The Gender Debate

I loved your cover story on women in ministry (“Make Way for the Women” by Maureen D. Eha, June), but Charisma left out two extremely important women who may not be as well known in the charismatic world. They are Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. God has used both women in educating men and women in the Bible, and Moore especially has had a life-changing ministry to many women.
Annabelle Brown
McKinney, Texas

Take a look at the picture of the women on the cover of your magazine. You are praising them as teachers and preachers. You need to read Titus 2:5—which says women should be “workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands” (NASB).

Why you cannot see that what you’re doing is against Bible truth is beyond me. Seems we have a great number of people who claim to be Christians but are nothing more than big bags of wind.
Herman C. Quillin
Fort Blackmore, Virginia

How can these women in your cover story claim to be doing God’s will when what they are doing is completely against Scripture? Have they not read 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, which says women should be silent in the church?

How can a woman claim she is doing God’s will when by doing so her husband divorces her, as in the case of one of the women you interviewed? It’s sad that so many Christians today get caught up in serving themselves rather than the Lord.
Tami Lewis
Fort Myers, Florida

Although I am all for women advancing in areas of leadership in the church, five of the seven women on the cover of Charisma are wearing pantsuits. I know the outside of a person doesn’t reveal what’s inside, but I would think that if a woman were going to be in leadership she should at least dress like a lady.
Mac McComas
Grayville, Illinois

For years I have heard from women that the No. 1 thing they want from their husbands is for them to lead the family. What is the message we are sending here? Is it that the men should follow the next trend in church and let women lead? As long as a woman is in the forefront, a man will always be in the background.
Larry Nielsen
Dallas, Texas

Several years ago Charisma broached the issue of women in ministry. I wrote then, and after reading your June issue I feel exactly the same! Even revivals, though they begin as God’s outpourings, are tested against Scripture.

It is incumbent on someone to do the same with regard to women in leadership. I’m asking that the case be made.
Marc Patton
Lake Forest, California

Thanks for telling how God is leading women into wider areas of service. But I was grieved to see the word “feminazis” in J. Lee Grady’s otherwise good column (Fire in My Bones, June). Someone who makes off-color remarks about women coined the term. It has also been used to wound women who are struggling to answer God’s call on their lives.
Eileen Scorsese
Greenville, South Carolina

The apparent success of female senior pastors means nothing. Most of the church in the West is infected with “itching ear syndrome,” which is reflected in much of what we see on Christian TV. Some women exercise true spiritual leadership in various areas, but not as overseers in the church. Stop pandering and start preparing believers for the trials that are about to descend.
Donald Johnson
Holden, Massachusetts

The fact is there were not a lot of men coming to church 10 or 20 years ago. Mostly women with small children attended. Therefore God raised up women in the church to be leaders and more. Then Promise Keepers came along and encouraged men to become godly leaders. Today we are struggling with chauvinistic men who want more control instead of asking, “What does God want?”
Bonnie Olson
Minneapolis, Minnesota

As I read the profiles of women in ministry I wondered if they would have come this far if they had been single. The church has come a long way in dealing with racial prejudice, but it hasn’t begun to see prejudice against singles for the sin it is.
Gayle Robinson
Raleigh, North Carolina
Editor’s note: Two of the women featured in our June cover photo are single.

Why Men Boycott Church

Indeed there is a problem in America when millions of men are staying away from churches, as J. Lee Grady wrote (Fire in My Bones, June). As a longtime churchgoer, I have not seen any “macho religion” as Grady described, and I prefer seeing the core problem addressed rather than a fringe idea.

The matter of men being “threatened by anointed women of God” is a red herring. Most of the men boycotting church are unable to name even one of the anointed women featured in Charisma.

Traditionalists may avoid the Scriptures supporting female leadership, but are we better? I confess my own discomfort with 1 Corinthians 14:34 (“Let your women keep silent in the churches,” NKJV) and similar verses, but there must be a reason for them. We must permit them to speak to our hearts.

A more central issue is the devaluation of the masculine role in modern American life. Neither traditional nor charismatic churches have made any real effort to reverse this trend. So why are men staying away from Sunday worship? Because they will hear the echo of a worldly spin on a topic important to them, instead of the support they have a right to expect.
Philip Rust
Charleston, South Carolina

No Time to Fear

I am troubled by your promotion of Mike Evans’ book about radical Islam in Iran (“The Spiritual Force Behind the Iraq War,” June). This is not a Christian message. The book calls us to fear—when Jesus said over and over, “Fear not.”

