In Depth:  feminism

Glen Scrivener’s article in the July 22 issue ‘Blokes worth of en, watching’, has helpfully generated much discussion regarding evangelical church cultures.

A related theme concerns how much our churches embrace ‘personality’ culture. Personality is a term which evokes a range of semantics; it is a heavily loaded word. What does it bring to your mind? Some might immediately think of personality inventories prevalent in society today or the common measures they show. Alternatively, we might find ourselves thinking of well known ‘evangelical personalities’ almost akin to the celebrity culture that grips our world.

I’ll never be one of the ‘Blokes Worth Watching’ (BWW) nor will many of my friends that don’t fit.

I love leadership and evangelism. I want to invest precious years into mission and the future of the church, so I’m wondering how do I become one of the BWWs [as described in this article in last month's EN] ? How do I get mentored? How do I get invested in so that I can make a significant difference? The problem is, I can’t. I’m a woman. I’ll never be a ‘Bloke Worth Watching’ and neither will half of those made in the image of God.

Andy Mason

What is the state of conservative evangelicalism? Glen Scrivener has given us a challenging answer in his article in the July 2022 issue of en, ‘BWWs: the “Blokes Worth Watching” conveyor belt…’

His article is a strong critique, essentially arguing that we evangelicals are in something of a spiritual crisis. The strength of its criticisms invites a rejoinder. As a fellow pastor, I know Glen and have worked with him. He is a wonderful evangelist, a man of integrity and a very gifted preacher. Most importantly, he loves Jesus and cares for the abused. I think, though, there are some real problems with Glen’s take on our churches.

Glen Scrivener

In their 2009 book, The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne gave us the evocative image of supporting structures (the trellis) surrounding the organic growth of God’s people (the vine).

Their argument was: both are needed. Here my brief is to write about evangelical churches in Britain. And as I consider this movement of churches that I love, I can’t help thinking we have a wonderful vine and, at points, a wonky trellis. That trellis – our systems and the assumptions behind them – needs urgent scrutiny.

Jonny Reid

There is an ongoing conversation about how transgender athletes might take part in women’s sport.

Recently in the UK, this has focused on Emily Bridges, a cyclist who a few weeks ago was racing as a man, and now seeks to race in women’s competitions. Whilst in cycling the question is around fairness, in other sports, such as rugby, the issue of safety also comes into play.

Is there a future for complementarianism in the Church of England?

Thirty years ago, when the first ordinations of women priests were beginning, the Church of England claimed to hold ‘two integrities’. Both those in favour of such ordinations and those opposed on grounds of theological conviction were held to represent valid Anglican orthodoxy. The balance changed with the consecration of women as bishops. At that point, the church declared that women should rightly be able to serve in any office in the Church of England. There is now only one integrity.