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Women in Ministry, a 
: Over the last two years, my elders and I have been on a deep dive in order to better understand the role of women within the New Testament in order to provide clear guidance to our congregation, specifically the women in our congregation.
: Over the last two years, my elders and I have been on a deep dive in order to better understand the role of women within the New Testament in order to provide clear guidance to our congregation, specifically the women in our congregation.
As a result, I read and re-read a number of books, commentaries and articles on the topic. I was reminded of a *number* of points I had forgotten, and I discovered a *host* of points I had never seen or heard.
In the end, such wide reading was extremely beneficial.
In the end, such wide reading was extremely beneficial.
Wide reading helped me to more charitably understand the position of people I had previously disagreed with on this topic. Seeing their exegesis and reasoning up close helped me to become gracious. While disagreeing, I could *understand* why they reached their conclusions.
In addition, reading more widely ended up exposing me to new ideas which changed some of the presuppositions I carried into the project—presuppositions I wasn’t even aware I had! When I decided to read charitably, I was able to learn—instead of internally debate—each source.
Our elders reached a conclusion that we believe is a) faithful to the New Testament, b) explicitly declares the value and worth of women, and c) works within our specific denominational tradition.
Is it perfect? Probably not. Could others read it and poke holes in it? Likely.
Is it perfect? Probably not. Could others read it and poke holes in it? Likely.
However others perceive it, I consider the process to have been immensely valuable, because we now much more fully understand the spectrum of opinion on this topic. As a result, I’m able to confidently say that I can work with people from a variety of opinions on this topic.
Our (Christian? Religious? Ideological? Human?) problem is that we often too quickly ascribe morality to our positions and assume anyone who disagrees with us is immoral/evil. If can understand others with humility and charity, I can agree on the gospel and disagree elsewhere.
So, here’s to more empathy, understanding, humility, and the like, in good faith.
Oh, and if you’re someone who’s interested in our position paper itself on this topic, shoot me a DM, and I’ll share it with you.
Grace and peace.
Oh, and if you’re someone who’s interested in our position paper itself on this topic, shoot me a DM, and I’ll share it with you.
Grace and peace.
