Sophia Network

Women and the Church: survey launched to capture barriers, hopes and everyday experiences

Many assumptions are made about women’s unique place within and relationship to the Church:

• What are women’s hopes and fears when it comes to taking up leadership roles within the Church?
• What are the unique barriers women face in the Church?
• And where are there causes for celebration – amazing examples of women and men working together in partnership for the gospel?

To mark our 10^th anniversary year, we at Sophia would love to know some of the answers to these questions. And this is where people like you come in.

If you’re a woman in UK or Ireland, would you take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us? We are embarking on an ambitious project to scope out the landscape of female leadership within the Church through launching a questionnaire.

We need wonderful women like you to honestly give us your opinions, to share your joys, your hopes, your concerns and your heartbreak. We believe that it’s only through getting an accurate picture of what it’s truly like for women in the Church that we can move forward, going on a full-on mission to address the issues that need addressing and to highlight best practice.

So we need you to do just two simple things:

1. Complete the survey before 18^th July – it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
2. Spread the word – whether that’s through Twitter, Facebook or email, we’d love you to encourage other women to tell us their thoughts, too.

You also have an opportunity to win a £50 voucher for Amazon in a prize draw.

We’re hoping that the results of the survey will also help to shape the future direction of the Sophia Network. We want to ensure we are focussing on the areas in which we are most needed.

Thanks in advance for all your help. We look forward to sharing the results with you.

Sophia Network - March 2017 Update

International Women's Day: #beboldforchange

Today (8 March 2017), we celebrate International Women's Day (#beboldforchange). On 12 March 1994, the Church of England ordained the first women priests in its long history and 11 years later, the first woman Bishop. In the decades preceding these changes these women would have been considered very unlikely leaders in the church. This month we are going to consider one aspect of the discussion we began during our last equipping day the issue of 'who am I?'

Do you ever wonder how you would respond on the day that you meet God face to face? Perhaps we imagine throwing down our crowns before Him, or we see ourselves lost in wonder love and praise, maybe in our mind's eye we can imagine nothing else but bowing down before Him? In the middle of the desert Moses has a powerful encounter with God and his response has much to teach us on our own leadership journeys.  In this single moment, in the wilderness, simply living out his daily life, Moses is called. He is chosen for a noble task; to fulfil the purposes of God amongst His people the Israelites. At the moment of this awe striking encounter with almighty God what springs forth from Moses is not awe and praise but all of His insecurities.  The first of these being but God 'who am I?'

In this question Moses is stating that he used to be in a powerful position but is now a shepherd, a no one with nothing to offer in terms of worldly status. Moses understands that he grew up in a powerful family who exploited the very people who God is now asking Him to rescue. He also remembers that he is a murderer and a defector from the Egyptian people. Moses is an asylum seeker living in the back side of the desert afraid to ever return to the place of His birth because of the political ramifications. Moses recognises his position and the unlikely choice of leader that he appears to be. God too understands full well who Moses is, his strengths and weaknesses and on that day calls to him. In the calling of Moses God reminds us that He is not looking for powerful, self sufficient have it all together leaders but rather those who would ask with all humility 'who am I?' . It is from this place that Christian leaders both men and women can lean all the harder upon an all powerful God and lead as the apostle Paul did with full knowledge that it is 'in our weakness that His power is made perfect.' The following chapters see Moses the unlikely leader being 'bold for change' as he time and again appears before Pharaoh  to demand that the people be set free.

So, have you ever asked the question 'who am I?' 

You are in good company!  Let us continue to encourage and equip women in leadership to 'be bold for change', trusting in an all powerful God who calls us and equips both men and women for the task of faithfully following Him wherever He may lead us.

This month, our articles include some great articles from our past:

• Should women be ordained? by Rev Dr Ian Paul
• Baggage reclaim by Ruth Dearnley 

Both articles remind us of those who have been 'bold for change' and contributed both theologically and pragmatically towards seeking the equality of men and women within the church.

We also have an excellent article from Natalie Collins, founder of Project 3:28 on the need for Christian conferences to be more intentional about including female speakers - this would certainly be being bold for change.

Blessings,

Vicky Thompson

Chair of Sophia Network

 

Be more intentional: a challenge to Christian event organisers on women

I spent the early part of 2017 gathering data on the number of women and men speaking on national Christian platforms in 2016. This is the fourth year I – and a few others - have done this, and it forms part of the work I do with Project 3:28, a collective of people committed to improving the representation of women in UK Christian culture.

The Pursuit and Ichthus Network’s Revive event achieved 50/50 representation of women and men and The Pursuit told us this was an intentional decision on their part. Alongside this, seven events had improved the number of female speakers alongside men compared with 2015.  In spite of this, there has been no overall improvement in 2016, with women comprising 36% of the national Christian platform. In previous years, we have seen gradual improvements, so it is disappointing that no such increase has been seen within the last year.

Our rationale in collecting this data is that there is a level of ambivalence among Christians about the representation of women in Christian culture. Neuroscientist Cordelia Fine has evidenced that we are primed to see women in male roles as more dominant than they actually are. One female and eight male speakers will leave us assuming an event is pro- women. Whereas eight female speakers and one male speaker would lead to assumptions it is probably a “women’s event”.  By making visible the representation of women at events, it allows event participants to make informed choices about attending events that are perhaps pro-equality in word more than in deed. I hope it also encourages event organisers to be more intentional about seeking out women speakers. 