I am glad Evans calls us to fervent prayer, but his book ignores the fact that our war in Iraq is spawning more jihadists.
Ellen Tumbell
Berea, Kentucky

Evan Who?

What’s up with the full-page advertisement for the movie Evan Almighty? How could the sequel to Bruce Almighty have any redeemable quality? Where is the fear of God when we align ourselves with Hollywood’s debasement of the very concept of God?
Sean Brouillet
Charlotte, North Carolina

It’s Time to Pray

Mother Willie Mae Rivers wrote a powerful column (Somebody Say Amen!, June). As a writer, I have been compelled by the Holy Spirit to earnestly pray for Christian marriages. And after reading Mother Rivers’ motivating words, I am even more stirred up to pray with passion—coming against the spirit of darkness that permeates America.
Paula Friedrichsen
via e-mail

Thank God for the seasoned words of Mother Willie Mae Rivers! Her message was powerful and challenging. And with 10 adult daughters, I know she knows what she’s talking about.
Joi Williams
Dayton, Ohio

Wisdom from a Rabbi

I’d like to say thank you to Rabbi Jonathan Bernis for his column about Rabbi Z. Yechiel Eckstein’s organization, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (Ask the Rabbi, April). I am a Messianic Jew and I’ve given to this organization. I was wondering about the group prior to reading his column, and now I have clarity. I appreciate his honesty in helping us understand the subject.
Maria Altizer
Live Oak, California

Hundreds paid tribute to the wife of evangelist Billy Graham
Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died June 14 at her home in Montreat, N.C., where she had been bedridden for some time with degenerative osteoarthritis. She was 87.

Graham was remembered at a public funeral held in the 2,000-seat Anderson Auditorium at the Montreat Conference Center. Her five children participated in the service, and her 19 grandchildren served as pallbearers. A private family burial took place the next day in the Prayer Garden of the recently dedicated Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.

“I’m so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together,” Billy Graham said. “We’ve rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly and look forward even more to the day I can join her in heaven.”

Religious and political leaders around the world extended their condolences. President and Mrs. Bush referred to Ruth Graham as a “remarkable woman of faith.” Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson described her as “a tower of strength to her husband.”

Graham was born June 10, 1920, in Qingjiang, China, where her parents served as medical missionaries. She determined early in life that she would serve God as a pioneer missionary to Tibet, but when she met Billy Graham at Wheaton College, she told God, “If I could spend the rest of my life serving You with Bill, I would consider it the greatest privilege imaginable.”

She and Billy Graham were married on Aug. 13,1943, and for the next 64 years Ruth Graham devoted her life to supporting her husband and raising their five children. “My father would not have been what he is today if it wasn’t for my mother,” said Franklin Graham, the couple’s eldest son and head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The author of numerous books, Ruth Graham traveled with her husband when she could, but was never awed by glamour and fame, preferring to mingle in the crowd during the large evangelistic events rather than sit on the platform, wrote Patricia Cornwell in her 1997 book, Ruth, a Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham.

Among Graham’s many projects were the Ruth and Billy Graham Children’s Health Center (now the Mission Children’s Hospital) she started in 1966 in Asheville, N.C., and The Cove, which is the site of the Billy Graham Training Center. Her vision was to have a place where Christian workers could find a respite and renew their energy.

Graham is survived by her husband, sister, five children, 19 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Sandra Chambers

Stand Strong
By Judy Jacobs, Charisma House,
Softcover, 224 pages, $14.99.

Author and conference speaker Judy Jacobs encourages men and women at risk of losing heart during life’s trials to obey the scriptural imperative to “stand,” even when it seems they have no power to change their circumstances. In Stand Strong: How to Become Confident in Your Calling, Achieve Strength Through Your Trials, and Prevail Against All Odds Jacobs writes that standing strong translates into six key traits: having confidence in one’s calling, being strong in adversity, being balanced and developing godly character, being “violent” in faith or advancing God’s kingdom by forging ahead, being persistent in prayer, and consistently practicing praise and worship. Calling Christians out of a “coasting” mind-set, she explains that standing is one of the most active things a believer can do. Jacobs seeks to motivate readers through scriptural teaching, present-day illustrations and sometimes-humorous personal examples. Acknowledging that her bold personality and Christ-centered heritage are assets in her ministry, Jacobs admonishes believers of all stripes to take a stand and watch what God will do.
Christine D. Johnson

BOOKS

When Necessary Use Words
By Mike Pilavachi, Regal Books,
Softcover, 144 pages, $12.99.

