09:14:00.010-06:002009-04-15T22:42:40.601-05:00Ask why<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj07HUz2CFdAuWLBjiwtvzyhylSEuxPMgPVh2jWeFsyESIw8NKOcT94FbCz5MNG0rl6qLMjj9rXJtJFisyeAXEtpHGROHjEm73GNcStk-oMX67szY110zXKY1wucESWyatQwpYVvGXlY/s1600-h/why.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301188173099822978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj07HUz2CFdAuWLBjiwtvzyhylSEuxPMgPVh2jWeFsyESIw8NKOcT94FbCz5MNG0rl6qLMjj9rXJtJFisyeAXEtpHGROHjEm73GNcStk-oMX67szY110zXKY1wucESWyatQwpYVvGXlY/s320/why.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>If you attend or are a member of a church where the male ministers are referred to in all official communications as pastors, yet the females are referred to as directors...maybe you should ask why. <p><p>If you attend or are a member of a church where there are only males on the board of directors, maybe you should ask why. <p><p>If you attend or are a member of a church where you find women of the church in the nursery, teaching children in Sunday School or running the youth bake sale, but never behind a microphone giving any spiritual instruction, maybe you should ask why. <p><p>If you have a woman pastor on staff but many people just don't seem to get the hang of calling them pastor as they do the men on staff and refer to them as everything from "pastorette" to "sister" to "miss" maybe you should ask why. <p><p>If you are a member of a church where women don't vote in the business meetings, maybe you should ask why. <p><p>If you are a member of a church where women are not represented in true positions, not only of influence, but of authority on the leadership team, maybe you should ask why. <p><p><p>If you are a person who believes in biblical equality, maybe the real question you should ask yourself is, WHY do I continue to support a church with my time, money and talents that doesn't? <p> <em>Deanna Shrodes ~ Co-founder, Equal Time</em></p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-81034786851722251642008-09-22T10:00:00.009-05:002008-09-22T12:54:54.663-05:00Women's Roles and Pastor's Wives Retreats Guest Blogger: Leanne Weber<em>Today we're once again having a guest blogger and we're invited our good friend, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMaHhrsGMcikPFIkUgOLi1zjUofWAUJLMzxCwbuAvzofc0owTXe6RSlFzv9bp8U1j9rkDj3Avo0TiyOHBenP2XBJ_FnoCWf3UviVVkCd4Ql6-e07d3mRg6pMZSaJRfualtDPjnDK4DTQ/s1600-h/june_cleaver.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248306759425224802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMaHhrsGMcikPFIkUgOLi1zjUofWAUJLMzxCwbuAvzofc0owTXe6RSlFzv9bp8U1j9rkDj3Avo0TiyOHBenP2XBJ_FnoCWf3UviVVkCd4Ql6-e07d3mRg6pMZSaJRfualtDPjnDK4DTQ/s320/june_cleaver.gif" border="0" /></a>Pastor Leanne Weber to guest blog today and share share about a recent "Pastor's Wives/Credentialed Women's Retreat" she attended</em>:<br /><br /><p>I've been thinking a lot about the roles of men and women in a marriage lately. More precisely, since I got back from the "pastor's wives/credentialed women" retreat for our district. The title was a bit misleading, since there were not that many credentialed women there...mostly pastors' wives! Some highly involved pastors' wives - like my pastor's wife, for example [who co-pastors] - but quite a few who, when asked, didn't even consider themselves to be leaders. <p><p>The speaker, although she had some good things to say, was not exactly one of the best retreat or conference speakers I have ever heard. I am all for making my home a comfortable, peaceful place. This is something I strive to do. However, I believe that it is up to BOTH my husband and me to foster that kind of atmosphere. I can plan a family dinner at the table, but he needs to sit at said table and eat with me. Right now, eating EVERY meal together around the family table is physically impossible, since he works 2nd shift Friday - Monday. On the days when he's not going to be home for dinner, we try to do breakfast together so we have at least one meal..because I do feel like it's important to connect and not just grab our plates and go off to separate areas of the house to eat. <p><p>She talked about being there for your kids - not just rushing from a job to a zillion church activities. That's all well and good, but: <p><p>a.) We need two incomes right now, and I'm not talking about wanting a whole bunch of expensive stuff. We have nothing in our house that we went out picked out ourselves from the store and bought brand new - other than our bed and a bookshelf, which were made possible by a check from our insurance company when our apartment flooded - all this to say that we are catching up on old bills from a very difficult chapter in our lives, and just to cover that and our basic necessities, we need two paychecks; and <p><p>b.) We are called...plain and simple. I could make the excuse that "I'm a woman...I need to start a family and stay at home with them!" But I think God was fully aware of my gender when He called me. As a woman who is planning to start a family soon, I have wrestled with the question of "How on earth am I going to do this?" but honestly, I think we've got a pretty good set-up. One of Patrick's desires has always been to be able to be an active parent - not just a sperm donor who then goes off and works and never gets to spend time with his kids. With his job not starting until 2:00 pm, he will have the whole morning to spend with them...I'll have the evening...and there will be a few hours of time in the afternoon when we may need to find a cute little old lady or responsible teenager from church to take care of them (once they get older and start getting into stuff!) <p><p>From this retreat speaker, I got the impression that being a wife and/or mother means that it's all on me. That means that in addition to being a children's pastor and the primary person who keeps our house clean (as egalitarian as my husband claims to be, I've discovered that men just don't see dirt the same way women do, LOL!!), I get to be the full time parent to our kids as well. Now, if I was to be a stay-at-home mom and wife, I would embrace that role 100%. That would be MY job. But since I do work outside the home, as does my husband, we need to share some of those roles. To us, "division of labor" does not mean that there are certain jobs that are a man's domain and other jobs that are a woman's domain. It simply means that the best person for the job is the one who does it. Most of the cleaning is done by me. My husband cooks when we have company, because he enjoys doing big, elaborate meals. Trash is taken out by whoever first notices that it's full. He takes care of our finances because dealing with numbers gives me a headache and makes me cry. Oil changes are done by Valvoline :o). <p><p>When I listened to this speaker, I got the sense that she would feel that I was stepping outside of my God-given role. She said a couple of times that "it's a 'trend' in the A/G right now for women to get credentialed." I thought she should have done her homework, since the A/G has been credentialing women from the start. She also said that if a pastor's wife is co-pastoring with her husband, the church is out of order, and the wife needs to step down and give the authority back to her husband where it belongs. This didn't sit too well with our pastor's wife, who does, in fact, co-pastor with her husband! Our church is most definitely not "out of order." It is, in fact, the most functional church I have ever been a part of! <p><p>I used my "brain filter" to try and glean some useful information from the retreat, and I'm not saying it was a total waste. But instead of feeling uplifted and refreshed upon leaving, I felt frustrated and discouraged. Like I wasn't "doing it right." <p><p>It says a lot about this district and how they feel about women in ministry for them to even bring in a speaker of this nature...and I found myself once again missing my old district - with one of the highest percentages of female pastors, whose leadership would never dream of bringing in someone like that to speak to their credentialed women. All I can say is thank goodness they're NOT doing this retreat next year (they only do it every other year, I guess!), which will leave me free to go to the <a href="http://www.unstoppableconference.com/">"Unstoppable" Conference </a>in Tampa!!!</p>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-66140797048564811582008-09-17T07:00:00.002-05:002008-09-17T08:53:51.624-05:00Women are leaving the church in droves!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcbgqaaeb2bezqK-yoFdXl-BmPauTkIeJLQ4yGMRVjYrOcQOQIii_M_sPbY8P2mZ7a9kgrGEHeczJL5R_Y_Y3t5o_-cXZQieGb94DiQ3TQCWy2BbaVW3W4ejDYJZ2-YNWVfH3GbqVvGk/s1600-h/woman+says+no.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246700076995473938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcbgqaaeb2bezqK-yoFdXl-BmPauTkIeJLQ4yGMRVjYrOcQOQIii_M_sPbY8P2mZ7a9kgrGEHeczJL5R_Y_Y3t5o_-cXZQieGb94DiQ3TQCWy2BbaVW3W4ejDYJZ2-YNWVfH3GbqVvGk/s200/woman+says+no.gif" border="0" /></a> Last week I posted <a href="http://www.equaltimeforwomen.com/2008/09/runaway-women.html">this</a> about Runaway Women. I've seen and felt this for years on a personal level and seen huge ramifications coming for the church at large, but never saw a research study done on it. Apparently one has been done and the results are absolutely staggering. Read about it <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/2603343/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-slaying-church-attendance-among-women-study-claims.html">here</a>. Among other things, the article states that at least 50,000 women a year are leaving the church because it is no longer relevant in a world where females are empowered to do and be anything they want. Many women see the disconnect with this in the church and want nothing to do with it. <p><div><p>Sadly some women are even turning to cults and false religions because there they have found more acceptance when it comes to utilization of their gifts and talents in the area of leadership. Others have completely abandoned the idea of church altogether because they view it as a place of male hierarchy. <p><p>Been sayin' this for years folks... <p><p>The article goes on to say the hope of turning it around is in getting more female "bishops" as they worded it (translation: leaders in the top posts of our churches) and in becoming user friendly to single Moms and those working outside the home who comprise the majority of the female population. <p><p>DUH! </p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-23363417019406824822008-09-15T23:21:00.007-05:002008-09-15T23:35:32.995-05:00Yes, I am a feminist GUEST BLOGGER: Leanne Weber<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi5vE1qXkwW4sCUOPHfbVIL6Dq0HW5VR0Q2EnpxGQseJDfZ-4WsMeV8RDgsYLzf7GOLnE6oM6VcLhyphenhyphenNguH3gNsSskltvWNGMU-CZrcNb-NC-YrnrYHuAMT9RnrzyFIb5RyFc1VxgHmGA/s1600-h/feministn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246471377190012562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi5vE1qXkwW4sCUOPHfbVIL6Dq0HW5VR0Q2EnpxGQseJDfZ-4WsMeV8RDgsYLzf7GOLnE6oM6VcLhyphenhyphenNguH3gNsSskltvWNGMU-CZrcNb-NC-YrnrYHuAMT9RnrzyFIb5RyFc1VxgHmGA/s320/feministn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>Today we'd like to yield the floor a very good mutual friend of ours, Pastor Leanne Weber, as she shares one of her many recent insightful writings on the issue of equality. To go to Leanne's daily blog, <a href="http://www.musingsnstuff.blogspot.com/">click here</a>.</em> <p><p></p></div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">YES, I AM A FEMINIST</span></strong> <p><p><em>by Rev. Leanne Weber<br />Children's Pastor<br />Trinity Christian Center</em><br /><em>Zion, Illinois</em> <p><p><p>First of all, regarding Sarah Palin's appointment as the Republican VP candidate: I can't even believe that in 2008, this is an issue for some people. Seriously - as a child of the 80's, the two things that were drilled into my head were: <p><p>1. Just say NO (to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco)...LOL!! <p>2. Women have the brains and the ability to do anything that they desire. <p><p>I assumed that others of my generation were taught the same. I grew up in the Assemblies of God, a denomination that has ordained women for ministry since its beginnings, and so becoming a pastor wasn't even a moral/ethical dilemma of "should I or shouldn't I?" [Well, okay, I did go back and forth on it a bit - but not because I'm female!] <p><p>I have always taken for granted that women can pursue a career. I have met and continue to meet many women who have successfully raised godly kids AND worked outside the home, whether in ministry or in corporate America. <p><p><p>As Christians, we are sometimes reluctant to use the term "feminist," because it is a word that comes with a lot of baggage attached to it. We hear the word and we automatically think, "pro-choice, lesbian, liberal, tree-worshiping pagan or Wiccan." So for my purposes here, I am going to define the term feminist as "someone who believes that God calls ALL people - male and female - to different roles." <p><p>Two of my dearest friends in the world are sisters - both pastors, both moms, and both married to non-credentialed men. One of them worked full time until her baby was born, and then accepted a "part time" position in a church (I put "part time" in quotes, because I don't think a pastor is ever NOT a pastor - you either are one or you aren't one. This friend simply works in a church that does not pay her a full time paycheck, and therefore, she has the freedom to work from home and not put her son in daycare while she goes to the office). The other friend, with both of her kids, went on a "partial maternity leave," in which she still conducted kids' church on Sundays, but stayed at home in the initial 6-8 weeks after her kids were born. Then, she went back to working full time in the office. Her pastor was extremely generous in that he allowed her to bring her kids to work until they became toddlers (at which time she voluntarily chose to keep them with a sitter during the day, so that she could get work done, lol!). Both of them are doing what works best for them - for their ministry - and for their household, and although their kids are small, I see happy, well-behaved, very much loved kids in BOTH families. <p><p>I used to stress about what would happen when I had kids, but I have confidence that my co-pastors (who raised two girls while co-pastoring!) and I will come up with a satisfactory arrangement.I believe I am called. Whatever shape that calling takes in the future (as in, if I am a children's pastor for life, or if God calls me to a different type of ministry!), I am called for life. God didn't give me an escape clause, "redeemable upon the birth of my first child." And if I am called, then God is going to give me the strength and resources that I need in order to do my job AND raise godly kids. I refuse to feel guilty because I will not be staying at home baking bread, sewing clothes, homeschooling my kids, and growing my own vegetables (Can I just say - we'd STARVE if I did that? Our tomato plants yielded a grand total of two tomatoes this summer - slightly larger than cherry tomatoes, and although delicious, not nearly enough to make the buckets of fresh salsa that I was envisioning when I planted them at the beginning of the summer, lol!). <p><p>I refuse to feel guilty that I am now 32 years old and have not yet had kids. Waiting until now to start trying was a conscious choice that Patrick and I made when we got married - for a lot of different reasons that are, frankly, no one's business but ours! And for those who say it's okay for me to be a pastor, as long as I'm "just a children's pastor," let me give you a little advice: First of all, you NEVER use the term, "JUST a children's pastor" around someone who is called to preach to kids. Second of all, I have a License to Preach from the A/G, which qualifies me to be any kind of pastor! Although to get me to be a senior pastor, it would require God coming down and telling me in an audible voice, and providing at least three references to prove it was really Him :o). <p><p>All this to say that I am perfectly happy to have a female VP candidate. But in true feminist fashion, I do not plan to look at the fact that she is female - but where she stands on the issues...beyond just the "hot button" ones like abortion, gay marriage, and the like. And for tonight? My husband is making me steak on the grill, so that's what I'm concentrating on at this present moment - ciao! </p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-82775568349354590472008-09-09T22:39:00.019-05:002008-09-11T16:46:07.923-05:00Runaway Women<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxRCk4RqXK5aCH9Emd_Yn1mv-XmITPRvpYUp3GopbHH_06I9lPmy3Wl43nsSwlv7fUNOvr7WpHIAxJKA7fhDGp4XLjpHTeFfT9c0vJX14FhqQ7fPK2NinXM99MNRX3MyldHsxmmF4w1M/s1600-h/earlychurchfathers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244234788931426738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxRCk4RqXK5aCH9Emd_Yn1mv-XmITPRvpYUp3GopbHH_06I9lPmy3Wl43nsSwlv7fUNOvr7WpHIAxJKA7fhDGp4XLjpHTeFfT9c0vJX14FhqQ7fPK2NinXM99MNRX3MyldHsxmmF4w1M/s320/earlychurchfathers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For thousands of years, the Bible has been misused to keep women in bondage. Many early church leaders who have been revered and quoted in sermons throughout the ages held these repressive views and weren't afraid to proclaim them. Listen to these actual quotes from some people that no doubt, your pastor has probably quoted at some point in his/her messages. (I'm sure they probably did not use these particular quotes - and may even have no idea these people held such views. Many people don't realize what I'm about to tell you. They usually quote these men concerning other issues that have nothing to do with women or equality.)