Though across the board there hasn’t been a move towards equal representation for women, we have had anecdotal feedback from Christians involved in event planning that the annual statistics and the work of Project 3:28 has resourced them in challenging event organisers to be more intentional in seeking women to speak. It has also given people the ability to challenge events in a more evidence-based way. And I’ve been impressed at the commitment of events like the Premier Digital Conference who have been working year-on-year to improve the number of women speaking. So, these are all things to celebrate!

Sadly, as we look forward through 2017, new event Naturally Supernatural (from the egalitarian organisation Soul Survivor) has few women announced as speakers and the HTB Leadership Conference is heavily male-dominated. There is so much still to be done. We’re unlikely to see events with complementarian theology seeking to improve their platform balance, however events that have an explicitly egalitarian stance have a responsibility to do better. We have to remain hopeful that the work of committed individuals and organisations, including Project 3:28, will see long-term change happening. F

or until the fullness of the people of God is reflected in all areas of Christian culture, the people of God will continue to be short-changed.  

Natalie Collins set up Spark and is an independent consultant working to prevent and respond to violence against women and enable others to do the same. She is also the creator of DAY, an innovative youth domestic abuse education programme. Natalie speaks and trains on understanding and ending domestic abuse and gender injustice nationally and internationally.

Sophia Network Update - February 2017

Welcome to the Sophia Network February Update.

It is February already! If you’re anything like me, it may have crept up on you a little! January seems to have flown past in a flash.

February is an exciting month for my wife and I as we anticipate the arrival of our first child. With this change in my personal circumstances in mind, I am indebted to my fellow trustees Claire Rush and Chine McDonald for their willingness to oversee the blog and monthly news update for the next few months. You’re in very capable hands!

This month we are searching our archives to share with you our favourite six blogs of 2016. We’re so blessed to have such a wide range of authors from the network who are prepared to share their thoughts with us and these articles.

Over the next few months our posts are going to be based around the teaching Anne Calver shared with us back at our equipping day as we think further about what it means to lean in.

Look out too for some exciting news from the Network in the next couple of months as we seek to engage more effectively with members and establish more accurately how we can serve you all.

Thank you for being part of the journey with us. It is our privilege to serve you.




In February 2016 Gemma Ruth Brown shared with us a piece exploring calling and encouraged us to never stop learning, find our tribe, and step forward with courage.









In April, the super-talented Carolyn Whitnall shared one of our favourite creative elements of the blog in her poem ‘Reheard.’ The creativity and imagination of our network members never ceases to amaze us.









In June, regular contributor Tami Zacharias shared with us some thoughts on Wrestling with Identity and Security in Leadership which were an excellent reminder and challenge to us all. We hope Tami will continue to contribute to the blog in 2017 because we believe her insights and experience are superb.

 

In July Sarah Chestnutt shared in a Vlog her thoughts on Alli Worthington’s book ‘Breaking Busy’ that some of the networkread together.







In October, we profiled 5 UK Initiatives Turning Up The Volume Of Hope For Girls & Young Women part of our commitment to work in partnership, promote and support other organisations who share our aims and values.

 

 

In November, Rev Sarah Whittleston offered her perspective on our equipping day and the importance of gathering together as women and men striving to champion the equality of women and men in church together.

 

Enjoy!



                                                                                                    


Vicky Thompson                                                                               Dan Crouch
Chair of Trustees                                                                              Editor and Trustee

Sophia Network Update - January 2017

Welcome to the Sophia Network January 2017 update

Happy New Year!

You’ll notice a few changes to this update in the coming months as we continue as a board of trustees to discern our future direction.

The main change to this update is the decision to streamline the content to serve you more effectively. We will now be including just one or two new items each month and ocassionally directing you towards our rich back catalogue of articles. We hope that by doing this we will create more space to creatively consider how we might be serve our members.

We know that 2017 is going to be an exciting year and we will be sharing with you more of our plans as the year unfolds.

Thank you for your support of Sophia Network.

Our first update this year includes the following articles;



Tami Zacharias shares some thoughts new year thoughts on deconstructing for growth.











Rev Deirdre Brower Latz writes on women in the bible who inspire her.





Enjoy!


 Dan Crouch
 Trustee and Editor

Women in the Bible

Photo Credit: Tami Zacharias

Women in the Bible.

The reclaiming of women as evangelists, in the person of Mary, carrying good news to others is probably one of my favourite scenes in all of Scripture. John paints it well, this edenic moment, where recognition and identifying, witnessing, sending and relaying truth are all powerfully packed in. The invitation into the story of resurrection-life shifting the whole world on its axis as we see the first true man, the first truth-telling woman rightly relating in a hair-raising, spine-tingling moment of deepest acknowledgement. Whatever else came before: Jesus is Alive and the witness of that sparks a righting into a new imagination of life. I love John 20 and 21 for all its strong stories of all things being made knew, but the role of Mary in John 20 makes my heart leap. The mystery and hope embedded in these moments of connection, the possibilities of her mad rush (my interpretation of ‘went’) to the others, where the declaration of her encounter is the first heralding of what the others discover to be truth.

When I think about the framing and oppression of women as inconsequential to the story, or as incapable of speaking, preaching, leading, I draw my attention back to Mary and Jesus.

