Women’s Ministry In Action
A resource by Equal but Different

Ivan Lee

In those few seconds between pressing the Play button and the first frames appearing on screen, I normally brace myself in anticipation of the cringe factor that accompanies much Christian television and video. I am a believer in Christians using technology, but in my experience at least, Christian TV/video seems to suffer from either poor content or poor production. This video, however, is an exception. The content is biblical and stimulating, without being preachy (not that I’m against preaching, it just doesn’t make for a good video). The production is reasonably professional and will cause no embarrassment to your small group.

This “integrated video and bible study resource” (as it describes itself) tackles the controversial issue of women’s ministry in the church and, I believe, it does so helpfully and graciously. However, one must understand from the beginning what this video is and is not. It is not a presentation with the familiar ‘arguments-from-both-sides’ approach as in television current affairs. Rather it is an introduction to the traditional and (theologically) conservative position that men and women are created equal but that they are created different and have different roles in the church.

Furthermore, this video is not a finely argued exposition of the conservative viewpoint, nor is it a detailed commentary on the biblical texts. However, it is a very good summary of the main issues at stake, and it avoids what I believe is an often unhelpful and legalistic approach that defines precisely what women can and cannot do in the church. The video introduces the important principles of headship as responsibility (not “bossiness”), of ministry as much more than “ordination”, and of true freedom found in trusting and obeying the Bible (against society’s norms).

Quite rightly this resource focuses on the Bible—its authority, interpretation and application. The video has three self-contained units—God has Spoken, Opening God’s Word, and Applying God’s Word. What is learnt here has relevance for much more than the debate about women’s ministry. I could list the points made in each section for you, but then you would miss out on the talking heads and the Christian choruses in the background. Go and get the video!

But a review would not be a ‘real’ review without some points of criticism! Here are a couple. I felt the treatment given to Feminism could have been both more positive and more negative! Although Feminism is given some credit for doing good in society, it would have helped to state explicitly and thankfully what the ‘good’ has been, and to emphasise the continuing need to repent of injustice and those subtle put-downs against women whether in society or the church. But I also feel the treatment could have been more negative—that is, the deconstructionist agenda of some feminist interpretations of the Bible could have been highlighted more strongly. Some brands of feminism lead to not only different ‘interpretations’ of scripture but to marginalising scripture altogether.

My second criticism is this: the video concludes with an excellent point—that we need to keep the debate on women’s ministry in perspective and that “the most important thing a person can do is to be used by God to help someone else come to know him as Saviour and Master.” Unfortunately, the illustration used is “putting flowers in the church, serving a cup of tea, taking around a casserole, and cleaning the floor”. Indeed we should all (men and women) be willing to serve in these ways! But in a video about women’s ministry, I suggest that an earlier comment in the video (that there are “enormous opportunities for women to be evangelised, discipled and trained” by women), would be a much more positive and encouraging finale.
One of the beauties of this particular resource is its flexibility - you can use it in several ways: Watch the whole video (one hour) and use the “Watch and Discuss” questions. Or, watch one unit at a time and use either the “Watch and Reflect” questions or the associated “Up Close Bible Study”. And as a bonus there is a “Step by Step” Bible study provided which you can use apart from the video.

In conclusion, this resource won’t answer the many legitimate questions that people can bring to the “equal but different” position, and that this is not a full exposition of that view. However, it is an excellent introduction to the main issues, with some positive ways forward in understanding the relevant Bible texts. All the people interviewed are warm and personal (just like on real TV!), have an obvious commitment to the authority and consistency of the Bible, and come across with wisdom and conviction.

The overall strength of the video is that it encourages the viewer to turn off the tele and to go and study the Bible for themselves! I highly recommend it to your small group, but with an obvious warning: the video won't be able to help you with group dynamics! So do begin with prayer, that we will study the Scriptures to find the will of God in order to obey it, and that we will exercise dignity and respect for those with opposing views.

Ivan Lee wrote this review when he was an Anglican minister at St Jude's Church, Carlton in Melbourne in 1996.