<br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><em>"Take up a stick and beat her, not in rage, but out of charity and concern for her soul, so that the beating will rebound to your merit and her good."<br />~ Friar Cherubino<br />(on what a husband should do if his wife does not respond to verbal correction.)</em> <p></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><em>"Woman must neither begin nor complete anything without man:where he is, there she must be, and bend before him as before a master, whom she shall fear and to who she shall be subject and obedient." ~ Martin Luther </em><p> <p align="center"><p align="center"><em>"Woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active power in the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex, while production of woman comes from defect in the active force."<br />~ Thomas Acquinas </em><p></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><em>"God maintained the order of each sex by dividing the business of life into two parts, and assigned the more necessary and beneficial aspects to the man and the less important, inferior matters to the woman."<br />~ Early church father John Chrysostom (A.D. 347-407) </em><p></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><em>"Men should not sit and listen to a woman, even if she says admirable things, or even saintly things. That is of little consequence, since they come from the mouth of a woman."<br />~ Origen, the early church Father (A.D. 185-254)</em> <p></p><p align="center"><em></p><p></em>and my personal "favorite"... <p> <p><p align="center"><em>"Men have broad shoulders and narrow hips and accordingly, they possess intelligence. Women have narrow shoulders and broad hips. Woman ought to stay at home; the way they were created indicates this, for they have broad hips and a wide fundament to sit upon, keep house and raise children."<br />~ Martin Luther</em> <p></p><p align="center"><em></p><p></em></p><p>As "fathers of the faith" abused and twisted the scripture to suit their own carnal and selfish desires, they suppressed women for thousands of years only to have them finally break free. But to what? Did they really break free? Well, from many unhealthy things, yes. Through the equal rights movement, the right to vote was gained, as well as equal pay for equal work (well, acutally we're still working on that one!), equal opportunities in the workplace, and equal rights with men in general.<br /><br />Unfortunately with the women's liberation movement very unbiblical things such as man hating and bashing, abortion, and stupidity such as bra burning also came along. That's a shame for without these unbiblical factors, the women's movement would be nothing but positive.<br /><br />For many years, so called men of God twisted scriptures and held extremist and abusive views. Yet,they continued to be revered by some and even quoted in sermons as "fathers of our faith." Do you know how many sermons I've sat through over the years where Martin Luther has been quoted? If these are the fathers of our faith, it's no wonder so many women have run away from home over the years. What I mean by that is that they have not only gotten the idea that they don't need men and have run away from their natural homes and families but many have also run away from the house of God. What a tragedy.<br /><br />Not only have many church leaders who are now dead remained on a pedestal after oppressing women, but new leaders who have emerged over the years who are alive today and hold these archaic views are also trumpeted as men of God to be respected. Add to that the myopic systems in place in many churches today that practically shout, "we don't want you here!" to women and it's no wonder why many sisters have run away from the family of God and never returned.<br /><br />I was visiting a church and at the close of the service, they issued a reminder announcement that at all the men of the church would be meeting in the fellowship hall. I questioned the person who was my host at the service and said, "are they having a men's brunch or a special event?" They said, "no, it's a specially called church business meeting." I was a little shocked and said, "oookkkayyyy...and why are they calling only the men to the fellowship hall?" She said, "they are going to vote and take care of the business of the church." I said, "where are the women going? She said, " well if they are single they will just leave, and if they are married they will wait for their husband in the sanctuary or foyer or they will just go on home to prepare lunch and wait for them." I was shocked. You might think this was 20 or 30 years ago but I'm sad to say it was in just the past few years and the church was a part of a major, well respected denomination.<br /><br />People today sometimes wonder why so many women have left the family of God. Some churches needn't ask. There's a lot of talk today about relevance and how important it is for the church to be such. There's nothing more relevant biblically or culturally today than the equality of women. Jesus is all about equality but so is any relevant church. Many women know they are not welcome in the body of Christ as equals and they'll be more than happy to take their talents elsewhere and invest their time and resources in a place that fully celebrates them.<br /><br />I never quote any of the above church "fathers" nor a few others like them when preaching except for an illustration such as I'm giving in this post. I wouldn't put them on a pedestal or quote them any more than I would a guy in a white hooded gown who burned a cross on somebody's front lawn. It's time the church stop tolerating prejudice in any form...otherwise we can expect more runaways. Seriously folks, can you imagine a woman coming to your church who is a VP at Bank of America, going home or waiting in the sanctuary for her husband while he goes off to 'cast his vote and do the business of the church?" No. I can tell you, that's a definite NO. I can tell you definitively because I've been privileged to pastor a woman who was a VP at Bank of America and one of the first things she said upon becoming a member was, "one of the reasons I chose to become a member here of this particular church was because it was evident there is no glass ceiling. Being that the church has a female co-pastor and women on the board, I know this is a church that fully embraces the equality of women and that's very important to me." That woman was not alone. Over the years, we have received that comment from many, many women who are searching for a place to belong. Some ran away from home but are searching for a place once again where they might be welcome to do more than work in the nursery, sing in the choir or run the church bake sale.<br /><br />Churches can keep the men going to the fellowship hall and the ladies outside waiting...they can keep them out of pastoral leadership, off the board, out of key leadership roles in the church... but eventually all that will be left in those churches as far as women are concerned are those who can their own vegetables and have about 100 denim jumpers in their closet with apples on them. </p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-30867159618557856242008-09-09T13:13:00.006-05:002008-09-10T15:27:25.928-05:00Stay at home Dads are going to hell?<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9sn6vfWPoAA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9sn6vfWPoAA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Does anyone else find this disturbing? <p> <p>*sigh* <p> <p>"Hell is your future home?" Wow. <p> <p>Make no misunderstanding, laziness is wrong, however he really makes no distinction and just says that if you're calling yourself, "Mr. Mom", hell is your future home. Also indicates it's wrong if the wife is the breadwinner. <p> <p>Why do some preachers (or people in general) feel it's any of their business who works outside the home in the family, how much money they make, or who spends the majority of the time caring for the kids? <p> <p>The important thing is, does the job get done? Does it work for the family? This is all that matters. <p> <p>Time to change the channel.</p>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-82150318466878131852008-09-03T00:04:00.010-05:002009-04-17T18:59:31.203-05:00Glass ceiling not shattering anytime soonBy now everybody is bouncing back from the shock of Sarah Palin being chosen as the Republican VP nominee. Relax. This post is not about who I'm voting for...or not.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><p>I'm an admirer of BOTH Hillary Clinton AND Sa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8th9uWjRWGthgTv8_mL8U8PZ-h4WkcqblqPVfEYHFg-E-zG7WK9Mzy5hIIUK1PA2e3HaB1ZkxzEzSLOwYSFKTkdr47RjqpR4LZ7I2v4Q7aMEEwFRM_8B2m4HVHqYglbEj1rkDhbeICue/s1600-h/hillarysalute.jpg"></a>rah Palin. (Okay, pick yourselves up off the floor...) I know what you're thinking. These two women believe COMPLETELY different things. You're right! I read a blog yesterday that said, "The only thing Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton share in co<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8cAYQMEWoIDK-MVltYSjNdv7rkWMFD43N6mKvDWTrcZFh09skGOUOjgjzQeGOA1mFrufYKIrzZTzaatVoWny6wEw-zvRXSFh0RmlU_eUpY-ENnqC63WkEGVYEkqDZFJ_2lMNoJCyUtU/s1600-h/palins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244907150972157074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8cAYQMEWoIDK-MVltYSjNdv7rkWMFD43N6mKvDWTrcZFh09skGOUOjgjzQeGOA1mFrufYKIrzZTzaatVoWny6wEw-zvRXSFh0RmlU_eUpY-ENnqC63WkEGVYEkqDZFJ_2lMNoJCyUtU/s200/palins.jpg" border="0" /></a>mmon is that they have the same kind of genitals." Well, perhaps. I actually think they'd probably find a little more common ground than that, but here's where I'm going with this...although I might not agree 100% or even 10% with what a person stands for (their values) I can look beyond that to see the admirable qualities in a person. Just because I admire someone doesn't mean I'd vote for them.<br /><br />I know she's not in the race anymore this year, but like her or not, you have to admit, Hillary Clinton is a sharp lady. She's a worker to the core -- you might not agree with everything she stands for, or even anything she stands for, but the fact is, she'll work to her dying day for what she believes in and with passion, and never give up. She embodies perseverance. I admire that in a person. I haven't known as much about Palin for very long, she has simply not been as prominent as Clinton. However I see many qualities in her that are admirable as well -- an equal passion for what she believes in, standing against corruption, cutting unnecessary spending, being willing to brave the storm that inevitably comes into one's life by not caving in to the "good old boy network".<br /><br />What I'd like to address in this post are the questions people ask women that they would NEVER ask men. As soon as Palin was chosen as the VP pick, people rose up to question whether she should take this job, having 5 kids, one of them being a newborn baby. No kidding, I actually heard one pundit ask if she would have to bring the baby to the White House for meetings to nurse him, and if people thought that should be allowed!! I had to double over laughing on that one. (And yes, I breastfed my kids, and yes, I think it's a great thing.) It was my brilliant husband who shook his head at the stupid commenter as well and said, "you idiot, by the time she gets to the White House for meetings, if indeed she is elected VP, the baby will be at the age where he would be weaned before she's even sworn in." (I love my husband!)<br /><br />Here's my thought...the glass ceiling is far from being shattered until we start asking MEN the same questions we ask women.<br /><br />Do you think anyone in 21 years has ever asked my husband, "Pastor Shrodes, how do you manage to pastor the church while still having three kids in your home?"<br /><br />Do you think in 21 years anyone has ever asked my husband, "Pastor Shrodes, how do you get everything done? How do you balance it all?"<br /><br />Do you think in 21 years of pastoring, my husband has ever sat in an interview with a pulpit committee and heard, "Now Pastor Shrodes, you are after all, a husband and father. Do you think with that as a factor that you will be able to effectively do this job if indeed you are elected the pastor of this church?"<br /><br />No, no, no. They have asked Pastor Shrodes, alright, but it's been THE WRONG Pastor Shrodes! LOL <p.>We will have shattered the glass ceiling when people are asking men the same questions they ask us.<br /><br />Some of you might be ready to rattle off at your keyboard and comment or e-mail me with... "are you saying being a wife and mother aren't important?" and "don't you know motherhood is a high calling from God?" and "don't you believe in putting your kids before your job?" Answer to questions: no , yes, and yes. <p> <p>I simply believe that all the same applies to my husband. Being a husband and father is important, isn't it? Being a husband and father is a high calling from God, isn't it? Being a husband and father comes before your job, doesn't it? So why aren't people asking the man the same questions? <p> <p>It's obvious from some of the reading I've been doing that Todd Palin believes the way that my husband and quite a number of husbands today believe: parenting wasn't designed by God to be a one person responsibility. Single parenting is hard and most people aren't doing it by choice. God gave children a father and a mother for a reason. My husband and I believe God has given us our home and our children to lead as a team - together. <p> <p>It's about a partnership. It's evident both Clinton and Palin have husbands who are partners. This is another thing I admire about both women, and something, ironically I have heard both criticized about! <p> <p>Some of these questions about Palin's fitness to lead at this time come from women who strongly supported Hillary. Shame! Shame! Shame on you women!!! It's as if you forgot that Hillary ever had a child! She might be an empty nester now, but remember, she was raising Chelsea the majority of the years she was in the White House. And by all appearances it seems she and Bill raised her equally together. With all the bad you might have to say about the woman, give her this - she's a darn good mother who together with her husband raised a fine young lady. At least if you are going to criticize Sarah Palin, do it concerning her policies, not about whether she's going to nurse the baby or not, or whether she'll be able to keep the laundry done and still work on America's energy crisis. How ridiculous!!! <p> <p>Ladies, ladies, ladies...let's not hold our sisters back or down by this type of rhetoric, whether we agree with their policies or not. Whether you are a Palin supporter or not, don't tear down what so many of our sisters -- and thankfully many of our right thinking and compassionate brothers --before us have worked so long and hard for. <p> <p>No matter who gets elected this November, please keep in mind, the glass ceiling is not shattered until we stop asking women certain questions, or decide to ask men the same ones. <p> <p></p></div></div></div></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-77448979320575659782008-05-07T22:40:00.002-05:002008-05-07T22:44:05.439-05:00Speak Up: Those With Power and Influence (Guest Blog)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x_QCaHplyUYmT2n6JonnyFPQ9fxGcoGYcGI1kgtJTuaa74m1KncIAaS71kTLD7_K-c1niaiLSEjQVpuE9obo57op6NgET-baYAWwZGKgz0dVVeEz_VSowAIQ_m-Vd_lfZcSMdUPE2kxK/s1600-h/women1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 598px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x_QCaHplyUYmT2n6JonnyFPQ9fxGcoGYcGI1kgtJTuaa74m1KncIAaS71kTLD7_K-c1niaiLSEjQVpuE9obo57op6NgET-baYAWwZGKgz0dVVeEz_VSowAIQ_m-Vd_lfZcSMdUPE2kxK/s320/women1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197847284584827170" border="0" /></a>This is a blog post by <a href="http://eugenecho.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/my-conversation-with-rob-bell/">Eugene Echo</a>... a good read!<br /><br /><a href="http://eugenecho.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/my-conversation-with-rob-bell/"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">An Interview with Rob Bell</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Well, I finally met <a href="http://marshill.org/">Rob Bell l</a>ast night and had an intense conversation with him. Kind of. Like indirectly. