Christians for Biblical Equality
Mutuality Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. – Romans 14:19
SUMMER 2001
$3.00
Pushed to Procreate By Marlene Stelter – pg. 15 Marlene had experienced the joy of motherhood, but she wondered if she was fulfilling her Christian duty. Her community upheld an image of a glowing, acquiescent mother with many children. What was God’s desire?
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When the Shoe Was on the Other Foot By Dan Gentry Kent – pg. 14 Dan suddenly experienced gender stereotyping as the “token male” among 62 women at a planning meeting. Although the incidents were humorous, they helped him identify with women who have been victims of more serious ill-treatment.
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Women in Marriage and Ministry By Wendy Francisco – pg. 6 Is Paul saying what we think he’s saying in Ephesians 5? And who leads in marriage if men and women are equal? Gain a new look at what the Bible has to say in Wendy’s candid and informative article.
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 2 Summer 2001
In This Issue… DEPARTMENTS 3 Office Highlights 4 In Our Mailbox 12 Egalitarian Exchange 21 Prayer Update 23 Honor Within Our Ranks
24 The Chapters Corner 27 Tape Set Review “Women in Ministry”
28 Book Service News New books, including two foreign language listings.
29 Executive Director’s Message
31 CBE’s Core Values and Statement of Faith
31 Membership Application
FEATURES 6 Women in Marriage and Ministry Wendy Francisco sheds light on several confusing passages relating to the roles of women.
7 Conference Booth Attracts Attendees CBE shared information with over 1,000 attendees at the Assemblies of God Conference for Women in Ministry.
8 Equipping the Church, Empowering the Saints Gain comprehensive information about CBE’s 7th Biennial International Conference to be held June 22-24, 2001, in Dallas, Texas.
12 A Liberated Denomination Liberates Women Mary Seltzer shares how the Worldwide Church of God’s doctrinal changes have liberated women.
14 When the Shoe Was on the Other Foot Dan Gentry Kent experienced gender stereotyping as the only man among 62 women at a planning meeting.
15 Pushed to Procreate As her three children grew, Marlene Stelter wondered if she was fulfilling her Christian duty to bear many children.
16 A Tribute to Marion Haefele Longman Karen Longman writes about how her mother has always shared a “zest for living.”
18 Question and Answer Where did any of the writers of the New Testament give women the OK to be in authority over men?
19 New Staff Member at CBE Meet Nathan St. Clair, CBE’s IT Coordinator.
20 Why Should Churches Join CBE? Discover the benefits of becoming a CBE church member.
26 Chapter Success Story Find out how one chapter is impacting local college students.
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 3 Summer 2001
ar for CBE! ily, successful ye a be to g Dear CBE fam in go icator, 2001 is arter is an ind ar long. ye l al ue If the first qu in lized a Long will cont d en tr is and staff fina th rs at to th ec ir ay D pr of se Plea Board promoting 2000, the CBE Result Areas: of ey rt K BE pa ur er fo tt la ed learn about C includ During the BE. This plan g more people C in 01 r lp fo 20 r he , an fo Pl ge es c sa e mes strategi Mary Seltzer Range Strategi pularizing th ific goals and po ec s p, sp an hi n pl rs r he la T ou ho y. e sc tr rv Operations Manager is n se ia in ob ar m it d to al eg soun citing certainly is ex ng a financially it ni , ai ar nt ye ai e m th d to an r in g Now, a quarte quests comin were laid out. ith the most re w r, . te ch on ar ti ea l ui qu ai t fr m rs e to the fi coming to ences. Postag ckets during r last oths at confer formation pa in bo er first quarte 0 E ov B 54 t C d en le rc om ai fr pe t 11 es t rg CBE m ou la ns ab io nd ut co ere up l ones. Contrib site and the se rst quarter w ly internationa from our Web rcent. xpenses for fi al E pe ci 3. pe 26 .2 es $2 up s, s p te st hi tly co postal ra members in h se it w ea cr ar packet presen in ye e st th r la this is due to er first quarte ne sent a year; some of es were up ov BE interns. O C nu ve as re ch e ea ic s rv Se hour turned this and the Book ceived and re volunteered 20 re ty si ho lly er w iv u yo un l which hopefu those of from a loca lly analyzed, Thank you to ca . ti rs Two students is be at st em g m in E e be mpling of CB he surveys ar survey to a sa as excellent. T w te ra se on sp and Mutuality. survey! The re riscilla Papers -range plans. P ng of e? lo s re on tu ti ip fu ving them on subscr will aid us in u consider gi omote library yo pr ld us ou g w in t, . lp rs pe ? If no ent is he and writing pa a subscription The other stud n researching college have he an ch w ti s is ce hr C ur l so BE re hers gave chur Does your loca ailability of C rst quarter, ot fi av g e ed in th uc ur te od d ia s pr ec E on CB ipti Students appr nd in March, library subscr first quarter. A bers gave gift g em in m ur d E B d C le e trip While som rships nearly hurch membe C . sletter. ps w hi ne ssing biblical rs p be hi rs mem e books addre ch membe or s ur m ch d s an it e of or e mber of page to see m the first issu ep the same nu ke n’t it exciting , Is ill ar st g? ye t lo is ye ta th s, ca gs ok e 2001 ditional catalo ure our new bo Do you like th design to feat inted 14,000 ad comments pr w e ed ne W a iv e s. ce st os re co y ch d printing e’ve alread W an equality? We . e le ag op st pe po n w ne maintai of nearly 5000 percent. as last year to ailed to a list m iscount of 15 e d er a yours w e iv ch ce hi re w no rs e coming in. Is some of w ar be 4) em -2 M 22 t. e lis un (J . The om this l Conference t is increasing and orders fr ial Internationa he excitemen nn T ! ie B ce 00 h en ,5 7t er 16 e nf th er ov for is co ant to miss th Registrations Texas inserted g think you’ll w st Standard of ’t ti ction are bein on ap au d B I nt e ? le th si em d e an th , r it fo t have s ou e among th em w ab e area. It hips, as wrote an articl in the Dallas ence scholars er er ap nf sp co r w Baptist Press fo ne g r ei ayin ochures in th We are also pr conference br e more items. us n ca e w t bu l aid. e States a few donated too, iring financia rs while in th te es d ar le qu op ad pe he of CBE’s in China and a waiting list China visited ity is growing to an s ti ie is ar hr C on si w out ho inistries. This ing as mis erning our m hey told us ab T nc ! A couple serv d co ity” ha er e th w ge e to Biblical Equal prayed hat a fun tim , Women and en e Gospel. We M th e weeks ago. W on ar t sh en to m tate s they face with CBE’s “S about the risk y bag packed er oc gr eat power a h it s person has gr ou couple left w te gh ri a of er he earnest pray in Chinese. ers for CBE! “T ay pr ur yo r ain, fo Thank you, ag b NLT. s.” James 5:16 lt su re ul rf de on w d an
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 5 Summer 2001
Thank you for sending the material about your organization. The testimonies of women hurt by the church were very moving. I look upon these people like the martyrs of old. If stoning were legal today, I wonder how many men and women would be killed for their attempts to make the playing field level for women. Michigan
RELEASED THROUGH RESOURCES [10 Lies the Church Tells Women] is powerful because [J. Lee Grady] names the sin for what it is and calls the church to repent! I know the power of these lies because as a young adult woman they kept me from pursuing my call to preach the gospel. I am now finishing up my M.Div. I have discovered the freedom in Christ when we listen not to the culture, nor the so-called popular evangelical voices, but the still small voice of the Spirit speaking through the Scriptures. Pennsylvania I logged on to your Web site this past Saturday for the second time [and] I spent hours looking at what was available. I was able to print out 47 pages of the various articles. Thank you very much, as I cannot afford to buy many of the books I would love to read and study. The more [God] shows me the perspective of biblical equality the more I see how it meshes with his character and nature, and how the traditional teachings seem to be contrary to who he is and what he has done for us. Massachusetts
