Christians for Biblical Equality
Mutuality Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. – Romans 14:19
SPRING 2002
$3.00
Daughters of Confidence By Joanne Nystrom Janssen – pg 6 Are parents committed to biblical equality succeeding in raising strong and capable daughters? Three women offer insight into how their upbringing affected their views of themselves and their futures, and what unique challenges they faced along the way.
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What Does a Godly Leader Look Like? By Gloria J. Bell – pg 15 Godly leaders are unlikely leaders — the qualities it takes to become one just might surprise you.
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Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Considering 2001 By Mimi Haddad – pg 30 Despite the enormous challenges of a slowing economy, September 11 and an ambitious budget, every branch of CBE’s ministry grew in 2001. Read about God’s incredible provision for CBE.
Christians for Biblical Equality 2 Mutuality Spring 2002
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
6 Daughters of Confidence
4 In Our Mailbox
Three women raised by parents in an equal partnership share how their unique upbringing has influenced their relationships, beliefs and goals.
9 5 Tips for Parents Discover how parents can encourage their children to be confident and capable.
10 Invisible Woman Carol Gertz shares a poem about feeling invisible to the church, but being seen by God as his gifted daughter.
11 Parenting with a Purpose J. Lee Grady explains how equality affects relationships and raising daughters.
14 Question and Answer Does CBE’s view of women in ministry twist what the Bible says in 1 Timothy?
15 What Does a Godly Leader Look Like? Gloria Bell shares insights about godly leaders — and they aren’t the people you might expect.
18 Scholars Embrace CBE at Theological Society Many discover biblical equality through CBE’s booth and papers presented by egalitarians.
19 Volunteers Expand Ministry Volunteers do much to bless CBE’s ministry through their gifts of time, skill and resources.
12 Honor Within Our Ranks
21 Office Highlights 22 Church News “Chinese Church Leader Endorses CBE”
23 Prayer Update 25 The Chapters Corner 28 Book Review “Women in Scripture”
29 Book Service News 30 President’s Message “Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Considering 2001”
31 CBE’s Core Values and Statement of Faith
31 Membership Application
Christians for Biblical Equality 3 Mutuality Spring 2002
Mutuality
SPRING 2002 Mutuality (ISSN: 1533-2470) is published quarterly by Christians for Biblical Equality and is sent free to members and donors. Mission Statement Mutuality seeks to provide inspiration, encouragement and information about equality within the Christian church around the world. President:
Mimi Haddad
Operations Manager: Mary Seltzer Finance and Data Coordinator:
Mary Gonsior
Book Service Coordinator:
Joanne Nystrom Janssen
IT Coordinator:
Nathan St. Clair
Executive Assistant:
Sarah Edwards
International & Membership Coordinator:
Julia Bloom
Mutuality Editor:
Joanne Nystrom Janssen joannej@cbeinternational.org
Contributors:
Our Readers
Printing:
Jacob’s Ladder Printing Jon Estenson jacobs@runestone.net
Art Direction & Design:
Susie Larson larsonkl@wcta.net
Article deadline for next issue: April 1, 2002
SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Christians for Biblical Equality 122 West Franklin Ave., Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 Phone: (612) 872-6898 • Fax: (612) 872-6891 E-mail: cbe@cbeinternational.org
VISIT US ON THE WEB! www.cbeinternational.org
F ROM THE EDITOR A father suddenly catches a glimpse of his daughter’s ministry gifts, gifts he was told women didn’t have. A mother, in tears, describes her vision of a different future for her Joanne Nystrom Janssen daughters, one without restrictions and roles. Editor And a parent grieves over the way young women are treated as less valuable, intelligent or competent than young men. If the stories we hear at CBE are any indication, daughters are rarely far from discussions on biblical equality. Their presence as gifted children of God has opened minds, challenged beliefs and changed behaviors. They also offer hope and endurance to parents such as Ruth Haley Barton, author of “Becoming a Woman of Strength.” She dedicated the book to her daughters: “three e wanted to of the biggest reasons I cannot find out if stop yearning, praying and parents in an working for a world in which the strength of women can equal fully emerge.” partnership are These stories intrigued us succeeding in to get to know some of these raising strong daughters. We wanted to find out if parents in an equal and capable partnership are succeeding in daughters. raising strong and capable daughters. What specific struggles do these daughters face in a world that doesn’t always see them as equal to sons? And what do they know to be true about themselves? On page 6, meet Christy Fleming, Joanna Balda and Sarah McMinn, three women who have been raised by parents committed to biblical equality. They each offer insight into how their upbringing affected their views of themselves and their futures, and what unique challenges they faced along the way. J. Lee Grady, author of “10 Lies the Church Tells Women” and editor of Charisma magazine, offers a parent’s perspective on page 11. In this issue the CBE staff is also excited to share news about what has been happening in the ministry. From our presence at conferences such as ETS (page 18) to the contributions made by volunteers (page 19) to a matching funds drive that quadrupled (page 30), the end of the year brought exciting developments that none of us could ever have expected. God certainly meets CBE’s every need!
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Christians for Biblical Equality 4 Mutuality Spring 2002
I N OUR MAILBOX MOVED BY MUTUALITY I just finished reading this month’s Mutuality. I found the articles moving because of the recent terrorist attacks. I wept as I read [the article about] the Global Celebration and God’s work in progress. Unless we keep our hearts toward God and tuned to humankind, we become selfish and self-centered. Thank you for reminding us that we need to be aware of the needs of Christians in other countries. Although [our church has] a yearly prayer campaign, it was not inclusive to other countries. This next year it will be. Maryland I am 15 years old, and I praise God for your organization! Reading your magazine gives me hope when I am feeling discouraged about sexism, racism and hate. Indiana
UNITED THROUGH PRAYER A big thank you for the “We praise God...” article in the last Mutuality; I find it really helps to guide my prayers too. I’ve been trying to time my meditation time at what must be 10:00 a.m. in Minneapolis to coincide with yours, and usually do two or three times a week. Sure adds to my sense of belonging. Oregon I try to promote CBE and encourage as many women as I can to just check out [the] Web site, because I know they’ll be hooked. I pray that all the requests listed in Mutuality will be met by our gracious Lord even beyond what we are asking, so that you’ll simply have an article about amazing prayer answers! Ontario Today intercessors from around the community prayed over two women who were being added to their church’s board of elders, a first for women in their church! Men repented for mistreating women who wanted to minister. The prayer went on for
unity for the apostles, prophets, evangelists and teachers who were waiting in the wings, and for the recognition of women leaders who stand among them. It was a powerful moment. California
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER I will have to send you a picture of [my daughter] wearing a red lace draping, one of my stoles, and my black pumps (she calls these her preaching shoes), pretending she is preaching. She even holds up her arms like I do to give a blessing. The last few times I have preached, she has told me that she wants to preach with me. She would rather be up front with me than in the pew. Ohio
WEB SITE SPRUCED UP The new Web site is well done. It’s tasteful, uncluttered and informative, easy to navigate. Really a professional job! Texas Today I got an e-mail saying that CBE has a new Web site — and was that ever an understatement! It’s amazing what can be done with the proper tools and an artist’s touch. Looks great! Minnesota I think your site is wonderful. It contains much information that is invaluable to not only promote equality but true Christian fellowship. Australia
FINDING REFRESHING ANSWERS What a refreshing view your organization gives. In our search for a church, we have been discouraged not only by the blatant sexism but by the unquestioning acceptance of it. I was thrilled to read about others who have a marriage that works with equality, as it is hard to come by. The articles were also helpful in providing me with many of the answers I have been looking for in terms of scriptural interpretation. What a wealth of information as well as inspiration. Colorado
Christians for Biblical Equality 5 Mutuality Spring 2002
Thank you for all your help and encouragement over the past years, which have radically changed my life. I used to think I was some sort of weirdo misfit until I met CBE. South Africa
CBE SATISFIES CRAVING My latest effort is to get a better understanding of the psychological impact on a person when [he or she] starts seeing people as equal. The impact must be enormous. And the results are most certainly positive for both the individual and on society. Membership in your organization is going to satisfy a craving that has been stored up in me for a long time. Alabama
CHURCH AFFIRMATION Things are going great at my church. I got my ministry assessments back and feel very affirmed about who I am. I feel as if faith has been recovered and I am the person I thought I was. The enemy has been trying to hold me captive through lies — no more! Minnesota
CREATION COMEDY When people remind me that Adam named his wife Eve, therefore he is the head, I concede that yes, Adam did name his wife Eve, as stated in Genesis 3:20. Then I really stun them by saying, “However, Genesis 5:2 says: ‘Male and female he created them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.’” I just love doing that! E-mail
SUBMISSIONS Mutuality welcomes submissions of personal stories illustrating how biblical equality provides practical benefits to everyday lives. Along with your name and address, please include a daytime phone number and email address where we can reach you. Mutuality reserves the right to edit all contributions so that the policies and positions of Christians for Biblical Equality are maintained and for clarity, style or length. E-mail submissions are preferred (cbe@cbeinternational.org). Mutuality reserves the right to use or not use any story and to include your full name. Materials will not be returned, unless requested and accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope with sufficient postage. Christians for Biblical Equality grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be photocopied for use locally provided no more than 1,000 copies are made, are distributed free, the author is acknowledged and CBE is recognized as the source.
ADVERTISING Mutuality is now accepting advertisements. Rates are $75 for 1/8 page, $125 for 1/4 page, $175 for 1/2 page, and $275 for a full page. Mutuality reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. Copy for advertisements should be sent camera-ready. Please call or e-mail CBE for ad specifications. Mutuality’s liability for errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.
