It saddens me that there’s even the possibility of discussion between believers over whether or not pastors ought to be chosen among those who brawl, particularly when the Word is so clear that they must not (1 Tim. 3:3).
The Church surely has failed in its responsibility in this area if we are not known as people of peace and gentleness, reconciliation and humility. But perhaps this is the best argument for the inclusion of women in ecclesiastical leadership — a Church operating with such a gross imbalance of masculine and feminine energy is a Church unable to stanch the torrent of testosterone that not only swamps its witness in the world, but wrongly portrays the God we serve as male, and male only. That is not only a tragedy of evangelism, but a tragedy of relationship with the Almighty.
We can only serve a God we know in truth. If we serve in falsehood, we sow in falsehood. That cannot be accepted by God’s Church, serving in a world drowning in lies.
So I wonder how those who would applaud black eyes and bruised knuckles on their pastors would respond to what they know well from the Word:
“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also . . . ” Matthew 5:39
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:18-19
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds . . . ” 2 Cor. 10:4
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
It saddens me that there’s even the possibility of discussion between believers over whether or not pastors ought to be chosen among those who brawl, particularly when the Word is so clear that they must not (1 Tim. 3:3). The Church surely has failed in its responsibility in this area if we are not known as people of peace and gentleness, reconciliation and humility. But perhaps this is the best argument for the inclusion of women in ecclesiastical leadership — a Church operating with such a gross imbalance of masculine and feminine energy is a Church unable to stanch the torrent of testosterone that not only swamps its witness in the world, but wrongly portrays the God we serve as male, and male only. That is not only a tragedy of evangelism, but a tragedy of relationship with the Almighty.
We can only serve a God we know in truth. If we serve in falsehood, we sow in falsehood. I’m not willing to be silent in the face of it.