But, I’m equally struck by another women who leads the church into new territory. The encounter with the God-fearing, open-hearted woman Lydia, a ‘leader’ in her won right, a savvy dealer, a ready hearer for good news. With strength enough to lead her whole household into the faith: a hospitable, persistent woman. Her home becomes a place of faith and refuge- a sanctuary for the fledgling faith and the place of peace after the prisoners Paul and Silas were set free: a centre of hope for a community of believers. The new European trajectory for the church begins with the receptivity of a woman who leads.

Why do these two stories resonate with me? They intertwine in my mind as setting the direction for the church to hear and acknowledge women as godbearers, good-news carriers, recognised by name, open-hearted and declaring and living out the truth of their experience of encountering God. Both are storied for us, different women, different experiences, one, powerless without Jesus, yet a speaker-for-him, the other powerful, yet hospitable enough to shape her power for Christ’s sake.

The other factor that makes me pause is that Jesus names Mary. He sees her. Acknowledges her. And, we hear Lydia’s name: Paul and Silas trust her. She’s acknowledged. Seen. She’s a central figure in receiving and empowering the church. I think that these samplings from the earliest texts that shape us should encourage us. To meet Jesus and hear our names on his lips, folded into the story of new life that we prophetically declare. We’re also to announce good news whether others believe we can or not (Mary’s not heard well necessarily), to creatively receive the good news and then create spaces of sanctuary so that the essence of hospitality, inclusion, welcome can be repeatedly expressed to those who are in trouble.  I think these stories can worm their way into our deepest places and form us, confident that the pattern of Scripture is one that has women firmly woven into it.

 

Revd Dr Deirdre Brower Latz is Principal of Nazarene Theological College, Manchester. She loves thinking alongside others and engaging in the area of social justice: exploring theology, hospitality, mission as justice, engaging with poverty and deepening our call to be fully Christ-like in relation to others.

Reflective Leadership Corner

Deconstructing for Growth

I recently watched a TED talk entitled The Danger of a Single Story by Nigerian author and speaker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Adichie describes the diversity inherent in humanity and culture that cannot be contained in one perspective. Singular perspectives are somewhat like a blurred black and white photograph: they may reveal some truths, but they limit and distort reality. As I watched, I was somewhat challenged, but also self-assured. I already valued diversity and made a consistent effort to challenge my perspective. I thought I was well aware of the danger of a single story, and at least somewhat beyond its grasp.

Some weeks later, I found myself sitting in a room filled with young leaders from around the world. As we explored various topics surrounding leadership, I became increasingly frustrated by the lack of depth to the point where I could no longer engage. As I sat alone, reflecting on the situation, I realized that I had been nurturing a single story about depth that had blinded me from seeing the richness all around me.

We spend our lives constructing our stories, otherwise known as our worldview. It happens consciously and unconsciously, influenced by our culture, family, personality, history, and geography, among other things. We think that growth happens through a matter of addition, or continuous construction. This is only partially true. Certain kinds of growth can only happen through deconstruction.

It seems to be a natural human tendency to reject what does not fit with our stories. In order to move beyond a single story, we must deconstruct our ideas and assumptions about something or someone. This allows us to have multiple perspectives that are all true as they reach beyond our own limitations to bring colour and complexity to our photographs.

I am still on a journey of deconstruction. I need to spend time reflecting on my life and leadership to see my single stories. I need mentors and friends who will ask me difficult questions. I need to engage with books, articles, and experiences that purposefully challenge my assumptions. I know it will be difficult, and I will continually be tempted to retreat to what is comfortable. But I know the danger of the single story, and the price of change is worth it.

Questions for Reflection

• How would you describe the value of having multiple stories?
• How are you challenging your perspectives on a regular basis? What sorts of people, movies, books, etc. do you engage with that are different from you?
• What will you start doing this week to help deconstruct your assumptions?
  

  
  
  
  Tami Zacharias lives in Canada and works for the Christian charity Operation Mobilisation. She recently finished studies in Adult Education, and enjoys conversations about feminism and tea.
  
  

Sophia Network Update - December 2016

Welcome everyone to the final Sophia Network Update for 2016!

What a year 2016 has been! Unpredictable is one word you could use to describe it.

So grab a hot beverage of your choice, find a comfy seat, and treat yourself to a mince pie as you feast on this month's slightly-more-predictable-than 2016 content.


Natalie Collins wrote an excellent piece for us to mark International Day to eliminate violence against women on 25th November. We share that again with you here in case you missed it. 




Natalie is also part of a group who are working to develop an online database for Christian women who do public speaking. Natalie says 'This has been a vision myself and others have been working towards for a number of years.  As we started to think through the practicalities of making this happen, we realised we would need professional input and that would cost money. We have raised almost  5/7 of the full amount of £7000 we need.  You can find out more about the database here.   If you, or anyone you know would be interested in partnering with us in making the project happen, there is a GoFundMe page set up for people to contribute.  If you (or women you know) are interested in joining the database when it is complete, or if you just want to be kept informed about it you can sign up to get updates HERE.'

We also asked several network members for their dreams for 2017 and their responses are enlightening, encouraging and challenging.

 

 

Charlotte Hendy shares with us five things she has learnt as a woman in leadership in 2016.

 

 

 

Rev'd Dr Deirdre Brower Latz shares her personal experience of being a woman in leadership and the challenges she has faced.