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">He was in Seattle for the Seeds of Compassion event with the Dalai Lama. I have no problem with that at all. I would have loved to have been invited to participate but no one called my agent. But since Rob Bell was in town, Off the Map invited him and a few other folks to speak to an intimate crowd of about 150 folks at an event hosted at the Vineyard Community Church.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob Bell spoke initially and eloquently for about 15-20 minutes on the thrust behind his upcoming book entitled, Jesus Wants to Save Christians. Here’s a short but fascinating description:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> There is a church not too far from us that recently added a $25 million addition to their building. Our local newspaper ran a front-page story not too long ago about a study revealing that one in five people in our city lives in poverty.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> This is a book about those two numbers. It’s a book about faith and fear, wealth and war, poverty, power, safety, terror, Bibles, bombs, and homeland insecurity,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> It’s about empty empires and the truth that everybody’s a priest, it’s about oppression, occupation, and what happens when Christians support, animate and participate in the very things Jesus came to set people free from.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> It’s about what it means to be a part of the church of Jesus in a world where some people fly planes into buildings while others pick up groceries in Hummers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ok, that’s when things got a little awkward and we had our indirect conversation. After his chat, Rose Madrid Swetman [co-pastor at Vineyard] came up to interview/dialogue with Rob Bell about the topic of women and leadership in the church. For the record, Rob supports women in leadership and has female elders at his church, <a href="http://marshill.org/">Mars Hill [Grand Rapids]</a>. Absolutely no relation to that Mars Hill [Seattle].</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And how did she begin her interview? She reads a quote [with permission] from someone named Eugene Cho who wrote the following comment on someone’s blog about the church being a White Man’s World:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> …we have to ask how are we as revolutionary followers of Jesus - who debunked the systemic structures during his life - are working, living, ministering, writing, speaking and creating to work towards that end.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Power, voice and influence are not easily pursued [and obtained]. It must be distributed and shared from those who have that very power, voice and influence. And because it is so counter-cultural, we have to be that much more intentional.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> As a male, I am embarrassed at times at the manner in which we [men] directly, indirectly, or systemically oppress our sisters. While there’s a legitimate female candidate for the president of this country, there are many [in the church] who still wonder if women should be in leadership. I know that [for them] it’s a biblical issue and not intended to be a personal issue but why would women want to subject themselves to these questions again and again and again…</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob like others must have thought, “Who the frack is Eugene Cho?”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Actually, I felt bad for Rob because I’m not sure if he had an idea what the conversation was going to be about. Because honestly, he didn’t really impress during the interview. He stumbled through his thoughts and words and I’m not even sure if he understood what Rose was trying to communicate to him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob - for better or worse - is a Christian celebrity. He’s a good guy and I very much dig his humility. The dude is not arrogant or self seeking like someone I know who has a self-righteous pharisaic image of himself praying on his blog banner. But honestly, I am amazed how globally popular and influential he is as proven by his books, NOOMA videos, packed out speaking gigs in venues like the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and even a recent write up in Time Magazine. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It was awkward because my words were quoted but I wasn’t able to dialogue with him. If I had a chance, I think this is what I would have said:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Hey Rob. I’m a growing fan and by the way, I like the buzz haircut. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> So, this is what I’m trying to get at.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> If you haven’t figured it out yet…It’s a White Man’s world. And well, you are a White Man. In fact, you are an especially powerful and influential White Man. The church, unfortunately, is no different than the structures of the larger culture. It is also dominated by White Men. While women and people of color shouldn’t create a state of dependency on the support of White Men, it is encouraging - nevertheless - to be supported by White Men including those who are visible and influential. This would be you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Certain people have power and sadly, the power structures are such that it tends to perpetuate the advantages of those who have power. And while there have been advances, I know you will agree that there have been some grave injustices against women throughout the history of the church including the present day. And while you have female elders in your church, I guess the question I want to ask is how are you actively and intentionally supporting and advocating for women through your larger ministry beyond your local church. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Why am I asking this? Because people are listening…</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob Bell is bluntly, one of the most visible and influential figures of Christianity in the 21st century. He is arguably the face of the emerging Evangelical Christianity in North America. It must be both a burden and blessing and I’m interested how he will use the platform of his visibility to distribute and share that power and influence. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For women and on a lesser level, people of color, it’s an uphill journey. It just is. And if you have to ask…you just don’t understand. And on this uphill journey, it’s uplifting when those who have power can acknowledge and advocate for those on this uphill journey. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Interestingly, Mark Driscoll and Rob Bell both pastor churches called Mars Hill - as I shared earlier. And last year, there was some crazy ruckus because Driscoll called out Rob Bell as a heretic at some sort of leadership conference. Ahh, as the Christian Subculture World Turns. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And for the record, one of my best theological conversations - ever - was with Mark Driscoll over the issue of women in leadership nearly seven years ago over an intense but good lunch. Driscoll has been one of the most vocal, if not the single most vocal antagonist in our generation of women in pastoral/elder leadership. And while I know there are some great things going on with Driscoll and MH Seattle, it is stunning and alarming [depends on your perspective I guess] to see the spread of his theological influence. And so, I guess I’m wondering who might be the other person(s) [of similar or comparable influence] who will speak passionately and prophetically in full support of women in leadership. Why am I asking this question? Because they have the power and influence.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What do you think?</span>Tara Sloanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12415100749129119037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-23510089225355572802008-05-05T12:35:00.004-05:002008-05-05T12:43:23.524-05:00Just Call Her a Children's Pastor (Guest Column)<h2 class="date-header"><span style="font-size:100%;">This article was posted by Andrea Faris at Christians in Context... there are a few things we may not be in FULL agreement with BUT for the most part we are playing in the same ballpark!<br /></span></h2><br /><h2 class="date-header">May 04, 2008</h2> <a name="6681523901166385813"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> <a href="http://www.christiansincontext.org/2008/05/just-call-her-childrens-pastor.html">Just Call Her a Children's Pastor</a> </h3> <div class="post-body" id="post-6681523901166385813"> <p><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ever notice that a man who runs the church's children's ministry is called a children's pastor, but a woman is called a children's director? Well if you hadn't, certainly my woman children's director friend has- and to her credit, she doesn't get real upset about little things like that (last I checked, I think she may even agree with it). In any case, the game is up: those children's directors really are children's pastors. They do all the same stuff, just with a different title to match the different anatomy.<br /><br />Of course the people who come up with stuff like that are normally godly folks just trying to get the Bible right, and in the attempt to be faithful to 1 Tim. 2:11-14 et. al., pull the titular switcheroo. But I for one have always wondered what Paul would think if he came around our churches only to find that his Spirit-inspired concerns about gender roles in the church, at least at points, got so trivialized. (Well, maybe he'd be too busy telling all the egalitarians just how wrong they'd got his writing to notice how complementarians mess with ministry titles...zing!)<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Harold Hoehner wrote an article for the December '07 issue of<span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 100%;">JETS </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">entitled, "Can a Woman Be a Pastor-Teacher?" in which he makes a point of distinguishing between what the NT calls "gifts" and what it calls "offices." On a number of levels, the article is frankly not that good. Most importantly, Hoehner predicates the case on a false understanding of spiritual gifts (apparently he hasn't read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Are-Spiritual-Gifts-Conventional/dp/0825421241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209859379&sr=8-1">Berding's book</a>) that leads to the plainly counter-intuitive dichotomy between things like doing the work of an evangelist and having the gift of being an evangelist (766-7).<br /><br />Nonetheless, one point is well-taken: the word-group translated "gift" or "spiritual gift" in English Bibles refers to something distinct from the church office titles of elder, bishop, and deacon especially found in the Pastoral Epistles. This leads Hoehner to conclude that a woman could have the gift of pastor-teacher (Eph. 4:11) and even be ordained as such without necessarily also being an elder, which Hoehner maintains is a position restricted to males in the church.<br /><br />Despite the article's problems, the noted gift/office distinction still stands, and leads me to conclude this: a woman really could have the spiritual </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 100%;">ministry</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> (a better term, following Berding) of a pastor-teacher, as long as it is within the Biblical bounds set for women's ministry roles, esp. in 1 Tim. 2:11-14 (Hoehner tries to get at something like this, but is simply not as clear). Specifically, if her authority is exercised over children and/or women, there is no reason that she could not be exercising her ministry of pastor-teacher.<br /><br />One more correlating point should be added: "pastor" is an overused term in our churches today, compared to its relative scarcity in the NT. Outside of the Eph. 4 passage, I am not sure of a text that refers to church leaders as "pastors". "Elder" (Gk. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 100%;">presbuteros</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> and/or </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 100%;">episkopos</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">) is the more common and explicit term, most importantly within the Pastoral Epistles. That is to say, of course a woman children's "director" is </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 100%;">pastoring</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> those children. It does not mean she is exercising the ecclesiological male-only authority of an elder. This understanding of pastoring actually fits better with the Eph. 4 use of the term as a spiritual ministry for the edification of the church, rather than an office per se. There is something more active (for lack of a better word) about pastoring.<br /><br />So go ahead ladies, call yourselves pastors, as long as you're not doing the stuff that the Bible says is only for males. The issue has a lot more to do with what you <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> than what you're <span style="font-style: italic;">called</span>.</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> After all, there is no explicit "women can't be elders" text- that is a (reasonable) application from the function-in-action type boundaries set in 1 Tim. 2 compared to what the rest of the Pastorals say about eldership (cf. Blomberg's article in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Two-Views-Women-Ministry-Counterpoints/dp/031025437X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209859624&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Two Views on Women in Ministry</span></a>). </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Maybe the title change would even change the focus for women from "what you are not supposed to do" to "exercising your role in the ministry God has empowered and called you for." And that would be a nice change.<br /><br />I should add one last comment: this would only work if we properly used the terms "pastor" and "elder" as delineated above. Otherwise, it will probably result in confusion. But I think it is worth going through with both changes together simply because of connotations. "Director" (or whatever other non-biblical word you choose) comes off in my view considerably more demeaning (and actually considerably more authoritative!) than the biblical term "pastor." And like I said, what we want to do is encourage both men and women to fulfill their God-given roles for the sake of His church.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div><a href="http://www.christiansincontext.org"><span class="post-author">-Andrew Faris </span><span class="post-timestamp"> </span><span class="post-comment-link"> </span><span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link"> </span></a> <span class="post-icons"> <span class="item-action"> <a href="http://www.christiansincontext.org" title="Email Post"> <span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a><a href="email-post.g?blogID=7838707657180568843&postID=6681523901166385813" title="Email Post"> </a> </span></span>Tara Sloanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12415100749129119037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-42305030351721083562008-01-29T19:04:00.001-06:002009-04-17T19:01:24.453-05:00How much prejudice is too much?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL-7vhYeS-ueW_r2SoP6G2CjwjWhq9-ODL6q8AEcgvracm-dfBkFR9-ZxLBNvenmieewZsH9Eh6vzHE2MIKGqQr64hUPXQY9wQ-8qJ8bYKNcaLkR64lq3xQcqfHqSuJa-ar5Re1AyBfc/s1600-h/woman+questioning.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161078896738775298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL-7vhYeS-ueW_r2SoP6G2CjwjWhq9-ODL6q8AEcgvracm-dfBkFR9-ZxLBNvenmieewZsH9Eh6vzHE2MIKGqQr64hUPXQY9wQ-8qJ8bYKNcaLkR64lq3xQcqfHqSuJa-ar5Re1AyBfc/s320/woman+questioning.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What about this issue don't Christians get? <p> <p>I stand amazed at the tolerance for prejudice that still exists in 2008. Today I got an e-mail from a pastor friend of mine. After today, our relationship has changed. I can't just sit back and listen to people, especially those who call themselves Christians, make racial or gender prejudicial remarks and just nervously laugh, or quietly walk away. This is evil, plain and simple. <p> <p>Edmund Burke once said, <em>"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."