To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before

Greetings,

I have always loved the ideology behind all things Star Trek.  Since the shows inception in the 1960′s it has always preached and presented a universe based on inclusion and the equality of all life forms.  Along the way Trek has even corrected itself to be even more inclusive.  When the original series began the mantra was, “To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before.”  Not exactly inclusive of females, but when The Next Generation premiered in the late 1980′s they humbly corrected that phrase to be the more inclusive and accurate, “To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before.”

The equality of all races, genders, social classes, and ages is a noble and lofty goal.  A goal that some seem to be still threatened by.  Even the Church has had difficulty living up to such high ideals.  Paul, an apostle, addressed this important topic in his letter to the Galatians where he wrote, “In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female.  Among us you are all equal.  That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.”  (The Message)

In this post I am just going to focus on the need, no the Biblical command, to fully include women in all aspects of BEing the Church.  Because there are still many churches out there that do not allow for the full participation of women in ministry or any sort of leadership.  All this does is cripple the Body of Christ by not allowing 50% of its members to fully participate in the mission of the church.  That is like going into battle with both arms tied behind your back or both legs non-functional.  It just does not make good sense.

Jesus NEVER marginalized women during HIS time here on planet earth.  Some point to the fact that none of the original apostles were women, but that could be for any number of reasons and not male exclusivity.  The fact is that in the book of Romans, Junias, a female, was called, “Outstanding among the apostles.”

In my relational Church experience over the last 37 years we have always valued women as full equals in life and ministry. Because of this we have been totally blessed with the fullness that only manifests itself when the WHOLE Body is allowed to function as it was designed to when we come together.  For those of you who still struggle with the concept of every member, every gender, every age ministry….”I appeal to you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)  And to me, “NO DIVISIONS”, means “NO DIVISIONS” period.  As for me, I strongly believe that the anointing of Christ can flow through each and every member of the Body of Christ moment by moment as HE sees fit. Christ in US is the Hope of Glory.

Love and……

Kirk Out !