Gender Roles Study 2019
Thank you for your interest in this study! The leadership team is thrilled to have you join us as we study scripture and discern God’s desire for the church in this matter.
We have tried to be balanced in our approach to this study by including several sources from varying viewpoints. and while it may seem overwhelming at first, we encourage you to study as broadly as you can - considering things from all angles. It may also be easy to only view sources with which you agree, but we trust that we can challenge all of our beliefs with an open mind and discerning heart and still be led by god toward deeper truth.
So as we prayerfully consider varying sources, let’s first start with something we can all agree on - how to treat this discussion and each other with love (See Link Below).
Approaching this topic is not easy. In fact, within the history of the churches of christ there have been various approaches, and it may help to know where we (as a restoration movement) have BEEn. for that, Bill Grasham wrote an article on church of Christ history that covers gender roles well.
but with so many things out there, it may also be nice to consider two sides of this topic within the same video. Dr. Childers presented a humorous, yet very helpful, look at how different people genuinely approach this topic.
Interpreting Scripture
One of the conclusions from the video above is that It is difficult to collaborate on matters of scripture if we disagree on the way we Interpret the bible. So let’s begin by setting a foundation of the way we approach scripture. For the video Below, use this Resource Packet.
Interpreting scripture - How we read the Bible (CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO)
In an effort to be transparent and considerate of varying views, please see the following articles for further study…
From a Traditional Perspective:
Everett Ferguson - “Women in the church: Doctrinal considerations”
Everett Ferguson - “Women in the church: New Testament Texts”
Jack Lewis - “Women’s role in worship”
Neil Lightfoot - “Wives, Be subject to your husbands”
From a Gender INclusive Perspective:
Dale Pauls - “Seven Questions: on faith, gender, and the church”
Kathy Pulley - “Change Factors affecting women in the local church”
Frank Viola - “Reimagining a woman’s role in the church”
N.T. Wright - “Women’s service in the church”
Seminar Videos
The Leadership Team spent a couple of weekends in study with Dr. Ken Cukrowski. The following Videos are from our second weekend. It will be helpful to download the Resource Packet to go along with this seminar. Note: It is important to watch the videos in order, as each video builds on previous discussions.
If you are interested in even further study beyond these resources, one of the best books we suggest is Two Views on Women in Ministry. You can find it in Christian bookstores or on amazon.
Thank you again for your own study, as well as your patience with our Leadership Team as we have attempted to be Thorough in our studies. We look forward to discussing this more with you in the near future!