Seeking Justice and Loving Mercy: Christians for Biblical Equality 2007 Conference
By Mimi Haddad, Chelsea Dearmond and Mary Ann Nguyen|
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Do you long to make a difference for Christ? Are you passionate about Jesus and his work in this world? Do you long to see wrongs righted, injustices redressed and the gospel lifted high? Do you believe God’s Spirit works through scripture to shape our lives and our work? These were the questions addressed at Christian for Biblical Equality’s (CBE) 2007 conference, “Seeking Justice and Loving Mercy.”
Christians from around the world gathered in Denver, Colorado, USA, to explore not only the biblical foundations of gift-based ministry, but also the biblical and theological basis for gender justice and Christian service. Speakers shared from their years of study and ministry, award-recipients were honored for their lives of courage and leadership and we joined in worship and prayer. Truly, we felt God’s presence grow stronger—and it came largely in the form of joy.
The “precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8). Why does joy accompany our gospel service in a fallen world? Why is redressing error, injustices and gender inequities accompanied by God’s joyful Spirit? Scripture tells us that when justice prevails, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Prayer in Biblical Equality
In addition to joy, the importance of prayer emerged during the conference. Speakers reminded us that prayer plays a strategic role in discerning and doing God’s will in the ministry of biblical equality.
In drawing upon the wisdom of CBE’s gender and justice panelists, conference attendees asked how we should deal with denominations or churches that continue to resist the biblical foundations of gift-based rather than gender-based ministry. Panelists—seasoned by years of leadership experience—agreed the answer lies in patient and persistent prayer. In waiting upon God, we renew our strength and discern God’s leading in our lives and ministries.
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Dr. Mimi Haddad (left) is president of Christians for Biblical Equality and a founding member of the Evangelicals and Gender Study Group at the Evangelical Theological Society. She also serves on the board of directors for Global Women and is an adjunct professor at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She served as the convener of Issue Group 24 for the 2004 Lausanne Forum in Pattaya. Mary Ann Nguyen (middle) is pursuing her Masters of Divinity at Bethel Seminary in San Diego, California, USA. She and her husband are preparing to serve overseas. Chelsea Dearmond (right) is editor of Mutuality Magazine, a publication of Christians for Biblical Equality. |