</em> <p> <p>The e-mail I got contained some racial slurs. I don't want to repeat what they said because it is so horrible but the gist of what they said was, "life would be much better in America if we had a lot less black people." I was pretty horrified by the e-mail. I sat for a moment sort of stunned and kept scrolling back up to make sure it was really the person I thought who sent it to me. I kept saying, "this can't be...it can't be..." but it was. <p> <p>I was so shocked you might as well have told me the person was...a stripper...a drug dealer...a member of the mafia. I mean, I was SHOCKED. But I guess I shouldn't be. Racial and gender prejudice is still not viewed as a sin by many in the church. People find all kinds of ways to try to justify their words and actions. <p> <p>One time I was in a room full of Christians and we were talking about places to shop (cause I love shopping!) and someone said, "Oh, don't go to such and such a mall...it's horrible." And I said, "why?" and they said, "oh, it's too dark." And naive ol' little me, I thought she meant there wasn't enough lighting in the place and you couldn't see the merchandise. <p> <p>When she explained what she meant by "dark" I got upset and said how offended I was by the comment. Instead of apologizing, she and others in the room tried to justify what was said by sharing about what they see as the stereotypical behavior of black people they know. But that didn't cut it with me. I had to get up and leave. Their comments made me sick. <p> <p>Equal time is a blog about gender equality and I know right now I'm talking about race but the thing is I've noticed that there is much rationalization in the Christian world about both race and gender prejudice. The thing that scares me is that some of our young people are very laissez-faire about this. If you don't realize the seriousness of this just think about all the young people who are now calling each other nigga and cracka and thinking this is somehow cool. This is nothing but a slap in the face to people like Rosa Parks, and all of the people who went before these young people to guarantee that they would have a seat on the bus just like anybody else. <p> <p>On gender issues I see some of our young ladies who are especially indifferent. Like the young people who think nothing of calling one another racial slurs for fun, so some of today's young women could care less what our foremothers went through for us and some even make light of it. Our foremothers fought a long hard battle just so we could vote. And many young women today could care less about voting. The other day I was on the blog of one young woman who shared that her husband "votes for the both of us" and I was absolutely shocked at the number of young women commenting on the blog who said they considered it wrong to vote differently from their husband, thereby "cancelling out his vote." So if they are not voting the same as their husband they abstain from voting. I just have to wonder if some of these women are also laying at the foot of their husband's bed, calling them Lord... (um, only half kidding there...) <p> <p></p></div>Many of the women who went before us in ministry went through unbelievable challenges to give us the privilege of standing on platforms now, ministering the gospel. Some younger women today don't care about that. In fact they would even sit under the ministry of a man who believes women should not be ministering the gospel or holding leadership positions. There are some younger women in ministry today who wouldn't see anything wrong with voting for a man to be in leadership in their church, fellowship or denomination who doesn't believe in gender equality. They are in living in a sort of complacency or naivety at best to believe that this will not affect the decision making process in leading the organization in which they serve. <p> <p><p>Recently a man who doesn't believe that women should pastor was being considered for a prominent position in the denomination in which I serve. (Our fellowship happens to 100% believe in and stand for the equality of women at the highest levels of leadership. It's one of our core values.) Well, this man's views on women are well known. However he pastors a very large church and has great leadership skills. Many people felt his views would not affect our fellowship in any negative way and that we would only benefit from his leadership skills, but I disagree. Even if he were to not stop anything currently going on in the way of opportunities for women, would he pursue further <em>advancement</em> of women? For it's not just a matter of <em>allowing</em> what is happening currently, but in making progress for women now, and for our daughters in the future. I guarantee, progress in this area would not have happened on his watch, had he been elected. <p> <p>There's a story I was told about some parents who were trying to teach their kids this principle when it came to sin and questionable activities. The kids were asking to do some things the parents just weren't comfortable with and the kids responded, "well, it's not that bad...it's just a little of this...or a little of that..." and so to prove a point the parents went out unbeknownst to the kids and got some dog poop from the back yard. They made a pan of brownies and put just a tiny miniscule bit of poop in the brownie batter. When the brownies were done the parents called the kids to come to the kitchen and began to cut up the brownies and dish them out on plates. Before the kids could take a bite from their plates the Dad said, "Ok kids, just so you know, there is just a tiny bit of dog poop in these brownies from the backyard..." <p> <p>The kids were totally grossed out and said, "Eeeewww!" and pushed the plates away. The brownies all ended up in the garbage, but not before the parents said, "what's wrong kids? It's just a little bit..." <p> <p>Would you eat brownies that contained just a bit of poop? Would you buy a bottle of water if it said, "99 percent spring water...1% sewage"? Of course not. Any rational thinking person would not even entertain the thought. <p> <p>So how much prejudice is too much? Any amount. <p> <p>A truly Godly person with their head on straight will not even entertain the thought.</p>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-31329871891487908662008-01-04T22:21:00.003-06:002008-09-15T23:44:55.010-05:00It's just that feeling you have...Author Toni Morrison made a now famous controversial statement years ago, calling Bill Clinton, <em>“our first black</em> <em>president.”</em> She went on to say he is, <em>“blacker than any actual black person who could ever be elected</em> <em>in our children's</em> <em>lifetime."</em> <p><div><p>It is clear that former president Clinton is very popular with blacks, and I recall watching him in an interview one time where he was asked why he thought that was. He said something about the fact that people know when you genuinely like them and they have the ability to sense sincerity in knowing that you are truly comfortable with them. Black people sense that Clinton really loves them and is comfortable with them- and they’re right!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSrgDzbJSM2owpMGuqH8heTaPyENU_Y7-v8q7286X8hx_jx8g1j6F5bKQGcPm5Ax8FPt6LnRoUJValvQSnBqQMfy8n-vhNv8d89fd5JCcSOcYspe4Zg2u_EWtMrsPWa3O93PIpSvE61w/s1600-h/Clintonsign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151843491495493922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSrgDzbJSM2owpMGuqH8heTaPyENU_Y7-v8q7286X8hx_jx8g1j6F5bKQGcPm5Ax8FPt6LnRoUJValvQSnBqQMfy8n-vhNv8d89fd5JCcSOcYspe4Zg2u_EWtMrsPWa3O93PIpSvE61w/s320/Clintonsign.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Please don’t take the above illustration as an endorsement for the Clintons. This post isn’t about politics. I’m simply using it as a point of reference to make a case for something I really believe in and that is a person’s “sixth sense” if you will – or as the Bible calls it – discernment – of the sincerity of others. It’s just that “feeling you have”… and it’s so evident when it comes to prejudice.<br /><br />There are times people can say whatever they want, but you know deep inside, despite whatever is coming out of their mouths, they don't see you as an equal. You know no matter what words are coming out of their lips - they have a problem with you serving in a leadership position. You know they secretly see you as one who should be submitting to orders, not giving them. I'm not talking about a conspiracy here or being paranoid. I am talking about true discernment with certain individuals. Anyone who faces issues of racial or gender prejudice knows exactly what I mean without explaining, but for those of you who aren’t in that category, allow me to enlighten you. Those of us who face prejudicial issues are so certain of what we feel, we would bet our bank accounts on it, because we’ve been through it so much. Though it's something felt in the spirit, it’s so tangible to us we can almost reach out and touch it.<br /><br />I could give a million illustrations, but I’ll just choose one for today. Whenever we are interviewing a potential new staff member, one of the first things we ask for in the interview are their views on women in the ministry. We make it very clear that Larry and I are a true pastoral team and we lead the staff and the church <em>together</em>. We tell potential staffers, "<em>if you do not hold the views we have on this issue, you are going to be very unhappy working here, so we need to settle this issue up front and spare both of us of any problems...”</em> We are extremely up front with this and go into detail as far as how that works itself out in daily life, serving on staff here. We don’t want any misunderstandings. If a person holds an opposite view, that’s fine – we just don’t want them working for us realizing that while we don’t have to agree on everything, we do have to agree on basic core values -- especially one as important as this.<br /><br />In the case of one staff member (I’ll call him Pastor Greg – not his real name) we had gone over this several times in multiple interviews, and he told us in no uncertain terms that he completely held the same view we do. However shortly into his tenure, I just had “that feeling” that not all was well. Over the months time, I knew in my heart that he secretly held another view but had not revealed it, probably because he needed a job. Yes, ministry is ministry but to those of us who do it full time it is also a paycheck. And he didn’t have another one, at least yet. It was something I’m sure he thought would not be an issue as long as he and his wife kept their views hidden, at least from us – or so they thought! (Mistake #1 – don’t ever think when you tell people things in the church that it won't eventually get back to your pastor! The Bible says that what is hidden will be brought to light...be sure your sins will find you out.)<br /><br />Well, one day in the course of our work, Pastor Greg made some comments, though not about ministry but politics, that were very revealing as to how they felt on some gender issues. You know the Bible says that "out of the heart, the mouth speaks." You can try to hide your true thoughts however what you think eventually will seep out somehow. Our thoughts eventually become our words if we dwell on them enough. Though not referring to women pastors specifically, Pastor Greg made some negative statements toward women in the political world. I was very concerned about the slant of his comments and asked my husband to have a talk with him, figuring maybe he would confess his true thoughts easier to my husband than to me (since I felt he obviously had a problem with women I didn’t expect to get anywhere with him.)<br /><br />My husband called him in and strongly confronted and questioned him. Larry said, <em>"I realize your comments were about women in the secular world, however if you hold these same views regarding ministry this is an issue as it is completely against all that Deanna and I stand for, and</em> <em>the core values of our church."</em> And again he said, <em>“oh no pastor, I don't have a problem with this - I am completely in agreement</em> <em>with your views..." </em>My husband seemed comfortable with his answers because Pastor Greg had so strongly answered him back declaring his complete unity with us on the issues. He was very emphatic with my husband that he was 100% in agreement with us. But it didn’t matter what was coming out of his mouth. I could sense in my spirit, he was not sincere. <p>My instincts told me – he needed a job, needed a paycheck, and would say whatever he needed to say to my husband to keep his job, at least until he could find another one – realizing that it wasn’t all that easy to keep a hidden view on things like this especially when he had to come into the office and face a woman as his boss everyday – me! In my heart, I believe that in his initial interview with us he said whatever he needed to say to get the job and then figured he’d sort all the rest out later and it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. But it was. And being that I was not afraid to strongly lead – this posed a serious threat to him that he really didn’t consider he would have prior to coming on staff. I think he thought he could go around me, over me, or through me – but he soon found out it wasn’t all that easy when you have a co-pastor team that works so closely as Larry and I. <p>Well, ultimately Pastor Greg resigned and not a moment too soon. As soon as he did all kinds of hidden things came to light. A week after he left, one person in the church said to my husband and I (thinking we already knew), “you know, I’m surprised that Pastor Greg lasted here as long as he did, with his views on women in ministry and all that…” When the church member said that, I shot a look at my husband as if to say, “told ya!” and said to the church member, “oh really? What were the views that he shared with you?” And they went on to tell us that he revealed his true beliefs on the issue of women pastors one day in a small group Bible study and specifically addressed a problem he had with women being senior pastors. As he did his wife shot him a look and sharply said, “Greg!” as if to say, “you shouldn’t be telling these people this…” and then he said something to the effect that he had issues with women pastoring but he couldn’t’ really get into the subject. However everyone in the room knew he wasn’t in agreement with our view. Thankfully his poison did not spread to the rest of the church body. <p>There is something about prejudice that is not just heard or seen…it is FELT. Like other sins that people carry such as the spirit of anger, pride, or lust – so they can also carry the spirit of prejudice. Just as you can walk into a room and sense that “something is not quite right” so you can be listening to a person’s words as they say a bunch of things about women being called, anointed, used of God, etc. and know that they are either using semantics to dance around their core values on the subject – or they are just flat out lying through their teeth because they need something from you at the time, such as – a job, or a favor of some sort. I have sat in meetings with denominational officials over 20 years of time and I can sense which ones are spouting the politically correct thing to say in a meeting, and which ones are sincere. A woman in ministry has the ability to realize those who are part of the "good old boy" network and those who are sincerely appreciative of women working alongside (not behind) them. We can sense who celebrates us and who merely tolerates us. A woman can immediately sense when a man is working with her and viewing her as a colleague or just patronizing her. <p> <p>Relationships are truly born of the spirit. Why do I have so many close friends of color? Why can I walk into a room of women from all backgrounds and nationalities as a guest speaker or pastor and have the majority of them at ease with me from the beginning feeling a ‘sister to sister’ connection? Yes, it’s the blood of Christ that unites us but I am convinced it is also the fact that people KNOW when you are sincere and you are “for real” in your belief of the equality of all people. How can Larry and I – two white people from Baltimore and Pittsburgh – pastor people from so many different countries who feel “right at home” with us from the first time we meet? Our church has people from about 20 different nations. I’m convinced – something in their spirit immediately tells them how much we genuinely like them. Actually, they know we really, really love them. There are many times I feel like an "honorary black" or "honorary Cuban" simply because I click with my sisters (and brothers) so well and love and enjoy them so much as well as learning about, experiencing and really understanding their particular cultures. :-) People sense...do we really want to not only love them, but seek to understand? <p> <p>So to summarize today’s post I want to encourage those of you who, like me – know what it is to just “have that feeling” despite what’s coming out of people’s mouths – know that God gave you discernment for a reason. I sensed the disunity of Pastor Greg a long time before he resigned. God gave me that heads up for a reason – to keep a very watchful eye on the situation and warn my husband. I never trusted him, and there was a good reason for it. Use the gift of discernment God has given you! <p> <p>Second, if you are a person in Pastor Greg’s shoes and you secretly harbor feelings of prejudice toward a person of another race of gender or you think you have ever so carefully hidden your bias against a person or group of people – think again. No matter what is coming out of your mouth, people will know what’s in your spirit. And if you wonder, “why don’t they click with me? I’ve never said anything…” realize YOU DON’T HAVE TO. Your spirit is talking loud and clear and letting them know where you stand. If people of color or women in leadership seem to have an issue with you, maybe you should check your spirit. You might be exuding something although you don’t say a word and if that is the case – only the Holy Spirit can do a cleansing work in your heart and life to bring you into right standing with God and others. <p> <p>Allow the Lord to cleanse you of the sin of prejudice and fill your heart with a GENUINE acceptance of all people. As you do, you will find them coming closer to you rather than holding you suspiciously at arms length or keeping a watchful eye on you. <p> <p><p><em>Rev. Deanna D. Shrodes, Equal Time Co-Founder</em></p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-7405247239890273342007-09-20T13:04:00.000-05:002007-09-20T13:15:07.155-05:00Keys to Team Ministry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZXYwUWUcMBBwTsvPrLpjIHIdykKFxsV2PXDQMt2iA-gg6Yrrc5ZpM7Y7brsxM1tmWfNG0d1kGwX4zZfTPGxzuTk2cRXVaKxwL6nnHKOD-qeHeTyaF6ntkWxYwkeqCj-EXbSctwBNzB6J/s1600-h/teamwork-thumb2141743.