I don’t like open letters, but I’m about to write one. Largely because I want to publicly thank and applaud the elders of the church I attend: University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas
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Dear elders,
I know this is a bit impersonal, and I hope to speak with each of you personally. For now, let me publicly thank you for the statement you issued on Sunday about the participation of women in our Sunday assembly. It was a milestone on a long road, one that many of us had grown weary of. I’m sure that you especially have longed to reach a resting point in this discussion.
You’ve had my prayers, as always. I’ve prayed even harder as I’ve realized how especially difficult this process had begun. To be honest, I despaired of a solution that wouldn’t tear our congregation apart. You showed great wisdom, Spirit-filled discernment, in reaching a compromise.
No, I didn’t agree with every word in that statement. But I heartily agree with the expression of love and unity found in those pages.
We members have not behaved well. Many reacted without knowing the facts. Assumptions were made, conclusions drawn. You were attacked for moving too fast and for moving too slow. You were criticized for being too backwards and too progressive. Your motives were questioned.
Some chose to leave rather than work through the messiness that is church life; I pray they’ll be better prepared for disagreements that will come up in their new church home.
We’ve given lip service to Bible study while actually following our feelings and preferences. We’ve hard a hard time differentiating between “thus saith the Lord” and our own druthers. That’s hard to admit, but it’s true.
You’ve been publicly attacked and privately criticized. Too little grace has been extended your way.
Through it all, you’ve behaved like gentlemen. More than that, you’ve behaved like Spirit-led Christian shepherds. I’m proud to be part of your flock.
Thank you for your service.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
That’s the kind of spirit that is of the Spirit, one that every church needs.
So we don’t know what they said.
Tim,
Whatever the decision, I appreciate your humility and boldness to support men appointed by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and led by the Spirit to walk in God’s way. Good on you, dear brother.
Godspeed to all there,
Glenn
I have no doubts this letter brightened their day, and lifted their spirit. A lovely letter of truth and encouragement!
Tim,
If you know of any woman seeking leadership I know where there are multiple positions open. We are down to Lennos Woods, Greg Reagan, Steve Gallaway, Brett Fox, and myself. Benny Gallaway is limited in his participation due to Betty’s health. Marsha Morgan is the only woman involved in our ministry.
That leaves us with only four men and one woman to lead a growing ministry of up to 200 souls on any given Sunday. Our services began each Sunday morning at Coronado, Northern Oaks, and Silver Springs Health and Rehabilitation centers. We pray, we cry, we sing, we study in a harsh secular environment. Not only do we serve the residents but also their family, and the employees who take care of them daily.
True it is the front line of the battlefield. At times uncomfortable and frightening, but the reward of involvement is immeasurable spiritual growth.
Chip,
Tim, as someone who is part of a church that struggles with women’s roles — I was interested in your open letter (which I found posted by someone FB). It’s hard to fully understand your letter without knowing the essence of the statement the UCC issued recently. Is it possible to find out that information?
Joe and Eileen, I hope to provide a link when I get one. However, please do recognize that you’re listening in on a family conversation. I’m happy for you to do so; I just didn’t tailor this post for everyone. It was especially intended for the UCC family.
OK, I now have the link: http://uccabilene.org/elderrolesstatement/