The founder of Soul Survivor, a London-based church—and home to a charity that seeks to empower young people to make a difference in the world—Mike Pilavachi adeptly raises the question of why the modern church doesn’t have more influence. His answer is drawing clear threads between worship, evangelism and justice. In his view, without intertwining the three we lose the essence of God’s character. Sadly, because of this disconnect, he says that “religion” has largely become a dirty word, with few people in serious trouble ever turning to the church for help. Don’t skip the introduction, where the author tells of befriending a group of impoverished children in South Africa. Pilavachi and his friends took time to get to know these kids, who were homeless and so poor they couldn’t afford shoes. Their reaching out and tangible offers of material assistance showed the love of Christ and changed seven boys’ lives. A similar challenge awaits each of us.
Ken Walker

It’s Not My Fault
By Henry Cloud and John Townsend,
Thomas Nelson, 256 pages, hardcover, $22.99.

Henry Cloud and John Townsend, co-authors of the best-selling Boundaries and multiple spin-offs, set their sights on the victimization-driven rationalizing that plagues modern society. One amusing example is women in California who complain they can’t land dates because of the West Coast’s rootless, fast-paced nature. The women say they would prefer living in the Midwest. At the same time, some Midwestern women complain they can’t find prospective mates because of the region’s closed, tight-knit flavor. They theorize it would be much easier to find dates in a place like California. The authors’ point: Stop making excuses for whatever shortcomings you face and search for alternatives and solutions. They back up their advice with eight practical principles that can help anyone set a better course for success. This may sound like just another self-help volume. However, their references to God and inclusion of scriptural principles make this a biblically based guide that is useful for small-group discussion and individual reflection.
Kem Walker

Dream
By Kenny Luck, WaterBrook Press,
softcover, 224 pages, $13.99.

How many men have chased a dream? How many men have achieved that dream? Most of us would have to admit to falling short. But was the dream God’s or ours? In Dream: What If He Meant You’d Find It Inside You? Kenny Luck has made it possible for men to feel as if they’ve been hit over the head with a book while reading it. The reality is that we chase fantasies while ignoring God’s chosen vision for our lives. That’s a tough reality, but the facts are the facts. Luck peppers his narrative with “dream facts” that serve as stepping stones to an ultimate destination: finishing strong. Along the way we find gems such as: “God’s dream for us is not something we chase. It’s something we become.”
J. James Estrada

God’s Ultimate Passion
By Frank Viola, Present Testimony Ministry,
softcover, 296 pages, $15.

Speaker Frank Viola shows God’s relentless pursuit for a relationship with His creation. God’s Ultimate Passion: Unveiling the Purpose Behind Everything chronicles how God created the universe to obtain a bride, a body, a house and a family. He details how Jesus acquired a bride through the cross and parallels it to accounts of Adam and Eve. He also explains how the church functions as the bride and points out that God has a passion to have a home in His believers. Viola addresses concepts such as the relevance of the tabernacles of David and Moses and the place of suffering in God’s scheme of life with theological depth and uncomplicated clarity. This book is excellent for anyone who struggles to see himself as special to God and find meaning in life.
Tracee N. Mason

The Beautiful Ache
By Leigh McLeroy, Revell, softcover,
256 pages, $12.99.

Christians often feel out of place and long for heaven. But in The Beautiful Ache: Finding the God Who Satisfies When Life Does Not, Leigh McLeroy masterfully explores “that fleeting pang that reminds us of home. Not the home we’ve always known—the home we’ve never seen.” She insightfully examines topics such as death, loss and failure with candid personal stories and biblical examples that help the reader better understand those gentle heart-tugs that remind Christians of God’s presence now and in the future. “Aches” such as persevering, hope, trusting, expecting and grief reveal both the pain and the joy of life’s journey. McLeroy’s heart-baring style provides encouragement to keep pressing on.
Jeff Friend

So Free!
By William Sudduth, Chosen Books,
softcover, 272 pages, $13.99.

