So... I'm conflicted about posting this. Just so you know. I may take it down later...
When I attended the Acts 29 bootcamp a couple of years ago, one of the most disturbing aspects was the way that the women we took with us were treated and the light women working outside the home was cast in. Now, I'm not stupid. I knew the "complementarian" stance of the leadership of Acts 29. But there's complementarian, and then there's something else. This, I think, was something else.
The women's "track" angered our women no end. They had hoped that as we were all embarking on a church planting journey together, they would be equipped to help, to make a difference, to contribute. They were instead given tips on managing the house and being good wives (which, to be honest, they all already rocked at).
But that's not the main thing that disturbed me.
Towards the end of our time there, the Big Dog made a statement that I have since heard he repeats quite often at these events. That statement was "If your wife is working, you are a selfish bastard. How dare you make her shoulder her half of the curse and part of yours as well!"
I have many issues with that statement on various levels, not the least of which is it's poor theology... and just an all around crappy statement to make to a room full of men and women who were "leaving everything" to follow Jesus in the adventure of church planting.
Anyway, the reason I bring this up is that Rachelle has posted a pretty wild summary of her experience with some women who have left Mars Hill and why. I've met Rachelle, and while probably seeing some theological issues very differently, liked her. And I admire the David and Goliath-like way she is trying to take this on. Yes, she tried to contact Mark. No, he didn't contact her back.
How do we do this, people? How do we help each other? As pastors, as churches... Even if you believe in the complementarian view, is there a place when we have to say, "You know... that may be overstating your case" or "That's just taking it too far, man"?
I'm not sure...
But I like what Rachelle says here:
I’ll admit, I’ve been afraid. I’ve been afraid to say anything contrary about Mark Driscoll and his institution. I’ve been afraid of his column in the Seattle Times, his titles, his affluence, the power of his charisma and his money and the shear numbers of followers. I been afraid of the kind of vitriolic and inflammatory response he’s fired at my friend. And I’ve been afraid of the endless comments in my blog and email from the numerous and vocal Driscoll defenders. I’ve been afraid of the time and intense energy drain that comes with responding to those defenders. I’ve been afraid of the costs that come with fighting for equality and working for justice. But looming larger, above all these fears, was the fact that I didn’t want to treat my brother like an enemy.Then I realized two things. First, you can disagree and not be an enemy. (To claim otherwise is a tool for silencing contrary ideals.) Second, justice costs. Once again, my favorite prophet Bono was my inspiration when he said in his address to the national prayer breakfast on Africa, “This is not about charity in the end, it is about justice, the good news yet to come. … It’s annoying; justice and equality are mates… And equality is a pain in the ass.”
Read the rest, and tell me what you think.
