We have long celebrated the role of women in TSA. The 'Army' today is as strong as it is, in large measure, due to the leadership of women in the ranks. We have, however, been slack concerning women in administrative leadership. Women are grossly under represented in our leader ranks and we must do something about it.
Let me be clear. We have had and do have significant female leaders. Corps leadership represents significant leadership as do chaplains and other responsibilities. I believe that every officer role is a leader role and these are significant. I am concerned just now about administrative leaders. Are there married couples in our ranks that would manage well if the wife had a more dominant role in leadership then the husband? God is working in us on this subject. This is good.
Acts 2:18 (NIV)
18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
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13 comments:
I have to agree with you Jim about the gross under-representation of women in our administrative leadership. I've also listened too often to the frustration of capable female officers whose appointment has been determined by their husband's gifts and capabilities. This may not be an easy issue to resolve, but I'm sure it's worth pursuing. Good luck and God bless you in your efforts!
Yay! You know I'm not into bashing my brothers but it makes me so annoyed when a male officer gets an appointment and his officer wife automatically becomes the leader of women's ministries in the same area. Whilst this is an important position (and thank you to the officers serving in this capacity) it really points to the predetermined male/female roles. Whilst the man may be the head of the house, in our army we are all soldiers, and if a single woman officer can do it so can a married woman officer. So glad to hear a leader touch that topic! Thank you
AMEN! I firmly believe that encouragement and opportunity affirms leadership ability and capability.
Part of the resolve to helping men manage well the dominant role of women in leadership is to sincerely pray ~ "Lord, make us humble enough to acknowledge the individual leadership capabilities of our Spirit-anointed women officers, single or married, for your Kingdom's sake."
I certainly praise God for my most capable and Spirit-anointed wife as we share together in ministry partnership our respective leadership roles as chaplains. She is living proof that there are no disabilities in the eyes of our empowering God.
In the words of William Booth ~ "Some of my best men are women".
My favourite definition of true humility:
"agreeing with God about who you are". Too long women have hid (or been hidden) behind menial jobs in the name of 'humility'. If we are serious about getting effective in the fight - I agree with you, that this is one of major areas to address.
My prayers and efforts are with you in your push towards gender-justice in the 'ranks' and it's potential to win the world for Jesus. God release the strategies for full strength in your army. Great Grace.
You sure like opening up cans of worms... and I guess that's why I keep reading your blog..most of which I agree with. For me, and being a male, I think it really means that we need to release Gods people(women) to be His people in their gifting and strengths, my wife is a legend at what she does, she is our main worship leader and she is gifted in that area, along with a lot of other areas also, so why do we expect her to do other tasks or work in areas she is not so gifted in, that I can do ok? well for me it means we need to develop a different mindset, and free our women to be who God has called them to be, even if that doesn't fit the normal mold.
Commish, thanks for your openness and leadership of our nation/territory, it is awesome to see it unfolding, the blog about officership is relevant and timely, how will people ever know if they are not challenged to think beyond what their mindset limits allow ? Keep going. You are God's man for this time in our Army & in our land.
We always have a bit of a giggle at college when we suggest to some of the couples, 'What happens if your wife becomes the TC - Does that mean the male will be the PRESIDENT OF WOMENS MINISTRIES?' My question is, do the roles or titles limit who gets appointed there? Do we limit our effectiveness because of this? Commish, thanks so much for your wisdom with regards to this blog, it needs to be addressed, and soon. God needs strong female and male leaders. The Salvation Army needs strong female and male leaders. Lets do it!
When will we see this happen? Is this simply a question that will be asked or a topic that will be brought up every so often so that it appears like something is being done? I wonder sometimes.
I've always struggled with the fact that we have Women's Ministries roles and departments and Men's Ministries doesn't exist with the same resources...
This either means that Men aren't as 'important'...
OR we need to find something for women officers to do (that isn't 'below' their husband's position)...
actually there's another reason... women, as then 'weaker sex' need to be ministered to more and be 'worked on' more than men!!! (guys, I can hear you laughing...).
Whatever the reasons, it seems grossly unbalanced... any volunteers from Women's ministries ready to start a Men's ministries department?? hehe
P.S. Can you guess whose husband will be the Head of Women's Ministries?... hehe
(thanks Cadet Stobes)
Cadet Jo takes back everything she just said.
Signed,
her husband.
(President of Women's Ministries)
YES! My wife would be better suited in a more dominant role than I. Bring it on. God partners you to compliment and fill the limitations of your spouse. A few examples - my wife brings the passion, enthusiasm and decisivness. I bring stability, calm and all the PATIENCE. We find that the assumption of other leaders is that I am the one to go to for a decision.I have been told to expect no less throughout officership. This need not be the case. We are gifted very differently in ministry and experience, but that is why we have been called together.
"Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be..."
This subject needs this kind of dialogue and concerted effort. Let's proceed with constructive action.
I beleive there is also a need to better educate some more senior Officers of the role of women in the wider workforce. Many are behind in their laguage and attitudes which has an impact upon the wider Salvation Army.
I am grateful to God for the opportunities I have had as a married woman officer. These have been given to me, by a husband not threatened by my gifts but truly willing to see them used for the Kingdom's sake, and not by those who manage me from "above". We have been talking about wisely using the human resources we have been given by God for some time now........I will be retired before it happens!!!!
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