FINDING STRENGTH IN NUMBERS We have felt isolated with our convictions for so long (even persecuted to some degree), and it is so wonderful to have the support of like-minded people. Makes you feel a little less crazy. Hong Kong Being a female student at one of the most conservative seminaries can be quite discouraging. I have been called derogatory names such as “Nazi feminist,” “liberal,” “crazy feminist” — but in no way am I these things. I have just experienced a call to the ministry just like those students around me. Some days it’s just so hard [to hear] these negative things. I was so excited when I found your Web page one day — it was a direct gift from God! North Carolina My husband and I are both students at [a seminary]. We are really struggling here because of the direction of the Southern Baptist Convention, especially in relation to men and women in marriage and in ministry. We are desperate for some support from likeminded people. We are so appreciative for your organization! Praise the Lord we are not alone in our beliefs! At times it can be so discouraging and disheartening, but thankfully we know our identity rests in Christ and him alone! Texas
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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 e-mail 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 self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.
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 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. Call us toll-free 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 Mutuality 7 Summer 2001
I can’t close without throwing light on an Old Testament word that is wrongly used to drive a huge nail into the coffin lid of gender hierarchy. We’ve all heard that Eve was created as a “help.” The Hebrew word for “help” is “ezer.” In the other Old Testament places the word is used, “ezer” describes the coming help of God, or, in a few cases, an army. In short, there is no hint of hierarchy in it. In fact, one could logically defend the case for a superior woman! My head spun when I realized the deception surrounding this word. The Lord blessed male and female and gave them both dominion. When we fell, death, sickness and male dominance entered the world. But in Jesus, these things are redeemed. So what next? How does an equal marriage function? Who leads? The answer is the Spirit. Order in marriage and ministry is not achieved by bringing heavy-handed roles to bear. Order is a by-
product of healthy people who are led by the Spirit. In the absence of his Spirit, people will begin to lean on role-based religion. The result will be strained, performance-based relationships, and crushed, hurting people. The effects of these man-made doctrines on women are staggering, sometimes leading to emotional and physical abuse within Christian homes. An equal marriage is a place where a deep friendship can grow based on trust, love and mutual servanthood. From this foundation, a fruitful and healthy family and ministry can grow, too. Ministry itself is the by-product of whole, joyful, loved, released people. How silly it is to be fooled into thinking we are spiritual for denying the gifts God gave us. We were meant to express the gifts he gave all of us without regard to race, age or gender!
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C ONFERENCE BOOTH ATTRACTS ATTENDEES By Joanne Nystrom
Christians for Biblical Equality hosted a booth at the Assemblies of God Conference for Women in Ministry in Springfield, Mo., from March 12-14. At the booth we distributed promotional materials among the over 1000 attendees and sold select titles from our catalog. We also had sign-up sheets for more information and a free book drawing. At the conference I was privileged to meet several CBE members who came by to introduce themselves. I also had several exciting conversations with those who hadn’t heard of CBE before. Some women shared that they had felt called to ministry, but weren’t really sure how to biblically defend their ministry. I also met several college and seminary students who were excited to find CBE and its resources, as they were trying to understand what the Bible says about the ways in which they can minister. One man had read our “Statement on Men, Women and Biblical Equality” and believed we were incorrect in our interpretation of the creation
account. After looking up some words in his Hebrew lexicon, he stopped by the booth again to tell us he was surprised to find we were right. He said, “It’s a lot for a man to handle all at one time.”
As the conference progressed, interest in CBE grew. On the third and final day of the conference, CBE member Deborah Menken Gill spoke at a general session on “A Theology of Women in Ministry.” Her presentation contained a thorough and thoughtful overview of the status of women throughout the Bible. After her presentation, the CBE booth was swamped with attendees who wanted to purchase her more detailed six-tape set, The Biblical, Liberated Woman. Several people shared that now the issue finally made sense. By the end of the conference, we had received over 230 names of people to send informational packets. We sold out of most of the titles we brought to the conference, and took many more orders to be shipped when we returned to Minneapolis. We are excited about the many people who discovered that they are truly free to minister in their communities!
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Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 8 Summer 2001
SCHEDULE Thursday, June 21 Registration . . . . . . . . . . .
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, June 22 7th Biennial International Conference
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . CBE Chapter Leaders Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . General Session . . . . . . . . . Workshop Session I . . . . . . Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Session . . . . . . . . .
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 23
Equipping the Church, Empowering the Saints Ephesians 4:11-16
June 22-24, 2001 Crowne Plaza Hotel N. Dallas/Addison, Texas
❖ Join us for an amazing weekend of fellowship, education and fun!
Devotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Workshop Session II . . . . . 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Panel Discussion . . . . . . . . 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own) . . . . 12:00 - 1:45 p.m. Workshop Session III . . . . 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Awards Banquet . . . . . . . . 5:00 - 6:45 p.m. General Session . . . . . . . . . 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. Authors’ Autograph Party . 8:45 - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 24 General Session . . . . . . . . .
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 9 Summer 2001
Conference Speakers Julie Pennington-Russell
Gordon D. Fee
“Before the Unwrapping: Learning to Live in Love”
“The Cultural Context of Ephesians 5:18-33”
Ordained by a Southern Baptist Church in 1986, Julie Pennington-Russell is now Senior Pastor of the 850-member Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Pennington-Russell is a leader in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, an alliance of thousands of churches and individuals unhappy with the SBC’s restrictive polity.
Gordon Fee is Professor of New Testament at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His teaching experience includes serving schools in Washington, California and Kentucky, as well as Wheaton College and Gordon D. Fee Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Fee is a noted New Testament scholar and has written several books and commentaries.