William Sudduth presents the age-old topic of spiritual warfare in a precise, detail-oriented, Bible-based way. He walks oppressed people and those working with them through the process of becoming free in Christ. Sudduth addresses topics such as whether a Christian can be “possessed” by a demon, how demons enter people, and how to minister deliverance and inner healing. Because of the prevalence of the Internet, video games and other technologies that bring opportunities to sin into the home, Sudduth writes that more people will face oppressing situations, and the church needs to be ready to minister to them. From the written testimonies to the confidential questionnaire that helps pinpoint areas of demonic oppression or emotional issues, So Free! An In-Depth Guide to Deliverance and Inner Healing is full of practical help and training.

Tracee N. Mason

MUSIC

Beautiful People
By Jason Upton, Integrity Music.

Frequently compared to Keith Green and Rich Mullins, Jason Upton recently released Beautiful People, which features his musical skills and vocals throughout a lengthy live personal worship experience. The opening title track is a piano-led call for unity while other songs such as “You Decide What’s Beautiful” and “I Will Never Leave You Children” have more of a spontaneous feel, repeating words and phrases as the music builds. “Lullaby for a Petrified Sacred Society” is a hard-hitting rebuke against spiritual compromise: “Our prophets are nicer / And kinder and sweeter / We’ve partnered in their great reward.” Upton translates well his passion through his music, seeming to be more concerned about the messages than fitting songs into four-minute, radio-friendly statements. With that in mind, Beautiful People will more likely be embraced by listeners looking for a cohesive worship album.
Dewayne Hamby

Let Love Win
By Daniel Kirkley, Centricity Records.

In the vein of vocal greats such as Josh Groban and Steve Green, Daniel Kirkley releases Let Love Win. The collection, which includes songs by Nichole Nordeman, Cindy Morgan, Chris Eaton and others, provides Kirkley an epic background to showcase his strong vocals, alternating between adult contemporary and pop. Kirkley soars on the inspirational “Lay It Down” and easily tackles pop on “Heavenly.” The acoustic-folk “Sacred Moment” is a narrative of love, a prayer of consecration while dating a girl. The title track and “Everyday People” both center on sharing love with others, while the grand-piano-based ballad “My New Dawn” opens the disc in a big way. The songs of Let Love Win are memorable and polished, giving Kirkley a chance to shine.
Dewayune Hamby

Freedom
By Sound of the New Breed, Integrity Gospel.

Grammy Award-winner Israel Houghton’s latest venture is producing a worship series called Sound of the New Breed, featuring his talented musicians and vocalists. The first installment, Freedom, is a 10-track CD focusing on freedom in Christ. There are some differences from previous Israel and New Breed recordings. Houghton is featured on only the production, allowing New Breed to showcase its remarkably tight vocals and musicianship. And Freedom features fewer intricate, musical layers. It takes on a more smooth jazz approach and presents a collection of worship songs that churches could easily implement. The album opens with the Caribbean-flavored “Arise” and the exuberant praise “I Am Free.” New Breed puts a jazzy spin to the Hillsong classic “Made Me Glad” and offers soulful remixes of Houghton’s previous hits “Alpha and Omega” and “Breakthrough.” The title track brings the CD to a joyous end.
Twanna Powell-Green

New on DVD

Epicenter
Tyndale
$19.99

Based on the best-selling book Epicenter by Joel C. Rosenberg, this documentary, filmed in the Middle East, sets out to answer questions such as “Are we living in the last days?” Rosenberg and Skip Heitzig, author and pastor, explore how current events are shaping our future.

Bridge to Terabithia
Buena Vista Home Entertainment
$19.99

Best friends Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke imagine the world of Terabithia. As warriors they defeat make-believe enemies and develop courage for the real world. Though this is an entertaining film, some situations will open the door for discussion. This film is rated PG.

God Made You Special
Big Idea Inc.
$14.99

The brand-new VeggieTales story “Bob’s Vacation” demonstrates that we are special. Also featured on this DVD are three classic Big Idea stories, two Silly Songs and bonus activities, including Sing-Along Songs, games, trivia and stories from VeggieTales fans.