Last week John MacArthur, author and pastor lambasted the SBC during the Truth Matters Conference stating that their support and promotion of women teachers and leaders within the church was evidence that they had “given up biblical authority.” In a response to prominent teacher and leader, Beth Moore, he noted she should, “go home.” He doubled down on this by saying that the #metoo movement is about women wanting power and not seeking equality and that there are no biblical grounds for women preachers.
I honestly don’t know where to begin with all of this. I understand we all carry an interpretive stance on scripture and that many genuine, Jesus-loving people hold strong complementarian beliefs, but this goes way beyond that. As followers of Jesus, the reality that 1 out of 3 women face harassment and abuse in our society should bring us to our knees in lament and mourning. The reality that the marginalization of women in the church should bring pastoral leaders to confession and repentance – not dismissive postures only leading to greater division.
Working side by side and even submitting to the leadership of women within my own ministry has only increased the beauty, flourishing and health of my church-work. I have privilege to teach with, learn from and pour over the richness of the Scripture with strong and gifted leaders on a daily basis (many of whom are women). In fact, this week, it was one of those leaders, Tonya, who helped me see and shape a teaching in a way I hadn’t considered. Another leader in our church, Kate, is a dynamic and honest teaching pastor. They are a gift to me, our churches and the greater movement of Christendom.
Our Senior Pastor, Kevin Pike, at the Fearless Family of Churches wrote something yesterday that I haven’t been able to shake since I read it:
The biblical teaching to support women teaching and leading in the church is overwhelming (Click here for Biblical Support). Let me say on behalf of the Fearless Network of churches, not only does the Bible support women serving in full capacity based on their gifts, passions and maturity (not limited by their gender), it is vital that they do so. In North America, where the expansion and vitality of the church is under attack like never before, it is paramount that we encourage all believers, women especially, to follow Jesus and fearlessly make him known. We need women to fully use their gifts, God-given opportunities and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring God’s kingdom in love, power and authority. May brothers and sisters link arms as we fight the good fight together!
I whole-heartedly agree with Kevin’s posture and position (full article here). It is imperative that women within the church step into greater levels of leadership and authority. It is imperative that men within the church encourage, advocate and elevate women to do so. Not only for the church of the future, but the sake of the church now. To the men of the church – speak out against dismissive and divisive rhetoric and stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters. If we don’t, the loud voices of the few will resonate in the ears, minds and hearts of the many. To the women of the church, don’t go home – stay right where you are, we need you!
Grace and Peace,
Josh
Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash
Josh Zoerhof 