Julie PenningtonRussell
Richard J. Foster
Robin Smith
“Transforming Grace”
“Equipping the Church for the Ministry of Reconciliation”
Spiritual development is the emphasis of the writings and teaching of Richard J. Foster, founder of RENOVARÉ, an effort working for the renewal of the church. Foster is also the author of several books, including Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Richard J. Foster Growth, Freedom of Simplicity and Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith. He has also taught biblical, theological and spiritual formation college courses.
Robin Smith has served on the faculties of Azusa Pacific University and George Fox University for over 10 years. She is an ordained elder in the Church of Nazarene, and has served for 14 years in church ministry. A respected retreat and conference speaker, Smith has also published Nazarene Sunday School curriculum and journal articles.
Robin Smith
Panelists
Panel Discussion: “Equipping the Church, Empowering the Saints”
Charles Wade
Kay Rader
Cecilia Yau
Carolyn Gordon
Gilbert Bilezikian
Executive Director, Baptist General Convention of Texas
Retired World President, Salvation Army Women’s Organization
Chinese Christian Mission in California
Associate Professor of Church and Community, Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Co-founder, Willow Creek Community Church; Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College
Conference Emcee
Leaders Panel Moderator
Devotional Leader
Worship Leader
Mimi Haddad
Kathy Dudley
Robert Winn
Executive Director, Christians for Biblical Equality
President, Dallas Leadership Foundation
Freelance Christian Musician
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 10 Summer 2001
WORKSHOP SESSION I Friday, June 22, 2001 • 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. Speaker Lynn Cohick Margot Eyring Joy Elasky Fleming Alan Johnson Dan Gentry Kent Catherine Clark Kroeger Anita Berardi Maher Patti Ricotta
Title of Workshop “African Christian Women: Biblical Images Inform Modern Concerns” “Prayer Plus Strategies to Empower the Church and Build Biblical Equality” “O, Curses: Genesis 2 & 3” “A Christian Understanding of Submission” “Women and Spiritual Gifts” “Women, Abuse and the Bible” “Nurturing Marital Intimacy: The Key to Building Egalitarian Relationships” “God’s Order Versus the World’s Order: Oneness Versus Hierarchy”
WORKSHOP SESSION II Saturday, June 23, 2001 • 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Speaker Janet Burton Sharyn Dowd
Carol Gertz Sue & Eddie Hyatt John R. Kohlenberger III Catherine Clark Kroeger Lily Lee, Cecilia Yau, & Dora Wang Jan & Mike Lundy
Title of Workshop “Using Drama to Understand the Women in the Bible” “Let the Women Speak in Church: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 as a Corinthian Slogan that Paul Opposes” “The Feminine Images of God in Scripture” “From Pentecost to Present Day: Women in Revival Movements” “Gender Accuracy in English Bible Translations: A Five Hundred Year Tradition” “Background to 1 Timothy” “Passion for Fullness: Examining the Woman’s Identity and Roles from Biblical, Historical and Sociological Perspectives” “Couple Spirituality: Sharing the Journey”
❖ CBE will have a book store at the conference. Hundreds of relevant books and tapes will be available. Authors will also sign your books at the Authors’ Autograph Party.
WORKSHOP SESSION III Saturday, June 23, 2001 • 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Speaker Rosalie Beck Gilbert Bilezikian Bruce C.E. Fleming Coleen Cook Klecic Jim Pettit
Christy Thomas Joe Trull David Williams
Title of Workshop “Martyrs, Monastics and Missionaries: Great Women of the Faith” “A Biblical Challenge to the Southern Baptist Teaching on Women from a Fellow Baptist” “My Three Sins: 1 Timothy 1-3” “Listening to the Enemy: Why Gender Traditionalists Are Losing the Culture War” “The Subordination of Women: Spiritual, Psychological and Relational Consequence, and a Model for Experiencing Grace in the Midst of Oppression” “Ministering as a Team, When One is Official and One Isn’t” “Déjà Vu All Over Again: The Rhetoric of Pro-Slavery Appears Again” “Life Is a Box of Chocolates: Why Metaphors Matter”
CBE will be hosting a Silent Auction at the conference. Please send your donated items to the CBE office!
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 11 Summer 2001
Registration Conference Housing:
Registration (includes 2 dinners):
Rates for the Crowne Plaza North Dallas/Addison Hotel rooms are $99 per room for a single or double occupancy and $109 for a triple or quad occupancy. Call hotel reservations at (972) 980-8877 and ask for the Christians for Biblical Equality conference rate. All reservations should be made by Wednesday, May 30, 2001.
CBE individual member Registered by May 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 149.00 CBE individual member Registered after May 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 169.00 Nonmember Registered by May 15 Includes a one-year CBE membership . . . . . . . . .$ 184.00 Nonmember Registered after May 15 Includes a one-year CBE membership . . . . . . . . .$ 204.00 Child (kindergarten-6th grade) Care provided during General Sessions and Workshop Sessions . .$ 125.00 Student Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 90.00 Individual from a CBE-member church . . . . . . . .$ 149.00 Name of congregation ______________________ One staff person of a CBE-member church . . . . .$ 84.00 Name of congregation ______________________ Additional contribution to help defray cost of conference $_______
Conference Meals: Friday night and Saturday night dinners are included in the registration price (a $55.00 value including gratuity and taxes). For other meals, enjoy the choice of 135 restaurants located within 5 square miles of the hotel.
Scholarships: Scholarships may become available. Call (612) 872-6898.
Booths: Booths are available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$450.00 Includes one complementary registration with two dinners (a $200.00 value). Call (612) 872-6898 for details.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: Should you need to cancel your registration, contact CBE by fax (612-872-6891) or by mail (CBE Conference, 122 West Franklin Ave, Suite 218, Minneapolis, MN 55404) by the dates listed below: 1. Refund of fees (less cancellation fee of $25 per person) by May 15, 2001. 2. Refund of fees (less cancellation fee of $50 per person) by June 22, 2001. 3. No refund with no notice and no show.
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $_______
Payment: ___ Check enclosed, payable to Christians for Biblical Equality. ___ I authorize CBE to charge my credit card for the amount above. ____ MasterCard ____VISA ____ American Express ____Discover CARD NO.
EXPIRATION DATE
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY
Questions:
STATE/PROVINCE
• Regarding hotel reservations, airport shuttles or local transportation, call (972) 980-8877
COUNTRY
• Regarding conference registration, conference programming or CBE membership, call (612) 872-6898, or e-mail conference@cbeinternational.org.