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZXYwUWUcMBBwTsvPrLpjIHIdykKFxsV2PXDQMt2iA-gg6Yrrc5ZpM7Y7brsxM1tmWfNG0d1kGwX4zZfTPGxzuTk2cRXVaKxwL6nnHKOD-qeHeTyaF6ntkWxYwkeqCj-EXbSctwBNzB6J/s320/teamwork-thumb2141743.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112349477443425458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(Author's note: While this article does not pertain primarily to women in ministry, it does have merit in the "egalitarian" view. Team ministry is a component that some place in the same category as women in ministry.)</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal">“TEAMWORK makes the DREAM work!” This statement is one that I have relied heavily upon and love to quote! As a matter of fact it has become a mantra for Craig and me when working in a team-based ministry. Without a healthy, functioning team the dream will not become all it was intended. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It seems that upon every success Craig and I have ever celebrated there was someone who approached one or both of us, heaping accolades and Atta’ boys.” <span style=""> </span>This is some thing that neither one of us really care for. It isn’t because we are afraid to accept a compliment rather it stems from the fact that Craig and I operate as a team that leads a team to the victory at hand. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is such a need for the Body of Christ to understand the necessity and components of true team ministry.<span style=""> </span>When we realize how much more effective and powerful we can become when we embrace the team ministry concept there will be no stopping us. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">How do we get there? I have shared five keys below to achieving true team ministry in the church. These keys are not “law” but they contain powerful concepts that Craig and I have been blessed to experience and execute.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">1.)<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><u>No “I” in TEAM<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">True team ministry involves mutual and shared authority. Craig and I have met and worked with many ministers and staffers who seem to forget that the TEAM has the same goal. The competitive nature in these individuals takes away from the overall “power” of the team. These people become “energy zappers.”<span style=""> </span>Meetings become a dreaded event because it is all about how “I” can out perform everyone else. Eventually a power struggle erupts and the common goal shared by the TEAM gets back burner-ed. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Competition with one another concerning power should be stopped out immediately. TEAMs achieve much more when each learns to value and accept the input of the other. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">2.)<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><u>Pick Up the BALL<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">True TEAM ministry involves mutual responsibility. One of my own personal pet peeves is not when a ball is dropped but when it is allowed to roll around and around without the immediate attention of other TEAM members. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here is a hypothetical example of such an occurrence:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Team member Bob heads up the Building and Grounds department. He does a great job leading his “sub-team” and is a valued asset to the ministry. On the way into Sunday morning service, Team member Ida sees two soda cans lying on the ground. She quickly finds Team member Bob and begins complaining about the soda cans. Following the service she sends an email to Team member Pastor and cc’s the entire TEAM about her findings. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Obviously Team member Bob or someone on his sub-team had dropped the ball, innocently I am sure. However, my question is, “Why didn’t Team member Ida pick up the ball? Why didn’t she take care of the soda cans? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now some would say, “Well, it was Bob’s responsibility. He needed to be taught a lesson and see where his team was coming up short.” I disagree because at the very moment Bob was isolated and pointed out, he was also cut out of the team. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When a valued player on a basketball team has an “off night,” the only way the TEAM will win is if the other players rally together, stand in the gap and take care of business. Now this does not mean trample all over the effort of fellow TEAM members because you believe you can do a better job. Instead applaud accomplishments, offer assistance and execute together.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christopher Avery writes, <i style="">"Becoming skilled at doing more <b style=""><u>with others</u></b> may be the single most important thing you can do" </i>to increase your value - regardless of your level of authority.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">TEAMs recognize that the each aspect of ministry is not just the charge of a single individual who may have been assigned to a specific area, but equally belongs to the entire TEAM. <span style=""> </span>The days of “pass the buck” are over. True TEAMs cover one another and pick up the ball whenever necessary.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">3.)<span style=""> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><u> Kill Pride<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;">"Dependent on Him, the whole body-- its various parts closely fitting and firmly adhering to one another-- grows by the aid of every contributory link, with power proportioned to the need of each individual part, so as to build itself up in a spirit of love." Ephesians 4:16</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p><span style="">This is a difficult one for many in TEAM ministry. While education and training is critical for effective ministry, the danger is that we can equate training and biblical knowledge with spirituality. If TEAM members view other TEAM members as untrained and uneducated in spiritual leadership or less experienced or that everything is MY way or NO way a rift is established that undermines effectively working together as a TEAM. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">When TEAM members fail to understand and value one another, tensions arise. For there to be teamwork, it is vital that the all TEAM members learn to value the spiritual insight and sensitivity of each other. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">When the pastor or other TEAM members constantly says "no" to any new idea or proposal, the teamwork begins to waver. TEAM members should remain open to new ideas and be willing to openly evaluate change. People who are inflexible and prideful refuse to accept any opinion or proposal that is not in full agreement with their personal concept and/or convictions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Effective teams are built upon openness and willingness. It never hurt anyone to be open to an idea and evaluate ideas by actually hearing others before formulating their decisions. TEAM members, pastors included (I have been there!) <span style=""> </span>need to be willing to "agree to disagree" <b style=""><i style="">and </i></b>willing to support issues and proposals even if they are not in full agreement. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[endif]--><b style=""><u><span style="">Embrace and Accept One Another Warts and All!<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><b style=""><i style=""><span style="">"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" 1st Corinthians 12:4-7 </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p><span style="">I hate the word outsider! The intention behind the word is not one of affection, it is meant to “cast out.” Craig and I briefly pastored a church in a rural area where we ran into a lot of resistance to TEAM ministry. I remember vividly seeking the guidance and wisdom of one of the overseers and being called an “outsider” at least five times. It was painful and a slap in the face. <span style=""> </span>We didn’t stay there long because we quickly learned that if the overseers and board viewed us as outsiders the congregation would begin to question us as leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">The same is true in TEAM ministry, if TEAM members fail to embrace and accept one another the congregation will not see a unified front.<span style=""> </span>It is critical that the TEAM sets an example for the congregation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Some reasons a lack of acceptance may occur is because:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:11;" ><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="">Frequent turnover in TEAM members<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="">Unfortunately there are a number of churches that experience frequent turnover in their staff. This can cause a “let’s see how long they last” attitude which breeds nothing but an “I’ll show them” attitude and no one wins. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="">TEAMs need to rise to the occasion and embrace and accept new TEAM members so the new TEAM member will begin to “gel” with the rest of the TEAM. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Symbol;font-size:11;" ><span style="">·<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="">Cultural differences<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="">I remember being told as a child that “not everyone thinks like you.” As I grew I found that is very true! I also learned that is the beauty of life! We are all different!<span style=""> </span>Cultural differences will exist between TEAM members. As TEAM members come from different cultural settings (such as from the city to the county or from one geographic region to another) they may discover that people are reluctant to accept him/her. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="">Remembering that not everyone thinks like you, looks, or acts like you is a good rule of thumb. By learning to embrace and accept one another warts and all (the good, bad, and ugly) the TEAM will be strengthened and more unified. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><u><span style="">Become Allies <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><b style=""><i style=""><span style="">"My brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier" Philippians 2:25 </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p><span style="">Something very few people know about Craig and I is that we worked on a ministry team fulltime without compensation and with a few benefits for an extended period of time. However, we were loyal and faithful to a fault. I worked a secular job and also ministered with Craig on the road whenever possible to make ends meet and when Craig and I got home we worked our other “job” for the church. <span style=""> </span>We loved our pastors, the team we were on, and our church. If anything was needed we were there! We were connected and valued.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">A mistake many TEAM members make is in how they view their role on the TEAM. Many see themselves as a “hiring-ling,” a mere laborer who is paid to do a job and go home. However, by changing that dynamic from “hiring-ling” to someone who has embraced the vision because of their love of the church a brand new TEAM will emerge. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Hiring-lings have nothing vested in their work as a Ministry TEAM. If they are treated as someone hired to punch a timecard that is what will be received. However, when TEAM members embrace the vision of the house and are given access to feel connected and valued they become allies! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Ministry is all about warfare and I warfare you need all of the allies you can get! I don’t know about you but I’ll take an ally who will fight with me for the vision at hand any day over the guy who was hired to run errands and fill in where needed! I want someone who is vested in what I am vested in, someone who will give their life for the vision at hand. That is an ally!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Order and organization are necessary in the church and in TEAM ministry. Believe me I am all about it, but when we begin to see our TEAM members as “allocations” we have deemed them “hiring-lings.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">These keys aren’t “gospel” but they have certainly been tried and tested. When we truly understand the importance and impact of TEAM ministry the flow of our churches and ministries will change. God loves TEAMwork! He called a TEAM of disciples and HE is part of a TEAM (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">In closing, I’d like to encourage every pastor or elder to examine their TEAMs. It is an established fact that healthy churches are operating with healthy, unified teams. Put an end to power struggles and experience the value and importance of shared authority. While all TEAM members have different functions and roles within the church, they also recognize that only by working together can they lead the church in the fulfillment of its destiny in Christ!</span></p><p>Rev. Tara D. Sloan, co-founder Equal Time<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-32627906886842187232007-09-06T13:13:00.001-05:002007-09-06T18:12:42.631-05:00He's working for the Lord...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_koxx51uay6J5RkBP-4yMrbxC_ZDSY-B7QhGgcpzYt9rhyphenhyphenYzhzDpknekbLwuOwb4OCb4ql4h0U3rRmW6PomH51_rds9w7F0BPOvaA2_MpKfEa41YjQldB92Kknuuop0UyTsd2ypvxyt4/s1600-h/christmas+lights.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107156805033203826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_koxx51uay6J5RkBP-4yMrbxC_ZDSY-B7QhGgcpzYt9rhyphenhyphenYzhzDpknekbLwuOwb4OCb4ql4h0U3rRmW6PomH51_rds9w7F0BPOvaA2_MpKfEa41YjQldB92Kknuuop0UyTsd2ypvxyt4/s320/christmas+lights.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">My husband and I have worked together side by side as equals in ministry for the past twenty years, sharing the role of pastoring a youth group or, as we have done for the past 13 years -- an entire church.<br /><br />Despite the fact that Larry sees my role in ministry and my work as important as his very own, that has not always been the case with others. Although I have not been on a soapbox to right that wrong, I will say I’ve taken a lot of arrows over the years that have pierced my soul and really hurt. The Lord has gently bandaged my wounds many times and kept me going over these last two decades.<br /><br />A prime example of this type of situation occurred years ago in our previous church where we were pastoring. If I close my eyes and picture it, I can remember it so clearly, even the temperature outside, what I was wearing, and other very vivid details. It’s kind of like remembering where you were when 9/11 happened, or when JFK was shot. There are times in your life that are significant, not for good but for the bad and you never forget them. This is one such time.