CONTRIBUTIONS
DISTURBED BY DOMINANCE Even though I am a guy, the male domineering position disturbs me, which I think has altered original scriptural meaning over the centuries from the original. E-mail
SCOLDED FOR SAVING SOULS We started a home group. The Lord brought us a new Christian lady who asked us to disciple her. So we did. Then she asked us to baptize her. So we did. Now the pastor of the local church is furious with us — not because we baptized her outside of his “jurisdiction” but because the deed was done by a woman (me)! We were just rejoicing in a lost soul brought to Jesus. Ecuador
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Contributions: Christians for Biblical Equality gratefully accepts tax-deductible contributions to further the truth of biblical equality. We accept contributions in U.S. funds by check or credit card. Donate online at www.cbeinternational.org, call us tollfree at 1-877-285-2256, or write us at: Christians for Biblical Equality, 122 West Franklin Ave., Suite 218, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451.
Christians for Biblical Equality 6 Mutuality Spring 2002
D AUGHTERS OF CONFIDENCE By Joanne Nystrom Janssen
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Christy Fleming’s friends at Wheaton College have noticed she is different. From Minnesota, 20year-old Christy loves theater, traveling and singing — nothing unusual there — but then she mentions soccer. “I enjoy that it’s a physical sport,” Christy says, adding O that it’s e theater. of h t in the s i Ch ves rist o l same y Fleming’s insurance risk category as football. “You have to give it all you’ve got; you can’t hold back.” Christy’s approach to soccer captures the essence of her distinctiveness: she’s confident. And she attributes this quality to her parents, who raised her with a commitment to biblical equality. “I’ve had friends tell me that I have a confidence that many women my age don’t have, a confidence in being a woman,” she says. “I have an attitude of the sky’s the limit, and anything I enjoy doing or would like to do, I can try and strive for, whereas I know some women my age don’t dream for very big things.” Sarah McMinn, a 19-year-old studio art major at Calvin College in Michigan, agrees. From Wheaton, Ill., she plans on being a photographer and a rock climber and owning her own business. She says she’s learned from her upbringing that she can reach her goals and she doesn’t have to let people take advantage of her in life. But Sarah’s noticed she’s different from most women her age in another way too. “Most of my friends think it necessary to get married, and soon,” she says. “They really want children. I don’t (at least now) see myself getting married
because I have a strong sense of individuality and self assurance that I can do whatever I want.” Joanna Balda, 18, has noticed this tension too. A senior at Claremont High School in Southern California, she says she struggles with Christian young women who believe God’s plan for them puts them in a tiny box in terms of their role in the church and the home. “I have been taught to value the beauty of family, and see the wonder of children as an extraordinary part of a woman’s life,” Joanna says. “Beyond that, however, I don’t see God’s plans for me solely defined in the universe that is motherhood. I don’t believe that a woman’s marital status redefines her relationship with God.”
Families with a Difference Christy, Joanna and Sarah may notice how they and their families differ from the norm now, but they each indicated that they didn’t notice these differences growing up. “I assumed families functioned the way ours did, and my parents didn’t really express any differences,” says Sarah. She figured out her family was unique as she learned that her grandfather didn’t agree with the way she and her two sisters were being raised. This hindsight has also given her appreciation for how supportive her father was when her mother went back to school to get her doctorate, especially since her mother’s parents didn’t support that decision. Christy also assumed her family was typical, but looking back she can identify moments Chr isty . ng when she noticed and h i m er m om, Joy Fle differences. In other
Christians for Biblical Equality 7 Mutuality Spring 2002
gift of creative expression, knowing those pursuits families, the dad prayed before may not always pay the bills. every meal or granted The example her mother has been able to permission to the children’s provide of both strength and vulnerability also has requests — tasks Christy’s made a difference in the person Joanna is becoming. parents shared. She “[My mother] isn’t brass or hard in any way, remembers a specific and it is precisely her compassionate nature that has situation when a friend’s made her ministry so effective,” she says. “Yet she father joked at the dinner has always been very comfortable with table about his daughters communicating her ideas to any audience. She has cooking and cleaning. helped me develop a voice and a sense of courage.” “I remember thinking how inconsiderate Uncomfortable with and harmful Confidence that attitude While all three women are hile all three must be to Sar grateful for their confidence and ah McMinn my friend,” women are strength as individuals, they’ve she says. “It caught noticed not everyone is comfortable grateful for their me off guard because I wasn’t used to with these qualities. that at home.” Instead of facing “People, especially guys, are confidence and expectations from her parents, Christy intimidated by me,” says Sarah. “I’ve was encouraged to explore anything strength as been told I’m overwhelming and that was an interest. In fact, she and intense, and I imagine this is because her mom even took a gun safety class individuals, I have strong beliefs and goals. Boys together. don’t take that very well.” they’ve noticed “Both of my parents have been Sarah says she’s had to overcome very affirming of anything that I the idea of being rejected, and work not everyone is enjoyed and wanted to pursue,” on not letting these reactions bother Christy says. “I have never felt limited comfortable with her. or restricted by them.” Christy, a social person, also has these qualities. In addition to encouraging their noticed that men are sometimes gifts, the three women also emphasize intimidated by her or are caught off the importance of their parents guard by her attitude that comes modeling a partnership rather than hierarchy in from seeing herself as their equal. When asked if their relationship. Christy has seen her parents this bothers her, she smiles and replies, “No. I think divide household responsibilities according to it’s about time. They’ve got to get over that.” strengths rather than roles, with her mother Sometimes the most difficult reactions, handling the finances and her father doing the they say, come from those within the cooking. Christian community. A Bible study leader Joanna says she and her brothers saw told Joanna’s mom a couple of years ago that her family was “a little unusual,” but that Joanna was participating too much she attributed it to her mom’s strong and needed to let others be involved. presence, which contrasted with many “He didn’t notice that many boys in other mothers they knew. They joked that the group took on a much more their mom “wore the pants,” because she active role than [I did],” she says. did most of the family management. Joanna also remembers a In reality though, Joanna knew that conversation with a pastor about her parent’s marriage was a cooperative another of her passions, the poor. venture. They made decisions together. Knowing the issue would be Her father encouraged her mother in addressed in a couple of weeks, she her ministry and in her job as an politely shared an idea about how he Joa attorney. Her mom, in turn, gave her nna Balda - continued on page 8 dad freedom to pursue careers utilizing his
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Daughters - continued from page 7
whether they are really interested in the topic or just looking for a fight. Offering to sit down at another time and look at biblical passages has been helpful, Christy says. People have also responded when they get to know her and discover she doesn’t fit their stereotype of a liberal feminist who isn’t interested in Scripture. “I have many friends now that I would say are on the path from the traditional view toward the egalitarian view,” she says. “I’ve found that the most effective thing has just been to drop little seeds and not try to get into an argument with them.”
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could reach the predominantly wealthy white audience. “In the most patronizing way possible he said that basically I had no clue what I was talking about,” she says. “I realized, yet again, what little voice many women have, even in evangelical churches.” Sarah can identify with this situation, as she attended a church that conveyed the belief that men were superior. “I get very emotional over the subject and find myself in tears over it Choosing because I can’t believe v e o s l people would actually think n r Between Church ock cli Sarah McMin mbing. this!” she says. “Sometimes I and Home absolutely hate being female.” The difficulty in facing opposing views in the Sometimes Sarah feels as though she’s trapped, church environment sometimes hits deeper than not being able to find her way out of a downward feelings of frustration and rejection. The women spiral. And it’s hopeless to talk to people who think describe their struggle in wanting to follow God’s that men are superior, she says, because these teaching, but receiving conflicting messages about people won’t listen to an egalitarian’s perspective. how to do this. Christy describes the difficulty in Over the last year, Joanna faced this battle in the communicating biblical equality to a skeptical large, nondenominational evangelical church her audience as a “frustrating place for me to be.” family has recently started to attend. There she’s When she tries to explain one biblical passage, her received the message that women only offer “a opponent jumps to another pretty face, a pretty voice or a pretty good plate of one. brownies.” “I feel like Upon a friend’s recommendation, Joanna read a I’m almost popular Christian book about relationships. The put in an book taught that women should have a subservient impossible role in marriage. Then, Joanna’s pastor preached a persuasive message about traditional marital roles. position,” she “I went through a really difficult time when I says, “of not questioned a lot of the values that I was taught,” being able to Joanna says. The matter became more complicated straighten out when she brought the issue up with her male and their female friends, with startling results. People she misconceptions had assumed felt the same as her sided with the in a five minute book’s author. conversation, In the end, the flawed logic pointed Joanna which is all back to the understanding taught by her parents. they want.” The struggle has left its scars, however. She said the ht She’s had to ) an o ease with which Christians accepted the r d frien learn to discern p r m
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Christians for Biblical Equality 9 Mutuality Spring 2002
inconsistent teachings made it “a struggle to keep the faith.”
Beliefs Affect Body Image While being raised to understand equality comes with struggles, it offers surprising benefits as well. Unlike most women her age, Christy has struggled very little with body image issues, something she attributes to her upbringing. “There are parts of my body that I am more self conscious about, but I’ve never struggled with, ‘I’m too fat,’ or ‘I’m too ugly,’” she says. Christy believes many women struggle with their body because they aren’t encouraged to pursue what they love and instead are confined to certain roles. Within this framework, a woman’s body is often the only tool she has to gain influence or control. The emphasis on women’s modesty in Christian circles sometimes brings shame to women for their bodies, Christy says. Because the focus is on the woman’s need to cover her body enough and ensure that men don’t struggle, it leads women to believe (consciously or subconsciously) that their bodies are bad. “I’ve never felt that way. I’ve always known that my body is good,” Christy says. “Because I’ve been valued for every part of me, I haven’t had many struggles with that issue.”
