I have heard at least 160 sermons ("messages") from women pastors (150 in the church of which I am a member and 10 from miscellaneous visits). All but about 5 of these sermons have had the following weaknesses:
*too general
*too much about personal experiences; not enough bible references or correlation
*lacking a definite direction
*the typical and natural "motherly" ways of most women show up too much in the pulpit; the Church needs to portray an image of more firmness and definite direction
This last point is even more significant today as more and more children are raised by a single parent, usually the mother. They get enough motherly kindness at home and could use a little more firm direction when at church, especially to compensate for all the poor values portrayed in movies and on television.
If it were not so acceptable for women to be so assertive and aggressive, we would not have the immense problems in the U.S. of split families, single parents, unwed mothers (these problems would exist, but not in the current magnitude). We are too permissive and not firm enough. Women might do many jobs better than men (on the average they are better organized and more efficient) but that does not help the breakdown of the family in the U.S., and our churches need to maintain a good example of men in dominant roles.
I sincerely feel there are more appropriate places for women in the ministry, but not leading churches.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22878-MN- -D
1996 United Methodist General Conference