Brethren :)
The Gospel calls us to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). To do this effectively, we must learn to work together as brothers and sisters in Christ, honoring one another with wisdom, accountability, and mutual respect.
Yet, too often, Christian communities fall into two unhelpful extremes:
Seeing the opposite gender as a liability, treating them as temptations or distractions rather than co-laborers in Christ.
Treating women in a male dominated ministry as “just one of the guys” or men in a female dominated ministry as “one of the ladies”, failing to acknowledge their unique gifts and experiences.
Both distortions weaken our ability to fulfill the Great Commission. Craig Keener reminds us:
“The biblical vision of men and women in ministry is not about hierarchy or separation—it is about partnership in the mission of Christ.”
If we want to reach the lost and transform our schools and communities, we must embrace a biblical model of honor and collaboration.
1. Brothers and Sisters in Christ Are Co-Laborers, Not Liabilities
Too often, Christians avoid the opposite gender rather than honor and encourage one another in faith and mission. This can lead to:
❌ Awkwardness or fear in opposite-gender friendships
❌ Excluding one another from leadership and discipleship opportunities
❌ Placing an unfair burden of responsibility on one group for purity
Instead of avoiding each other, we should:
✅ See one another as co-laborers, not distractions
✅ Encourage and affirm each other’s leadership and spiritual growth
✅ Focus on the mission together, rather than fearing one another
✅ Build friendships that reflect Christ’s love while maintaining wisdom, integrity, and accountability
When we empower both men and women for the mission, we increase our capacity to reach the lost.
2. Honor One Another—Don’t Dismiss Differences
Honor does not mean sameness—it means valuing each other’s strengths.
Instead of:
❌ Ignoring challenges unique to men and women in faith and leadership
❌ Forcing people to conform to one style of leadership instead of celebrating how God has made us
❌ Dismissing gender or personality differences rather than honoring them
We should aim to:
✅ Value different leadership styles and perspectives
✅ Celebrate both shared and unique strengths
✅ Make space for men and women to serve as God designed them, while not falling into the trap of stereotyping
Treating women as “just another one of the guys” can lead to blurred boundaries, a lack of accountability, and ministry environments that don’t recognize the needs/unique giftings of one of an entire group of people. Instead of minimizing gender differences, we should honor them while ensuring equal opportunity for leadership and discipleship.
When we embrace the strengths of both men and women, we create a fuller, more effective expression of the Gospel.
A Biblical Expression
I have been tremendously blessed to work alongside incredible males in ministry in Wyoming and Oregon, who have treated me with brotherly honor, thoughtfulness, and care. However, not every experience I have had as a female in ministry has been as positive and there’s still a TREMENDOUS lack of teaching in the area of women in ministry. There is still a lot of work to be done.
One of my leadership values is to do my best to give younger leaders what I wish I would have had. This means that even though it is uncomfortable to feel like the “squeaky wheel” (…this is SO difficult for me as a recovering people pleaser,) I continue to lovingly spur the Church on to be better in all the ways I know it can.
The Great Commission requires everyone - men and women, young and old, leaders and students.
Paul partnered with women like Priscilla, Junia, and Phoebe (Romans 16:1-7).
Jesus called both men and women to be His disciples and witnesses (Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 28:1-10)
The Holy Spirit was poured out on both sons and daughters (Acts 2:17-18).
We cannot afford to sideline or ignore half the body of Christ. We must:
✅ Recognize the urgency of the mission
✅ Commit to honoring one another with integrity and wisdom
✅ Break down unhelpful barriers and collaborate effectively for the Gospel
The church is strongest and more reflective of God’s heart for the world when men and women demonstrate brotherly love for one another as they serve, lead, and reach the lost together.