We hope this festive season is filled with God's love, joy and peace, whatever the circumstances with which you find yourselves in.

Dan Crouch - Trustee and Editor

5 things I learnt as a woman leader in 2016

5 things I learnt as a woman leader in 2016

2016 has been an interesting year for us all, but not least for us women. Reflecting on the numerous news stories of the last 12 months, with their highs and lows, here are 5 things that I’ve learnt as a woman leader in 2016…

• You can win 4 tennis Olympic gold medals but, if you’re a woman, people may not remember

 In August, BBC presenter John Inverdale praised Andy Murray for being the first person to win two Olympic tennis golds. Murray swiftly reminded him that both Venus and Serena Williams have won four gold medals each. Doh! 

• Even the Queen takes guidance from God 

90 years is an impressive age for anyone to reach, and many joined in with the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations earlier in the year. For me, a highlight was reflecting on the Queen’s faith when I read ‘The Servant Queen and the King she serves’. What an outstanding example of a woman of influence humbly proclaiming that her life and leadership is anchored in her faith. 

• Mary, Mel and Sue may have broken our hearts, but integrity has won the day 

RIP Great British Bake Off, or at least GBBO as we know it. This year brought mixed emotions – joy and jubilation as a new batch of contestants stole our hearts every Wednesday evening, and tears and tantrums when we learnt GBBO would move to Channel 4 – minus three of the original four presenters and judges. Mary, Mel and Sue decided not to follow the money, and instead to quit the show – and it is this act of integrity that has shone brightest among all my 2016 Bake Off memories. 

• The sisterhood is strong 

From the reboot of the Powerpuff Girls to the all-female re-make of Ghostbusters, this year has shown us that we women, different though we may be, are strongest when we are united. 

• Some glass ceilings are yet to be smashed

Regardless of what you think of her politics, Hillary Clinton’s defeat to Donald Trump means that the USA have still never had a woman in the top position. Clinton perfectly summed up the hopes and frustrations of many in her concession speech when she said, "I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling. But someday, someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now."

This year has held a lot of lessons – we are making progress, but we still have a way to go. We hold on to hope, integrity, and faith above all else. We all have the potential to be trailblazers, and together we will achieve so much more.

In my day-job for Girls’ Brigade Ministries, I lead a discipleship and leadership initiative for women called The Esther Collective. Together we dare to ask the big questions, to lean in to God, and to respond to His call ‘for such a time as this’ (Esther Ch.4:14). We cultivate the values of integrity, influence and faith as we explore what it means to live and lead for Jesus today.

As I reflect on the lessons of 2016, I am expectant about what God will teach me, and many other women through life, through leadership, and through The Esther Collective next year.

Charlotte Hendy is The Esther Collective project leader for Girls’ Brigade Ministries, and loves seeing women discover who God made them to be and what He is calling them to do ‘for such a time as this’ (Esther Ch. 4:14). Originally from Plymouth, she studied Theology at Oxford and now lives in Sheffield. Charlotte suffers from seaside withdrawal symptoms and dreams of one day owning a house by the sea.

I have a dream...

 

We asked some of our network for their dreams for women in leadership -inside and out the church - in 2017. Here is what they had to say;

 

 

'My dream is that women will be leaders in innovation. As we dare to dream even bigger for our communities, and as we work to end injustice, despair and isolation, I believe we will inspire others to see that with God all things are possible.' 

Rachel Gardner - Youth Worker. Relationship Lead at Youthscape. President of Girls' Brigade E&W. Founder of Romance Academy. Trustee of Cinnamon Network & Home For Good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 'My dream for 2017 is to have a database of Christian female speakers to resource event organisers in achieving equal representation of men and women at Christian events across the UK.  In order to make this dream a reality, we at Project 3:28 have started a GoFundMe campaign!  If you'd like to get involved or invest in this go to: https://www.gofundme.com/project328database'

Natalie Collins - Gender Justice Specialist. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 'I would like it to be seen as normal to have women in leadership positions. And for those women in leadership to be commented on about their attributes and qualities and what they are doing and not their appearance (this feels especially true in the media).'

Helen Young - Youth Worker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 'Let's face it, it seems that in some ways, 2016 seemed like a triumph for patriarchy, sexism and misogyny. My hope for 2017 is that we cultivate a culture of worth for everyone acting on the Gospel truth that each of us has equal worth and value regardless of what we look like, gender, age, race, ability etc. This is the hope-filled message that Jesus brought to us and he is calling us to follow in His footsteps today, particularly to turn up the volume of hope for girls. So let's turn hope into action and act together to support great initiatives like IC Change UK [http://icchange.co.uk/] who are ending violence against women.'

Dr Claire Rush - Participation and Advocacy Co-ordinator for Girls' Brigade Ministries, Vice-President of Girls' Brigade International and a trustee of Sophia Network.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 'As 2016 draws to a close the possibilities of what lies ahead becomes for us all a great opportunity.
An  opportunity to dream together of a different future. I  dream that all women would be free to be the people that God created them to be.
I dream that all women would be free to follow the call of God on their individual lives.
I dream that all women would be encourage, supported and cheered on to follow Christ into the places that He leads them.
I dream that men and women would be free to lead the church together according to their gifts and call.
I dream that gender would become a point of celebration instead of a place of division.'


Vicky Thompson - Pastor of Farnhams and Hedgerley Community Church and Chair of the Sophia Network. 

