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The Voice of Christians for Biblical Equality Role Models Inside M The Voice ofutuality Christians for Biblical Equality Role Models Inside: Will somebody answer that? How role models can encourage more women to answer God’s call to ministry leadership by Brenda Tapley Learning to be a better man Making sense out of the mixed signals men receive about what it means to be a man by Jon Trott The story of a semi- reluctant role model The challenge of living out both evangelical and feminist convictions by JoAnn Streeter Shade Role play Find out what happens when a man decides to take on the burden of being the servant- leader in his relationship with his best friend by Patti Ricotta Plus much more! Autumn 2007 www.cbeinternational.org Contents Features 5 Will somebody answer that? Women responding to God’s call How role models can encourage more women to answer God’s call to ministry leadership — by Brenda Tapley 7 Learning to be a better man Making sense out of the mixed signals men receive about what it means to be a man — by Jon Trott 11 The story of a semi-reluctant role model Th e tension of being an example of what it means to be both evangelical and feminist — by JoAnn Streeter Shade 13 Where are the women leaders? An interview with Bonnie Wurzbacher of Coca-Cola — by Nancy Lovell 16 Role Play Find out what happens to a friendship when a man decides to take on the COVER IMAGE burden of being the servant-leader in his relationship with his best friend — by Patti Ricotta Head of Christ, Georges Rouault, c. 1939, oil on paper 18 Bread winners and bread makers: pasted on canvas (65 × 50 cm). Used with permission of The Modeling oneness in marriage State Hermitage Museum, St. Lessons that one couple learned from both positive and negative role Petersburg. Photograph © The models — by Monisha Srichand State Hermitage Museum. 21 How does she do it? How a missionary woman in Guatemala made a lasting impression on a young girl — by Lydia Ham 22 Changing lives from up close and from a distance How one woman’s experience shows that role models matter—whether they know it or not — by René Reed Mason Ministry & Chapter News 25 Focus group participants express a desire to see CBE grow 26 CBE Chapters 27 Praise & Prayer Departments 3 From the Editor: Modeling our equality in Christ 27 President’s Message: Sent to preach the Gospel: Women and men using their gift s for the Great Commission 29 Giving Opportunities: Th e view for 2008 from CBE headquarters 2 | Mutuality Autumn 2007 WEBSITE: www.cbeinternational.org From the Editor by Chelsea DeArmond Modeling our M The Voice ofutuality Christians for Biblical Equality equality in Christ Let us then pursue what makes for Some of the most popular Christian books right now peace and mutual upbuilding. seem to equate being a faithful Christian with being a — Romans 14:19 certain kind of man or a certain kind of woman. Th rough countless sermons, TV and radio pro- grams, devotionals, articles, best-sellers, podcasts, and VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3 blog posts, evangelical Christians are being told that Mutuality seeks to provide inspiration, encouragement, the Bible requires them to conform to gender roles of and information about equality within the Christian male headship and female subordination. Many evan- church around the world. gelicals have heard this teaching so many times and in so many ways, they’re shocked to learn that the words “role,” “headship,” and President/Publisher : Mimi Haddad “subordination” do not even occur in the Bible. Is there any biblical basis for Editor : Chelsea DeArmond making gender roles a key component in Christian discipleship? Graphic Designer : Image Spigot In the passage known as the Great Commission, Jesus tells his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus explains that the process of EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE discipleship involves two components: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and “teaching them to obey Christians for Biblical Equality everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20). 122 W Franklin Ave, Suite 218 Key passages about baptism like Galatians 3:26–29 emphasize that Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 believers receive a new identity in Christ. Rather than reinforcing gender- phone: (612) 872-6898 based hierarchy and division, this new identity frees men and women—in fax: (612) 872-6891 all our diversity—to live in unity with one another. e-mail: [email protected] web: www.cbeinternational.org Key passages about Jesus’ commands, such as his parables, sermons, and teachings, never mandate—or even mention—hierarchical gender roles. Advertising in Mutuality does not imply Instead, Jesus discourages his disciples from seeking higher rank and chal- organizational endorsement. lenges them to follow