“The Bible teaches the full equality of men and women in Creation and in Redemption” — CBE International Founder’s Statement.
The Wesleyan Church has long advocated for the leadership of women and men together within the church body and leadership. Holding to the Scriptures’ teaching that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to all in different forms, fashions, and roles — regardless of gender. There are many ways in which it goes about this, but one such way is the resourcing of its members through partner organizations that are doing the same Kingdom work, such as Christians for Biblical Equality.
A recent example of this comes from a conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rev. Carla Working, Director of Clergy Care & Development for The Wesleyan Church, was in attendance and spoke to the powerful outworking of the Spirit to enlighten, encourage, and exhort those attending to reframe their understanding of how men and women can partner together as equals in the Kingdom of God. Rev. Working has a long-standing passion for this topic and works tirelessly to further the education of both men and women on how women are equal to men in the eyes of their Creator and Redeemer. She spoke of how this particular conference in Argentina continues to fan the flames of interest and learning that began in 1989 when The Wesleyan Church supported the founding of CBE. She has received much feedback about the encouragement, conviction, and empowerment to speak up that these times of coming together have brought about. One such encouragement is from Pastor Carlos Martinez, who is the Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church of Chile and the Regional Superintendent of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile for the Iberoamericana Wesleyan Church. Speaking of these times together, he says:
Mrs. Carla,
Thank you very much for allowing us to be part of a program focused on Women’s Ministry. We found both the theme and the speakers very interesting. We value the Women’s Ministry, but we realized that we need to be more intentional and address women’s issues with greater strength. It is our responsibility to be transmitters of the central truth: that sin has clouded the correct view of women, and for decades, men have been abusers. As a church, we must develop greater sensitivity toward the issues faced by women and humanity through the redemptive work of Christ. Women have been a very valuable contribution to the Kingdom of God. Another highlight is the availability of resources from CB International.
Thank you once again for investing in us. — Pastor Carlos.
There is a spirit of celebration and unity at work around the world, but especially in South America, and conferences such as these are major contributors to it. They bring awareness, prayer, teaching, and unity to a sensitive but important topic that deserves much light in these days. The Wesleyan church is proud to guide both men and women, hand in hand, in their giftings. All for the glory of God and his Kingdom. When men and women are divided, the enemy gains a foothold to separate and destroy — together there is a strength that shines bright in the redemption found under Jesus’ name.
While there is still much work to be done, times such as these are a blessing, bringing much hope and joy to all involved. The prayer of Rev. Working and those already impacted is that these conferences stand as resources for all who are wondering how to live and serve God’s kingdom together as one body, male and female, brother and sisters in Christ. We were created as image bearers of God. We stand as name bearers of Christ. We long to serve united in the Holy Spirit and his giftings for the Glory of God’s Kingdom.
If there is an interest to learn more about how to attend, contribute, or pray for the Christians for Biblical Equality, information can be found here — CBE International. First and foremost, though, there is a need to offer up prayer and praise, for God is at work in the men and women of his kingdom; he longs to shine his light. May those who follow Jesus also come together and be known as Christians “by their love” (John 13:35), and that we might “be one … brought to complete unity (John 17:20, 23).