'I’ve always dreamed big. I’m not really one to put limits on myself or on God. My hope for the following year would usually be that we would be trailblazers or something equally epic. But this year, God’s telling me to keep it simple. My hope for 2017 is that myself, those around me, and perhaps you too, will become more in tune with God. That we will listen to Him more, rely on Him more, and discover more through His incredible Word. It’s pretty simple, but it still has the potential to be a game-changer!'

Charlotte Hendy - The Esther Collective project leader for Girls’ Brigade Ministries.

 

An experience of a Woman in Leadership - Rev Dr Deirdre Brower Latz

Photo Credit: Tami Zacharias


An experience of a Woman in Leadership.

There have been contrasting realities for me as a leader who is a woman.

The first, the deep and significant support of some of my peers and elders/leaders in churches who have steadfastly encouraged, called out the best of me, and been faithful to embolden, support and sharpen me. Within the context of a denomination that has ordained women from its very beginnings (though not always lived into its affirmation) my family background was such that my paternal Grandparents were part of a congregation led by early church-planting women in the harsh landscape of the Canadian prairies, (literal pioneers), a holy boldness upon them! My maternal Grandfather, a missionary and able leader, was incredibly affirming and loved nothing better than talking about the belovedness of the church and how my leadership could be wise and Godly. Character mattered more than gender to them, and many of the people around me. In education I was fortunate to be theologically resourced by Nazarene Theological College, again, a place of hospitality to men and women training to lead. A few of my fellow students were adamant that women couldn’t lead, but other peers in the classroom also stood for the Holy Spirit’s ability to anoint all flesh! They were powerful advocates. I’ve wrestled, of course, as many have, with what it means to be called by God into leadership, to hear, receive and follow into the unknown. But, there’s a sense that if God has called, the church has affirmed, how could you say no?

On the other hand… I’ve preached when an entire row of people marched out to make their point against all women (not just me, I remind myself). I’ve been silenced (though speaking) as men who do not affirm women in Christian leadership spoke around, over and through me. I’ve heard powerful voices declaring that this, this, is something God can’t possible intend. I suppose, as I reflect on it, seeking to be faithful, exploring how to lead in a way that is Godly, and gracious not bitter or militant, I cling to the idea that God’s doing a work and that the culture of the church is shifting to understand more and more that God’s image is powerfully expressed in and through people, and that God calls un/likely leaders to serve in myriad of ways. Women included.

Revd Dr Deirdre Brower Latz is Principal of Nazarene Theological College, Manchester. She loves thinking alongside others and engaging in the area of social justice: exploring theology, hospitality, mission as justice, engaging with poverty and deepening our call to be fully Christ-like in relation to others.

International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women

Earlier this month Australian start-up company Nomadic Thinkers announced they were building a new co-working space that would be male-only. Their motivation is to address depression and male violence against women by creating a workspace where women are banned as a preventative solution for this.  

They have a comprehensive white paper which misuses research to back up why their approach is going to work and they quote 'the classical author' John Eldredge.  He of the 'every man has a beauty to rescue, a battle to fight and an adventure to live' fame. They use archetypes of masculinity to explain a 'true man…is strength in action with character, which is determined in guiding his action outwards towards his family, community and nation.' They don’t explain what a true woman should look like.

Today is November 25th. The international day for the elimination of violence against women. Across the world there will be campaigns launched, marches done, politicians speaking about the issues and awareness raised.

Every Christian I know would tell you male violence against women is wrong. Every Christian leader I can think of would assure you that it is abhorrent and should end. Yet, how many Christians are up in arms about divorce rates, with no acknowledgement of how divorce may be liberation for women with abusive husbands? In fact, the introduction of divorce laws in the US led to a 20% decrease in female suicide. How many Christian leaders preach forgiveness with no mention of how forgiveness is not the same as accepting abusive behaviour. How many youth groups fervently advocate abstinence whilst being deafeningly silent on the need for consent in sexual activity? And how many Christians, both individually and corporately blame the feminization of the church for a lack of Christian men?

Just as Nomadic Thinkers have wrongly concluded that a workplace devoid of women will make men less depressed and less violent to women, so the church assumes that by appealing to traditional forms of masculinity we will get more men in church.

The reason men are alienated from church is not because church is girly.  

It is because the rules of manhood insist that men must not be weak. Little boys learn early that crying is for girls. The violence towards gay men and men who do not conform to those rules reinforces that it is safer to reject weakness. There are less men in church because the Gospel insists that admitting weakness is the only way to receive the life Jesus offers and that is deeply offensive to masculinity.  

The reason men are violent towards women is not because they don’t have any male only space.

Men are violent because they are socialised into believing they own women and are entitled to do what they want to them. Highly masculine environments do not reduce male violence. In fact, football matches are a trigger point in which some male attendees whose team loses throw tantrums by abusing their wives. Because to abusive men, women (and children) are possessions to own, control and dominate. Male only spaces breed beliefs of entitlement that are at the root of why abuse happens. Ironically Nomadic Thinkers’ intention to be part of the solution actually makes them part of the problem.

Oh how I would love to hold the church up as a shining example of how Christians are better than Australian start-up companies. But I can’t. For many of us, the abuse that women are subjected to is seen as a women’s issue, talked about in women’s events. However, women are abused by men. This is a men’s issue.  