Send Registration Form with Payment to: CBE Conference 122 West Franklin Ave, Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 or Fax (612) 872-6891, or register online at www.cbeinternational.org
ZIP/POSTAL CODE
PHONE E-MAIL DENOMINATION
Workshop Preferences: Please select workshop by number. Workshop Session I Friday, June 22 1st Choice_______Alt._______ Workshop Session II Saturday, June 23 a.m. 1st Choice_______Alt._______ Workshop Session III Saturday, June 23 p.m. 1st Choice_______Alt._______
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 12 THE
Egalitarian Exchange
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Summer 2001
A LIBERATED DENOMINATION LIBERATES WOMEN By Mary Seltzer Mary Seltzer is Operations Manager for Christians for Biblical Equality. I was born into a Christian home, and my mother and father both believed in no smoking, no drinking, no card playing, no movies, no TV and no dancing. In high school I was always pulled out of gym class during the square dance unit, and I had never seen a movie until I was in college. My father ruled the home and listened to many radio preachers, while my mother worked many hard hours on the farm and in the home. When I was introduced to the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) (then known as the Radio Church of God) at age 20, it was exciting and exhilarating. I had accepted Christ as my Savior at age 12, but now studying the Bible was my passion. I didn’t realize then I was just moving from one form of legalism into another.
Women in the old WCG, as in many denominations, were to remain silent in church, ask their husbands at home and receive their identity from their husbands. I remember a Bible study in the early 1960s where men were raising their hands with Scripture questions for the pastor to answer. A single woman raised her hand, and the pastor acted as if she didn’t exist. He never called on her. Women were called Mrs. so and so. We never learned their first names. Often my husband Paul and I would visit a joyful older couple. The man could no longer work as a professional gardener, so in order to make a living, his wife used her artistic talent to paint scenes on 5-gallon milk cans for the area’s tourist trade. One day when we visited them, they were sad and despondent. Our pastor had visited them a few days earlier and found the man making sandwiches for their lunch so his wife could use her time to paint. The pastor said he should not do that, because it was women’s work! Somehow my husband was able to explain that this idea was not biblical. My husband grew up in a Christian home, too. However, his parents functioned as partners. Paul was taught to help his mother with her work as well as his father. For over 30 years Paul and I thought we were following WCG’s guidelines concerning women. However, looking back, Paul actually followed in the footsteps of his father. He included me in everything, including the finances. Anything I wanted to try, he built me up and encouraged me. Women in the old WCG mostly stayed at home, unless they absolutely had to work in the workplace, because
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At that time, the WCG taught doctrines many churches did not. For example, even though when we were baptized we affirmed our acceptance of Christ as our personal Savior, the rigor of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath and other Old Testament laws overshadowed Jesus. The church stressed strict obedience to God. My husband and I learned lots of commands from Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which we incorporated into our lives, many with great hardship. We were instructed to study the Bible and pray at least half an
hour a day. Practically every corporate prayer included the plea to God to lead us into his truth. I believe this is why God later moved in our denomination.
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 13 Summer 2001
it was taught that working women often became bossy and domineering. Consequently, I had time for hobbies and volunteering. Noticing that our daughters were not receiving opportunities I thought they should have, I enrolled them in 4-H. Within a few months, I was asked to be the leader. For about five years, I spent 20 hours per week volunteering in local, county and state levels of 4-H. My club received the county “Club of the Year Award” and the “Community Pride Award” five years straight out of 40 clubs. Each year I worked with 25 to 45 junior and senior high students, some of whom went on to receive national awards. Each student participated in a community service project, drama skit, fundraiser, fair exhibitions and at least one personal project. I organized the parents to help with speech contests, tours and exhibition set-ups or as mentors on individual projects like computers, horses, flower gardening or small engines. I received letters of recognition from the mayor and a Colgate Palmolive “Help Young America” national award. One year I unexpectedly received the “Volunteer Certificate of Recognition” signed by our state governor, presented before an audience of about 300 people. When I got home, I wadded the certificate into a ball, threw it in the trashcan and started to sob, “I’m nothing but a hypocrite!” My husband walked over, pulled it out of the trash, flattened it and calmly said, “I don’t think you should do this.” You see, at the same period of time, I had volunteered to teach the fifth grade Bible lessons in church. After a few months, word came from headquarters that women could only teach third grade and under. Men must teach the older children. In December 1994 the WCG was rocked to its foundation. The denomination made wholesale changes that moved it from a fringe denomination to an orthodox, evangelical one. We discovered that the new covenant is not in the future, but now. We find our identity in Jesus Christ, not in legallistically keeping days or laws! This denominational liberation affected all aspects of our personal lives as well as church life. Our church has now moved toward the model that recognizes everyone’s spiritual gifts. This includes women as well, since spiritual gifts are not determined according to gender. Dr. Ruth Tucker was one of the first people outside our denomination to observe how women were being liberated. In her article, “From the Fringe to the
Fold—How the Worldwide Church of God discovered the plain truth of the gospel” in Christianity Today, July 15, 1996, Tucker states, “This unprecedented support for women’s involvement in ministry is motivated largely by the new perspective on mission and evangelism that necessitates full mobilization of the church.” I began to see these changes for women in the late summer of 1995, when my husband and I were riding in a pastor friend’s car discussing our church’s overall changes. He said, “And I don’t think our church has been treating our women right either.” He added, “The risen Lord told Mary to go tell the men I am risen. He commissioned a woman first to preach the greatest sermon of all time!” I couldn’t believe my ears. I had read that passage so many times and never saw that! Then a few days later, a young man in our congregation stopped by our house without an invitation and brought the book, What Paul Really Said About Women. He asked if we would like to read this book, which was quite an eye opener. Just a few weeks later, another family wanted to loan us the books, Women at the Crossroads and Beyond Sex Roles. Within a few weeks I saw an ad in Christianity Today about Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE). I went to the phone and called CBE right away. After we had received the information package, I wanted to visit CBE, which we did. While there, I bought several hundred dollars worth of books, which my husband and I devoured alongside our Bibles. I mentioned what I was studying to the women in my church. They, too, wanted to know what the Bible says about women. I volunteered to facilitate an eight-week Bible study called “The Bible Status of Women.” After each study, I offered my notes on an e-mail listserv for the pastors’ and elders’ wives of my denomination. I received about 200 requests for the set from all around the world. This kept me very busy. About March 1998, I put the studies on a Web site, so anyone can download them, saving me much energy and time (www.geocities.com/biblepage). I have received messages telling me that my studies have been translated and used in India, South America and Europe and used in sermons across the United States and Canada. Since then I have taught and lectured about the Bible status of women at churches, conferences and retreats.
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Today in the WCG most congregations encourage women to use their God-given gifts. Women may be worship leaders, communion servers, speakers or small - continued on page 14 -
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 16 Summer 2001
Egalitarian Exchange - continued from page 15 transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” God worked a releasing power in my life through Balancing Act. This book exposes the heretical prompts in the plethora of messages that advance performance agendas for women who have the simple and humble desire to please God. Balancing Act is available from CBE for $9.99 (plus shipping and handling).
