One year ago this week I wrote that Grace Church of Noblesville, IN, (a northern Indianapolis suburb) had publicly changed their position in their weekend services to support women at all levels of leadership. The previous article was viewed nearly 20,000 times and sparked articles about the sermon in national media. Readers were encouraged that a church of this size and significance would make such a bold move in spite of what it might cost them. [Read more…]
Why I Keep Getting Fat (and what it says about Christian discipleship)
Some have medical issues or a genetic predisposition. I have discipline issues. [Read more…]
Best Responses to Inappropriate Comments
I think every pastor sometimes has to deal with terribly inappropriate comments. Sometimes people will blame the pastor for something stupid that a high profile Christian has said or done. God only knows how many times I’ve had to take the brunt of a joke because of Pat Robertson’s antics. Other times people will use the reception line after worship to take a jab about the sermon for the day when he or she knows that the pastor won’t be able to respond between shaking hands and kissing babies. [Read more…]
How Do You Respond to Inappropriate Comments?
I think every pastor sometimes has to deal with terribly inappropriate comments. Sometimes people will blame the pastor for something stupid that a high profile Christian has said or done. God only knows how many times I’ve had to take the brunt of a joke because of Pat Robertson’s antics. Other times people will use the reception line after worship to take a jab about the sermon for the day when he or she knows that the pastor won’t be able to respond between shaking hands and kissing babies.
Women Pastors and Male Privilege
Until recently I was able to say that I had never had a single person mention the way that I was dressed in 14 years of church leadership. Recently, one of the older men has teased me a couple times that I should wear a tie more often. My streak is broken.
When I was in seminary I learned that many of my female colleagues hear comments about their clothing, hair, and make-up every week.
Why We Need to Wait for Christmas
A few weeks ago, in the middle of October, my five-year-old son and I walked into a store together. He pointed and called my name with a disgust that kiddos usually reserve for carrots and squash.
“What buddy?”
“They have Christmas stuff up and we haven’t even had Halloween!”
When the young ones get it then we surely have a problem.
#HeForShe is also for Him
The United Nations has just launched a well articulated solidarity movement calling men to stand for gender quality alongside the women of the world. The following speech by Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, is a concise and inspiring example that’s worth the 13 minutes it will take to watch. She calls for men around the world to join the struggle on behalf of women around the world. [Read more…]
Dr. Jeremiah Gibbs 