I’ll have to admit I was a bit shocked with the social circus that erupted yesterday surrounding The Nines. Comments were taken out of context, included in a snapshot & spread like wildfire from there.
I know Todd Rhoades, others in senior leadership with The Leadership Network and have spoken at The Nines myself. To say they are biased in any capacity or don’t value the opinions of women is just ridiculous. Christianity Today added more context to what was going on for those interested in the whole story.
Quite frankly, I want to just shake my head in disappointment whenever someone asks me about “gender equality” or why more women aren’t represented on the stage of leadership issues in the church. I recognize there are some very real challenges with how some interpret who can and cannot teach others in a biblical setting that are several pay grades above my ability to weigh in.
But this isn’t about that.
My hope is that when I’m asked to speak at an event, it’s because the organizers believe it’s because I have something of value to offer participants and it fits their programming goals. Not because they need X number of females or Y% of ethnic representation and I fit the bill. Anything less would just be a slap in the face.
If we need to bring awareness to those who are doing great things but may be under the radar, then let’s do that… regardless of what flavor or gender they may be. But let’s not pretend it should be expected just because we’re female. Or black. Or white. Or (fill in the blank).
A platform is earned because of what we have to offer.
As a woman, a leader and a previous speaker at Nines, I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for focusing on the majors–
I don’t believe gender “equality” is a productive objective. When that’s the goal… too many people are put in roles they may not be qualified for or a fit for just to cover the “diversity” spread. And, I’m not even sure that was the original intent of the social conversation around the Nines.
Regardless, I’m in the get-the-right-person-for-the-right-role camp. Don’t look to include or exclude someone because of their ethnicity or gender.
Gender discrimination (different than equality) is a different topic. And, I don’t think that is what we experienced at the Nines.
Thanks, Kem 🙂