Church leaders are often afraid of their WOMEN

Wow. Don’t miss this read over at byFaith Magazine:

It’s long–but worth the read.

I’ll tempt you with just a few excerpts:

– How do elders approach women in ministry in their congregations? ‘Men are afraid of women. We’re often content to be at arms’ length from them.’ A prominent PCA pastor says it simply. .

… The unease between elders and women’s ministries is not always active. Instead, it can be a function of disconnection. ‘While there are isolated examples of abuse in this relationship, usually it’s much more subtle,’ said Jane Patete, women’s ministries coordinator for the PCA’s Christian Education and Publications (CE&P) Committee. ‘It’s benign neglect.‘

Having prayed and wept (and conflict coached and mediated) with hundreds of women in the PCA who have been silenced by men who are afraid of them, and neglected and abandoned by PCA teaching elders and ruling elders who are completely disconnected from them, all I can say is …

This is so true. So sad. Infuriating, even! And SUCH a waste of Kingdom resources.

May God help us all.
Tara B.