"Director of Women in Ministry"??? (Synergy 2004 R

[KayJay]

OOPS I've edited this post because the first time I posted it blank

I'm curious about some of your own views, especially those in PCA churches...

I went to Synergy 2004 and while I think it is great that there are women in seminary who are learning theology - I was a bit disappointed with the idea that the learning done in seminary must be used in a vocational setting. In fact, I'm not even sure that it is appropriate to be used in a vocational setting in the church.

There were many people at this conference in the PCA who were "directors" of different ministries and I find that to be a bit perplexing...though they aren't "pastors" they are often in positions of authority over men.

I also got the impression that having a "director of womens' ministry" is very common in PCA churches...is that the case with some of you? Do you think it is appropriate?

Personally I find it a bit strange...while of course I think women are told in Scripture to minister to one another I don't understand why it has to be so structured and organized into activities - but the church as of late LOVES that kind of stuff...

It seems like this kind of thing may rob some women of opportunities to use their gifts in the body b/c one woman is in charge and calling all the shots.

Thoughts???

[Edited on 4-10-2004 by KayJay]

 

[blhowes]

Karen wrote:
It seems like this kind of thing may rob some women of opportunities to use their gifts in the body b/c one woman is in charge and calling all the shots. Thoughts???

I would hope that a woman in charge of a ministry would recognize it as any other God-ordained position of authority. As such, I think she would do well to exemplify the authority models that Jesus and Paul spoke of:

[b:0c4033c4ab]Jesus[/b:0c4033c4ab] said in John 13:12-15, "So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

[b:0c4033c4ab]Paul[/b:0c4033c4ab] said in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order."

That's not always easy to do. Its difficult to know how to be a servant and still be the one who, at the same time, is responsible before God for making decisions. The academic (theology) training gained at a seminary is very important, but I think the attitude training gained at a seminary (and elsewhere) is also important. I don't think a person has learned all their lessons properly if they graduate from seminary, is given a position of leadership, and then only comes across as a person of great learning who is in charge.

At the same time, a "layman" (or lay-person, to be PC) who desires to use their gifts to minister should perhaps refrain if they view the ministry as a "power struggle". I don't think that a person with this attitude is only interested in God being glorified.

Gifts from God are wonderful things, but though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal...

Bob


[Edited on 4-11-2004 by blhowes]