<br /><br />We were outside hanging many thousands of lights on our church property for Christmas time. Every year we did this and were even featured in the local newspaper for our magnificent display. My husband and I were always right in the midst of leading and helping with this project and that year was no different. Larry had been up on the roof that afternoon putting the finishing touches on the roof light display and I was out on the edge of the property on the hill where our sign was, working there. My team discovered we needed something from the hardware store, so I went to find Larry, knowing that he often makes trips at times like this to get things. Most times, he always asks me first, “do you all need anything while I’m out?” This time, he forgot. When I went to ask his team, “where’s Pastor?” they said, “gone to the hardware store.” This was before the days of cell phones, at least a cell phone that didn't cost an arm, a leg or your first born child. Actually it was even before he had a beeper. Wow, this makes me feel really old writing this! Anyway, the point is - there was no way to get ahold of him. We would just have to make two trips. Although I didn’t explode with anger or anything (it wasn’t <em>that</em> big of a deal) I was a little frustrated that he never let me know he was going because we needed so many things for our work out front on the hill. So, a little frustrated, I said, “oh no! I wish he would have told me he was going…” To which an older lady in the church quickly chastised me and said, “Don’t be upset with him! Remember, HE’S THE ONE WORKING FOR THE LORD. You need to just support him.”<br /><br />I wish I could say that I just sweetly answered back with a “that’s right” or “praise the Lord sister” but unfortunately I can’t say that. I was so mad when she said this, that I said, “WORKING FOR THE LORD? OF COURSE HE IS, BUT WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE…CHOPPED LIVER?” And then I strode away back down to the hill to work on my lights. I worked in silence most of the afternoon, just repairing Christmas lights and fuming inside that somebody viewed my husband as working for the Lord, but evidently did not view me in the same way, although I work just as hard for our Lord.<br /><br />I’ve come to realize in the past twenty years of ministry that many people will never have the same understanding of our roles as Larry and I do. There are still those that view him as “working for the Lord” and me as the one supporting him. Or to use an illustration from Pastor Tara, they view him as the baseball player who is on the field scoring all the home runs and me as the bat boy, running out to give the weary player some water and encourage him as he “goes back out into the game.” Thankfully I don’t have too many people in the church we currently pastor who view it this way, but of course there are many out in the world who do.<br /><br />I’ve learned some people will always see things from this viewpoint, as it is the only paradigm they have ever known. Getting angry over it or stewing really does me no good and is very unproductive. I realize that most people are simply uneducated about the subject or have been indoctrinated another way through the years and they really know no better. In such cases what helps me is to simply focus on those who “get it.” It helps as well that I have a husband who cares about educating people as to my role and equality in the ministry.<br /><br />When it comes down to it, even when others don’t understand, no matter what anybody else thinks, God knows I’m working for Him, and so does Larry. And really, the rest is chopped liver in comparison. <p><em>Rev. Deanna D. Shrodes, Equal Time Co-Founder</em> </p></div>Dr. Deanna DossShrodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06651422170585497480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-48602263663244084902007-09-04T22:33:00.000-05:002007-09-04T23:04:16.811-05:00A Hypothetical Look at Reality<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT72l62vBvdKwz2zIdIQ5oSvGHzgUfBO1AArzJPyQEsF0arxG68IebqHtsuySHYS6WYcHqaAiLl3tDpSs2_H0iDBeV3E3siK4FAf4dicM_i76tW2A42wAnZHoW2PZHXMC8P_9_RDPHXZum/s1600-h/ist2_1959020_application.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT72l62vBvdKwz2zIdIQ5oSvGHzgUfBO1AArzJPyQEsF0arxG68IebqHtsuySHYS6WYcHqaAiLl3tDpSs2_H0iDBeV3E3siK4FAf4dicM_i76tW2A42wAnZHoW2PZHXMC8P_9_RDPHXZum/s320/ist2_1959020_application.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106561463542191106" border="0" /></a><i style=""></i><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“Pastor Smith, I put the resumes for the Associate Pastor position on your desk this afternoon,” the administrative assistant called out. Pastor Smith nodded and waved a hand of thanks her way as he pushed open the door to his office. As he sank into his chair he eyed the overflowing pile of envelopes addressed to the Pastoral Search Committee of Liberty Worship Center. There were at least a hundred. His eyes drifted to another stack of resumes that had been omitted. There at least two hundred there. Liberty needed to find someone fast. The load had been more than Pastor Smith and the board had expected. With a deep sigh Pastor Smith dove into the pile of fresh resumes praying for a qualified candidate. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">After more than two hours, the “keep” pile was much smaller than the new discard pile. Pastor Smith took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Okay, just one more then I’m calling it quits for the day!” He reached for an envelope postmarked from Florida. He read aloud as he unfolded the thick resume, “Reverend Cameron Woods of Jacksonville, FL.” As he continued to read a smile crept upon his face. The list of qualifications alone placed Rev. Woods at the top of the list.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">Qualifications: <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-diversity of experience in 18+ years of ministry<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-visionary with proven ability to put vision into action<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to evaluate, equip & mobilize people into action<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to work independently & in a team oriented environment<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-highly relational in communication personally, in small groups & large public gatherings<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to delegate effectively<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to lead a team that effectively cares for the needs of over 1,000 people<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to manage teams of up to 100 people on a daily basis<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to manage teams of up to 150 people for single large events<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to be creative in problem solving<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to be intentionally relevant to people outside of church culture<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to serve simply, practically & tangibly the “not-yet-believer”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing, media & the arts<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to shepherd, counsel & guide people towards an authentic relationship with Christ<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">-proven ability to laugh, enjoy life & people, not take self too seriously, be gracious & “roll with the punches” along the way<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">Pastor Smith jumped up from his seat knocking the rest of the pile to the ground. He grabbed his coat and brief case and walked into the lobby. “Andrea, please contact this candidate and set up a phone interview for myself and the search committee. The sooner the better!” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">The next morning an email confirming the date and time for the phone interview popped into Pastor Smith’s inbox. As an added note, Andrea wrote that her conversation with Rev. Woods had been pleasant and a blessing. “Good to know,” Pastor Smith thought aloud. Talking with church attendees and staff would be a daily part of the position.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">As with every candidate, Pastor Smith then forwarded a questionnaire to Rev. Woods as well as a formal application. Picking up the phone Pastor Smith phoned the four references listed on Rev. Woods’ resume for references. He smiled bigger with each call. They were all the same, “Rev. Woods is a person of exemplary character.” “Cameron is a team player and a leader of leaders.” “Pastor Cameron would be a coveted addition to any church.”<span style=""> </span>The questionnaire and application came back and mirrored everything that was said and exactly what was in the heart of Pastor Smith. There was no way he was letting this one go! <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">The next day came and went quickly. Pastor Smith was almost giddy to talk to Rev. Woods. As the time for the phone interview approached Pastor Smith made sure each of the search committee had a photocopy of Cameron Woods’ resume, questionnaire, and application. After a word of prayer Pastor Smith asked everyone to view the resume in front of them before they made the call. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">Pastor Smith read through the resume aloud pointing out interesting facts and reference points. “Family status, married to Tracy, for 15 years, three children 3, 5, and 9. Spiritual gifts include shepherding, leadership and administration…” As Pastor Smith looked around the table he was pleased at the nodding heads and smiles of the committee members. “Additionally, Tracy, Rev. Woods’ wife also has extensive ministry experience,” Pastor Smith read from the questionnaire. “Tracy’s ministry involvement is extensive and executed with excellence. Tracy’s experience includes leadership in missions projects, First Impressions, small groups and outreach events.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“Pastor, let’s go ahead and make the call,” said one of the committee members. “I’m anxious to talk to Rev. Woods.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">Pastor Smith dialed and placed the call on the conference call mechanism. “Woods’ Residence,” a cheerful female voice answered.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“Well hello Mrs. Woods. What a delight it is to speak with you,” Pastor Smith said with a grin on his face. “My name is Pastor Mark Smith from Liberty Worship Center in Michigan. I am joined this evening by our pastoral search committee. We are certainly looking forward to speaking with Rev. Woods this evening.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“Um, yes, I am excited too,” said the woman on the other end. “Would you like to begin?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“Most definitely,” answered Pastor Smith. “It’s been a pleasure talking with you Tracy. Is Rev. Woods around?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“Pastor Smith,” the woman said giggling. “Tracy is my husband, I am Rev. Cameron Woods. That’s okay though, it happened with names like ours. I’m ready when you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">The silence on Liberty Worship Center’s end was deafening. Pastor Smith felt his face and neck redden. As he looked at the other members of the committee their faces were in disbelief.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">“I am sorry Cameron. I, uh, didn’t realize that you were a wo…, I mean Rev. Woods,” stammered Pastor Smith. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size:10;">The rest of the call lasted only 15 minutes. The committee disbanded and shook their heads as Pastor Smith hung up the phone. “Oh well, back to the drawing board,” he said as the rest of the committee laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of course this story is fictional, well, this time anyway. Unfortunately, this type of prejudice happens. How devastating it is when a fully qualified woman is disqualified because of her gender. Imagine getting a resume that reflected Cameron’s qualifications yet it would be discarded because it belonged to a woman. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The incredible thing is “Cameron” could have gotten a position at a reputable corporation with the resume she submitted. And they would have hired her. She would have climbed the ladder of success much faster in the secular workplace than in most churches. She would have been respected and valued for her wisdom, experience and knowledge. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Closed minded legalism wants to dictate to women that their involvement in ministry be limited and that their gifts and abilities be in the background. The biggest issue I have with this is the fact that after women are told “no” countless times they are then chastised for becoming successful in the secular workplace. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Women react to such prejudice by deciding to use their talents where they were appreciated. Extra time at work is appreciated and rewarded; extra time at church may not be. There are many women who have become Sunday-morning Christians; it has become easier. There is a terrible temptation not to be involved much at church that exudes such a legalistic approach because it’s not clear how we as women will fit in. </p> <p>Some congregations make women feel as though they are not as valuable at church as they are at work. Some women are made to feel that their contributions are not needed or wanted, and that their gifts are expendable. </p> <p>Women are tired of being a different person during the week from the person they are on Sunday. During the week, what they do makes a difference as to whether their company succeeds or fails. During the week, the people at work notice their demeanor and<span style=""> </span>tone of voice and if they seem unhappy, they ask if something is wrong. At work woman are told that the company needs their ideas, productivity and talents. When a good result is achieved, someone says, “Good job! Thank you!” Studies have shown that most people are motivated by understanding how their performance fits into an organization and how their work makes a difference. </p> <p>Some will say that I am making excuses or looking for a bone to pick. They may say that “What you get out of church depends on what you put into it.” And to be honest and fair, there is an element of truth to that; it is certainly more rewarding to be involved than to disengage. </p> <p>However, we must all realize that it gets harder and harder to convince one’s self that God really wants us to contribute such a small portion of our talents to the church community in comparison to our workplace. The Word tells us to stir up the gifts within us. My question is why stir up what will never be consumed?<br /></p><p>Again, it is time for equal time in the body of Christ. Deborah(s), arise!</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">Rev. Tara D. Sloan, Equal Time Co-founder</span><br /></p>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-5481010566397387492007-09-03T22:25:00.000-05:002007-09-03T22:29:11.548-05:00Equal In Creation<h4 align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Equal in Creation<br />MALE AND FEMALE CREATED TO CO-LABOR WITH GOD</span></h4> <p align="center"> By Fuchsia Pickett<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxISA8h-SZs-DDMIvVnJh3e9-rMw91PDiOi4j8ti7JgV5P9spUvns_ig1rFVYW2UzWKvVH_v9Y7sPWQ9ACRaKKOyarASRRkJPdmthrxsqfStd-1p_ODVFwNiFcHlMTWzEK7X6FOzOCUksv/s1600-h/FUCHSIA+PICKETT+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxISA8h-SZs-DDMIvVnJh3e9-rMw91PDiOi4j8ti7JgV5P9spUvns_ig1rFVYW2UzWKvVH_v9Y7sPWQ9ACRaKKOyarASRRkJPdmthrxsqfStd-1p_ODVFwNiFcHlMTWzEK7X6FOzOCUksv/s320/FUCHSIA+PICKETT+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106185181457388530" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p> <p>THE CHURCH HAS LONG MISUNDERSTOOD GOD'S DIVINE PLAN FOR THE GENDERS. HE NEVER INTENDED FOR MAN TO RULE OVER WOMAN.<br /><br />In my more than 50 years of ministry, I have discovered that because people often study their Bibles through the eyes of their own prejudices, customs and traditions, they tend to read <i>into</i> the Scriptures what they have been taught instead of reading <i>out of</i> them what the Holy Spirit meant when He inspired His servants to write them. This practice leads to much deception in the church. Nowhere is the deception more apparent than in the misunderstanding about God's divine order for the genders.<br /><br />Many Christians believe that God created man to rule over woman. They cite as proof God's words to Eve after she ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you" (Gen. 3:16, NKJV). But in making this statement, God was not revealing His divine order for the woman. He was imposing on her the consequences of her fall. He was telling us how a <i>fallen</i> man and woman were going to relate to each other.<br /><br />Results of the fall of man can never be construed as God's divine order for him. God told Adam he was going to eat by the sweat of his brow (see Gen. 3:19), but that was a consequence of sin rather than God's divine intention for him. God had purposed that Adam and Eve eat of the vegetation in the beautiful garden He had prepared for them and that they have dominion over every living thing.<br /><br /><b>PRIEST OF THE HOME? </b>Another misconception prevalent in the church is that the man is the priest of the home. But this is not a scriptural concept either. The Scriptures declare that we--male and female--are <i>all</i> priests: "You at a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, holy nation" (I Pet. 2:9).