Protestant Leadership Opportunities: A Case Study

However there are arguments that not all religions treat women unequally. Reform Judaism allows women to become Rabbis since 1972 and in Sikhism women are allowed to hold office and recently female vicars have been allowed into the Church of England. Women largely

In 1988, the Council for Biblic¬al Manhood and Womanhood published the Danvers Statement, affirming that "In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless, some governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men." I am hesitant to single out one organization for focused argument, but this statement accurately represents a sentiment within the faith that I find disturbing. In this paper, I will use the redemptive trend hermeneutic to deconstruct the CBMW's affirmation, while providing my own views on why I find both women in ministry and the redemptive trend hermeneutic as valid.

Women in church leadership; I believe women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). I also believe that the Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children or teens. The only role women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority are over men. (1 Timothy

Professor of religious studies Karen Armstrong finds in the early Christian Church examples of hostility toward women and fear of their sexual power, which she contends led to the eventual exclusion of women from full participation in a male-dominated church.

In the earliest of Christian texts, there is talk about what women did in the Church and the important roles they played (Fiddes, 1990; Fontaine, 1996). Many women were activists during that time, and they spent time focusing on their studies and duties to their households and to their God. In Corinth, for example, it was believed that a Jewish missionary woman who came from Rome helped to found the

Not only were women writing religious books, but Post-war America saw women entering the ministry. Women had made up the majority of members in church congregations for centuries, but few denominations had recognized them as leaders before the 50's. Conservative churches limited leadership to Bible studies and social programs, but many major denominations joined the Quakers and Pentecostals in ordaining them as ministers.

Women took charge of religious and charitable enterprises because they were excluded from other public roles and because of their numbers. After 1800, more than 70 percent of the members of New England Congregational churches where women. The overabundance of women prompted Congregational ministers to end gender segregated prayer meetings.

The King James version bible states in ‘Genesis 1:26-27’ that “Gods image is shared equally by women and men”. ‘Exodus 36:1’ says, “use your skills to honor God”. Despite what the bible seems to be saying, women do not have the same opportunities as men in Christian religious settings. Imagine a woman in the Christian faith who has the qualifications to preach the word of God and the eagerness to serve the Lord. Logically, she should be awarded the job position. However, she is not even considered for that opportunity. In multiple recurring instances, the church congregation has discriminated against women, not allowing them to have the same opportunities as the men in the community. These women are not only discriminated against, but are scoffed at, even penalized for wanting these positions. Women should not be penalized for having faith in the Lord and wanting to share it with others. The bible states how both women and men are equal and are to use the skills they have to honor God. The congregation should not limit these human resources to only men, when highly qualified and respected women are willing and able to serve. Gender discrimination is a problem in Christian Churches because women who are qualified are unable to access jobs, are experiencing emotional stress, and are being penalized for wanting changes within the church.

Therefore, we understand that among those who believe that women should be pastors there are several reasons for them believing so. It seems apparent that in most cases experiential and social agendas seem to fuel the case for women pastors. Though there was once a strong group that sought

For centuries, women have brought their gifts, talents and service to church. Their presence and service goes further than getting things done. For instance, Elizabeth Hernandez who serves at my home parish. She is a leader of the Hispanic Ministries and she oversees all liturgical ministries. Elizabeth works together with Antonio, her husband, but her female qualities make the difference in her performance with the people. Being the bridge between the pastor and all of the lay ministers, she is able to lead with complete authority, yet in such a gentle way. Most importantly, she is not a micromanager, but a woman of faith, which has made it easy for all ministries to relate to.

In today’s society the controversial subject of what positions in the church a woman can hold; has become incredibly debatable among the nation. Some people believe that women have equal rights with men and can uphold any position that a man can. Today’s society also believes that because a woman can be in political and business power, then a woman can also be in authority in the church. However, that could not be farther from the truth a women’s positions in the church are defined by God.

Thesis statement: Leadership depends on the leader’s leadership style and there way of communicating ideas rather than the leader themselves. Both women and men believe in similar leadership styles however women prefer a more participative leadership approach.

When talking about religion and gender, sociologists are interested in how the roles of both men and women differ from one another across many different religions. As with many aspects of the world, women generally are at a disadvantage, especially in the religious realm. Sex segregation plays a role in religion and gender. Women and men often hold positions of very different amounts of power.

Gender roles, and the mere existence of a gender binary, has been a recent topic of conversation for many churches, theologians, and individual believers. As the cultural pressure to remove gender-specific limitations builds, many of those aforementioned have turned to scripture for answers. Seldom are women’s roles in the Old Testament characterized by decision making or personal merits. Rather, a woman’s capacity to produce an heir for their husband complements his dominance and responsible faithfulness and allows God’s plan to be fulfilled through their combined efforts. In the New Testament, through the transformative power of Christ, prominent women became less of an anomaly, but were still held to a different set of standards and expectations than men and were usually still praised according to their actions and their faith. The Pauline epistles, written in the context in which the Church still exists today: the age to come, provide a basis for today’s understanding of women’s roles in marriage and in church leadership. Although there are many instances of women fulfilling God’s plans and proving their worth among the community of Christians, the biblically normative role of women is to avoid authoritative church leadership positions and remain submissive in situations of teaching and interpreting the Word.

Until recently, women were not allowed to preach or even speak in the Christian Church, but in modern times women are beginning to play a more significant. While sects of Christianity still hold the traditional teachings about women, others have given them equal status within the church, an increasingly accepted interpretation.