A TRIBUTE TO A MARION HAEFELE LONGMAN By Karen Longman Karen Longman is currently serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Greenville College, Ill. She previously lived in Washington, D.C. for 19 years and worked with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. “Zest for living” are three words that describe how Marion Haefele Longman has influenced my life.
Mom’s world turned upside down when she became a Christian in her 50s. Why hadn’t someone explained what life was about? With typical zeal, Mom’s life became sold-out for Christ. Through the period of the charismatic renewal of the 1970s, she saw God use her as a prayer warrior to accomplish some miraculous healings, both physical and relational. Influenced by Bill Gothard’s teaching and desiring to be obedient to God’s “plan” for marriage (the chain of command), Mom tried to submit herself under Dad’s “headship” of the family. Within months, none of us was happy with this arrangement: Dad wondered what was happening to his usually effervescent wife; Mom felt squelched in her “obedient” subordination; and we three children wondered what was going on! Not willing to believe God would create structures that limit the human spirit, my parents became involved in leading marriage enrichment programs. For the past two decades they have been involved in Bible study and research, seeking to understand God’s plan for marriage. That journey included being labeled heretics by the elders at their fundamentalist church, who insisted that women could not hold leadership roles or teach men. The “fruit” of that journey has been a book entitled Shared Love: A Sunrise of Hope for Personal Relationships. It emerged because Mom’s heart breaks for those who are trapped in dysfunctional marriages, sometimes caused by an inaccurate understanding of Scripture. Mom has invested literally years of her life in providing a resource that can help others, believing that God will use their story to help free others for healthier marriages.
During her school years, Mom began bird watching expeditions early in the morning. She became a certified Water Safety Instructor, was an avid Girl Scout, and later saved lunch money to take flying lessons. After getting her pilot’s license and graduating from nursing school at the time of World War II, she and three friends purchased a car and headed out for a two-year, cross-country trip that included months of working in the Southwest, several weeks of travel in Mexico and a stint up the California coast.
Mom is now in her late seventies. I am so thankful for her modeling of what it means to be a woman fully “sold out” and available to God. In her own way, Mom is contributing to a changed world. For that, and for her, I’m thankful.
After marriage, Mom continued an interest in photography, opening a studio that featured family and wedding pictures. She sometimes juggled two or three weddings on a Saturday, while Dad fed us hot dogs and beans on the home front! Drawing from Dad’s interest in amateur radio, Mom earned her ham license, using both phone and Morse code to interact with people around the world.
Send your story of how biblical equality changed your life to the Egalitarian Exchange today. Your story could make a difference in someone else’s life. Deadline for next issue is July 1, 2001.
Shared Love is available from CBE for $10.00 (plus shipping and handling).
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Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 17 Summer 2001
2001 CBE Counselors and Therapists List Christians for Biblical Equality does not necessarily endorse these counselors/therapists as professionals, but presents these names as those in agreement with CBE’s Statement of Faith and as active CBE members. All arrangements for counseling should be made directly with the individual counselor/therapist. ALABAMA Howard V Culpepper 3322 South Memorial Pkwy, Suite 231 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-882-9799 hvc2000@mindspring.com Dr. Mary Lou Henninger, PhD Clinical Pastoral Counselor 201 E Grandview Drive Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 205-383-5130 or 256-381-9005
CALIFORNIA Dr. Colleen K. Benson, RN PhD Covina Psychological Services 1041 W Badillo St, Suite 104 Covina, CA 91722 626-331-0071 102560.217@Compuserve.com Jeff Bisaga, PhD Licensed Psychologist PSY 5229 1430 East Avenue 4-C Chico, CA 95926 530-342-3377 Labrichico@earthlink.net Dr. Judy Hao, PhD 13950 Milton Avenue, Suite 303 Westminster, CA 92683 714-906-1969
Dr. Brenda K. O’Reilly, PhD Licensed Clinical Psychologist 2629 Redwing Road, Suite 316 Fort Collins, CO 80526 970-229-9959
KANSAS
Sara Van Anrooy, MD 1025 S Perry St, Suite 101C Castle Rock, CO 80104 303-681-9572 or Fax 303-681-9572
Dr. M Gay Hubbard PhD 745 County 388 Dr Osborne, KS 67473 785-346-2171 hubcca@ruraltel.net
CONNECTICUT Dr. Constance Lawrence, PhD Individual, Marriage and Family Therapy 48 Briar Oak Dr Weston, CT 06883 203-226-6262 lawrence2@snet.net Michael Nagle 100 Prospect Street Manchester, CT 06040 860-647-1724 mike@mnagle.com
GEORGIA F Gayle Roberts, MED LPC Master’s Counseling Center 7099 Tara Blvd Jonesboro, GA 30236 770-471-0725 or Fax 770-477-6315
ILLINOIS
Linda M. Ikeda, MFCC 1101 South Winchester Blvd, K236 San Jose, CA 95128 408-236-2799 RMIkeda@aol.com
Linda L. Alford Lakeside Center 25671 Hillview Ct Mundelein, IL 60060-9436 847-540-9625 t.l.alford@worldnet.att.net
Dr. Andrea M. Kulberg, PhD Family Therapy and Rehabilitation 7301 Girard Avenue LaJolla, CA 92037 619-645-7218 amk@CTS.com
Karen Doyle Buckwalter Chaddock Center for Family Development 636 Hampshire Dr, Suite 203 Quincy, IL 62301 217-222-0034 or Fax 217-222-0253 kbuck@adams.net
Connie M. Liden 920 Saratoga Avenue, Suite 212 San Jose, CA 95129 408-249-8047
Beverly Burch, MA LCPC Summit Clinical Services 1761 S Naperville Road, Suite 200 Wheaton, IL 60187 630-260-0606 bjburch@juno.com Cleo Enockson Hagen Forest Park Center for Counseling 7208 Dixon St Forest Park, IL 60130 708-366-6680
COLORADO Dr. James Beck, PhD Denver Seminary Box 10000 Denver, CO 80250 303-761-2468 beckjas@juno.com or jim@densem.edu
Dr. Betty A. Riley, PsyD Bethel Center for Psychotherapy 213 W Wesley St, Suite 204 Wheaton, IL 60187 630-681-1900 DocBARiley@aol.com or doc.b.a.riley@juno.com
MASSACHUSETTS Geraldine Elliott, LICSW ReVision Counseling and Consulting Liberty Square, Suite 212 Danvers, MA 01923 978-762-5435
MICHIGAN Jamie Maynard-Nuzman, MSW CSU 39829 Lynn St Canton, MI 48187 734-480-8408
MINNESOTA Rebekah Brandvold 10551 Jay Street Coon Rapids, MN 55433 763-755-8290 Pastor Rob and Jan Hart 78 County Rd 24 Wabasha, MN 55981 507-528-2283 Dr. Lanny Law, LMFT Nystrom & Associates, LTD Brighton Professional Building 1900 Silver Lake Rd, Suite 110 New Brighton, MN 55112 651-628-9566 or Fax 651-628-0411 nystrom@aol.com www.nystromcounseling.com Maureen Law, LAMFT Nystrom & Associates, LTD Brighton Professional Building 1900 Silver Lake Rd, Suite 110 New Brighton, MN 55112 651-628-9566 or Fax 651-628-0411 nystrom@aol.com www.nystromcounseling.com Brian Nystrom, LICSW LMFT Nystrom & Associates, LTD Brighton Professional Building 1900 Silver Lake Rd, Suite 110 New Brighton, MN 55112 651-628-9566 or Fax 651-628-0411 nystrom@aol.com www.nystromcounseling.com
