Women Leadership

[David_McQueen]

Some years ago I met a man from NAD, and we had an interesting conversation. He is of German extraction and he and his wife have been running a powerful ministry. As part of our conversation he suggested that the historic Germanic/Northern European influence in our leadership at GC has in many ways displaced those in the global church who dont think the same way.

We also had a discussion about a certain scholar who wished to suppress different forms of worship music which weren't essentially Eurocentric in their form.

Musing on this conversation it made me think about the amazing lack of female contribution to leadership. How is it that in NGOS, charities and business world the benefits of outlook from a woman, especially in a male dominated environment, can provide balance and a different outlook yet is evidently missing from our positions of leadership? Why is it that we think women should not be encouraged to such roles, and assume they only get it by default if a man does not take up the change, citing the judge Debra, Ellen White, etc?

Our church flourised under the leadership of a woman, the apostolic church in their various manifestations did the same, so are we really missing out on this, by not encouraging those who obviously have such a gift?

(please note: For those who wish to know I have no problem with women pastors and elders.)

[Nan]

One of the reasons/theories I have heard for the lack of female leadership in the SDA church is that ordained ministers are meant to be able to serve anywhere in tbe world, and certain areas would find women pastors unacceptable. Hence we stick to males only.

I do not particularly agree with it - I have been ordained an elder in the past though not serving as such now - and I have no ambition whatsoever to be an ordained minister.

It is possible that in the future as the Western/more financial parts of the church come to want female ministers, and the rest of the world, greater in numbers but not contributing the majority of the church budget, does not, that problems will arise.

This is more a sociological comment than a theological opinion. However if time lasts long enough I think nondogma issues of this sort could bring problems.

[Michelle]

In China, many of the leaders ARE women. I'm sure there are many reasons for this, but I don't know them. I just know that it's true. Actually, I should say the local leadership has many women. The union leadership is mostly male.

M

[Lester]

Some of those great women pastors of China came our way at AIIAS in the Philippines (SDA Seminary). It was of interest to me that in the Philippines the women, both in the church and in society, are often strong and good leaders. Several very good pastors (women) were my students at AIIAS and I saw them in action at large churches. However, the church of Philippines does not allow women to be ordained elders even. I am not sure the reason for this since ordaining women elders is "allowed" by the global church wherever it seems culturally acceptable. And Philippines would definitely fit that!

[cricket]

Women are in positions of leadership. Look at the pathfinder leaders, the children's division leaders, the women's ministries leaders, the teachers, the health care providers, the community service leaders...the list goes on and on.

Women are in leadership roles. They are in the roles where they are being leaders of others to Christ. They aren't necessarily leaders in the pastoral or elder sense, but they are in the positions of influencing people.

If anyone thinks that "leadership" comes from conference offices and positions of "authority", they are sadly mistaken. Leadership takes place where souls are being reached. Leadership takes place in the lives that are touched. And, frankly, it is the women who are doing the bulk of this type of "leadership".

[David_McQueen]

The feedback on this is quite encouraging.

@Michelle/Lester. It is encouraging and eye opening to see the influence of women in China and the Philippines. Examples of this is what I hoped such a discussion would bring to the fore.

@Cricket. Leadership can come in various forms, whether through self, local or general, and yes I agree that it CAN not always does, take place where souls are being reached.

My main concern or reason I raised this, is that for example I take my wife and I. We run a business together and we also run a ministry together. Our roles while different are complimentary. The way we minister on a gender level is also very different. There are some communication and empathetic skills which neither of us can replicate across gender boundaries, and reinforce to us why biblical instruction encourage gender specific counselling and mentoring. (this does not mean it is restrictive!)

So I look at the global church and wonder why such a model cannot be replicated. Yes hurrah for the local children's ministries, womens ministries etc. but I truly believe that the further push for the gospel to be communicated could beneft from the introduction of spirit led women (not just for gender reasons) to occupy roles of leadership in our conference and Union levels.