Emerging Strong from the Journey
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For Sarah, learning to be truly confident in who she is has been a difficult journey, but one she’s glad to have traveled. The process was slow, because at home she learned to stand up for herself, but at school she was torn down for her hr confidence. i sty at th “I had a e top of M friend who ont B lanc, Franc harassed me for ▲
- continued on page 10 -
5 Tips for Parents from Joanna Balda, Christy Fleming and Sarah McMinn
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Give your daughter the freedom to pursue what she enjoys. Whether your daughter’s interests are reading, piano or karate, encourage and affirm her in these areas.
your daughter to 2 Expose physical challenges. She will learn to work hard, feel good about her body, and work well on a team. your daughter to 3 Encourage develop ideas. If you ask her opinion on politics or decisions related to the family, your daughter will know her perspective is valued and appreciated. partnership relationships. 4 Model Your daughter will learn how to share tasks and decision-making, and will learn to give and expect honor and respect in her own relationships. strong sons as well as 5 Raise daughters. Encourage your sons to share leadership with women and view them as equals.
Christians for Biblical Equality 10 Mutuality Spring 2002
Daughters - continued from page 9
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it, and others who just gave me grief,” she says. “I struggled with who I should follow … myself or the majority of my peers.” In high school, this conflict led Sarah to experience doubt and depression. Today though, she says she is a strong person because of it. This was evidenced tio a recently when g n, ein her work Sara h plans on b supervisor noticed she was having a bad day and asked about it. When Sarah explained what was going on, her supervisor said, “You are a strong woman and you will get through this.” Moments like these remind Sarah that she is thankful for her struggle, because she has gained skills and character traits that even casual acquaintances have noticed. “I am now assertive, strong willed and opinionated (maybe a bit too much),” Sarah concludes, “but I have learned that I can love myself because God made me.”
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Invisible Woman By Carol Petty Gertz
You look my way, but don’t see me. Looking through me, past me, I am not present in your eyes. I am not seen, I am not heard. Yet God says to me, “I love you, my child. You are my daughter, lovingly created in my image.” My gifts are yet-to-be-mined diamonds, still buried within. They burn within my spirit, searing my soul, Diamonds ablaze with desire to be quarried, cut, and polished, to shine for God’s glory. The possibility of their existence does not occur to you. Did God intend for me to be passed over, ignored, Condemned to perpetual “time-out,” Punished like a misbehaving child for being female? Open the eyes of my oppressors, O Lord. Help them to see through your eyes, To see me and my sisters as fully gifted reflections of you. Open blind eyes to the pain in our souls, the potential in our spirits. The church does not hear our voices, Yet … We exist. We are here. We are called. We are valuable in your sight.
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Christians for Biblical Equality 11 Mutuality Spring 2002
P ARENTING WITH A PURPOSE
J. Lee Grady on how equality affects relationships and raising daughters
Q: How would you describe your family growing up? A: I was raised in a very traditional, Southern Baptist environment, but my parents, even though they were not taught egalitarian principles, sort of figured out that that was the way it had to be. My dad was not the kind of guy who threw his weight around or demanded obedience or had an idea that he was superior. That just wasn’t on his radar screen, so it was a healthy environment to be raised in. I think that’s why when I got married, [a complimentarian view of marriage] was not my viewpoint, even though I had not been taught from Scripture egalitarian principles. Q: How did you work out the kind of relationship you were going to have with your wife? A: Somehow there was an instinctive understanding in me before I got married. I always believed women could be released in ministry because of exposure I had to women ministers in charismatic or Pentecostal circles, who were even in positions of senior leadership. In terms of marriage, even though I had been in churches that tend to lead toward a complimentary view of marriage, I was always skeptical of that. Somehow my wife and I were able to just work that out in our own relationship. And then when we began to be exposed to egalitarian books and messages, we knew that that’s what we believed. Q: You dedicated your book to your four daughters, ages 16, 14, 12 and 9. How do you think your daughters understand equality? A: My girls have heard me preach this message, [so] to them it’s like, “How could it be any other way?” They probably take it for granted that this is the way it is,
because they’ve not really been exposed to any other way. When they hear me describe the way some churches view women or the way some churches might treat girls their age, they’re horrified. In a sense they’ve been shielded from that. I don’t know that they fully appreciate the environment that they have because that’s just what they’ve always had. Q: How does biblical equality affect the way you view your daughters’ futures? A: The older ones hear me say things like, “Maybe you’ll be a pastor” or “Do you want to be in youth ministry?” Of course I don’t know what their ultimate calling is in life, but I tell them many times that ministry is certainly an option, and I would totally encourage that. I would be thrilled if they wanted to be pastors or youth pastors or worship leaders or whatever they want to be. They also know that I believe they are individuals, and that their destiny doesn’t hinge on what their [future] husband does. They know I love them, and I care for them, and I want the best for them, but they also know that their destiny does not hinge on his career or calling. They have a calling, and if they get married, their calling is still their calling.
■ Lee Grady is the editor of Charisma magazine and author of “10 Lies the Church Tells Women,” available from CBE for $12.99 plus shipping and handling.
Christians for Biblical Equality 12 Mutuality Spring 2002
L EAVE A LEGACY
H ONOR H WITHIN
“Choose your giving while you’re living; then you’ll know where it will go.” Why don’t you consider leaving CBE in your will? It’s a wonderful way to ensure that the truth of biblical equality is passed on to future generations. Courtesy of the Presbyterian Church Foundation, the following list exposes seven not-so-persuasive excuses for not having a will.
OUR RANKS Dawn Corlew was announced as North Central University’s Young Alumna of the Year. An ordained pastor in the Assemblies of God, Dawn is the Program Director for MetroLINC, a program of Twin Cities Urban Reconciliation Network, whose mission is to engage persons of faith into the community through service and outreach.
Top 7 Excuses for Not Having a Will 1. Procrastination. “I’ll get to it next month.”
Dr. Lianne Roembke received the George W. Peters Prize 2002 for a “vital contribution to evangelical missiology in the Germanspeaking world.” The award recognized her book, published in English as “Building Credible Multicultural Teams” (William Carey Library, 2000). Roembke has been serving in Germany since 1975 with Campus Crusade for Christ. The Assemblies of God Executive Presbytery unanimously selected Dr. Deborah M. Gill as the new national director of the Division of Christian Education and as the commissioner for the Commission on Discipleship in January. Gill, who served as the senior pastor of Living Hope in North Oaks, Minn., for the past four years, is the first woman to have ever been named to a national director's post in the Assemblies of God. Jennifer (Suvada) Kang was ordained on October 30, 2001, by Bishop John Rucyahana of the Episcopal Province of Rwanda for the Anglican Mission in America (AMiA). The ordination took place at Church of the Redeemer in Glenview, Ill. Jennifer says being part of CBE encouraged her and helped her persevere throughout a lengthy and at times challenging ordination process.
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2. Estate “too small.” Still, you may wish to give certain possessions to certain people, or even make a charitable bequest to your church. Or have you thought of including CBE in your will? 3. “My family will carry out my wishes.” But they may not know how you wish to have your estate distributed, or your charitable intentions. The state has its own idea of how your estate should be taken care of. 4. “I have no dependents.” Even without them, you have the opportunity to give thought to how you want your estate distributed. 5. Worries about legal fees. “It will cost too much.” Making a will does not have to be expensive; call around for estimated costs. 6. Denial of mortality. “I’ve got plenty of time to do that.” Yet avoiding making an estate plan will not prolong your life one single day. 7. Overwhelmed. “Where do I start?” Start by requesting two free books: Your Guide to a Christian Will and Personal Record Book. Call the CBE office at 612-872-6898. Your lawyer or other trusted advisor can offer help. And you’ll rest easy knowing you’ve taken care of this important decision.
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Christians for Biblical Equality 13 Mutuality Spring 2002
Marriage and the Family of God
A conference taking a close look at what the Bible really says about marriage. September 27-28, 2002 Portland, Oregon Speakers include … Jon and Carol Trott Jon is editor-in-chief of Cornerstone magazine, the publication of Jesus People USA Covenant Church. Carol is co-coordinator of JPUSA's Leland Project, a second-stage housing program for homeless women and children. John and Carolyn Kohlenberger Carolyn is completing a degree in counseling at George Fox University. John is the author of more than three dozen biblical reference books and study Bibles, including the award-winning NIV Exhaustive Concordance and The NIV Bible Commentary. John Temple Bristow John is pastor of Murray Hills Christian Church in Beaverton, Oregon, and author of “What Paul Really Said About Women” and “What Paul Really Said About Love, Marriage and Family.”
The conference will be held at the Ramada Conference Center in Portland, which includes a free shuttle from the airport and free parking. Beautiful mountains sit in the distance, and rivers run through the city. The beauty is stunning, but Portland is also a lively metropolis. Head downtown and you'll find great restaurants and shops — with no sales tax, making it an ideal shopping and vacation location!
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Q&A: Q&A
DOES CBE’S VIEW OF WOMEN IN MINISTRY TWIST WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS IN 1 TIMOTHY?