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Dr. Karen Mason, PhD Licensed Psychologist 5005 W 81st Place Westminster, CO 80030 303-452-2891 KarenMason@juno.com
Ms. Linda Haines, MA LMFT 6607 N Newgard Avenue Chicago, IL 60626 773-743-7958
Marjorie Cox 5620 SW 22nd St #502 Topeka, KS 66614 785-235-6125
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 22 Summer 2001
Please Pray to God - continued from page 21 • Wisdom in the use of CBE’s resources; that God would reveal ways to save money on office supplies. • Purchasing a new copier and printer so CBE can continue to provide thousands with information on biblical equality. • Redesigning office space to accommodate staff and volunteers, including necessary office furniture. • Redesigning CBE’s Web site to include audio and video; increasing CBE’s profile on the internet through the use of search engines. • Upgrading our communication and mailing systems. Conferences • CBE’s 7th Biennial International Conference, “Equipping the Church, Empowering the Saints” in Dallas, Texas, from June 22-24, 2001; conference preparations, speakers, workshop leaders, panelists, musicians, dramatists, staff and volunteers; unity, health and safe travel for all participants. • Sale of conference booths to exhibitors whose missions are complementary to CBE’s mission. • Staff, as we produce conference materials, address last minute details and make arrangements to travel to Dallas; pray that all things would come together gracefully and on time. • God’s prompting for many to attend the Dallas conference; the ability to attend for those who need and want to do so; additional scholarship funds. • Donations for a Silent Auction in Dallas. • Planning for CBE’s 8th Biennial International Conference in 2003; decisions on location, speakers, panelists and workshops. Book Service • Thanksgiving for successful publishing of 2001 Catalog. • The many women reached through CBE’s Book Service at the Assemblies of God conference in March. • Foreign language book reviewers so CBE can offer additional books in foreign languages. • Preparations for the Dallas conference in June; placing and delivery of book orders, setup of bookstore, and the opportunity to work with volunteers helping at the bookstore.
Chapters • New chapter in Central Florida; funds for members to attend Dallas conference; current focus: to nurture the growth of relationships among those who understand Scripture to teach equality among believers. • A debate laying out the major themes of egalitarianism and complementarianism in March raised the profile of Students for Biblical Equality at Wheaton College, Il. International • CBE’s participation in “Global Celebration of Women” in Houston, Texas, from Sept. 19-21, 2001. • Executive Director Mimi Haddad will travel to Oslo to speak at the 10th Anniversary Banquet and Seminar held by the CBE’s Norwegian Chapter Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2001. • Health and safety of those living in trouble spots of the world. Prayers for Members • Health/Illness/Surgery Gordon, Paul, LaVonne, Nathan, Jeremiah, Mary, Hattie, William, Jennifer, Marcellus, Leona, Cathie, Richard, Lucy, Paul, Becky, Phil, Betty, David. • Home/Family Nathan, Amber, Ramon, Charlotte, Ed, Estella, Tamara, Sharon, Patti, Roxanne, Bonnie, Amy, Mark, Renee, Dan, Michael, Willie, Alison, Faith, Kim, Shirley, Terry, Marti, Mitch, Leroy. • Career/Ministry/Travel Dawn, Marlys, Wendy, Don, Denny, Sue, Virginia, Joe, Nate, Faith, Peggy, Dan, Cathy, Janet, Julia, Linda, Carrie, Martine, Sandy, Twila, Susie, Liz, Julie, Doug, Jackie, Diane, Paul, Crystal, Jen, Amy, Laura, Julia, Megan, Winnie, Joanne, Pauline, Barbara, Dennis, Karen, Sabine, Steve, Gilbert, Patricia, Robert, Willie, Carlene, Elliott, Rick, Mimi, Alex, Carol, Sue, Lee, Bridget Mary, David. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him To the one who seeks him; It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 NIVI 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.
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On May 6, there was a meeting at the home of Pauline Pedersen in Longwood, Fla. The chapter’s main focus at this stage is to nurture the growth of relationships among those who understand Scripture to teach equality among believers. If you live in the Central Florida Area and would like to join this chapter, please e-mail either PoppaBiz@aol.com or paulinepedersen@hotmail.com for more information and directions to the upcoming meeting.
ILLINOIS Greater Chicago On March 21, there was a debate at Wheaton College between Dr. Gilbert Bilizekian and Dr. Robert Yarbrough. The debate, sponsored by Students for Biblical Equality and the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, was well attended and drew many students as well as interested members of the community. Dr. Bilizekian began by speaking on the importance of equality in the church and the home. Dr. Yarbrough followed, and then each speaker had a chance for a ten-minute rebuttal. Many important issues that hadn’t been addressed during the original speeches came out in the question and answer period. It was an excellent chance to hear two prominent speakers lay out the major themes of egalitarianism and complementarianism. It also raised the profile of Students for Biblical Equality among the students at Wheaton College. For more information, contact virginia@enteract.com.
faced and encouragement she received as a woman preparing for ministry. She also spoke about power and how it can be used in positive and negative ways. There was a discussion following her lecture on the use of power in the Bible by Jesus, the Pharisees and the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair. For more information, contact CBEOregon@yahoo.com.
INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS NORWAY The Norwegian Chapter is celebrating its 10th Anniversary from Aug. 31-Sept.1, 2001, in Oslo, Norway. There will be a banquet on Friday evening, followed by a one-day seminar with CBE Executive Director Mimi Haddad. The topic, “Women in the History of the Church,” will be presented as a slide show highlighting the contributions of women’s leadership from the Old Testament times through the Missionary Movement of the 19th century, with special focus on women and mysticism. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact kontakt@bibelsklikeverd.no.
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The Toolbox, CBE’s chapter manual, is now on CBE’s Web site for reading or downloading. The Toolbox was designed to help in the process of forming a new CBE chapter and to serve as a reference for chartered chapters. It gives helpful and practical information gleaned from over 10 years of experience starting chapters all over the world.
NORTH CAROLINA Triangle Area Chapter The chapter has been discussing Jack and Judy Balswick’s book, The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home, which is available from CBE. Chapters 14-15 were covered in March, Chapter 16 was covered in April, and Chapters 1718 were discussed in May. For more information, contact mboccia@email.unc.edu.