The almost ubiquitous reality for Christian women with abusive husbands is overwhelming guilt at failing God. Forgiveness and submission are used as weapons to control. She is not able to talk to her church because she is unsure of whether they will support her, blame her, care for her or insist she must work harder at her marriage. Church, we need to do better.

We must repent of our complicity, become informed about the reality and choose to be part of the solution. The actual solution, not the one we invent in our ignorance.

Read:

• Why Does He Do That? By Lundy Bancroft
• Delusions of Gender by Cordelia Fine
• The Masculinity Conspiracy by Joseph Gelfer

Training:

• Invite Natalie to deliver a training event in your church or organisation: www.sparkequip.org
• Book onto this Gender Reconciliation Workshop: http://www.sparkequip.org/gender-reconciliation-training
• Access excellent youth based resource via DAY Programme training: http://www.dayprogramme.org/trainingdates.htm

 

Natalie Collins is a Gender Justice Specialist. She set up Spark (www.sparkequip.org) and works to enable individuals and organisations to prevent and respond to male violence against women. She is also the Creator and Director of DAY (www.dayprogramme.org), an innovative youth domestic abuse and exploitation education programme and organises Project 3:28 (www.project329.info).  She speaks and writes on understanding and ending gender injustice nationally and internationally.  You can connect with her at www.nataliecollins.infoor on twitter: @God_loves_women.

Sophia Update - November 2016

Welcome

Welcome to the November Sophia update.

Grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee (or any other beverage of your choice) and a cheeky slice of cake or packet of biscuits because this month we have got plenty of high quality content for you to engage with including three contributions from members of the network offering their thoughts on the blog for the first time.


Our regular contributor, Tami Zacharias, kicks things off for us this month with a contribution on ‘Vulnerability in Leadership’ and as well as offering some searching questions for our own reflection also recommends Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly to us.

 

 

 

Rev Sarah Whittleston offers a reflection from her experience at the Equipping Day back in September with the encouragement to join us for this event next year.

 

 

Helen Young writes on how we find ‘beauty in waiting’ a timely topic as we approach the season of Advent.

 

 

Finally this month, Lynda Heron offers a challenging reflection on the subject of identity offering a message that we would all do well to hear and own for ourselves in Hey, You!

 

 

This month the trustees of the Network will meet to consider the strategic future of the network, to explore the differing experiences and gifts that the trustees bring, and to prayerfully seek God and his guidance for the role he is calling Sophia to take for today. We would really value your prayers for this time together and we will share with you the outworking of this time together as it unfolds. 


 Dan Crouch - Editor

Reflective Leadership Corner

 Exploring leadership through a reflective lens

 

Taking the Risk: Vulnerability in Leadership

Throughout most of my life, whether in positions of leadership or not, I have heard one word said about me over and over again. Unapproachable.

At first I did not really care, and blamed others for their lack of courage. When I realized it was inhibiting my effectiveness, and that as a leader it was my responsibility to be approachable, I began trying various strategies to change people’s perception of me. I opened avenues for feedback. I invested in team development. I gave affirmation in various forms. I tried my best to make sure people knew I cared about them. No matter what I did, my unapproachable reputation would not be shaken. I was at a loss and gave up on anything changing.

Funnily enough, my ‘eureka’ moment came after a failed conflict resolution attempt in my family. I had analysed the situation and applied the relevant theory perfectly. I thought it was a sure win, but it blew up in my face. When I debriefed with my sister afterward, she told me what I said was not received because I communicated too dispassionately. I realized that even though I was doing great at allowing people to be vulnerable with me, I had neglected to be vulnerable with them. Without the willingness to be vulnerable, I would continue to be perceived as unapproachable.

Brené Brown, a vulnerability researcher, defines it as the courage to show up and let ourselves be seen. In leadership, this looks like making room for mistakes, asking for help or forgiveness, taking risks, and making right but unpopular decisions. It also means being real, human people with our team, and not buying into the myth, as I did, that I need to be perfect and not let anything get to me. In the right context, it is healthy to share our weaknesses.

When the Apostle Paul was dealing with his weakness, he pleaded with God to take it away. In response, God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul’s view of weakness was transformed when he recognized it as an opportunity for God’s strength to shine through. Vulnerability, though difficult for people like me, does not have to be crippling when we recognize our security in Christ and allow God to work in our weakness.

I still think I have a ways to go towards embracing vulnerability in leadership, and thus becoming more approachable. But I have been trying, and I am beginning to see the difference. Are you willing to take the risk?

Questions for Reflection

• What is people’s perception of you? If you’re not sure, ask some people around you who will be honest with you.
• What keeps you from being vulnerable?
• Why is vulnerability important in leadership?
• What will you start doing to increase your approachability?

Recommended Resource: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead (Brené Brown)

Tami lives in Canada and works for the Christian charity Operation Mobilisation. She recently finished studies in Adult Education, and enjoys conversations about feminism and tea.

*Image taken by Tami Zacharias

Sophia Network Equipping Day 2016

Sophia Network Equipping Day 2016

The view of a network member...

I’ve been in some form of Christian Leadership for around 20 years now (I honestly have no idea where those 2 decades have gone!) but it’s only recently that I’ve really begun to be more aware of being a female Christian Leader.