QUESTION: In 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul says women are not to usurp the authority of men in spiritual matters. Doesn’t CBE’s view of women in ministry twist what the Bible says? ANSWER: We are glad that you, like us, take the Bible and its message seriously. But we also believe that all of the Bible must be taken seriously — not just a selective verse here or there. Some people take I Timothy 2:12 as a universal principle (“I do not permit a woman to usurp authority over a man”), but do not apply universally what comes before it (“Men are to lift up holy hands when they pray … women are not to wear braided hair, or pearls or gold”). We do not believe in “selective literalism.” Rather, we seek to understand all that the Apostle Paul was saying here and elsewhere. That means looking at the historical and cultural situation he was addressing, and examining the exact language used to get the full message. I Timothy was a personal letter from Paul to his good friend Timothy who was in a difficult place in Ephesus, facing many problems that are unknown to us. Paul did not spell out the problems (he didn't need to, Timothy knew them), so we do not know what those problems were. We do know that Paul was not speaking of ordinary “authority,” because the Greek word he used (authentein) is never used in the other places where Paul speaks of authority. Elsewhere he always uses “exousia.” “Authentein” never appears elsewhere in the Bible, so it is very difficult to ascertain its meaning. In fact, it is rare even in
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classical Greek language, and it seems to have many strange meanings. If you want to know more about this, I suggest that you read the book “I Suffer Not a Woman” by Catherine and Richard Kroeger. Furthermore, Paul in his own experience seems to commend women in leadership. For example, in Acts 18:24-28 we see Paul’s co-worker Priscilla teaching Apollos with her husband Aquila. In Romans 16:1-2, Paul commends Phoebe, a deacon, and says she has been “a great help to many people, including me.” Since none of us believes Paul was a hypocrite, we must look at the total teaching of the New Testament — including that of our Lord Jesus whom Paul worshipped. Jesus gave the most important message the world has ever received (his resurrection) to women and told them to make it known to the disciples. The Gospel of Luke is full of other examples. When Paul wrote about spiritual gifts in I Corinthians 12:4-11, he never made any gender distinctions about who received which gifts. It is because we take the Bible so seriously that we want to see all women and men use all their Godgiven gifts for the cause of his kingdom.
esus gave the most important message the world has ever received (his resurrection) to women and told them to make it known to the disciples.
■ By Alvera Mickelsen
“I Suffer Not a Woman” by Richard Clark Kroeger and Catherine Clark Kroeger is available from CBE for $16.99, plus shipping and handling.
Christians for Biblical Equality 15 Mutuality Spring 2002
DOES A GODLY LEADER W HAT LOOK LIKE? By Gloria J. Bell My mother was a godly leader — though I’m sure she would never have described herself that way. She had a high school education, and her only employment outside the home was either in a hosiery mill or a dime store. If she had been asked to speak to an audience of adults, she would have been terrified. But she was a leader. When the minister’s kids needed attention while their father preached and their mother led music, Mama babysat. A family reunion needed to be organized — Mama did it. At the church dinner, the food needed to be set out, the dishes washed, the floor swept — Mama led the way.
A leader needs vision.
Attitude is more important than ability, education or position. Consider the story of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite — the “leaders” — clearly saw the needs of the man that had been robbed, beaten and left half dead by the side of the road. They were educated; they probably even knew first aid! Moreover, they clearly had the financial and physical resources to meet the man’s needs. Rather than exercise their leadership, however, they passed selfishly on their way. Jesus shows us a different model. After hearing the disciples argue about rank and status, he took a towel and washed their feet. First by his actions and then by explanation, he said, “If you are going to be a leader, you must put the needs of others ahead of your own desires.” Elsewhere, Jesus spoke of a leader as a shepherd. Good shepherds, Jesus said, will give their lives for those entrusted to them. Most of us are called upon to do much less. A meal, a few hours of our time, maybe even a little money or a little sweat — our - continued on page 16 -
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Much of the talk about vision involves big words and high-sounding principles. To call someone “visionary” brings images of a business entrepreneur or a world leader. Simply put, however, a person with vision is one who sees a need and a way to meet that need. How did Joseph go from being a slave (and a prisoner, at that) to being second to Pharaoh? If he had merely interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, how much would his status have changed? Joseph immediately saw the implications of the fat cattle and lean cattle, the fat heads of grain and the lean ones. Without an appropriate strategy, years of plenty would be followed by years of starvation. “Here’s what we need to do” was Joseph’s immediate response. A need, a solution — Vision! Few of us will have the opportunity to save a nation, but even great leaders do not begin at that level. Joseph, for example, began by responding to
fellow inmates who were having disturbing dreams. Their need was simple — “What does my dream mean?” And Joseph’s response was simple, “God helps us understand dreams.” Saving a nation from starvation, helping an immigrant learn English, babysitting for the over-worked young mother, feeding the homeless, cleaning the church — a need may be great or small. All, however, require the recognition of a need, then an idea, and then an attitude that says, “Let’s do it.”
Christians for Biblical Equality 16 Mutuality Spring 2002
Godly Leader - continued from page 15 investments in God’s kingdom are usually not much larger than this.
A leader is not afraid to work. My Aunt Chloe once remarked, “Daddy loved to work; I didn’t inherit that quality, but Ellen did.” Ellen was my mother, and she did indeed enjoy working. Many summer mornings, I awoke to the chop, chop of her hoe in the garden. If her hands were idle, she was most likely either in church or asleep (and in later years, maybe both). I’ve noticed that about leaders — they are not afraid to work. “Lazy leader” is a contradictory statement, like “old news,” “giant shrimp,” and “deafening silence.” Much of effective leadership involves example — followers tend to work only as hard as the person setting the pace. I grew up in a farming community where most people earned a living very literally by the sweat of the brow — if not in the fields, then in one of the area mills. A Christian unwilling to work hard had trouble getting a hearing. My dad never forgot the pastor who came and helped him get up hay before a storm struck. When my brother’s trailer burned, the volunteer fire fighter who kicked in the door became a hero — as did the neighbor who came by and asked, “What do you need?” Ecclesiastes advises us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Leaders take that advice to heart!
A godly leader has reverence for God. The first time (it may have been the only time) someone introduced me as a “godly woman,” I was both flattered and dismayed. “Godly” seems like such a lofty concept — describing a status well out of my reach. But reading a formal definition has allayed my anxiety: being godly means “having reverence for God.” That’s a description I can live with! In presenting the eulogy at my mother’s funeral, our pastor described her as a good, Christian woman. Neighbors and friends agreed. But one person objected, “How can you say that? She had a child while she was unmarried!” That misses the point, doesn’t it? Being godly does not mean being perfect. In 1939, it must have taken enormous courage for my mother to face her pastor and her congregation; she never talked to me about it, but that pastor did — Mama was a
repentant, active member of the congregation up to and after the birth of her child. The leader we respect acknowledges sin, asks forgiveness of God (and others when necessary), and moves on. There is no better example than that of David — the hard-working shepherd who became King of Israel. Though described as “a man after God’s own heart,” David did not escape the snares of sin. When confronted about his adultery, deceit and murderous manipulation, David had several options. He could have denied his guilt; it would have been his word against that of the prophet. Or he could have denounced the prophet or had him killed to shut off the source of accusation. David, however, responded by saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.” David had such reverence for God that his immediate response was not an explanation or excuse but an acknowledgement of his sin. This humble, repentant response paved the way for his continued leadership. Reverence for God has other implications for the godly leader. It prevents a leader from getting a “big head.” Recognizing that opportunities and abilities are both God-given, the leader cannot become puffed up. Likewise, a leader refrains from abusing a position for self-gain. When God places us in a position to help others, he also gives us the responsibility to use our talent in his service, not our own. In fact, reverence for God underlies all the leadership traits we’ve talked about. • From God comes the ability to see a need. That is why we pray, “Open our eyes, Lord.” • From God comes the ability to recognize opportunities for service, a way we can help meet the need he has helped us see. • From God comes the call to work. Often, the call is direct — here is a need, meet it. What is the difference then, between a leader and other workers? If you wait until someone asks for your help, you are a follower, not a leader. But if you recognize a need and then pitch in to make a difference, you have taken your first step in leadership. Who knows what God has in store for you next!
■ Gloria Bell is Academic Vice President and Dean (and Professor of English) at Southern Wesleyan University in Central South Carolina.
Christians for Biblical Equality 17 Mutuality Spring 2002
Donate $1,000 and Receive a Concordance Have you been meaning to join CBE’s Partners Program by contributing $1,000 or more per year? At the end of 2001, we offered a free copy of “The Analytical Concordance to the New Revised Standard Version of the New Testament” by Richard Whitaker and John R. Kohlenberger III to new gifts of $1,000 or more. Because we still have a few left, we’re extending the offer. Hurry — concordances are available while supplies last! Donate online at www.cbeinternational.org, and we will send you the concordance.
SOMEONE H ONOR SPECIAL THROUGH A CBE HONOR GIFT Honor someone you love by making a special contribution in his or her name. Occasions to consider: • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Graduations • Weddings • Ordinations • Birth of a new child • Memorials • Gratitude for one’s parents, siblings, friends, pastors, youth leaders, choir director, mentor, or anyone who has made a contribution to your life.
❑ Yes, I want to remember the following persons with a special Honor Gift Enclosed is my tax-deductible honor gift of $ ____________ In Honor Of: ________________________________________ On the Occasion Of: __________________________________ CBE would love to honor your someone special in the next issue of Mutuality. Your special message: ____________________________________________________
Some Employers Will Match Your Contributions to CBE Does your employer offer a matching funds program? Over the years CBE has been the grateful recipient of matching gifts from employers, United Way and the Mustard Seed Foundation, to mention a few. Perhaps your employer or your local United Way will match your contribution to CBE. Please check with your human resources department. What a wonderful way to double the pleasure of giving, making it possible for CBE to reach twice as many with the good news of Galatians 3:28.
