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Women in Leadership: Talent vs.
Tokenism
by Cadet Andrea Hoover
Cadet Andrea Hoover (Prayer Warriors, USA
Southern Territory) looks at
where and how to place women within The Salvation Army.
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William Booth was once asked the question, “Why do you have
women for leaders?” William Booth replied, “Because they often
lead better than the men” (www1.salvationarmy.org.uk). As this
quote catches your attention, consider the role of women in
leadership in The Salvation Army. Certainly throughout the
history of the Army, we were influenced either directly or
indirectly by women such as; Phoebe Palmer, Suzanna Wesley,
Catherine Booth and Evangeline Booth. Young Eliza Shirley had
the vision for the Army in the United States and Evangeline
Booth became the first woman General of The Salvation Army.
Later Eva Burrows followed in her footsteps. All of these
women were influential and talented leaders used to further
the kingdom of God.
Throughout the Bible, God uses women in ordinary ways for
extraordinary purposes. Scriptures give details of women’s
influence on society and the importance of their role in the
family. Scripture never down plays the talents, intellect or
abilities of women. These women were influential because of
their character and faithfulness to God (MacArthur).
For many decades there has been controversy over women in
leadership positions and even more so, over women in ministry.
Some would say that the church is a “guy’s club” which
devalues the capabilities of women in ministry. Within the
church in general, some have used scripture to back their view
point that women should only be involved in women’s and
children’s ministries, while others have used scripture to
support women serving as pastors and elders (Kimball). The
view of women in leadership in our society is starting to
evolve beyond placing a woman in a leadership position just
for diversity’s sake.
Some women have had the privilege of being in positions of
leadership in ministry, but were these women placed in
leadership positions based on talent or tokenism? Certainly
the view of women in ministry is a little different than years
past and is becoming more widely accepted. Bringing a
different and complimentary perspective to worship, the
presence of women in ministry is changing the face of the
church. Yet some people remain concerned that women bring too
much femininity to worship (Kimball). Certainly women and men
bring varied gifts and talents to the table. The goal should
be to place the right person in the right position regardless
of gender.
This leads me to question, are women being utilized in the
Army to their fullest potential? The Army has led the way for
the use of women in ministry for many years. Early on in the
history of the Army, William and Catherine Booth entrusted the
women to open new corps and evangelize communities. Over the
years, this practice has changed slightly. We still have a
higher percentage of women in ministry positions than most
denominations; but I have to wonder, are women placed in the
positions in which they are most talented? I think we are
advancing in that direction more and more with the recent
appointment of a female Divisional Commander and other women
appointed to non-traditional female positions in the Southern
Territory.
Imagine the changes that would take place in the church when
men and women are prayerfully placed in positions not merely
based on gender, but in areas of spiritual giftedness.
Uniquely different, men and women were created to compliment
one another and partner in ministry. Despite marital status,
both genders can work together in ministry. Few churches, if
any, ordains husband and wife teams to minister to the needs
of others as does the Army. Regardless of gender, the church
and The Salvation Army should respect and empower those
exceptional people who have felt God’s call on their lives.
The goal is a mutually shared ministry in which God uses the
gifts and talents of ordinary men and women in extraordinary
ways to lead His people.
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http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/
Kimball, Dan. They Like Jesus But Not The Church: Insights
From Emerging Generations. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.
MacArthur, John. Twelve Extraordinary Women. Nashville, TN:
Thomas Nelson, 2005.
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