Preaching Tool Question 3: Am I robustly engaging with Biblical texts and theological implications, seeking to close any gaps of potential misinterpretation or misunderstanding?
Understanding the issues
Wherever Jesus ministered, we see him intentionally elevating and advocating for women in stark contrast to the patriarchal society of the age. Our scriptures have been too often interpreted through a patriarchal lens and women have often borne the negative impact. As we work to correct this imbalance, we can sensitively handle difficult texts, halt the perpetuation of dismissive or denigrating stereotypes, seek to identify women in stories where they are otherwise unnoticed, correctly depict female characters, and ensure we align our messages more truly with Jesus’ example to us.
Possibilities to watch out for
Our pastor included the verse about turning the other cheek to your enemy and as a woman I shivered a little. My experience in women’s ministry taught me that some woman had just heard that to be a good Christian, she needs to tolerate her husband’s punches. I know that’s not what the pastor meant but it’s what can be heard.
For Example:
| If I’m preaching on texts that … | Have I considered … |
|---|---|
| Include violence | Listening to those who have wrestled with the implications of these texts Acknowledging problematic historical interpretations of these texts Challenging the normalisation of violence and articulating its unacceptability today Resisting the temptation to justify everything that happens within the biblical narrative Contextualising the narrative within its culture and interpreting it in the light of the New Covenant in Jesus |
| Are shaped by patriarchal culture | Wrestling with the impact of this culture on how the stories were shared Noticing differences between what the text says and how it has sometimes been interpreted Distinguishing between descriptions of what happened and its prescriptive theological teaching Identifying and highlighting the voices of women within the text Pointing to how Jesus inaugurates a Kingdom that reshapes a culture allowing women to fully participate |
| Are about marriage | Acknowledging problematic and controversial interpretations of these texts Holding the tension between honouring ideals and responding to reality Acknowledging that God values marriage, but values people even more |
| Have women in them | Highlighting the voices and stories of women in the biblical narrative, particularly where they have been overlooked Avoiding problematic and stereotypical assumptions about a woman’s role or character (e.g. seductress/temptress/whore) Listening to the voices and perspectives of women scholars and interpreters on these stories |
| Have no women in them | Investigating and highlighting where there might be “hidden” women in the text (e.g. family members, crowds, servants, unnamed speakers etc) Imagining or telling the story from the perspective of an unnamed female observer Ensuring applications are broadened to male and female listeners |
| Speak about humanity | Deliberately considering the perspectives of women Using gender inclusive and affirming language Emphasising the core principle of equality and value of all people |
| Are about sin and forgiveness | Ensuring broad definitions and examples of sin (e.g. more than personal morality; including relational implications) Wrestling with the differences between remorse, repentance, and reconciliation, particularly where there are ongoing risks to physical or emotional safety Acknowledging the complexities of processing forgiveness, particularly for people who have experienced trauma |
Practical suggestions
Read women scholars & quote them
Use both female & male pronouns in hypothetical examples
Ask someone else to read your script
Open clear pathways of feedback
Check your ‘off-script’ communication
Include the voices of women
– it is also important to include the voices of children in the life of your church
Further resources
Trigger warning: Domestic abuse and sexual assault
VIDEOS
Elliot Keane, Leadership and Mission Facilitator for Baptist Churches SA
"Creating Safer Environments Through Our Preaching – Ephesians 5:22-23"
Yvette Cherry, National Director Australian Baptist Women
Michael O’Neil, Dean of Campus – Morling College, Perth Vose Campus and Lecturer in Christian Thought and History
Karen Siggins, Interim Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of Western Australia
“Creating Safer Environments through our Preaching – The Woman at the Well, 1 Corinthians 8, Matthew 5”
Yvette Cherry, National Director Australian Baptist Women
Megan Powell DuToit, Baptist Minister & Academic
Erin Martine Sessions, Baptist Accreditand & Academic
The Woman at the Well, 1 Corinthians 9 and Matthew 5
“Creating Safer Environments through our preaching: David and Bathsheba”
Rev. Dr. Melinda Cousins, Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of South Australia
Kimberly Smith, Emerging Leaders Pastor Baptist Union Victoria
Yvette Cherry, National Director Australian Baptist Women
"David and Bathsheba - A Sermon"
Rev. Dr. Melinda Cousins, Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of South Australia
Church-based resources
- Safer: A resource to help Australian churches understand, identify, and respond to domestic and family violence. From Common Grace: https://www.saferresource.org.au/
- Sydney Anglican Domestic Abuse and Good Practice Guidelines: https://safeministry.org.au/domestic-family-abuse/
- National Anglican Family Violence Project: https://anglican.org.au/our- work/family-violence/
- Anglicare and Youthworks: Before It Starts: Building healthy relationships, preventing abuse: https://takelove.org.au/pages/before-it-starts
- Uniting Church in Australia, Beyond Violence: A Resource on Domestic and Family Violence: https://uniting.church/dfv/
- Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay: A Catholic Response to Domestic Violence: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/parish-community/parish-renewal-discipleship/social-justice/domestic-violence
- Salvation Army: Resources and information on domestic and family violence: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/family-and-domestic-violence/resources/
- Lutheran Church of Australia: Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts: https://www.preventdfv.lca.org.au/
- Queensland Churches Together, Joint Churches Domestic Violence Prevention Project: https://www.qct.org.au/index.php/layout/joint-churches-domestic-violence-prevention-project
- House of Sarah: Projects to raise awareness of gender-based violence and provide support to people who suffer from gender-based violence. Affiliated with the Anglican Parishes in Fiji: http://houseofsarah.org/activities/
by Impressum