A Book review from Moya Boardman, of "Powerful and Free" (confronting the glass ceiling for women in the church) by Danny Silk:
The church without equality in leadership is like a single parent family, something is lost, missing, " empowering women releases men ". The traditional Pastor/teacher driven government has a hierarchy with one or a few powerful people at the top, Apostolic government is positioned at the bottom of the pyramid. It supports, equips and empowers every member to be fully who God created and called them to be.The church is not just a body but a family.
"The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the later. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world" Jimmy Carter. Losing my religion for Equality
When I started to write a review on this book I thought I would underline sentences to include in the review. However after a few pages I found I was underlining so much I wouldn't be able to include it all! I have quoted some in the above paragraphs however I can only say - read it! But read it knowing that you, male or female, have been part of the problem. Read it from a vulnerable and strong place - willing to see where you have been wrong and willing to fight to change.
This book more than any in my life has stirred deep passion and anger. I have been on the receiving end of the church's treatment of women in a way that has caused great suffering and hardship in my life. I have also been unconsciously compliant with the teaching and therefore allowed it to continue.
From the garden in Eden satan has targeted women, as he has men, to kill, steal and destroy their lives, however the church has been the most complicit in helping him with his plan on women.
"A girl can grow up to be almost anything today - the commander of a NASA space station like Eileen Collins, US Secretary of State like Condoleezza Rice or a Fortune 500# CEO like Anne Mulcaby of Xerox - but not a minister or even a teacher in some of the larger Christian denominations". (# Fortune 500 ranks the top 500 U.S. corporations as ranked by their gross revenue.)
Danny Silk shares his journey from childhood traumas, self protecting destructive behaviour in marriage to how God showed both him and Sheri how to step out of self protecting into true Kingdom relationships. Teaching these truths about marriage brought them into contact with many churches. They found that however much they taught in church if the leadership structure was not showing the same value to women then their teaching was limited in its effect. Not only does Danny share these truths in the book but he also backs them with solid scripture and does not hesitate to address those key scriptures which many have use to subjugate women.
Do not think that because we are extremely fortunate to be in a church with a woman apostolic leader that we are free from this problem. We ourselves bring our own ingrained subconscious belief systems with us wherever we are, read the book and see what God puts His finger on for you.
"Spousal abuse is just as common in evangelical churches as it is anywhere else. Approximately 25% of Christian homes experience abuse of some kind. One study asked 6000 pastors what they would do if a woman came to them for counsel about domestic abuse. Here are the shocking results:
26% would counsel the wife to continue to submit to her husband, no matter what.
25% would tell the wife the abuse was her own fault for failing to submit in the first place
50% said that women should be willing to "tolerate some level of violence" because it is better than divorce"
As Danny writes - "Jesus' mother, Mary had to confront deep ingrained cultural systems to follow the calling God gave her. She also needed a partner's help to do this. Joseph defied his culture and proved a faithful courageous man. Together they brought God's answer to the world. Sheri shares how God challenged her that" it was easier to watch power than to walk in it".
I see many women who have been so crushed in early life (or just life in general) that they settle, sometimes subconsciously, in a position of allowing the man to "be the head" and not see themselves as powerful and equal. Wether it is a husband, a boss, a church leader or a pastor, sometimes it is us women who slip into a inferior mindset. I speak to myself when I challenge you women to fully walk in your calling and gifting as powerful people; read this book and take heart.
Men this book may shake you and surprise you, certainly stretch you on some level, fighting this battle needs warriors on both sides, will you take the challenge?
To Lynne Hamilton, the apostolic leader of Forerunners Ministries, thank you for the unseen battles you have faced and won.
Moya Boardman
This book can be purchased HERE at Origin Books (These suppliers, if asked, may give a discount on larger orders) or from your local Christian bookshop.
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