Paul on Mars Hill (an artist’s rendition on left) reasoned with seekers from the Hebrew Scriptures. Did he interpret them accurately? Absolutely.
Our task as believers is to accurately interpret the text. It’s amazing to me to read historical documents where biblical scholars have used the Scriptures to justify such atrocities as "holy" wars (The Crusades) and slavery in the early years of our own nation. Might I have done the same if I were living at the time? I know my heart, and I very likely may have interpreted the texts in the same fashion as those at whom I now shake my head.
Over and over again the Church must return to this question: "How do we interpret the Scriptures?" What an awesome task to read the Scriptures asking: What did this text mean to the original hearers? Now what does it mean to me and my church in the 21st century? Thank God for his abiding Spirit who never leaves us as mere Bible readers, but enables us to be supernaturally empowered interpreters as we ponder and reflect upon the Holy Word of God.
One of the very crucial topics in this hour is women in leadership. I see this in many church fellowships, including the Vineyard. Folks, this one is not going away. Many, maybe most, Vineyards really empower women in leadership roles. Not all, though, and I can see this being a Vineyard-wide issue in the very near future. May the Kingdom Come with grace if and when we face it!
I have just reread Sarah Sumner’s powerful Men and Women in the Church. (InterVarsity Press, 2003). I have probably read 25 books on women in leadership and Sumner’s is the best I have read. Bar none. Great book — clear, funny, scholarly and humbly and beautifully written.
Sumner has a very high view of Scripture and believes that women can and should
have principal leadership roles in the church. To be fair, Sumner’s own view is the one I favor. If you read her book, you will get a pretty good idea of how our particular Vineyard views women in the church.
Yes, I am proud to say that Happy and Dianne Leman are our co-senior pastors. Someone asked me if I have a problem submitting to a woman leader. I have told many people that Dianne Leman is both a fine student of the Scripture, a gifted preacher and an unusually clear teacher. She is the real deal from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet.
In fact, she doesn’t require that anyone submit to her. I’ve never once heard her mention it. Nor have I ever seen her abuse her authority. Men and women in our congregation follow her leadership with pleasure. Why? They trust her.
In fact, both women and men are allowed to lead in our congregation. They are expected to, quite honestly. Everyone plays around here. We need everyone on board.
There is a high value around this Vineyard to doing all things in love and constantly submitting and serving one another for the higher cause of Christ, the head of the Church. Women submit to men, and men submit and serve women. We do it for the glory of the Kingdom, of which Jesus, our risen Messiah, is the head.
So do me a favor? If you want to tackle one of the best Christian books I’ve read in quite some time, read Sarah Sumner’s Men and Women in the Church (InterVarsity Press, 2003). You can read more about Sumner’s book by clicking here — amazon.com. I’d enjoy dialoguing with you after you read it.
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