____________________________________________________
❑ Please send the acknowledgement to: Name ______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City __________________________State ____ ZIP _________
❑ Send the acknowledgement to me, so I can present it personally: Your name ___________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City __________________________State _____ ZIP ________
❑ I authorize CBE to charge my credit card for the above contribution. ___ Visa ___MasterCard ___ Discover ___American Express Expiration Date ___ / ___ Authorized Signature _____________________________
Please clip and mail to: Christians for Biblical Equality 122 West Franklin Ave., Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451
Christians for Biblical Equality 18 Mutuality Spring 2002
EMBRACE CBE AT S CHOLARS THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY and developing a “redemptive hermeneutic” that For years, CBE has had changes forever our a presence at the reading of Scripture. This Evangelical Theological book is available through Society’s (ETS) annual CBE’s online bookstore at meeting. This year ETS was held in Colorado www.cbeinternational.org. where we noticed, with Other CBE members great delight, an increased that offered papers or receptivity to CBE’s participated in this year’s message. ETS meeting include: Was it the air in Stanley Grenz, Douglas David Williams, Hargis Thomas, Mimi Haddad and Colorado? Was it Groothuis, Millard Jeanne Williams enjoy their friendship at the CBE meal something about being in Erickson, Alan Johnson, at ETS. the Rocky Mountains? It David Williams, James was certainly God’s Beck, Roger Nicole, Greg faithfulness and the years of hard work and Boyd, Sherry and Todd Truffin, Amos Yong, Stan dedication on the behalf of egalitarians, striving to Gundry, Christina Busman, Ron Pierce and others. bring CBE’s message to inquiring minds! One Many of these papers can be read by visiting prominent publisher commented, “Egalitarians Zondervan’s Web site at seem to be a silent majority.” www.zondervanchurchsource.com/convention/. CBE’s booth was truly exciting. Not only did Each year the CBE community shares a meal we feature stimulating books and articles, we together during ETS. We invite CBE members and introduced CBE’s scholarship to many academics authors, local chapter members, and those who and students who were unfamiliar with our linger at our booth or express an interest in our ministry. Ideas were exchanged at a rapid rate, and work. I needn’t tell you how successful we are in we observed hungry minds devour not only our recruiting interest in CBE through a friendship-meal books, which sold in record numbers, but such as this. egalitarian ideas as well. At one point I noticed the Once we arrived at the restaurant, we noticed presidents of two prestigious seminaries, one on the that the crowd was so large we were unable to hold West Coast and one on the East Coast, shaking our usual round table discussion. The facial hands as CBE members. expressions, laughter and time spent together Egalitarian scholarship within ETS is also revealed that the smaller conversations held around growing. We celebrated the number of papers our tables furthered a sense of community and presented by egalitarians, as well as the great camaraderie among our interest related to gender this year. Linda members and friends. We Belleville’s paper, “Neither to Teach nor Authentein: were overjoyed that nearly Exegetical Fallacies in Interpreting 1 Timothy 2:12,” 40 people gathered for our drew an overflowing crowd, many of whom stood annual meal. in the hallway to learn from her. Weeks after the Another exciting scholar to keep your eyes on is meeting we find ourselves William Webb, author of “Slaves, Women and recalling the extraordinary Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of way God worked in the Cultural Analysis.” Webb’s book leads the reader events of ETS. We made through the process of interpretation, introducing many new friends, Linda Belleville By Mimi Haddad
Christians for Biblical Equality 19 Mutuality Spring 2002
exchanged ideas with scores of seekers, and introduced new books to those exploring the issue of biblical equality. Truly we promoted CBE’s mission among the scholars of today and tomorrow. A growing majority indeed!
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Linda Belleville’s book, “Women Leaders and the Church: Three Crucial Questions,” is available through CBE’s book service for $16.99. William Webb’s book, “Slaves, Women and Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis,” is on sale for $18.74. (Prices do not include shipping and handling.)
V OLUNTEERS EXPAND MINISTRY Volunteers are an integral part of CBE’s ministry. This last year volunteers donated thousands of dollars of in-kind gifts and hundreds of hours of time. Thank you for your help in the following ways: • Guidance. Volunteers have offered marketing advice, ensuring that our efforts reach the greatest number of people. They have also given legal counsel, protecting the organization and helping us understand how laws apply to our ministry. Guidance has come in a variety of ways, each time helping us make the best possible decisions. • Gifts. Through dedicated friends, we have received a wonderful variety of gifts that help CBE’s ministry move forward. Contributions like storage shelves and computer equipment allow us to do our work more effectively. Many authors donate books to help us offset conference and postage costs. Others have donated items for our silent auction at our conference, helping CBE raise money for operating expenses. • Time. We can’t even count the hours that have been donated to CBE in the last year! We have volunteers to thank for countless office projects, assistance at conferences and the duplication of each tape that we sell in the bookstore. Volunteers also review books for CBE’s book service, ensuring that our resources are of the finest quality. Besides giving of their time, volunteers share themselves with the CBE staff, bringing joy and encouragement with each visit. The CBE staff is grateful for each one of you who has given of yourself over the past year. Your partnership is a precious gift!
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Above, volunteers give of their time in various ways. Shown here are (back row) Nancy Bingham, Mary Murphy, Paul Seltzer, Nathan Edwards and Laura Thomas, (front row) Alvera Mickelsen, Susan McCoubrie, Hattie Veurink, Marilyn Cramolini, Marlys Sanford, LaVonne Olson and Jen Miller. Left, Paul Seltzer sits in front of a mountain of mail that he assembled and packaged. Below, Mary Gonsior shows off the new donated shelves that help us keep our storage items organized.
Christians for Biblical Equality 20 Mutuality Spring 2002
Send your friend a CBE informational packet! This packet includes a brochure, catalog, sample copy of Mutuality and intriguing articles. Name ___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ________________________________________ Please send to: Christians for Biblical Equality 122 West Franklin Ave., Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451
m bi inis bl try ica ne lr ws es ou rc es
or e-mail: cbe@cbeinternational.org
les tic r ea fre
Visit CBE’s Web site at
www.cbeinternational.org for the latest ministry news, cutting-edge biblical resources and free articles!
U PCOMING CBE TELEGATHERING We are having a telegathering! What’s that? It’s an opportunity for all CBE members to call in to a bridge line (telephone line with multiple participants) for an interactive get together. Telegatherings and teleclasses are a whole new way to connect, share and learn. Our first telegathering will be a one hour Question and Answer session with Mimi Haddad on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Pat Gundry, a trained teleclass leader, will facilitate the discussion. Bring your questions, opinions and a readiness to participate in this new medium. If you’d like to participate (it’s free of cost, your only expense will be your long distance charges to the teleconferencing phone number), e-mail CBE at cbe@cbeinternational.org with the subject line: Telegathering, or call us at 612-872-6898 for info you’ll need and the number to call for the telegathering.
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Christians for Biblical Equality 21 Mutuality Spring 2002
O FFICE HIGHLIGHTS returns showed that you want to support CBE and be part of its success. 2001 was a very successful Several weeks ago we decided there were too year! We thank you for your help many boxes of CBE catalogs in storage. We sent an in numerous areas, most of e-mail message to those of you in the United States, which I won’t have space to asking if you could distribute some. Nearly 200 include. We especially thank you people responded, offering to share anywhere from for your prayers and notes of 1 to 1,000 with a church, friends, seminary/college encouragement. Little or conference. Thank you for being so willing to Mary Seltzer expressions like “I pray for CBE help broadcast this message, and for your quick Operations Manager everyday,” “You are desperately responses, too. needed!” or “A Christian organization that Another of your positive responses occurred just understands gender equality! Today I am lucky!” after September 11. At this time, CBE was planning make the day for the CBE staff. a marriage conference in the Pacific We thank all of you who helped at Northwest. We sent an e-mail to various conferences. Some stored books 001 ended with members in the area, asking if CBE or helped with shipping and should continue to consider this transportation, while others helped contributions conference. Many immediately during conferences or hosted booths on responded, “Yes!” nearly 11 behalf of CBE. CBE’s core purpose (“to This marriage conference is being broadly communicate the biblical truth percent over last planned for September 27-28, 2002, at the that men and women are equally Ramada Conference Center near the year, and responsible to use their God-given gifts Portland, Oregon airport. Ramada has membership and offered a $55 room rate, breakfast to further Christ’s kingdom”) was accomplished at our international included, which is also available a few book service conference in Dallas, Global Celebration days before and after the conference. revenues both for Women in Houston, and at six other Outstanding speakers have been conferences — Colorado Springs, Colo.; increasing about engaged including Jon and Carol Trott, Atlanta, Ga.; Orlando, Fla.; Springfield, John and Carolyn Kohlenberger and 25 percent. Mo.; Wisconsin; and Norway. Many John Temple Bristow. For more details, more people were personally introduced see page 13 or visit our Web site, to the truth of equality. Thank you for your www.cbeinternational.org donations and gifts of service to make this possible. Ramada has free parking and a 24-hour free Many of you sent extra donations for a new shuttle to the airport from which you can catch printer/copier. Just when we received this Portland’s cutting-edge, inexpensive light rail to wonderful machine, a part broke in the old copier tour the area, if you so wish! Besides being a that is no longer being made. God is not late, is he? beautiful area, there is no sales tax in Portland, One person offered a significant matching funds making it an ideal shopping and vacation location. program, which we more than doubled. Thank you A few have already asked for conference for this too! 2001 ended with contributions nearly 11 brochures to distribute in your churches and percent over last year, and membership and book colleges. Brochures will be out the beginning of service revenues both increasing about 25 percent. April — six months before the conference. We have We attribute this success to prayer and your obtained excellent bids for their design and support. printing. God is good! We sent a survey regarding membership to about Again, thank you for your prayers and support one-third of CBE’s members (randomly selected in 2001; we covet the same for 2002. ■ across the United States). The high percentage of By Mary Seltzer
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Christians for Biblical Equality 22 Mutuality Spring 2002
Church Membership Application Form CBE church membership is available to those who support CBE’s Statement of Faith. All fees in U.S. Dollars: (Please check one)
0 - 100 members 101 - 500 members 501 - 1000 members 1001 - 2000 members 2001 - 5000 members 5001 - 7500 members
$ 40 $ 60 $ 80 $100 $200 $300
Additional Contribution Enclosed: $_________ TOTAL ENCLOSED: $_________ CBE is an exempt organization as described in IRC Sec. 501(C) 3 and as such donations in excess of the basic membership fee may qualify as a charitable contribution where allowed by law.