his example of humble service. He challenged the views of cultural and religious leaders in his day by sending women to preach SUBMISSIONS the good news that he is the Messiah (John 4:28–30, 39–41) and that he has risen from the dead (John 20:17–18). Mutuality welcomes submissions. If there isn’t a biblical basis for hierarchical gender roles in Christian E-mail [email protected], write to CBE discipleship, then what should Christians look for in role models? Th e for the writer’s guidelines, or visit CBE’s website and Bible encourages us to follow the examples of people whose character and follow the Publications links. actions are faithful to their identity in Christ. For example, Paul instructs the brothers and sisters in Corinth to “Follow my example, as I follow the PERMISSIONS example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). And, aft er celebrating examples of heroes of faith—both men and women—in Hebrews chapter 11, believers are urged to Christians for Biblical Equality grants permission for any “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the original article (not a reprint) to be photocopied for local outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7). use provided no more than 1,000 copies are made, they Instead of seeking a certain kind of masculinity or femininity as evidence are distributed free, the author is acknowledged, and of faith, Paul urges all believers to “eagerly desire the greater gift s” (1 Cor. CBE is recognized as the source. 12:31) such as prophecy and preaching, and to bear the fruit of the Spirit Mutuality (issn: 1533-2470) is published quarterly by such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle- Christians for Biblical Equality and is sent free to mem- ness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22–23). bers. For membership information, see page 31. To pur- In this issue of Mutuality, authors explore how role models can help chase back issues, contact our Editorial and Advertising people transition from conforming to gender-based roles to living out the Offi ce, or order online at www.equalitydepot.com. equality we all share in Christ. Th ey off er concrete examples of how role models can make a diff erence, and challenge us to take on the responsibility of being good role models. Th ey show that there’s more to being a faithful Christian than just being a certain kind of man or a certain kind of woman. Chelsea DeArmond is Editor of Mutuality and Bookstore Coordinator at Christians for Biblical Equality. She can be reached at [email protected] BOOKSTORE: www.equalitydepot.com Mutuality Autumn 2007 | 3 In Our Box Visit CBE’s website at www.cbeinternational.org MCallutuality for Papers for the latest… Mutuality provides inspiration, encouragement, and information about equality within ▶ FREE audio and print resources on the Christian Church around the world. Mutuality is published quarterly and sent to all biblical equality CBE members and subscribers. Current and back issue are also available for purchase. ▶ Membership information for churches, We are currently seeking features, reports, and reviews (books, fi lms, and/or music) libraries, families, and individuals from evangelical, egalitarian perspectives related to the following topics: ▶ On-line discussions about gender and justice on The CBE Scroll, the • Equality and our evangelical heritage blogging voice of CBE • Persecution and revival ▶ CBE chapters in the U.S. and around • Raising children the world • Home economics ▶ Directory of egalitarian churches in the U.S. and around the world Most of the articles we publish fall into the following categories: ▶ Giving opportunities ▶ Listings for counselors, therapists, • Personal testimonies illustrating how biblical equality provides practical benefi ts to and spiritual directors who agree with CBE’s Statement of Faith everyday lives. ▶ Ministry news and needs • Teaching on relevant Bible passages, explaining the meaning and showing how to apply ▶ Employment, internship, and it to daily life. volunteer opportunities • Reviews of books about biblical equality that would appeal to a wide audience. (Books must complete CBE’s book service review process before being reviewed in Mutuality.) • Feature stories about issues related to CBE’s mission and ministry. Th e length of features is generally 1,000–2,500 words. Send articles to the attention of the editor at the postal address below or e-mail to [email protected] (if possible, as an attached Microsoft Word document). We are unable to consider or respond to authors who send us more than two pieces at the same time, whose pieces are substantially over 3,000 words, or whose submissions are not sent uniquely to Mutuality. Complete Writers Guidelines for Mutuality are available on our website (www.cbeinternational.org) or contact our offi ce to request a copy.
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