As a woman in leadership I have had mostly positive, affirming and encouraging experiences related to my gender and leadership roles but I’m aware that’s not always the case for everyone. So, when someone invited me to a Sophia Network equipping day a few years ago I honestly didn’t think it would make much of an impact.

I was wrong.

I suddenly found myself in a room full of amazing leaders (male and female) from different denominations and varying experiences. All shared wisdom and stories, honest vulnerability and fantastic teaching; united by an idea that we are equal and equally called by God regardless of gender. This is what a Sophia equipping day is all about!

At this latest event I shared a table with friends old and new as we wrestled, grasped, debated and discovered more about faith, leadership and life! There was space for sharing our journey and space to listen to God and pray together. Anne Calver spoke brilliantly and shared candidly about her leadership journey.

As we dug into the life of Moses there were some standout ‘How have I not seen that before?’’ moments and some beautiful reminders of the joys and challenges of leading. As we prayed together there was a tangible sense of the presence of God ministering and moving, allowing the prophetic to be stirred and bringing encouragement (literally the giving of courage to continue). As we ate together we got to know one another and enjoyed some good food. It's a space and time to be yourself, to be inspired by the stories of others, to be equipped and changed by God’s word, to gain insight and support. Sometimes you can feel as if you’re in this alone – but you’re not. Sophia Network events help to remind you of the unity and diversity of the body of Christ and those in leadership. It’s to be celebrated!

So if you’ve ever wondered what they are about and should I attend – my advice would be – Yes! Go for it!

See you at the next one.

Rev Sarah Whittleston was born in Wales and became a follower of Jesus at 13. After university she spent 4 1⁄2 years working in youth and evangelism in her home church of Caerphilly and across the UK. She later attended the School of Ministry at Elim’s Theological College and upon completion joined the Leadership team at Gloucester Elim in 2005; being ordained in 2009. Sarah has been one of the Pastors of Elim Life Church Kingstanding since 2010. She has a heart for ministry with youth and young adults, community outreach and prayer. Sarah serves on the National Youth team, Serious4God, and Elim’s National Prayer network, LiftUp. And she loves Chocolate!

Beauty in the Waiting

Beauty in the waiting

I wonder if we are always waiting for something.  As a Christian I know I am waiting for the return of Christ. But I wonder if in our everyday lives we are always waiting for something we want to come along?

Something that once that happens, everything will be better and we spend our time looking for that moment on the horizon.

God brought the phrase ‘Beauty in the waiting’ to my mind over the last year. How much of my life have I waited for the time when something better will come along? In that time of waiting – how much have I missed out on – by viewing that waiting time, as a necessary evil to get what I truly want! We live in a society that is always telling us that we can get what we want when we want it. Everything is instant and now! Are we actually missing out on the joy and beauty of waiting?

My waiting is marriage – once I’m married then it’ll all be ok and I’ll be happier and content. Now maybe I will get married, but maybe I won’t – but I do know that I don’t want to waste my life waiting. I want to find beauty in it and know my loving father in it.

During this time of waiting for something that I have been praying about for a long time – God has drawn close to me and has shown his love for me. It is in this time of waiting that we can fully rely on our Father. I can choose to be happy and content with where I am at the moment, even if I am still waiting for something. I can choose to see the multitude of blessings that God has surrounded me with, instead of the things I don’t have.

I know that waiting isn’t always easy, and there are difficult times where frustration, anger and upset become our forefront emotions. But during those times I encourage you to draw near to God and he promises that he will draw near to us. He doesn’t promise us an easy life where we get everything we want. But in him he does promise a fulfilling life and promises never ever to leave our side.

Helen Young is a youth worker based in Kent. She loves encouraging young people to see their full potential in God and his love for them. Helen drinks insane amounts of tea and loves a good costume drama.

Hey, You!

Hey, You! 

Psst!

Yes you!

I know you're busy, but sit down a minute - I want to talk to you. Do you realise how amazing you are? I know you hear that word a lot lately and it's lost it's impact. But not in your case - you truly are an amazing woman! I know, because I created you.  I knit you together while no one could see. I chose the colour of your eyes, the texture of your hair, and the shade of your skin. I fashioned your frame and added all your quirkiness to make you unique. A one off. An original - never to be copied or cloned. There can only ever be one version of you, never to be repeated (Psalm 139:13, Jer 1:5). You are wonderfully and fearfully and purposely hand made to the exact remit of what I dreamt you would be!

This is your time, this is your moment, this is your life to live at its fullest (John 10:10).  Living to the fullest is not as you might think. It's not fame, fortune or being the fastest, fittest or first. A life that is fullest, is a life that knows my love. You cannot truly love your life without truly knowing how much I love you (Isaiah 43:4, 1 Cor 13:2). And when you grasp how much you are loved by me, it sustains you and you will feel safe, secure, and steadfastly strong, no matter what your circumstances or situation (psalm 54:4).  I was the first to love you, the first to see you, the first to know you. I look upon you and love you completely. I love the way you smile and love to hear you laugh. Please laugh more often - it brings us both joy! (Job 8:21). And speak to me - I'm on the edge of my seat when you speak, and not a word falls to the ground, I hear it all. I love your voice!

(Song of Songs 2:14 ...show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely).

