Alison

My prayers are with you, Amanda. I am so heartbroken by your story, and it illustrates why these men (and the women who support them!) need to repent. Their abuse of Scripture in keeping their “entitled” position as leaders “over” women instead of co-workers with them is aligned with the world’s view of women, not God’s. I believe God has designed and affirmed women and men as equals, to work together for His glory and to advance His kingdom, regardless of “roles” or “gender differences”. These things smack of worldliness and the need to control, not the willingness to separate themselves from them. This has done untold damage, and your story is just one example of such damage. I am so sorry for what’s happened, and pray that you find a chuch that values you and your gifting, and is open to what you have to say and do as a member of the Body of Christ.