How about taking a trip to Norway?
OREGON
The Norway chapter is celebrating their 10th Anniversary, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2001.
Greater Portland Chapter On March 10, Dr. Mary Kate Morse spoke at the chapter’s spring conference about the obstacles she
Please consider helping them make this a very special event by attending!
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 26 Summer 2001
C HAPTER SUCCESS STORY Our chapter has been setting up CBE literature/ information tables at Christian colleges and universities in the area.
interested. Some speculated that many women may accept oppression as scriptural so they don’t question it, they may be at college to find a husband, or may not have had an identity or hermeneutical crisis of faith yet to encourage them to start exploring these issues.
I started by calling Christian colleges, asking for permission to set up a free literature table for a nonprofit organization called Christians for Biblical Equality. If the campus gave permission, two or three chapter members set up a table in a high traffic area of the commons around lunchtime.
The men, on the other hand, asked many questions and gave us good feedback. Many males shared that they felt excluded because most of our books on display had the word “women” in the title. One student even said, “This is all about women isn’t it? I don’t read books about women.”
Greater Portland Chapter By Lynn Landré
We had prepared banners, posters and business cards at a print shop with our local and international Web and e-mail addresses on them. We had sign-up sheets for those who wanted to receive further information or to participate in our online discussion list. We also had a large supply of CBE mission statements, pamphlets and catalogs on hand, as well as books and articles from the catalog. One school we attended shared CBE’s beliefs on women in ministry. Yet, all of the undergraduate students we spoke with had never heard of CBE and were skeptical about the organization. The students’ biggest concerns seemed to be, “Where does CBE stand on homosexuality?” and “Does CBE want to rewrite the Bible or something?”
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tudents were concerned with whether CBE is trying to “split apart churches” over this issue.
Our table attracted more males than females, which is interesting because the student ratio of females to males is 60/40. For the most part, the women were not interested in looking at the materials or engaging us in conversation, unlike the men. This sparked dialogue on our CBE discussion list regarding why the females may not have been as
We also visited a campus that would not be considered egalitarian. But we were still welcomed onto campus (an answer to prayer) and were able to dialogue with both students and professors. Again, more males than females approached our table, but this campus did have a larger male population. Students here were concerned with whether CBE is trying to “split apart churches” over this issue and asked, “What about the Pauline passages that aren’t very pro-women?” We did have one female (a former student/now staff member) who was very happy to see CBE on campus. We also had an offer by a staff member to have students intern with our chapter to fulfill their Christian service requirements. We are looking into this for next school year.
For the students most serious about CBE involvement, we encouraged national, then local, membership. Most students were interested in CBE for research purposes and wanted to add our resources to their data for class papers.
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B OOK SERVICE NEWS New Books
A Cloud of Witnesses: Readings on 50 Women of Faith Margaret & Daniel Partner Become acquainted with beloved women of the faith like Catherine Booth, Amy Carmichael, Christina Rossetti and Julian of Norwich. This book contains 50 brief devotions on mystics, missionaries, poets and preachers that feature a biographical sketch, Scripture reading and prayer. 128 pages, Revell, 2000. B187P . . . . . . . . .Was $9.99/Introductory Price $7.49* Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide Diana R. Garland This comprehensive and practical reference work on ministry to families places the family in its modern context and considers the history of families and their interaction with the church. Garland addresses biblical understandings of the family and then focuses on the practice of family ministry, including how to deal with divorce and spousal abuse. 629 pages, IVP, 1999. B190H . . . . . . .Was $34.99/Introductory Price $27.99* Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church’s Moral Debate Stanton L. Jones & Mark A. Yarhouse How prevalent is homosexuality? What causes it, and can it be changed? For answers, we naturally look to scientific studies, but what do they show? The authors survey the most recent and best scientific research and sort out what it actually reveals. Next they help us interpret the research’s relevance to the moral debate within the church. 192 pages, IVP, 2000. B189P . . . . . . . .Was $12.99/Introductory Price $9.99*
Gender or Giftedness: A Challenge to Rethink the Basis for Leadership Within the Christian Community Marilyn B. (Lynn) Smith Does gender determine ministry or does ministry flow out of call and giftedness? This workbook investigates the role of women by examining relevant Scripture passages and identifying the cultural influences that influence our theology. Included is a chapter devoted to strategy for affecting change. 88 pages, World Evangelical Fellowship Commission on Women’s Concerns, 2000. B188P . . . . . . .Was $14.00/Introductory Price $10.00*
New Foreign Language Listings 10 Mentiras que la Iglesia le Dice a las Mujeres: Cómo se ha usado la Biblia para mantener a la mujer en esclavitud espiritual (10 Lies the Church Tells Women - Spanish) J. Lee Grady A misinterpretation of the Bible has paralyzed women who are called to do the work of Christ. In his conversational, no-nonsense approach to 10 unscriptural mind-sets within the church, the editor of Charisma magazine frees women to be all that God is calling them to be. 266 pages, Casa Creacion, 2000. B191PS . . . . . . . .Was $9.99/Introductory Price $7.49* Available in English for $12.99.
Solitaires ou Solidaires: La dimension communautaire de l’Église (Community 101 - French) Gilbert Bilezikian This book contains a passionate and biblical call for the interrelated concepts of community and oneness in the church. Bilezikian demonstrates that the local church is to be a community in which all believers are equal before Christ. He also carefully analyzes the role and responsibilities of leadership. 239 pages, Éditions Empreinte Temps Présent, 2000. B192PF . . . . . .Was $18.00/Introductory Price $16.00* Available in English for $14.99 ■ *Sale prices do not include shipping and handling. Member discount does not apply. Sale ends August 31, 2001.
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 29 Summer 2001
C BE’S MISSION AND ENVISIONED FUTURE For the past three years, the CBE Board of Directors and staff have prayed and labored together to identify a strategic plan to forward and strengthen the international ministry of CBE. We delight in offering you the process and outcome of our labors, and hope you will join us in praising God for his guidance and unfailing support of CBE. As always, we covet your prayers as together we seek to faithfully serve Christ, one another and the evangelical community.
The first step in CBE’s strategic planning process was to interview CBE’s founders. What was their vision? What were the core values serving as CBE’s foundation? They articulated the following core values:
Mimi Haddad Executive Director
Sincerely, Virginia Patterson, Chair of CBE Board for the past six years, and Mimi Haddad, Executive Director. When God raises up a ministry to help build his church throughout the world, he equips and gifts believers and gives them a vision for that ministry. We notice biblical examples in Nehemiah, Jesus’ disciples, Paul and the believers in Acts 2. God is still gifting believers and giving them a vision for ministry today. We see that in the work of Christians for Biblical Equality. Fifteen years ago God shared a vision of a ministry that would be a prophetic voice for biblical equality with a handful of gifted women and men. Out of their prayers and vision, Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) was born. Priscilla Papers, a scholarly journal presenting a sound theological basis for equality, was the primary communication piece. In time other resources were identified and written.
