Nobody wants to have a rule that mandates their inclusion in an organization they are already a part of. Unfortunately, we’ve had to implement those kinds of rules. But they have been necessary. Without the legislature, women wouldn’t have been able to fill leadership roles in my denomination.
Many of our leaders boast of the fellowships’ “great diversity” without understanding how far we have to go. Sure, in the beginning, women could serve; but, as the church became more institutionalized, it became less diverse.
Beginning in the 1920s, the fellowship looked more like a middle-aged, white man’s religion. It was controversial to ask for a place at the table.
Initially, our inclusion required a mandate. It looks more diverse now on the national level, but women and other minorities still get a lot of pushback and receive fewer opportunities.
We receive fewer invitations to speak and not as many invitations to interview for lead pastor positions. It isn’t easy to feel like you belong when you don’t see yourself represented in leadership circles. These issues have solutions, and many are already being implemented nationwide.
History matters.
Read the board meeting notes from the general council meetings over the years.
Consider the restrictions and barriers the underrepresented have had to overcome systematically and theologically.
Look at numbers and compare to see whose voices are still the loudest and whose voices are silenced.
Count how many sermon illustrations refer to things that appeal to women and not just to men.
Listen to how jokes are being told from the pulpit.
Am I anti-men? Oh my, so far from it! I love hanging out with my brothers, listening to their stories, and even laughing at some of their ridiculous dad jokes. I am grateful for opportunities to work alongside them and learn from them. And, I want to honor the men who recognize the need to address the hard, gender-inclusive issues.
I feel such pride when I hear “men and women” from the pulpit in places where women were once left out. Yes, I see you, brothers, and I cannot describe the love and gratitude I have in my heart, knowing you’re making an effort to right wrongs where others have missed it.
I’m not a political person. If you know me, you know this. So, don’t try to go there. I don’t pretend to know what’s all going on in DC, nor do I want you to try to tell me.
I do, however, want to mention an observation and suggest a challenge for my fellow church people. It seems diversity awareness and inclusion policies are taking a huge hit in the American political realm. I plead with you, let this not be so in the Church.
Make room for the nations and do what you need to do to help them feel like they belong. It’s going to require humility.
If you’re taken back by my references to the things that have sucked in our past and still suck today, take a moment and ask yourself why.
Let’s move forward together and be a shining light for the nations.
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