Why I'm Not a Fan of "Women's Ministry"

First of all, I'd like to point out that "women's ministry" is not the same thing as women in ministry. I am very supportive of Godly women being involved in church ministries. I am also supportive of churches that do a good job of ministering to women. In fact, that's exactly why I'm against the concept of "women's ministry." I don't believe that sex-segregated ministries benefit women. They do just the opposite.

"Women's ministries" pretend that they are giving women opportunities, when in fact they are limiting the influence of women. Have you ever noticed that almost every "traditional" church has a women's ministry, whereas many egalitarian churches don't? That's because women's ministry was created to give women something to do without letting them have *too much* power or influence. Women's ministry allows women to "lead" other women (in a very limited capacity), while also making sure that they don't end up leading the whole congregation. Because apparently that would be scandalous.

Let's be real here—women's ministry basically exists to reinforce gender roles. There's no real, logical reason why men and women need to be separated in church groups. We're not so radically different that we need completely separate Bible studies and small group activities. But for some reason we have them anyway. Women's Bible studies tend to center around feelings rather than facts or analysis. Yes, feelings are important, but they can (and do) get over-emphasized. Also, women's church group activities tend to focus on domestic duties like cooking, cleaning, sewing, and decorating. While there's nothing wrong with those things in and of themselves, focusing heavily on traditionally "feminine" activities can alienate women who don't conform to gender roles. It also hinders the spiritual growth of women who do conform to gender roles. As Christians, we're called to step out of our comfort zone and make a real impact on the world—not to just sit around drinking coffee and talking about our feelings.

Being against gender division in the church doesn't make me a "raging feminist" or a "social justice warrior." It makes me a Christ follower. Because, you see, it's not the church's job to reinforce cultural gender roles. It's the church's job to equip people—both male and female—to live out the Gospel.

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).