Greetings from New York City, a place that I came to 15 years ago in
part to get away from God...
Fortunately, about five years ago I had a profound experience of Jesus' love and grace and have been deeply impacted ever since.
Despite what many mainstream Christians might think, New York is an incredible place to live as a believer. (After all, the world begins in a garden but ends in a city!) I have been attending a really fantastic church called Redeemer Presbyterian, whose pastor, Tim Keller, I'm guessing you have either heard of or listened to at one point or another. Like you, he has a deep engagement with postmodern culture, "seekers," and cerebral types whose blood runs cold when they hear Moral Majority-type cant. (The first sermon I ever heard from him mentioned Kafka and Kierkegaard--a slice of heaven, in my book!)
The only fly in the ointment for me is that my church does not believe that women should be preaching in the pulpit. Women are active in all other ministries, but are not allowed to be pastors. I find that weird and frankly outdated (pace Paul), and I was wondering what you thought about the role of women in the new church. As a woman in my late 30s having come of age in third-wave feminism, it is difficult to feel comfortable with the policy, although I don't necessarily see it as a "deal breaker" since I've found amazing community there.
By the way, I am glad that I watched Larry King tonight. I think you did a great job of presenting Christianity's alternate face (compassionate, humble, non-aggressive: huh, sounds like Jesus) in juxtaposition to the squeakier wheels getting all the oil. Now that I know who you are, I'll be sure to read your books.
Answer: First, I think you have a terrific pastor and attend a tremendous church. I’m glad you’re appreciating it! You may be interested in the chapter on women in ministry that Tony Campolo and I have in “Adventures in Missing the Point.” Like you, I believe that men and women should – today, in our cultural context – be welcomed as equal partners with men in ministry and leadership, but many good people disagree.