I just finished a novel—a murder mystery. (Fisher of Souls by Hanni Münzer). Solving the murders of a growing number of high-ranking church leaders traces the motive to the proposed revelation of ancient documents sealed by the church leaders that indicate Jesus had appointed leadership roles to women. This information is seen as threatening to all church structure. Hence, 300 pages of intrigue.

The stuff of novels?

photo credit: Geordie via photopin (license)

The other day I was doing some research and googled “top church influencers.” Up popped a post on a blog, Brian Dodd on Leadership. It is a list of the top 30 blogs Christian leaders should have been reading in 2015. I recognized a couple of names that I’ve followed online and I had heard of a few more, but most were unknown to me.

But something was really jumping out.

Where were the names of any women? Women are the engines of most churches.

Of 30 influential blogs listed only three are written by women.  The only place women are listed as influencers are in the category “Women.” There is no “Men” category.

Women exist as influencers only as they relate to women. One writes about gender abuse. A bunch write for a blog written for women leaders and preachers wives. A third is an author and speaker who has written for the female perspective (a NY Bestselling author—must be a market for it!). By women, for women. An interesting segregation.

At least the men aren’t claiming to be experts on women! Where would that get them?

The remaining blogs on the list reveal that the world of church leadership (whether Protestant or Catholic) is still a male domain.

Most of the blogs take the corporate view of church, referencing the large church model that sports such oxymoronic terms as “executive pastor.”

Where are the women leaders? Probably serving the smaller congregations—most congregations.

I can still feel the bitterness of my grandmother and mother at their roles as preachers’ wives, which bridled their considerable talents. I often thought they might have been happier if they had been born today, but the dream of equality in the church is still a dream deferred. We’ve got some work to do if we believe in the priesthood of all believers.

Early in the current campaign for the 2016 presidential elections, I wrote a blog post about the wide field of Republican candidates and their religious affiliations. 

Back then, the candidates were eager to be seen as part of some faith group, but they were careful to define their affiliations to pass the political correctness test.

The test was given again this week. The grade for the Republican frontrunner is an embarrassing F–.

The field is now narrowing—current events are giving us a view of the forerunners’ faith. Character is emerging. Perhaps it is a God-send these issues are arising now, before the campaign narrows our choices any further. Perhaps it will help us avoid a serious national mistake.

Which is more troubling?

• The leading candidate, Donald Trump, is sending us back to World War II and the McCarthy Era. His views and proposed remedies of the current crisis with militant Islamic extremists violate our nation’s founding principles. It should be obvious to any eighth-grade civic student.
• The remaining serious contenders seem to be scared to speak strongly against the forerunner. Some have already pledged to support the person who won the nomination.

If ever there was a reason to break a promise, this is it. We need the other contenders to speak up and withdraw their pledged support. Just be honest: you thought you could support his candidacy but this is a development you cannot accept. That would be leadership.

There are more important principles at stake than protecting chances for the VP slot or protecting party loyalty. There usually are, by the way.

It has been proven time and again—Leaders who lead by excluding self-defined opponents are dangerous (in world politics and within the Church).

A few months ago, the candidates were trying to qualify for the nation’s faith vote.

Now they are missing the main point of most faith groups and the very definition of the God worshiped by Christians.

Back then, Trump defined himself as a Presbyterian who attends church as much as he can. “Always on Christmas and Easter.”

Well, Donald. In two weeks or so, when you find yourself in church on Christmas, I hope you hear the message.

God is love. Change the accent. God IS love.

Love is inclusive, not exclusive. Any Sunday School Kindergarten student can tell you that.

This photo, circulated widely on the internet, speaks volumes to church life.

Of course, the eye is drawn to the up-ended bird. Is he troubled? Is she just different? Only a few other birds notice, and they look unsure there is anything they can do about what they see.

Then there are the other birds. Most are staring confidently in the same direction. We have no way of knowing what they see. What is so interesting that catches their attention but keeps them roosting? A few are preoccupied, preening themselves.

What do you see?