Church Name Address
CHURCH C HINESE LEADER ENDORSES CBE Cecilia Yau, General Secretary of The Chinese Christian Mission and coauthor of “A Passion for Fullness,” endorses the ministry of Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE). Yau writes: “Christians for Biblical Cecilia Yau Equality offers Christians a tremendous opportunity to learn to live together more faithfully as God’s people. From its inception, CBE has worked effectively and tirelessly to articulate God’s passion in restoring the fullness of the biblical witness regarding gender relations within the Body of Christ. “I’m confident that CBE’s biblical resources will offer the insight and encouragement your church needs to be a model of gender equality!”
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■ I wish to give a gift membership to the above church. Name Address City
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Please send payment to: Christians for Biblical Equality 122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 Phone: (612) 872-6898 Fax: (612) 872-6891 E-Mail: cbe@cbeinternational.org www.cbeinternational.org
Yau believes it is vital that Chinese Christians understand and live out the biblical message regarding mutual submission in churches and families, and therefore she supports the mission and resources of CBE. Perhaps your church should too? Why not consider giving your church a CBE membership? Through membership with CBE, your church will receive: • A 20 percent discount on all items sold through CBE’s Book Service. • Group discounts on CBE-sponsored conferences. • A listing in our Egalitarian Church Network. • A year’s subscription to Mutuality and Priscilla Papers. • A complimentary book each year. • A semi-annual newsletter designed to encourage your church staff. If you know of other churches that might be interested in Christians for Biblical Equality, send us their names and addresses and we will mail them information.
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Christians for Biblical Equality 23 Mutuality Spring 2002
W
E PRAISE GOD... E THANK GOD... E PRAY TO GOD...
I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:9-11 NIVI
We praise God for… • CBE’s exciting new Web site design, www.cbeinternational.org. • The opportunity to participate through speakers and a booth at the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) in Colorado Springs in November 2001. • Over a dozen egalitarian presenters at ETS. • More than 40 members and friends sharing joy and camaraderie during a CBE-hosted friendship dinner at ETS. • Volunteers who helped with transportation, receiving books, and assisting in the booth during the ETS conference. • The opportunity to distribute 400 bookstore catalogs at IVY Jungle conference in Orlando in November 2001. • The vision and encouragement of members and others to broaden CBE’s territory, increase focus on missions, and strengthen international partnerships. • The vision to strengthen resources internationally for those teaching biblical gender equality, especially where suffering and oppression are great.
and returning members Brian Nystrom and Virginia Patterson. • Exceeding our financial goals and budget for 2001. • Providing financial support through more Partners and Visionaries than ever before. • Providing financial support through monthly pledges. Please pray daily for CBE, honoring Galatians 3:28. You have trusted Him in a few things, and He has not failed you. Trust Him now for everything, and see if He does not do for you exceeding abundantly above all that you could ever have asked or thought, not according to your own power or capacity, but according to His own mighty power, that will work in you all the good pleasure of His most blessed will. You find no difficulty in trusting the Lord with the management of the universe and all the outward creation, and can your case be any more complex or difficult than these, that you need to be anxious or troubled about His management of it? Hannah Whitall Smith, published in 1877
Please pray to God for…
• Generous donations of hundreds of books to be shipped to Christian Bible schools in India. • A generous donation of sturdy, attractive shelves for CBE’s office, bookstore and storage areas. • Egalitarian missionaries in India, Tanzania, Pakistan and Muslim countries. • New board members Carol Gertz and Ruby Renz,
General Office Needs • Computer hardware such as monitors, CD-RW drives and a digital camera. • Computer software such as Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator and QuarkXpress. - continued on page 24 -
Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIVI
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We thank God for…
Ministry • Continued strong financial support for CBE’s ministry in 2002. • Funds to ship hundreds of books to Bible colleges in India. • Support to host a gathering of leaders to create materials to reach the professions they represent. • Funding for book projects and egalitarian curriculum. • Additional sums for a promotional video/CDROM of CBE’s message and ministry with evangelical leaders. • Funds to bring the bookstore to chapters and conferences during 2002. • Good health, wisdom and safe travel for board members and staff. • Media coverage that accurately portrays CBE’s ministry, conferences and resources. • An increased presence in colleges and seminaries in the United States and Canada; increased distribution of Priscilla Papers. • Increased church and individual memberships.
Christians for Biblical Equality 24 Mutuality Spring 2002
Please Pray to God - continued from page 23 • Office chairs and folding machine. • Funds for an additional phone line. • Funds for additional staff needs. Conferences • Planning and budgeting for CBE’s marriage conference, “Marriage and the Family of God,” held September 27-28 in Portland, Ore. • Planning and budgeting for our 8th international conference, “Celebrating the Priesthood of All Believers” (2003), in Orlando, Florida; including hotel, speakers and workshops. • Funds for conference printing, advertising and scholarships. Book Service • Continued sales of books from 2001 catalog. • Planning and design of 2002 catalog. • Reaching people with CBE’s message through our resources. • Thanksgiving for the bookstore’s new order processing system, integrated with our database. Chapters • A time slot for the New London, Conn., chapter-inprogress to air their television program on a popular public access channel. They are also praying for a service provider for a new program for women and children. • Health and healing for Greater Los Angeles County chapter members, State and Gertie. • Pikes Peak chapter is praying for a CBE member who started a home group. • Denver chapter’s schedule of activities in 2002. • Leadership and growth in Birmingham chapter’s local ministry. • Boston chapter is collaborating with Campus Crusade for Christ to do a presentation at Northeastern University. • God’s wisdom and will for the new Grand Rapids chapter to “become agents of change” in local churches. • Growth in Triangle area chapter’s local ministry. • South Africa chapter has new leadership and would appreciate prayer for their local ministry. International • Churches in the Philippines. • The conflict between Pakistan and India. • Egalitarian friends in Sweden. • Translation of CBE’s statement into Arabic, modern
Hebrew and Urdu. • Christians living in the trouble spots of the world. • Wisdom and vision for all world leaders as they address terrorism today and into the future. • Experts to speak, preach and teach biblical equality to churches, Bible schools and ministries, especially in places where new Christians have traditionally lived under patriarchy, racism and/or class inequality. • Financial support and physical protection for overseas missionaries. Prayers for Members • Health/Illness/Surgery Michele, Lilla, Lois, Nancy, Gordon, Marilyn, Dan, MacAlister, Sarah, Jane, Mary, Julia, LaVonne, Linda, Sam, Jo Ellen, Wendell, Victoria, Carol, Virgil, Fay, Gertie, State, Paul, Marie, Betty, Winnie, Brian, Ruth Ann, LuVerne, Verle, Astri, Penny, Martin, Lois, Dawn, Stina, Val, Billy, Dorothy, Dawn. • Home/Family Barb, Laurie, Hattie, Carol, Cossette, Debbie, Willie, Susan, Delane, Debby, Dave, Linda, Janis, Kimberly, Emily, Julie, Megan, Sarah, Nathan, Mary, Ifrah, Teresa, Peggy, Warf family, Charles, Melissa, Lynda, Steve, Jennifer, Teresa, Natalie. • Career/Ministry/Travel Marlys, Rubina, Reward, Nathan, Dorothy, Nancy, Sue, Elizabeth, Catherine, Leanne, Janice, Prisca, Luchy, Baruch, Dominiqual, Willie, Jenny, Lola, Ron, Razia, Becca, Ron, Gordon, Scott, Ethel, Darcy, Lucy, Doug, Julie, Bryce, John, Carolyn, Michele, Jacqueline, Lori, Debbie, Neeta, Rita, Kelly, Donna, Jennifer, Winnie, Robin, Mary, Bill, LaDonna, Barbara, Ann, Lindsay, Lynne, Barb, Jennifer, Jim, Rhonda, Ed, Coralee, Jan, Bruce, Danny, Wilma, Jocelyn, Sally, Sue, Keith, Michael, Theresa, Tom, Florence, Rosalie, Vaughn, Lily, Natalia, Virginia, Eric, Marsha, Gratia, Nate, Ralph, Olga, Martha, Chelsea, Greg, Shirley, Mary, John, Carina, Camilla, Frank, Lorrie, Holly, Agneiska, Craig, Emily, Yvonne, Heidi, Elizabeth, Carol. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIVI
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Scriptures and meditations provided by Susan McCoubrie, one of the founders of CBE and retired staff member. Prayer items recorded by Mary Gonsior from daily staff prayer.
Christians for Biblical Equality 25 Mutuality Spring 2002
T
HE CHAPTERS CORNER
ALABAMA Birmingham Chapter The Alabama Chapter needs your help! If you or someone you know would be interested in leading this group, please let them know. For more information, contact alascott@juno.com.
CALIFORNIA Chico Chapter Last September the Chico Chapter celebrated its one-year anniversary. In November, Jeff Bisaga reviewed “Why Not Women?” and led a discussion on some of the points raised. In February, Nina Campbell will share her insights on the godly character of both genders using the book, “Men Are From Israel, Women Are From Moab.” She will focus on practical applications that will assist them in developing healthy relationships. Their meetings are held the second Friday of each month in Chico. For more information, contact mr.andmrs.beeman@juno.com. Greater L.A. Chapter This chapter shared fellowship, inspiration and a hilarious gift exchange at their annual Christmas brunch. In early February, Evelyne Reisacher and Farida spoke about the roles and opportunities for women in Afghanistan and other Muslim countries. Both women have been working with Muslim Background Believers (MBB) from Algeria, and are now living in France. In March, May and June they will be continuing their study of “Beyond Rhetoric” by Samuel Hines and Curtiss DeYoung. The chapter plans a special seminar with Jack and Judy Balswick on gender issues in the church on April 6. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month. For more information, contact eglanville@aol.com.
benefits of touch that are disallowed when anyone is marginalized. A Thai restaurant was the setting for their annual Christmas dinner and celebration of their second anniversary as a CBE chapter, and several CBE members welcomed in the New Year together as well. On January 12, Linda Neuschwander led a discussion on “Jesus Frees Women From Being Defined by Domestic Roles.” They will be exploring how Jesus releases people from the consequences of the Fall. The chapter usually meets on the second Saturday evening of the month for biblical study, emotional support and intellectual discussion in an effort to understand and practice love as Jesus taught. For more information, contact cvanloon@jps.net. - continued on page 26 -
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Santa Cruz Chapter At their October meeting, Andrea Smith talked about the Global Celebration for Women, focusing on how Christians can best respond to violence against women. November’s meeting was based on a chapter in “Male and Female in Christ,” covering Jesus’ treatment of the woman who was “unclean.” Cathy Van Loon facilitated a discussion of the
Schuyler Van Loon and Brian Neuschwander enjoy spending New Year’s Eve together in Santa Cruz, California.