Gretchen Gaebelein Hull: 1. Be prophetic. 2. Maintain scholarly credibility and integrity. 3. Never dilute or compromise the message to appeal to greater numbers. 4. Strive for excellence. Catherine Clark Kroeger: 1. Adherence to the Scriptures. 2. Equality for men and women. 3. Thus, create a biblical basis for the equality of men and women. 4. Serve primarily conservative and evangelical women, although there was also a vision to minister to radical feminists. Based on the interviews with the founders, the following Core Values were identified as the primary ones for CBE to continue emphasizing. 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. Out of those core values grew CBE’s Core Purpose: To broadly communicate the biblical truth that men and
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Ten years later Catherine Clark Kroeger resigned as president of CBE, believing it was God’s time for other leaders to emerge. The CBE board and staff began praying for God’s guidance in the next phase of this ministry. The Scriptures gave direction. In Luke 6, Jesus talked about the importance of a strong foundation. CBE had been given that by its founders. Further in the Gospel text, when Jesus called people to follow him, he told them they must count the cost of being his disciples. He compared this to having a plan before constructing a building, or determining whether you have enough soldiers to defeat the enemy before going to war. Definitely CBE needed to develop a plan — a plan that continued to build on the foundation laid by its founders. To do so we needed to be sure we had a clear picture of their vision.
Alvera Mickelsen: 1. Equality of gender, race, class, and age due to all people sharing the image of God, which is the equalizer. 2. God gifts each individual as God chooses. 3. Each Christian is both obligated and free to use his or her gifts. The fact that we have gifts implies both personal responsibility and the God-given imperative to use them. 4. We are called to community to affirm and encourage others. 5. The power to do all of the above comes from the Holy Spirit.
Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 30 Summer 2001
CBE’s Mission - continued from page 29 women are equally responsible to use their God-given gifts to further Christ’s kingdom. With those Core Values and Core Purpose, what would be CBE’s 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. From those foundational statements, CBE’s Mission Statement was articulated: 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. With this foundation laid, it was time to build specific goals, objectives and strategies. These were based on a few key areas. First, CBE will continue its emphasis on scholarly materials, maintaining credibility and integrity
through Priscilla Papers and other resources. Second, CBE will communicate the message of biblical equality in practical, personal ways. Third, CBE will attempt to communicate with a variety of races, classes and ages. Fourth, CBE will seek to establish a financially sound, viable organization. As the CBE board and staff began to develop goals, objectives and strategies, they recognized a basic, biblical principle. In I Corinthians 3:6 Paul said, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” Christians for Biblical Equality is God’s ministry! He brought it into being through dedicated believers who followed his leading. It has grown because it is God’s work, and it will continue to grow as he chooses. Through that process he will continue to call his followers to plant and water according to the gifts he has given them, because … “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.” (Galatians 3:28) ■
Counselors/Therapists - continued from page 17 Shannon Staiger, MA LICSW Licensed Psychotherapist 651-642-5073 sstaiger@compuserve.com 103267.1667@compuserve.com
MISSOURI
WASHINGTON
INTERNATIONAL
Ted Brackman Summit View Clinic 11019 Canyon Rd East, Suite A Puyallup, WA 98373 253-538-1310 or Fax 253-536-1824
CANADA
PENNSYLVANIA
Marilyn Campbell, MS Counseling specializing in women’s midlife concerns, relationship issues, family dynamics Creekside Business Park 1520-140th Avenue NE, Suite 210 Bellevue, WA 98005 425-603-1949
Dr. Mardee Alff, PsyD Clinical Psychologist Building One 6321 Library Rd-Rt 88 Library, PA 15129 412-831-9183 or Fax 412-831-9184
Dr. Sheila Goodwin, PhD RN CS CMFT Pearl Counseling Associates 1919 N Pearl St, Suite C-1 Tacoma, WA 98406 253-752-1860 ext 26
Susan Weaver Ellis, DMin Pastoral Counselor 3414 County Line Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 Swellis1229@rcn.com
Marjorie Voice, MA Monarch Counseling Services 1115 Irving St SW Tumwater, WA 98512-6353 360-352-1818 or Fax 360-753-5840 mjvoice@reachone.com
Marie Knowles 3407 Berrywood Dr, Suite 200 Columbia, MO 65201 573-443-1177 indiainks@juno.com
TEXAS Gerald Ford, MDIV MA Licensed Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist The Houston Center for Christian Counseling 8323 Southwest Freeway, #550 Houston, TX 77074 713-777-2501 or Fax 713-777-2540 gb.ford@fbtc.net Mark D. Ifland, MA LPC 9514 Grantham Dr Rockwall, TX 75087
WISCONSIN Mary E. Bonneson, MS CPC NCC Family Care Psychological Services 2500 Mayfair Rd, Suite 500 Wauwatosa, WI 53226 414-771-5002 or Fax 414-771-2928 Steven B. Tyvoll, MA CAZ 36 South Avenue East Clear Lake, WI 54005
Diane Marshall, RMFT Clinical Director Institute of Family Living 3080 Yonge St, Suite 5062 Toronto M4N 3P4 Ontario CANADA 416-487-3613 or Fax 416-487-2096 if1@interlog.com Katharina Rempel 2024 Montrose Avenue Abbotsford V2S 3S9 British Columbia CANADA 604-942-1110
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Patricia Ebersole Zwier Shalom Center 27 de febrero #363 Santo Domingo DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 809-470-1187 zwier@codetel.net.do
PHILIPPINES Heather and Fred Gingrich Counseling Alliance Bible Seminary PO Box 1095 Manilla PHILIPPINES 632-371-3984 frether@jmf.org.ph If you are a CBE counselor or therapist and your name does not appear in this list, we can still include you in future publications! Please contact the CBE office for an application form, 1-887-285-2256 or e-mail us at cbe@cbeinternational.org. We plan to add this to the list on our Web site soon.
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Christians for Biblical Equality Mutuality 31 Summer 2001
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 1 Year __ Individual Membership $35 __ Household $50 __ Low Income $20 __ Library Subscription $30 International __ Individual Membership __ Household __ Low Income __ Library Subscription
$44 $59 $29 $39
3 Years $ 95 $140 $ 85 $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
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID ALEXANDRIA, MN PERMIT NO. 70
Christians for Biblical Equality 122 West Franklin Ave. Suite 218 Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
• Experience the power of praying with hundreds for women and men around the world to be released to serve God. • Talk late into the night with a group of new friends it seems you’ve known forever. • Receive encouragement to participate in new and exciting areas of ministry. • Find out you are not alone. Experience all of these things and more at CBE’s conference in Dallas! Details on pages 8-11.