Bonny Mulder-Behnia

Thank you, Jane, for your well thought-out, informed, sensitive response. I am just shocked that anyone, let alone a pastor, would think that the sexual assault was okay under any circumstance. It's time we look abusive men directly in the eyes and say, "No more." We will not be intimidated, we will not accept accusations of reporting being gossip, we will not permit an environment for the young women and girls behind us that considers "sexual humor" (whatever that means) to be okay. I am a pastor, and even in my wildest dreams I would not ever touch a male or female in a sexual manner. We are called to live a life beyond reproach.

I am thankful that the guides will not permit any more victim shaming. That in itself is abuse, and you've said enough (in my opinion).

If you think pinching the butt of a parishioner and making a sexual comment is okay, then I'm concerned for any woman under your pastoral care or in your network.

We always have a combined GEMS & Cadets Sunday, with "Lunch on the Lawn" afterwards to attract more of the families who don't normally attend on Sundays. We do this twice a year (November and May). In the past, we have either chosen one of the themes or something generic or more in line with what our church is doing. I don't think it's necessary to preach on the theme verses of either group.

Hi Rob, My comment was addressed to the Network editors. I believe that an official CRC site should use gender-inclusive language for pastors, since the CRC *does* ordain women pastors, and that inclusive language should be the standard for articles that are accepted. The CRC's stance does not exclude women pastors, whereas the language of the article they published (which you happened to write) does that. Thanks again for your article. I would appreciate a response from the editors.

Again, I wish to direct my comments to the editors. 

If inclusive language is not required for articles in this forum, unless such articles are clearly marked as opinion pieces rather than labeled as "leadership" pieces, then an entire group of legitimately ordained pastors (leaders) are excluded. Using the pronoun "they" rather than "he" should not necessarily violate one's conscience, if they are part of a denomination that welcomes their women pastors.

Thank you, Sarah, for the clarification regarding the Network's open policy.

Perhaps, then, the Network could consider re-categorizing articles that do not fully reflect the official CRCNA position, in terms of inclusivity. This article, for example, could be labeled "Male Leadership" or "Male Lament" rather than highlighted in an email to all pastors as a leadership article for pastors.

I would like the Network to either consider having editorial guidelines, or putting a disclaimer in the introduction to articles that are exclusive in language and perspective.

Thank you for the work that you do.

Hi Keith,

I think we already had the male perspective. :)

I'd rather see "What is lifegiving about pastoral ministry?" or "How Do We See God At Work?" or "The Humble Calling of a Pastor."

Yes, we do face different issues as male and female pastors, but we have the same mission and calling. I believe in turning our swords into plowshares, as we partner together -- male and female -- as seed-planters and harvesters in God's Kingdom.