Men In The Pulpit Women In The Pew

Men in the pulpit, women in the pew? Addressing gender inequality in Africa is that rarest of gems ? a work that takes a fresh look at familiar biblical teachings, and cause us to question what we have been accepting as a matter of course for so long.

A down-to-earth, practical introduction to the ins and outs of preaching for lay preachers, bivocational pastors, and others newly arrived in the pulpit. Recent years have seen a considerable increase in the amount of financial resources required to support a full-time pastor in the local congregation. In addition, large numbers of full-time, seminary trained clergy are retiring, without commensurate numbers of new clergy able to take their place. As a result of these trends, a large number of lay preachers and bivocational pastors have assumed the principal responsibility for filling the pulpit week by week in local churches. Most of these individuals, observes Clifton Guthrie, can draw on a wealth of life experiences, as well as strong intuitive skills in knowing what makes a good sermon, having listened to them much of their lives. What they often don't bring to the pulpit, however, is specific, detailed instruction in the how-tos of preaching. That is precisely what this brief, practical guide to preaching has to offer. Written with the needs of those for whom preaching is not their sole or primary occupation in mind, it begins by emphasizing what every preacher brings to the pulpit: an idea of what makes a sermon particularly moving or memorable to them. From there the book moves into short chapters on choosing an appropriate biblical text or sermon topic, learning how to listen to one's first impressions of what a text means, moving from text or topic to the sermon itself while keeping the listeners needs firmly in mind, making thorough and engaging use of stories in the sermon, and delivering with passion and conviction. The book concludes with helpful suggestions for resources, including Bibles, commentaries, other print resources and websites.

"Let My people go and serve Me regardless of sex" is the ultimate appeal from God. Unfortunately, some cultural practices and wrong interpretations of the Bible have excluded some, especially women, from attaining key leadership roles. Culturally, women are considered second class and men's property, source of evil and "weaker vessels." A wrong interpretation of the scriptures has sidelined women from obtaining decision making positions. This is the result of what may be called, "a One-Dimensional Approach," and a recommendation is made to "re-read" the biblical texts as well as Chewa culture and the history of the synod with a "Multi-Dimensional Approach" in which the literary, theological-rhetorical and historical-cultural aspects are all considered, because this approach liberates the oppressed and the marginalized.

Should women who preach, preach as women? Preaching Women argues that far from being a gender-neutral space, the pulpit is a critical place in which a gender imbalance can begin to be redressed. There is a vital need for women preachers to speak out of their experience of living as women in today’s culture and church Filling a glaring gap in the literature around homiletics, Filling a glaring gap in the literature around homiletics, Preaching Women considers reasons why women preachers should preach from their experiences as women, what women bring to preaching that is missing without us, and how women preachers can go about the task of biblical preaching. With a foreword by Libby Lane.

Because of the disconnect within the curriculum and the lack of contextual relevance, African theological education is still searching for appropriate approaches to ministerial training. Integrative theological education refers to systematic attempts to connect major learning experiences appropriate to the education and formation of ministers. It is seen as a solution to connect and transform ministry training. The main premise of this book is that the key to enhancing theological education is the intentional integration of knowing with being and doing, of theory with practice, and of theology with life and ministry. In this way, all aspects of student learning are brought together holistically, highlighting an educational strategy that is concerned with connections in human experience, thereby supporting student learning. Making Connections offers the opportunity to consider integration as an appropriate pedagogical approach, to create the correct balance in making education more meaningful and fulfilling for the African, revealing humanising education grounded in African philosophy and worldview.

Zimbabwe has invested in women’s emancipation and leadership while articulating a strong Pan-Africanist ideology, providing a valuable entry point into understanding the dynamics relating to women’s leadership in Africa. It is also characterised by radical religious pluralism, thereby facilitating an appreciation of the impact of religion on women’s leadership in Africa more generally. This volume reflects on the role of Zimbabwean women in religio-cultural leadership, with a specific focus on roles within religious organizations. It begins by examining Zimbabwean church women’s leadership roles in long established faith communities. The chapters then hone in on the emergence of churches or ministries founded by women in Zimbabwe, starting from the pre-colonial era and advancing through the last forty years of independence. Hence, the book offers a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities women in leadership face in religious institutions in the country, before exploring the impact of the pandemic on the ability of women to lead. It will make a major contribution to the advancement of scholarship of gender and leadership in emerging markets.

Moving from Hegemony to Partnership in Leadership When God created women and men, the intention was for them to be partners with each other and to serve in the world as cocreators with God. The story of human beings, however, has been impacted with culture and other social factors to create different forms of hegemonies. These hegemonies have been key in values that create social injustices that are in all spheres of life but more so in women and men relationships. In cases of leadership and in many cultures, men have adopted attitudes that justify exclusion of women from leadership. In religious circles, it is justified by the ways texts are read and interpreted through the lens of culture. If we begin from the premises of justice and believing in a God of justice, then hegemonic ways of understating leadership should be null and void. Acknowledging that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God demands that we act differently. What this has meant is to challenge injustice in leadership by men and women in partnership. The circle of concerned African women theologians in Africa, where Rev. Edith Chemorion is a member, has, over the years, provided safe spaces for mentoring women to research and write about the experiences of women but much more so to call for justice in all areas, including the study of theological education and for leadership in the churches. This has borne results because of the partnership of men and women. Reverend Edith's contributions to the rallying call is that society moves from hegemony to partnership in all fronts, but especially in offering leadership by all. We are strong when we partner, and we image God's will for society in partnership. Prof. Esther Mombo Lecturer, Faculty of Theology St. Paul's University, Limuru, Kenya