06-19-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 19, 2024
One of my ongoing struggles in ministry is finding the balance between clarity of conviction and not reinforcing an Us vs. Them scenario. For example, I was recently sent a scathing online diatribe against my views on women. Not only did this individual believe women had no place in church leadership, but a woman needed to submit to her husband’s authority in marriage. How can I be clear that such churches are not slightly different than Cypress Creek Christian Church but are, in fact, about as far theologically as the east is from the west (borrowing some good Biblical language)? As I walk alongside those who are new the faith or those who might have come from a tradition that believed women were to be subservient to men, it requires a very clear and detailed description of who we are, which often requires statements that imply “as compared to that other approach to Christianity.” And we are not just like some of those other churches, except when it comes to women, those who are divorced, the LGBTQ community, etc. The central theological differences and approaches can be pretty dramatic, and simply trying to alter a few things without addressing the core tenets that allow for misogyny, bigotry, exclusion, and unhealthy power dynamics is to be disingenuous and naive. I continue to pray for the Spirit’s assistance in finding both language and approach that are so positive and unquestionably clear that there is no overt Us vs. Them, but I know I fall short often. How do you approach it? 

Continue to give me clarity and creativity as I seek to share what I believe to be the Gospel of your immeasurable and unconditional love for all. May my life witness, O God, provide the necessary and joy-filled distinctions. Amen.