I respect you, I admire you, and I can't keep my eyes off of you (Psalm 33:13)! You see, my heart skips a beat when you look my way - those beautiful moments when you gaze into my face, when you look at me  and everything else in your world fades into the background. That's when I seize the moment to restore, replenish, and refresh your spirit. I make you strong, I make you bold, I make you wise - I give you hope, I give you purpose, I give you identity - because in those moments I pour a bit more of myself into your life. And I love it when I see myself in you! It makes me proud! You are my daughter, my child, my heiress, my precious, treasure. I would die for you. The pain I carry is indescribable when I see you in anguish, pain, confusion or unrest. Come to me today my child. I know exactly what you need, I am your answer, I am your hope, I am your purpose (Matt 4:4). Don't waste time and effort looking anywhere else - I have it all for you. No person on this earth is equipped to give you what only I can give you. It's not fair to expect that of anyone! I am the only one!

Don't presume or imagine what others are thinking about you - it doesn't count - don't hold anything against anyone - but listen to me. What I say does count! I love you, and I will tell you a thousand times! I made you, you are unique, you are a complete delight to me. Enjoy being who you are, who I made you to be, and the season that you're in. Run your race and don't look over your shoulder to see what everyone else is doing (John 21:22). Stay in your lane with your eyes fixed on the finish line - and see me jumping, and shouting all undignified to champion you on!! (2 Sam 6:22)   (That's what proud dads do!!) I'm so proud I'm gonna burst! Wow! Look at you girl! You are wonderful, you are wanted, you're a winner - and you are beautiful, amazing, my daughter, you are most definitely mine!!!! (Isaiah 43:1)

Isaiah 43:4 ... you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you...

Lynda Heron is Ministries Director of Elim Church Northampton. 

Sophia Update - October 2016

 

Welcome

Our update this month has come out a week late to coincide with International Day of the Girl. This is an important day so please can we encourage you to prayerfully consider the things you can do to contribute and raise awareness both of the day itself and the reason behind the day.

Please also look out for initiatives from organisations such as Girls' Brigade Worldwide which you can support. (Today GB has launched its hope-filled #iamgb video featuring transformation stories from around the global GB family. Watch #iamgb and be encouraged by how God is working in the lives of girls across the world).

By the time our next update reaches your inbox our trustees will be preparing to meet for what will be a significant meeting for the future of Sophia. As chair Vicky Thompson said to those present at our equipping day, we are entering an exciting period in the life of Sophia. The board of trustees is relatively new and we are looking to establish a sense of the strategic direction for the network over the next few years. We would value your prayers for this meeting on November 3^rd.

Once again, please see the request for contributions at the end of the update. I’m pleased that our last request had already borne fruit. Sophia is a network that functions at its best when the people who form the network are contributing to the collective and collaborative learning of us all. 



This month we have the following features and articles;

We identify five UK initiatives turning up the volume of hope for girls and young people.

 

Claire Rush shares her reflections on how we can avoid running on empty

    

 

 

 

 Dan Crouch offers his reflections on our equipping day back in September.

 

Can you contribute? Sophia is a network that functions at its best when the people who form the network are contributing to the collective and collaborative learning of us all.

 

 

Dan Crouch - Editor

Could you contribute?

Could you contribute?

Sophia is a network that functions at its best when the people who form the network are contributing to the collective and collaborative learning of us all.

Have you written, recorded a vlog, created some art or made another contribution that we have used before? Would you be interested in contributing again?

Have you never contributed but would love the opportunity to share what is on your heart and contribute to our collective learning?

We are always on the look out for material and want to encourage the network to be a space where voices that don't always receive a platform can be heard.

If you would be interested in contributing, please email blog.sophianetwork@gmail.com

Dan would be delighted to hear from you.

Sophia Network Equipping Day 2016

We lean in by laying our hearts open and laying down our agendas.

A storify of our time together can be found here

On Saturday 17^th September several members of the network gathered for our annual equipping day. This year it was held in Birmingham and our speaker was minister, author and leader Anne Calver. Anne she led us on a journey through Exodus 3 and 4 (with a few diversions along the way!)

Anne was inspired, sharing nuggets of wisdom and honest experience throughout our time together. What was notable for me was how clear Anne’s sense of call was and her conviction that both she and her husband Gavin (Director of Mission for Evangelical Alliance) were called to leadership. For so many of us in relationships our focus can sometimes be on the calling of one or other of us rather than God’s call on each of us. It has clearly not been an easy journey, and the outworking of this call is ongoing, but what was clear to me was the challenge to consider not only my own calling but that of my wife Sarah, as Anne and Gavin have. How do I enable her to be obedient to her call while seeking to be obedient to my own? It seems good in theory, but what might this look like in practice?




Anne’s honesty in sharing that she was a reluctant leader set the tone for an openness that was significant to our day together. I think this reluctance resonates with many of us in leadership. Not many of us feel able or equipped for ministry. Anne helped us to consider how we respond to the call from God using Moses’ response to his encounter with God as a framework. As we journeyed through the various elements it was evident that as Anne shared people throughout the room were resonating with her experience. As well as opening up her own humanity, Anne made Moses’ humanity evident for us and brought fresh insight to this story.


Those who were present to hear Anne share were in broad agreement that this was precisely the kind of event that Sophia should be hosting and promoting. We’re already looking forward to next year!

(I realise that this reflection comes from the male perspective of a trustee. Next month, one of the delegates will be providing a reflection)

   Dan Crouch is a trustee of Sophia and an ordinand at Trinity College, Bristol.