<br /><br />The New Living translation of the Bible translates royal priesthood as "a kingdom of priests." There is no distinction here between male and female.<br /><br /><b>REVEALED FAITH</b>: Some of us have difficulty accepting the truth about God's design for the genders because we have not "come to faith." When we read the Scriptures, we don't <i>come in</i> <i>faith</i> with an open heart and mind to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Paul explains, Before faith [comes], we [are] kept under the law <i>up unto the faith</i> which should afterwards be revealed" (Gal. 3:23, emphasis added).<br /><br />We can't understand the Word until we have "revealed faith" because tradition, prejudice, culture, denominationalism, pseudo-masculinity and other bondages of the carnal mind hinder us. After revealed faith comes, we are no longer under the law but walk in the grace Jesus brought to us through redemption. Paul tells us, "After that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For [we] are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (vv. 25-26, KJV).<br /><br />He declares that when we come to faith we will see "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus" (v. 28). Faith comprehends God's intentions in creating mankind. But the fall of man has so damaged us that we are unaware of the purpose for which God created man. We the are oblivious to the divine order He intended for man and woman to enjoy.<br /><br />Until faith comes to our hearts we cannot expect an illumination o the Word of God that gives us understanding of the purposes of God. The Scriptures teach that the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14, NKJV). No wonder the church, which has not yet come into a proper relationship with the Holy Spirit, is living without a true understanding of God's divine order for mankind!<br /><br />A basic misunderstanding arises from our definition of "man." The word we translate from the Hebrew as "man" actually has no gender; it is more accurately translated mankind." In mankind--in Adam--was both "male" and "female." Thus when God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2:18, KJV), He was announcing His plans to do "surgery" to separate mankind into two sexes.<br /><br />After God made the woman, He brought her "unto the man" (Gen. 2:22); He didn't put her <i>under</i> him. His purpose was for them to be one.<br /><br />God ordained that the woman should be a "help meet" for the man. One of the definitions of the Hebrew word for "help meet" is "reflection." That is a beautiful picture of God's divine intention in creating mankind to walk together as one in fellowship with God.<br /><br /><b>IN ADAM'S IMAGE</b>: Unfortunately, it is not the picture we normally see--because of our fallen nature. When God was about to create Adam, He said, "Let Us make man in Our image according to Our likeness" (Gen. 1:26, NKJV). Then He created him; male and female He created them" (v. 27). So Adam was created in God's image.<br /><br />But the Bible tells us that after the fall of man, Adam "begot a son in <i>his own</i> likeness, after <i>his</i> image" (Gen. 5:3, emphasis added). This means that Adam's descendants--including us--were born not in the image of God, their heavenly Father, but rather in the image of Adam. We were born with his nature, not God's.<br /><br />God's eternal plan for us was not thwarted, however, for He had anticipated Adam's failure before the foundation of the world and had prepared a Savior for mankind. John assures us: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). That word "destroy" is the Greek word louso, which means "to loose, to undo, outdo and overdo." So Jesus came to undo, outdo and overdo everything the devil has ever done.<br /><br />When we accept Christ, who is the called the "last Adam," as our Savior, we are restored to the image of God. Restoration is a wonderful reality that promises we will become all God ordained for us to become in His eternal purpose and will experience what mankind would have known if the first pair had walked on with Him and not fallen.<br /><br />God knew we couldn't change ourselves back into His image, so He designed the costly plan of redemption through the blood of his own Son, Jesus. Jesus was the express image of the Father, sent to live in us by the power of the Holy Spirit until that image takes over our inner natures-our spirits and souls. He begins to change us from glory to glory. When He fills our beings, as He wanted to do before man ever fell, we are going to go home in His image, complete and mature;<br /><br />By the action of Calvary, we are being changed into Christ's image so male and female can walk together in their own realms of authority. God puts both genders back into Christ, not as male and female, but as mankind, walking with God. Husband and wife, male and female preacher, man and woman leader will walk in the cool of the day with Jesus, who is talking to us, fellowshipping with us, giving us authority and changing us into His image. In the "last Adam," God is restoring what we would have had if Adam had not fallen in the beginning.<br /><br /><b>RETURNING TO DIVINE ORDER</b>: God ordained that man and woman should walk with Him and be as one, and He would meet the innermost needs of both of them. Divine order is higher than the plight of fallen man. It is far more liberating to men and women than having to live under the doctrine of the curse of a fallen Adam and a fallen Eve.<br /><br />As God delivers His church from the bondages of tradition and culture--and from fallen man's doctrine of divine order--we will see men and women function together to build godly homes and to fulfill God's purpose for the building of His church. When redemption cleanses us from the desire to rule, man and woman will not be threatened by each other, but will welcome each other's godly counsel.<br /><br />The Bible gives many examples of women who provided godly leadership. Deborah was appointed by God as a judge, prophetess and general in the army. She was able to tell Barak what God had said to her, and Barak then declared he would not go to battle without her (see Judges. 4:4-8).<br /><br />I believe in these last days of God's outpouring of His Spirit, many Baraks will say to their Deborahs that they will not go to battle without them. I believe it is the timing of God to restore man and woman back to divine order both in the home and in the kingdom of God. It is the hour for man and woman to come to faith, to stop living under fallen doctrine and to start living according to divine order--male and female walking together as one in Christ, each with his or her own delegated authority.<br /><br /><i><b>FUCHSIA PICKETT</b> is the author of numerous books, including </i>How to Search the Scriptures<i> (Creation House). She has earned doctorates in both theology and divinity and teaches at churches and conferences throughout the United States. </i></p> <i>Note: Fuchsia Pickett passed away on January 30, 2004.</i>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-6820152500856986132007-09-03T22:18:00.000-05:002007-09-06T00:10:02.635-05:00Instigators & Initiators... in a GOOD Way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7obfpMM9E5Jc1VTnWeGpnQFnN0uXi2rW_UrWxf-pDUGaX5-6Y-JpkORO9NBlzmvhX5Cou31DIfQwg0LSHlO8Kp2i56kE57JDtldpBhbc5-y4ZU4kEG4rQcPkW6mPlXAqRcitXoTltbGTQ/s1600-h/worshipwomannature.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7obfpMM9E5Jc1VTnWeGpnQFnN0uXi2rW_UrWxf-pDUGaX5-6Y-JpkORO9NBlzmvhX5Cou31DIfQwg0LSHlO8Kp2i56kE57JDtldpBhbc5-y4ZU4kEG4rQcPkW6mPlXAqRcitXoTltbGTQ/s320/worshipwomannature.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106953856049320978" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="contenthead">The following is a prophetic word spoken by Kim Clement in Dallas, March 3rd, 2007. </span> <p> Kim Clement<br />Prophetic Image Expressions<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">God said, "I'm looking to women again to bring forth and to birth what will change a generation"</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Spirit of God says, "You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses--the greats of yesterday that stood out amongst men, amongst royalty, and made a difference--they are surrounding you . For there was a sound in each one of their spirits when they faced the giants of their time--that sound exists in this generation of women," says the Lord of Hosts.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">"This sound is a sound of tenderness; this sound is a sound of bold gentleness. This sound is a sound that has petrified the powers of hell, for this same sound existed within Esther. The same sound existed within Deborah. The same sound existed in Mary when the Rock came forth, and satan has watched the women of this generation and said 'no more,'" but the Spirit of God says, "they will arise, and when they arise, they will bring forth the Rock, Christ Jesus again!"</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">As a prophet, I have heard the sound--In this day, and in this year of acceleration--women suddenly accelerating and touching the untouchable, and reaching the unreachable. That's what I saw and God said, "Tell these women, you are the instigators and the initiators of this movement that is about to touch the entire earth."</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">"It has been some time now," says the Lord, "that I have focused My attention once again on the women to bring forth the Word--the Rock. It has been a while now, that I have looked for a sound to come from a place where women would arise not with temperament, but with character and with virtue. And a sound that would come from them for one reason, 'God, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. And Lord, what You are dictating in Heaven right now, we want to perform on earth,' this is their prayer."</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">And God says, "There's been a sound that I've been waiting for, and this year was the year that I designated to bring forth women of great virtue and of great power. Some of you have been locked away; some of you have been bound. Some of you have been freed to the point of now understanding the bondage of others. But this is not the question at hand today."</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Spirit of God says, "Do you know that there is inside of you--about to be born that which has been there for a long time, for a long, long time," says the Lord. "And this time as women who worship come forth," God said, "there has been a quickening--something is moving inside the spiritual womb." Now God says, "This place has been transformed into a delivery room."</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">God says, "No, you will not walk from this place saying, 'I received much.' But you will walk from this place saying, 'I delivered something; I delivered something.' A delivery room, as you know, is a place of pain and a place of stress where there is blood," but God said, "in the midst of all of this, once the sound of life comes forth from the womb," God said, "something new, something fresh begins to take place in the atmosphere."</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">God said, "I'm looking to women again to bring forth and to birth what will change a generation. You have not gathered together in vain. What has happened, is you have brought forth and I hear the sound of a child being born. I hear the sound of a child being born. From your spiritual womb a movement shall take place," says the Lord, from this house. </span><br /></p>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-6199540113312294862007-09-02T20:10:00.000-05:002007-09-02T20:17:31.556-05:00Lopsided Theology<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY7afOVES16PEKYbyafHm3wq81RivaQY_FUeHYoB683UmJWWl9KqSsRbeM0IdWs4INetyOCoIfjDza9JcOJjo_tI99XDcAW28mEoRlILaI2Q92vPqazAkKTa2jBez8BlvlXjWdg7-htc8/s1600-h/gender.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY7afOVES16PEKYbyafHm3wq81RivaQY_FUeHYoB683UmJWWl9KqSsRbeM0IdWs4INetyOCoIfjDza9JcOJjo_tI99XDcAW28mEoRlILaI2Q92vPqazAkKTa2jBez8BlvlXjWdg7-htc8/s320/gender.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105780647077712866" border="0" /></a>There’s an unbalanced thought floating around Christian circles that respect goes only one way -- woman to man (or wife to husband) and as long as men love women, they will want to respect them, and as long as women respect men they will want to love them. <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Right off the top let me say I totally believe it’s important to respect<span style=""> </span>men and I would certainly hope they love their wives.<span style=""> </span>I just happen to believe the balanced notion that it’s supposed to go both ways.<span style=""> </span>I wish this lopsided theology was only within the framework of marriage, but unfortunately it has seeped out to mean even more than that – and that is, the notion that men are wired so as to be insecure in so many things that if we just make a point to respect and admire them to the max, well, basically it will all but make them putty in our hands.<span style=""> </span>If that’s not manipulative, I don’t know what is, but getting back to my original thought…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There is a danger in taking one short scripture such as Ephesians 5:33 and building a theology on it.<span style=""> </span>I remember when the extreme version of the “prosperity” doctrine came out, the scripture most of these teachers readily spouted out as their foundation was: “<i style=""><span style="">Beloved</span>, I wish above all things that thou mayest <span style="">prosper</span> and be in health, even as thy soul <span style="">prosper</span>eth.”</i><span style=""> </span>The reality is, this scripture in 3 John 1:2 <span style=""> </span>is a greeting from John to Gaius, and really has nothing to do with whether somebody in 2007 should be riding around in an Escalade or buying their dream house.<span style=""> </span>But that’s what happens when you build a theology on one scripture instead of looking at the whole counsel of God’s word.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What does the Word of God tell us?<span style=""> </span>It tells us over and over again to love everyone.<span style=""> </span>It tells us to humble ourselves – all of us.<span style=""> </span>It tells us to be servants.<span style=""> </span>The last time I checked, nobody was exempt.<span style=""> </span>Not only am I to be a servant to my husband, and he to me, but we are to be servants to the world.<span style=""> </span>We are not to be servants more to men than we are women.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Giving honor and respect to men is not wrong, however when we begin to believe or act as though they are worthy of more respect than women, or that a husband deserves more respect than a wife, we have developed a lopsided theology at best.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I’m sure some of the teachers who started the various emphasis on these passages of scripture never intended people to take it to some of the extreme to which it’s been taken.<span style=""> </span>That is something no teacher can really control.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>But it’s alarming to see how many people will grab on to a small shred of the Word and go to such an extreme that it makes for a very unhealthy life and relationship.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Does God want me to respect my husband?<span style=""> </span>You bet. <span style=""> </span>Does God also want my husband to respect me?<span style=""> </span>You bet.<span style=""> </span>Don’t agree?<span style=""> </span>Think about this.<span style=""> </span>God said, “husbands, love your wives.”<span style=""> </span>I’m so glad mine loves me.<span style=""> </span>But do you think that because God didn’t tell me to love him means God is giving me license to skip that part or to not love him?<span style=""> </span>Of course not.<span style=""> </span>Based on the whole context of the Bible, it would be a given that I would be required by God to love my husband, and everybody else for that matter.<span style=""> </span>I would call this the “duh” factor.<span style=""> </span>Are some people actually so clueless and out to lunch (or desperate to come up with something new to sell books) that they believe God is only asking us to respect our husbands, but not love them?<span style=""> </span>No. <span style=""> </span>Does the fact that God tells my husband to love me mean that he expects him to give me no respect?<span style=""> </span>Of course not.<span style=""> </span>God’s word, in fact tells us to engage in the practice of mutual submission.<span style=""> </span>As far as good old fashioned R-E-S-P-E-C-T, God expects us to give it to everybody.<span style=""> </span>This is the essence of the golden rule.<span style=""> </span>When we look at scripture we mustn’t just look at a sentence, but the full context and also the overall tone of God’s Word.