Evolution of Views on Female Leadership in Church: A Christian Perspective

The question of whether female leadership in the church aligns with Christian principles has been a topic of ongoing debate. As a Christian who has witnessed significant changes in the Church over the decades, my views on this issue have evolved markedly with time. My personal experiences and the institutional changes within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have played a significant role in shaping my stance.

My Early Years and the Lutheran Church in America

I grew up in the 1960s in an English Lutheran Church in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, a congregation of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). At the time, there was a male-only rule for ordained ministers, a restriction that was eventually lifted by the LCA during my confirmation studies.

While I grew up surrounded by this male-only rule, it made little sense to me. My life experiences confirmed my initial hunch that it was Not the ideal approach. Since then, I have observed several women pastors who have been exquisitely effective and inspiring leaders. If anything, these observations have further solidified my belief in the equality of women in church leadership.

Scriptural and Cultural Considerations

From a scriptural standpoint, my perspective is flexible. I accept the position that both the egalitarian and complementarian views can be valid as long as they can be substantiated from the Bible. However, I am wary of positions that are merely "cultural" or based on personal opinion over solid scriptural foundations. In my view, when a perspective leans more towards cultural or personal interpretation, it raises concerns.

The Challenges and Realities of Female Leadership

While I support women in ministry, I cannot ignore the challenges they face in denominational institutions. I have observed that these institutions are often a "good old boys" network, which can be formidable in crushing independent men, especially younger ones. There's a perception that older men, often in their 50s and beyond, with a more mature outlook, are less likely to encounter such resistance.

A women's ordination can be a double-edged sword. Initially, she may be given pride of place and praised for fresh ideas, but as her influence grows, the resistance intensifies. Many ordained women find themselves in a scenario where originally supportive institutions begin to question their orthodoxy and independence. What is often missing are strong, scriptural arguments; instead, the focus is on power brokering.

In the 2000s, as churches became more progressive, the dynamics for female pastors shifted. Many male pastors were quick to withdraw resources or shift the blame onto women, especially in culture wars. This trend led to a significant number of first-generation female pastors being sidelined.

The remaining female clergy faced a choice: play ball or go down in flames. Those who played ball often had to keep their heads down and can sometimes be the harshest ideologues, even becoming tyrannical and mean-spirited. This has led me to adopt a cautious approach to ordination, preferring a slow and careful process to ensure that the candidate is truly gifted and grounded.

A Personal Dilemma

While I recognize that women can be powerful and effective leaders, my experiences have left me skeptical of many in institutional settings. I have come to believe that few, if any, in these settings truly possess morality, robustness, or backbone. This skepticism, in a paradoxical way, extends to both male and female leaders.

I often wonder if the presence of a woman is merely to placate certain expectations, much like I feel about men in leadership roles. Sometimes, I question whether children would serve the church better in these positions. It's a harsh truth, but one that I cannot ignore.

Conclusion

While I support and advocate for female leadership in the church, the challenges and setbacks I have observed make me particularly guarded in endorsing candidates. I strongly believe in the principle of being 'slow to lay on hands' and in conducting thorough evaluations before ordination. This approach ensures that we support individuals who are not only gifted but also grounded and truly committed to serving the Church in a Christ-like manner.

My journey as a Christian and a participant in this evolving landscape has given me a unique perspective. While I remain hopeful about the future of female leadership in the Church, I approach the decision-making process with a critical and discerning eye, mindful of the potential pitfalls and the need for moral fortitude in leadership.