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Chapters Corner - continued from page 25 COLORADO Denver Chapter The CBE Denver chapter has been reinstated! Partnering in the effort are Mary Clement Hanson and Elizabeth Ferreira Oswald. The first meeting took place on Saturday, February 9. A transition meeting with past coordinator Janet George and CBE President Mimi Haddad was held at Mary’s home in December. Fruitful and visionary discussion led all who were present to believe that an exciting new adventure for the chapter is about to take place. For more information, contact Mary at hanson139@attbi.net or Elizabeth at katalizt@yahoo.com. Pike’s Peak Chapter In November the chapter examined “Gifted Leaders Within a Gifted People: The concept of ‘Priesthood’ and the place of women in the church” by Stanley Grenz. In December, a Christmas party was held at Alice Scott-Ferguson’s house where the group was able to celebrate the way God is working in their lives. From February 15-17, CBE member Bonnie Duell will be speaking at Faith Ministries Int’l Network’s 2002 Women’s Conference in Dallas, Texas. On February 24, a lively discussion on “The Five Aspects of Woman” with Nancy Parker Brummet is planned. For more information, contact cbe_coloradosprings@hotmail.com.
CONNECTICUT New London – Chapter in Process This group has been working hard again. They have yet another public access channel (Channel 14 in Windham, Conn.) that will be airing their program, “The Egalitarian Connection.” Please pray for patience as they wait for a time slot to open up on another channel. Also, there is a film production major in the Baltimore, Md. area that is hoping to produce a program for women and children. Pray that a service provider would be found. For more information, contact Equality3in1@aol.com.
FLORIDA Central Florida Chapter People from the Tampa Bay area have been expressing an increasing interest in this chapter. Ways are being explored to include both areas more effectively. The group meets in the Orlando area on
the last Saturday of the month at 3:00 p.m. If you would like to receive meeting announcements or for more information, contact Pauline at paulinepedersen@hotmail.com.
ILLINOIS Chicago Chapter Rather than holding public meetings, a small group has been meeting for encouragement, support and prayer. Many of the steering committee members continue to promote the message of biblical equality in their spheres of influence, serving on boards and committees at their churches and meeting informally with individuals for prayer and support. Gerry Glasenapp helped at the CBE booth at the Global Celebration for Women in Houston. Virginia Patterson wrote an article, which will soon be printed, for the Christian Management Report about women leading teams in churches and Christian organizations. The Students for Biblical Equality at Wheaton College continue to provide lectures, discussions and forums for the message of biblical equality to be kept before the student body. Ruth Graham, who served as president of the group the last two years, says there are many in the group who take responsibility and are strong advocates with their fellow students. Lisa McMinn, author of ”Growing Strong Daughters,” is the faculty advisor for the group.
MASSACHUSETTS Boston Chapter This group is collaborating with Campus Crusade for Christ on a presentation at Northeastern University on the subject of authentic relationships and how they are affected by pornography. The speaker will be Gene McConnel, a recovering sex addict who attributes his success to Christ and a change in his view of women. His presentations have drawn large crowds and positive responses at many secular universities across the country. The date for the event is yet unknown; however, they would appreciate your prayers as they plan. For more information, contact Fleursavag@aol.com.
MICHIGAN Grand Rapids Chapter Congratulations on becoming a full-fledged CBE chapter! This group has been meeting for a little over two years, and some felt that it was time
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to move forward. After a presentation by Loren and Mary Shuman entitled, “How To Be Agents of Change Within Your Church,” a decision was made to become an official chapter. They trust that with much prayer, seeking God’s will and wisdom, they will perhaps have the opportunity to be “agents of change” in their local churches, as well as in the Grand Rapids area at large. They’d appreciate your prayers. For more information, contact mail@cbegrandrapids.org and check out their Web site at www.cbegrandrapids.org.
NEW YORK Long Island Chapter The Long Island Chapter celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King on January 21. Sister Ava Caroll was the keynote speaker, incorporating children’s reflections and an elder sister to read one of her poems. On February 16, Dr. Toby Eagle Reiter and Brother Lenny Cannon discussed AfricanAmerican history. In March, Dr. Catherine Kroeger will visit Long Island and share her wisdom during Women’s History Month. The chapter is planning a fund raising event with co-chair Cheryl Carter, who has a successful adult education background in the field of time management. She will offer her course in order to bring in donations to support our chapter. There are also summer plans to view videos that will lead to discussions regarding equality of marginalized people groups.
NORTH CAROLINA Triangle Area Chapter This group would like prayer for God to raise up leaders with teaching and networking skills. They are short of help and would like more people to help them carry their ministry forward. For more information, contact higlandia@mindspring.com.
OREGON Greater Portland Chapter On January 25, Stan Grenz presented a paper entitled “Gifted Leaders Within a Gifted Community: The Priesthood and the Place of Women in the Church.” Grenz explored whether the Old Testament priesthood is a valid model of ministry in the New Testament church. Professors Gary Breshears and Carole Spencer responded to the paper, and over 100 people attended the event.
TENNESSEE Smoky Mountain Chapter The Smoky Mountain Chapter had their first meeting in Knoxville on November 15, 2001. There was an air of excitement as the group of 20 gathered. After a time of worship, a video clip from “The Battle for the Minds” (a documentary film which illustrated the questions which arise concerning the issue of equality) was shown. Rick and Becky Prenshaw presented a CBE overview, detailing its history, mission statement, statement of faith and core purpose. Two books were reviewed, “Why Not Women?” and “10 Lies the Church Tells Women,” complete with drum roles and flying blue note cards (as on David Letterman of course!). The next meeting was held in February, with the Rev. Dixie Lea Petrey. For more information, contact bprenshaw@yahoo.com.
TEXAS North Dallas Chapter On January 26, Gilbert Bilezikian, co-founder of Willow Creek Community Church and author of “Community 101,” spoke at the 2002 North Texas CBE Conference. For more information, contact sharonb51@hotmail.com and check out their Web site at www.cbenorthtexas.org.
INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS South Africa There is new leadership in the South Africa Chapter! They are excited about the prospects in South Africa and would appreciate the prayers of their egalitarian friends worldwide. Their first step is to advertise in the local newspaper in order to draw attention to the CBE group. For more information, contact Ethel at epittaway@xsinet.co.za.
CBE is Looking for Spiritual Directors Who Support CBE’s Mission If you are a Spiritual Director and would like your name added to our list of egalitarian spiritual directors, send your name and credentials to us at cbe@cbeinternational.org. Thank you!
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B REFERENCE WORK OOK REVIEW:
ILLUMINATES BIBLICAL WOMEN alone as a guide to reading When 70 Jewish and Christian scholars collaborate the Bible. These essays, on a one-volume catalog reference work such as this, including “Critical Biblical the result is sure to be of unprecedented proportions. Scholarship” and “The Hebrew Bible,” This is what the editors of “Women in Scripture” had provide necessary background information for each hoped when they started this project, and they were chapter while also giving insight into the reasoning not disappointed. behind the text’s organization. “Women in Scripture” combines over 800 articles While the scholarship of these texts is about every woman in the Bible in a comprehensive, unquestioned, it does not easy-to-read format. Set up consistently represent a in three sections (Named Women in Scripture: A Dictionary of Named typical evangelical Women, Unnamed Women, and Unnamed Women in the Hebrew Bible, understanding of the Bible. and Female Deities and the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books, and Authors are often quick to Personifications), it is the New Testament write off biblical characters encyclopedic in its Meyers, Carol, gen. ed.; Toni Craven and Ross S. as fictional without any accessibility, yet textual in Kraemer, assoc. eds. 608 pages, Eerdmans, 2001. conclusive evidence. The its readability. B209P . . . . . .$30.00/Introductory Price $22.50 editors also made a strong The articles themselves effort to equally represent range from one paragraph the Jewish, Catholic and Protestant worldviews. to two pages in length. Where a woman or deity is While this makes for difficult reading at times, it is named, a brief etymology is provided. Their almost always clear which worldview is being intention is generally to provide a utility for characterized. The scope and accessibility of this text, exegetical study, but this resource will prove however, far outweigh this shortcoming. invaluable to anyone who wants to learn more about Clearly this is a necessary addition to every the many female characters in the Bible. Often, Christian’s library. This wealth of information extrabiblical texts are used to provide insight about promotes both biblical equality and understanding the context of the person’s life. Almost every author without exception. includes a list of sources for additional reading with each article. ■ Along with the individual articles, this work Reviewed by Arlyn Janssen includes six introductory essays that could stand Excerpt from article on Jochebed by Carol Meyers Jochebed, wife of Amram and mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, is mentioned by name only in Exod 6:20 and Num 26:59, both genealogical listings. The narrative in Exodus 2 about Moses’ birth introduces her, without providing her name, as a member of the priestly tribe Levi; she marries a Levitical man, also unnamed here. The mother, in defiance of the Pharoah’s order
that every male Hebrew child be killed, hides her newborn son for three months and then places him in a basket in the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter (also unnamed) finds the child and accepts the offer of Moses’ sister Miriam, who witnesses the rescue of her brother, to find a Hebrew woman as a wet nurse for the infant. The narrative cleverly places Jochebed as the caregiver for her own son. The genealogical information about his mother, as not only the
daughter of Levi but also as the wife (and aunt!) of a Levite, serves to highlight the priestly pedigree of both Moses and Aaron. In addition, Jochebed, whose name (Hebrew yôkebed) apparently means “yhwh is glory,” is notable as the first person in the Bible to have a name with the divine element y_h, a shortened form of yhwh. Reprinted with permission from Houghton Mifflin Company.