<span style=""> </span>God would not give instructions to everyone to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and then expect a wife to respect her husband, but not necessarily have to give others respect or vice versa.<span style=""> </span>Look at the plethora of “one another’s” in scripture… love one another, forgive one another, bear with one another, etc.<span style=""> </span>The overall mandate in scripture for how we treat one another is very two sided…love and respect is definitely not a one way street.<span style=""> </span>God’s street, in fact seems to be named, “one another.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I do know if I were a man, I would be offended of the notion that some people teach that men are so fragile, and insecure that they can’t handle truth telling by their partners, that if they are not met with a quiet surrender and reverent respect in all situations that they might feel such intense pressure, they might not succeed in life or relationships, or God forbid have a breakdown.<span style=""> </span>I submit to you, if that is the case with a man, he needs counseling, not for a woman to enable his insecurity.<span style=""> </span>Are there perhaps, many insecure men in the world today?<span style=""> </span>Perhaps.<span style=""> </span>There are a lot of insecure women too.<span style=""> </span>The truth is, their security needs to be found in Jesus, not in the way someone else speaks to them, doesn’t speak to them, respects them or doesn’t respect them.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">With that said, do I believe that when men love women it makes it easier for us to respect them?<span style=""> </span>Absolutely.<span style=""> </span>And do I believe that when we respect them it makes it easier for us to love them?<span style=""> </span>Absolutely.<span style=""> </span>But this does not mean we are not to grant both to each other.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Taking this issue beyond the marriage setting, we have heard recently about a woman who, after being exposed to this lopsided theology decided to “try this” on every man (exclusively) in her office building.<span style=""> </span>This was in an effort to better get along with them and have a better working relationship by understanding how much they “needed it” because of “the way they’re wired.” My question is, isn’t that sort of manipulative, unless she was doing this with all of her co-workers across the board?<span style=""> </span>The fact that God would be asking her to extend this to the men in her company, excluding the women sounds particularly un-Christ like to me. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Some would say, “maybe a woman’s goal in doing this is not to manipulate but to rather honor men.” My point to this would be:<span style=""> </span>why would she be honoring men over women, or versus women?<span style=""> </span>There is no scriptural mandate to do so.<span style=""> </span>Unless one is trying some pop psychology experiment, it would seem rather pointless. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I am in a group setting of colleagues of both sexes and we are working on a project, I do not defer to a man in his opinion or way of doing things simply because he is a man in the group.<span style=""> </span>I do not give his opinion more respect than a woman’s, nor answer him in a fashion that gives him deference versus the woman.<span style=""> </span>As long as we are lateral colleagues, I would extend to him the same level of respect that any other man or woman in the group would have and would value his opinion as such but no more, no less.<span style=""> </span>Respect is not to be increased, nor decreased because one is a man or a woman.<span style=""> </span>God expects us to treat all people with courtesy, humility and love no matter what their gender.<span style=""> </span>Even if a person is not in authority, we should still treat them with respect.<span style=""> </span>While we should treat our boss with respect, God is definitely not saying, “treat your boss with respect, but don’t worry about showing care in how you treat your co-workers.”<span style=""> </span>When you break it down, it’s really so simple, you wonder how so many people are missing it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The danger when a Christian woman speaks out on this is that people get the impression that she is speaking from the standpoint of believing it is okay to disrespect a man.<span style=""> </span>Speaking for myself or Pastor Tara I can say this is definitely not true.<span style=""> </span>We absolutely do believe men deserve respect.<span style=""> </span>We just believe that women do as well…for respect is also an issue of…equal time.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pastor Deanna Shrodes, Co-Founder of Equal Time</span><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-45005614144618673682007-08-31T10:42:00.000-05:002007-08-31T11:38:58.819-05:00"Ain't I A Woman"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud_dXcRMI84J2L_TjkICQDHJerWAnoml2tJ01yeB2sx911ZATm-so_L-60BsIlmjaAs97gOi0SF7Vm2gtVn2EEktbwthbCRvkLuWZ1kpBspEJGLtwH1yBXE1Qb9hzw1mn6Y0Sf618i_Rx/s1600-h/truth2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud_dXcRMI84J2L_TjkICQDHJerWAnoml2tJ01yeB2sx911ZATm-so_L-60BsIlmjaAs97gOi0SF7Vm2gtVn2EEktbwthbCRvkLuWZ1kpBspEJGLtwH1yBXE1Qb9hzw1mn6Y0Sf618i_Rx/s320/truth2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104904898951091154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />e·gal·i·tar·i·an (ĭ-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gāl'ĭ</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">târ'ē</span>-ən) adj. Affirming, promoting, or characterized by belief in equal political, economic, social, and civil rights for all people</em><br /><em></em></div><em><br /></em>An earlier conversation with some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">acquaintances</span> has prompted me to write a little about why this blog is important. It seems that the word "egalitarian" frightens people. Oh, I forgot something, only when it applies to "gender equality in the church." Yes, that is what I should have said.<br /><br />Amazingly enough this type of prejudice (did I say prejudice?) occurs in many forms, sometimes subtly, but at times in an extreme "in your face" display that is both painful and unjust for the recipient.<br /><br />History is full of examples of the "fight for equality" in the form of both race and gender, however, it is rare to find one that encompasses both. One of my favorite accounts is in the quest for equality for women, one woman chastised for both her race and her gender spoke out. Below is her legendary response.<br /><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>"AIN'T I A WOMAN?"</b></span></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>by Sojourner Truth</b></span></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /> Delivered 1851 at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio </b></span> </p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> </p> <div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about? </span></blockquote></div> <div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman? </span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full? </span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him. </span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them. </span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Why is this blog important? To reclaim the voice that God has given each of us. To "turn the world right side up again" and make a difference in the way God intended each of us to. God never intended for man to rule over women, and He never intended for women to sit on their gifts and abilities with God ordained longings, dreams and desires trapped inside of them.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As the mother of five girls, what I do now will make continue to plow the way for them. If women like Pastor Deanna and myself refuse to be a voice for our daughters (natural and spiritual) our legacy will soon deflate and the headway made by Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Aimee Semple McPherson, and countless others will have been in vain. WE are the revolutionaries of the 90's and early 2000's and prejudice has no place in the Body of Christ.<br /></p>No, I am not a man hater! I love my husband, my children, ALL things feminine and I still think it is a man's job to kill the bugs! But I also believe that there will be no finer moment than when men and women stand together, side by side, and fulfill their destinies in Christ without comparison and without criticism.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rev. Tara Sloan, Equal Time Co-Founder</span><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left; font-style: italic;"><br /></p><br /><em></em>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-80705964764474428662007-08-29T22:12:00.000-05:002007-08-29T22:18:56.937-05:00Contradictions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-b6EpFp1jOmbKKeOTN7ZST9hyTqNr65yAtksuR6VVf9MuC3bOd9wNZC6WqU4kaGe2S97ML5HbO6PP1mgV2XMHzre2xbBvuz4fXcQgqP9LF_AluKEutVYBq-Bs4xzE3A68wrVkK5zR2oT/s1600-h/smiling_woman.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-b6EpFp1jOmbKKeOTN7ZST9hyTqNr65yAtksuR6VVf9MuC3bOd9wNZC6WqU4kaGe2S97ML5HbO6PP1mgV2XMHzre2xbBvuz4fXcQgqP9LF_AluKEutVYBq-Bs4xzE3A68wrVkK5zR2oT/s320/smiling_woman.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104327663936443330" border="0" /></a>I love being a woman. <p class="MsoNormal">I love frills.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love pink.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love to cook.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love Jesus.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m a passionate Christian.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I teach Sunday School.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m married to a pastor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m crazy about my husband.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I do not have a “butchy” haircut.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I always wear make up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have three kids.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wear perfume every day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am pro-life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am not a man basher.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love to get mani’s and pedi’s.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I work with many men and get along with them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m a minister.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I absolutely love sex and not only refuse to withhold it, but – I ask him for it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love to wear high heels.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love my kids.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AND</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I am completely 100% for the total equality of women.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Yes, it’s possible.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pastor Deanna Shrodes, Equal Time Co-founder</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748610139243895287.post-34127713534682636092007-08-23T16:11:00.000-05:002007-08-23T16:22:15.087-05:00An Open Letter from Deanna & Tara<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHjyAFVC9S-wHxHdzJ9l7VVFU9YUzSwZmMaI3pfaxwA5Lxq-Vik7x-mnXGZE9ZfJw0isyRCgOfiMeyq3xDBkwe0E6L13XqJITcW2GI2EQamb3kjxDB-tBs-8NeikTbLgwej0nFt01JDUA/s1600-h/pocketwatch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHjyAFVC9S-wHxHdzJ9l7VVFU9YUzSwZmMaI3pfaxwA5Lxq-Vik7x-mnXGZE9ZfJw0isyRCgOfiMeyq3xDBkwe0E6L13XqJITcW2GI2EQamb3kjxDB-tBs-8NeikTbLgwej0nFt01JDUA/s320/pocketwatch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102008252747584322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dear Reader,<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are Tara Denson Sloan and Deanna Doss Shrodes, two women ministers with over 40 years combined experience.<span style=""> </span>We work full time.<span style=""> </span>We are conservative Christians.<span style=""> </span>We are happily married wives of ministers, and yes --we are mothers, with eight children between us!<span style=""> </span>We’ve been friends for about ten years now, encouraging one another in the calling God has placed on our lives and the many roles we fulfill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We do not believe that total equality for women and Christianity are in opposition to one another.<span style=""> </span>Many God fearing Christian women who are serving God with their whole hearts consider themselves feminists. <span style=""> </span>However, these Christian women are not homosexuals (nor do they believe in the lifestyle of such according to biblical standards), these women are not masculine, they do not believe that abortion is right, and they are not male bashers.<span style=""> </span>Is this possible?<span style=""> </span>Yes!<span style=""> </span>We are two such women and we know many, many others that we are friends with personally.<span style=""> </span>We prefer to refer to ourselves as women for biblical equality due to the confusing label of feminist.<span style=""> </span>Although we believe many things feminists believe they also hold some views such as the aforementioned that we do not believe at all.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We love and appreciate men.<span style=""> </span>We are married to two wonderful men.<span style=""> </span>Both of us also work in a male dominated field, and we are effective in our leadership there.<span style=""> </span>We realize we need men, and we enjoy working alongside them.<span style=""> </span>We do not believe the old saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman” is correct nor what God intended.<span style=""> </span>We believe that our place is <i style="">beside</i> men, working together alongside one another -- not behind them.<span style=""> </span>And in some cases, God calls women to lead in group where there are males, even such that may contain more males than females.<span style=""> </span>Such is the case with Deborah in the Bible. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On this blog we will share our hearts with you regarding the biblical equality of women, our encounters in the world and the church regarding this, and we will have guest writers and interviews featured by friends and colleagues of ours who share the view that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the equality of men and women, and people of every race according to Galatians 3:28. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are both egalitarians, which simply means that we hold to the Biblically based belief that one’s gender in and of itself does not privilege nor restrict a person’s gift or calling in the church or home.<span style=""> </span>In the exercising of authority, we believe it is as much an opportunity given by God to females as to males.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Do not mistake – the slant of this blog is not that we believe that men and women are identical and there is nothing different about us.<span style=""> </span>We acknowledge the basic general differences between man and woman.<span style=""> </span>We do believe we are there to complement and benefit <i style="">one another</i>.<span style=""> </span>(The “one another” is the operative word here…)<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although we share the view with feminists that any unjust treatment of women must be stopped, our view is not grounded in their philosophies (which sometimes do not mesh with Christianity such as their views on homosexuality and abortion) but instead biblical equality has a foundation simply through the proper interpretation of God’s Word.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We believe that all gifts and callings are given by the Spirit of God without regard to race or gender.<span style=""> </span>We believe in that all believers stand equally before God.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the New Testament we find continual repeated instructions that we both – men and women – are to relate to one another with <i style="">mutual</i> respect, humility, submission and servanthood, treating others as we would want to be treated.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So this is who we are.<span style=""> </span>Come and join us as we share with you our biblical values, our struggles, our growth, our healing, our hopes, our dreams for the future.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We believe God is saying…it’s about time for… EQUAL TIME.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tara & Deanna <span style=""> </span></p>Equal Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268022296792109140noreply@blogger.com4