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.
The pastor was speaking from Ephesians 4:8, about the Spirit giving gifts to men. I wondered does that mean women don't get gifts? Every time I hear the pastor read a verse using the word 'man' to mean all humans, I feel a little invisible. I don't say anything, because I don't want to be told I'm over-sensitive or being ridiculous.
Possibilities to watch out for
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 as well as 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
Prepare and study thoughtfully
Read women scholars and quote them
Intentionally explore alternate perspectives on controversially interpreted texts
Ask someone else to read your script, looking for things that you might have missed or that could be misconstrued
Communicate intentionally and carefully
Use both female and male pronouns in hypothetical examples
Check your ‘off-script’ communication: in our impromptu or untested language we can inadvertantly communicate unhelpfully (e.g. by not completing a thought or sentence, or by not fully considering the impact of our words)
Include the voices of women, in preaching, testimonies, or sharing (Note, it is also important to include the voices of children in the life of your church)
keep learning, even from your mistakes
Open clear pathways or feedback: make it easy for people to let you know when things have been negatively received
Communicate your learning: be humble in acknowledging if you’ve got it wrong or how you’re seeking to get it right
Further resources
Trigger warning: Domestic abuse and sexual assault
VIDEOS
Elliot Keane, Leadership and Mission Facilitator for Baptist Churches SA
Recorded in 2021
Yvette Cherry, National Director Australian Baptist Women
Recorded in 2021
"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
Recorded in 2021
“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
Recorded in 2021
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
Recorded in 2021
"David and Bathsheba - A Sermon"
Rev. Dr. Melinda Cousins, Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of South Australia
Sermon preached at Hills Baptist Church, June 2021
Church-based resources
- Safer | Common Grace A resource to help Australian churches understand, identify, and respond to domestic and family violence
- Safe Ministry | Anglican Diocese of Sydney Resources to help individuals and churches respond to domestic violence
- Ten Commitments | Anglican Church of Australia Resources, tools and an online course
- Before It Starts | Anglicare and Youthworks A free four week youth program building healthy relationships, preventing abuse
- Beyond Violence | Uniting Church in Australia A Resource on Domestic and Family Violence
- Model of care | Salvation Army Resources and information on domestic and family violence
- Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts | Lutheran Church of Australia: Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
- Joint Churches DV Prevention Project | Queensland Churches Together Resources, seminars and workshops
- House of Sarah | Faith-based organisation in Fiji Projects to raise awareness and provide support to people who suffer from gender-based violence