Christians for Biblical Equality 29 Mutuality Spring 2002
B OOK SERVICE NEWS New Books Beyond “I Do”: What Christians Believe About Marriage Douglas J. Brouwer Douglas Brouwer crafts a fresh, upto-date understanding of marriage from a Christian point of view. In exploring what the Bible says about married life, Brouwer addresses power within a relationship, the role of love, the importance of spiritual compatibility, what divorce means, and what the Bible says about being single. 195 pages, Eerdmans, 2001. B206P . . . . . .Was $12.00/Introductory Price $9.00* Slaves, Women and Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis William J. Webb William J. Webb leads the reader through the maze of interpretation that has historically surrounded understanding of slaves, women and homosexuals. Distinguishing between elements in Scripture that are cultural from those that are timeless, Webb introduces and develops a “redemptive hermeneutic” that can be applied to many issues that cause similar dilemmas. 320 pages, IVP, 2001. B208P . . . . .Was $24.99/Introductory Price $18.74* Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal Carroll Osburn This insightful and balanced study explores all the passages relating to the place of women in the church, offering fair and wise guidance in sorting out the complexities of the discussion. His careful discussions of biblical authority and hermeneutics affirm the equal partnership of women and men. 280 pages, Abilene Christian University Press, 2001. B207P . . . . .Was $17.95/Introductory Price $13.46*
When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference Carolyn Custis James Citing Mary of Bethany as the quintessential biblical female theologian, this thoughtful text encourages every woman to embrace theology. With a sound understanding of God’s character, theologically strong women have solid resources to draw on in difficult times, allowing them to encourage those within their sphere of influence. 256 pages, Zondervan, 2001. B210H . . . . .Was $15.99/Introductory Price $11.99* The Equipping Church: Serving Together to Transform Lives Sue Mallory What might your church look like if its members became vital, fully empowered partners in ministry? Sue Mallory gives a step by step process for mobilizing lay members into effective gift-based teams, illustrated with successful examples. Topics include recruiting volunteers, discerning people’s talents and gifts, and training for ministry. 201 pages, Zondervan, 2001. B211H . . . . .Was $21.99/Introductory Price $16.49* Yahweh the Patriarch: Ancient Images of God and Feminist Theology Erhard S. Gerstenberger Gerstenberger inquires methodically into the various questions associated with the masculine imaging of God in the Old Testament. Israel’s conceptions of God changed, argues Gerstenberger, over the millenium witnessed in Hebrew Scriptures. He also addresses the religious role of women in these different periods and social organizations. 168 pages, Fortress Press, 1996. B212P . . . . .Was $18.00/Introductory Price $13.50*
*Sale prices do not include shipping and handling. Member discount does not apply. Sale ends May 31, 2002.
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Christians for Biblical Equality 30 Mutuality Spring 2002
BACK BEFORE MOVING L OOKING FORWARD: CONSIDERING 2001 The CBE community showed great courage and faithfulness in 2001! Despite the enormous challenges of a slowing economy, events of September 11 and an ambitious budget, every branch of the ministry grew. We attribute our massive success to God’s Mimi Haddad faithfulness, your partnership, a new President strategic plan and the dedicated CBE staff. Let’s bask in our success of 2001 before asking, “Where shall we go from here?” CBE’s 2001 strategic plan embraced four key goals: market CBE’s message, popularize the message, promote egalitarian scholarship, and build a financially solid organization. We are thrilled to report significant progress in each.
Market CBE’s Message CBE has been interviewed by the Associated Press, the Dallas Morning News and Christianity Today, thanks in part to the development of a press kit. Through this greater exposure, as well as ads placed in Christian journals, we saw record numbers attend our 2001 Dallas conference. We’ve also reached new audiences through our redesigned Web site (www.cbeinternational.org). Marketing efforts even reach the global community, through CBE materials translated into foreign languages and made available online. By creating intentional networks, CBE had a presence at the Global Celebration for Women and the Conference for Women in Ministry, where we stocked our table with inspiring books and information. CBE was represented at booths on college and seminary campuses and many other conferences with members and chapters providing additional vision and energy.
Popularize the Message By providing personal accounts of CBE’s life changing message at our conference, on the Web and in our publications, people learn not only the biblical moorings of CBE, but also how this truth empowers them in daily life. People long to know how their lives will improve as a result of our message. CBE has given our members a chance to demonstrate this.
Promote Egalitarian Scholarship We continue to forward scholarly efforts. CBE members are completing 35 chapters in a book entitled, “Discovering Biblical Equality: Complementarity Without Hierarchy”(IVP 2003). CBE scholars also had a strong presence at academic conferences, such as the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS), The American Academy of Religion and the Society for Biblical Literature. One publisher dared to suggest that egalitarians are becoming a silent majority in the evangelical scholarly realm.
Build a Financially Sound Organization Your dedication to CBE meant that book sales, conference registrations, membership and contributions exceeded budget. And, thanks to you, CBE’s matching funds drive was not matched, but quadrupled! This meant our staff and programs moved forward, we rebuilt our computers and Web site, and strengthened our administrative infrastructures. In 2001 you also donated thousands of dollars of in-kind gifts and hundreds of hours of volunteer time. CBE members were a mighty force, saving us thousands of dollars. What an amazing community we serve!
The Future Thanks to our faithful God, members and friends like you, and a careful strategic plan, we have the courage to dream boldly in 2002! Through your partnership, prayer and support, we will advance egalitarian scholarship, build a fiscally sound organization and find new ways of marketing and popularizing the message. Our shared success last year means we’ve already launched 2002 by placing ads in future issues of Christianity Today. Together we will build networks within the evangelical community. Our next marriage conference will be in Portland in September 2002. Our 2003 international conference will be in Orlando, based on the theme “Celebrating the Priesthood of All Believers: Serving Christ as a Global Community.” We invite you to send us your thoughts, concerns and vision for 2002. Our journey together is our great joy.
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Christians for Biblical Equality 31 Mutuality Spring 2002
Core Values Christians for Biblical Equality is an organization of Christian men and women who believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teaching of Galatians 3:28 — There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Core Values We believe… • The Bible teaches the equality of women and men. • God has given each person gifts to be used for the good of Christ’s kingdom. • Christians are to develop and exercise their God-given gifts in home, church and society. Mission Statement CBE equips believers by affirming the biblical truth of equality. Thus all believers, without regard to gender, race and class are free and encouraged to use their God-given gifts in families, ministries and communities. Core Purpose To broadly communicate the biblical truth that men and women are equally responsible to use their God-given gifts to further Christ’s kingdom. Envisioned Future CBE envisions a future where all believers will exercise their gifts for God’s glory, with the full support of the Christian community.
Statement of Faith We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, is reliable, and is the final authority for faith and practice. We believe in the unity and trinity of God, eternally existing as three equal persons. We believe in the full deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ. We believe in the sinfulness of all persons. One result of sin is shattered relationships with God, others, and self. We believe that eternal salvation and restored relationships are possible through faith in Jesus Christ who died for us, rose from the dead, and is coming again. This salvation is offered to all people. We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, and in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. We believe in the equality and essential dignity of men and women of all races, ages, and classes. We recognize that all persons are made in the image of God and are to reflect that image in the community of believers, in the home, and in society. We believe that men and women are to diligently develop and use their God-given gifts for the good of the home, church, and society. We believe in the family, celibate singleness, and faithful heterosexual marriage as the patterns God designed for us.
CBE membership is available to those who support CBE’s Statement of Faith. Members receive quarterly issues of CBE’s newsmagazine, Mutuality, and CBE’s educational journal, Priscilla Papers. Members are eligible for discounts on items from CBE’s Book Service, including books, articles, tapes and videos. Members are also offered discounts on all international CBE conferences.
CBE Membership Application Enclosed is my yearly CBE membership fee. All fees are in US dollars. Please check one: United States 3 Years __ Individual Membership $ 95 __ Household $140 __ Low Income __ Library Subscription $ 85
1 Year $35 $50 $20 $30
International __ Individual Membership __ Household __ Low Income __ Library Subscription
$44 $59 $29 $39
$122 $167 $112
All gifts of $250 and over include a complimentary membership. Additional contribution: __________________________ TOTAL ENCLOSED: ___________________________ CBE is an exempt organization as described in IRC Sec. 501(c)3 and as such, donations in excess of the basic membership fee may qualify as a charitable contribution where allowed by law.
Name _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City __________________________________________ State/Prov __________ ZIP/Postal Code _____________ Phone ________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ __ I authorize CBE to charge my credit card for the above contributions. __ MasterCard __ Visa __ Discover __American Express Card Number __________________________________ Expiration Date _____/_____ Authorized Signature _____________________________ Please mail to: Christians for Biblical Equality, 122 West Franklin Ave., Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 Phone: (612) 872-6898; Fax: (612)872-6891 E-mail: cbe@cbeinternational.org Web site: http://www.cbeinternational.org
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Marriage Marriage and and the the Family Family of of God God A conference taking a close look at what the Bible really says about marriage. September 27-28, 2002 Portland, Oregon See page 13 for details.