Friday, 24 August 2012 06:45
So headlined The New York Post after Tiger Woods voiced his support for Augusta National's inclusion of Condoleezza Rice as a new member. As you know, the club that hosts the Masters golf tournament announced this week that it is admitting its first two female members: the former Secretary of State, and business executive Darla Moore. Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne called the event "a joyous occasion."The club opened in December 1932, composed only of male members. Over the years, despite numerous protests and attempts to encourage change, Augusta has steadfastly refused to discuss membership issues. As a result, this week's announcement came as a surprise to many.
Tiger Woods, the most famous golfer in the world, immediately responded: "I think the decision by Augusta National membership is important to golf." AT&T's CEO went further, stating that his company applauded an "historic announcement." Here's a question I've not seen in print anywhere: would Jesus agree?
The Old Testament tells of numerous female prophets, including Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). Anna served in this office (Luke 2:36), as did Philip's "four unmarried daughters who prophesied" (Acts 21:9). Jesus made his first Easter appearance to Mary Magdalene, commissioning her as his first missionary and evangelist (Matthew 28:10). Lydia became Paul's first European convert and the sponsor of the first European church (Acts 16:40). And the apostle commended Junias as "outstanding among the apostles" (Romans 16:7), the most visible leaders of early Christianity.
I was led to Christ by my female Sunday school teacher. My first spiritual mentor was a woman. In my first pastorate, the member most used by the Holy Spirit to guide and encourage me was a woman. Over the years, anointed women like Anne Graham Lotz have spoken God's word to me with prophetic power. My wife is the godliest person I've ever known and a daily gift to my life and ministry.
In these cultural commentaries I am often led to speak out against negative trends in our society. Today I am glad to endorse one of the positive developments in this generation: the growing acceptance of women as leaders in business and culture. I'm grateful for trendsetters like Condoleezza Rice: first black woman to be Secretary of State, first black woman to be national security adviser, and first African-American, first woman and youngest person to be provost of Stanford University. And I vow to be as committed to changing our culture for good as she is. Will you join me?
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My main concern with the ordination of women is that it will provide another reason for MEN to not take leadership roles. We as men do not need another excuse to abrogate our responsibilities that we have been given. I know of no one in baptist leadership who will not acknowledge the worth, role, work, and leadership that the women of the church exhibit! And to think they do all of this for the most part without a title. Please continue to do so! The church NEEDS you. The church does not need a stumbling block put in the path of men to keep them on the sidelines. And yes I will say it... Shame on us men to have faltered in our responsibilities so frequently. Man up!
The amazing thing is that so many women willingly comply. But if they don't-- if they say they might like a title or some pay-- they'll get called selfishly ambitious, grasping, demanding, and all sorts of other things. . .
Daniel,
Thanks for the comment, but if anything, I'd say the cart is before the horse here a bit. That is, it has been my observation that usually men are the ones who stand in the way of the capacities of women in ministerial leadership. The reason is usually, of course, some putative leadership qualities inherent only to men, backed by some very particular exegesis on the subject. I'd simply point to Gal. 3:28 as a way of continuing a much-needed conversation.
John
Our culture is making every thing all inclusive
Shouldn't Augusta b able to remain a mens club if they desire..
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This went on for over 7 years, so I gathered that since the aged had no "power" in the church, whomever was available could teach 'them.'
I disagree with you. Men, as well as women, should have the right to form clubs that exclude one another. What's next, unisex dressing rooms (they have them in Europe and this country seems to be headed toward European democracy)? Everything can't be unisex. This is politics and it is nothing about change or "rights", its about being politically correct. And when did Jesus worry about being PC? Also, lets put things in perspective, golf is nothing but a game (apologies to you golf-a-holics out there), Augusta is a recreational club. It's not a university, it's not a church, its not a public institution that advances mankind. It's just golf, Jim! Further, you are promoting the notion that women are still less class citizens in this society and the opposite is true. Women have the upper hand in the court system, they have the upper hand in church and they have the upper hand in medical institutions (especially in ER admitting rooms). So what about all women institutions that don't admit men? Where is your outcry there?
My hope is that this would catch on in America, and the world, 'a wild-fire of love' reigning down from Heaven... God is amazing... Time for people to let their light shine...
I so appreciate you time each day... I always look forward to what I will next... Sometimes I breeze, sorry, through the topics and look for the biblical growth... I don't have too much time but so look forward to putting your thoughts into mine, to walk in a better light for the day... Thank you soooo much...
God bless you and your family... And, thank you for being a hand of the Lord...
I am not a Baptist, but I agree with you. Today I am greatly concerned that we have allowed the culture to invade the church, but I also wonder if the culture invaded the church 1,900 years ago and that is why women have been excluded.
Doug Beyer