Breaking the Silence on Gender Matters in the Church
Stanley Maphosa
Synopsis "Breaking the Silence on Gender Matters in the Church"
The purpose of this book is to serve churches by addressing difficult issues that can prevent women and girl children from experiencing 'life in all its fullness' (John 10:10). Some of these issues are related to harmful gender-related perceptions, attitudes, and actions. This book addresses the spiritual empowerment of women. It discusses what has been done, why and how it has been done. The book also looks at what has not been done and makes suggestions about what should be done. The Christian response to gender matters should be grounded in and motivated by the word of God. followers of Christ we are God's representatives (WHO we are) and we respond to God's calling us as His children (WHAT we are called to do).This book is a guide for deep thinking and reflection on gender matters in the church, now and in the future.There are ten guiding principles arranged in Chapters and based on scripture, which this book works on to will help the church in its journey towards equity and equality. Genesis begins by telling us about our Creator and our creation. A crucial message in Genesis is that male and female were created together in God's image and as stewards. It indicates that men and women share a common origin and responsibility. Every person's value and significance are derived from that basic truth. The truth of our creation by God in His image influences how we act towards one another. Our attitudes and all our relationships and actions should acknowledge the value of both male and female in God's sight. We need to be considerate towards all people, keep their well-being in mind, and demonstrate compassion when someone's dignity has been disregarded, stripped from them, or damaged in any way. Our motivation and model should come from the example of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the gospels. In the Old Testament, the word 'shalom' encompassed completeness, wholeness, well-being, vitality, fulfilment and healthy relationships. Shalom describes the well-being of a community where justice and righteousness prevail. I pray that you will enjoy reading about and reflecting on the various aspects of our calling to ensure that the body of Christ is healthy, and that families will grow in their understanding of God's call to us to take responsibility for our spiritual and physical health. S3R Consulting is available for discussions, training and speaking engagements on these critical matters. The Lord bless all who read and study this work and may more people understand God's call to action in relation to gender.
