From
Living Theology in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church In America
Volume 1, Number 5
Advent 1996
Women in the Church
Serving
the Needs of Black Women:
Can
the ELCA Respond?
Shirley
Wilson-Sigler
I am not presumptuous enough to assume that I can speak
with authority on behalf of all Black women in the ELCA. I will, however, offer
opinions that are based on experiences I have survived while being a
Black woman in the ELCA. The opinions are also based on the experiences of
other Black women whose paths have intermingled with mine during this journey.
I have five suggestions about our needs in the church.
Increase the presence of Black
males.
Black women, children and teens are seeking strong Black males to play
significant roles in their lives. Because the church is very important to us we
would also like to see that same Black male presence in the church: pastors,
lay leaders, synod council members, and leaders at the national office. We need
strong Black leaders, possessing a variety of gifts and opinions, enriching the
lives of their families, the community and the church. This is a presence that
Black women are longing to see. We have sports and entertainment role models,
what we could use are religious role models..
Educate us on how we fit
into the structure of the ELCA.
Once people can understand how they fit into the overall picture they
are usually much more willing to contribute time, talent and financial support.
Often Blacks do not have a sense of involvement in the workings of the church
beyond their congregation. How does an individual congregation relate to the
cluster, the synod, the national church structure? And, why is this structure
necessary?
If the church took the time to educate Black women and all
members on these matters, it might increase the sense of involvement and
commitment. This education should also involve developing opportunities for our
congregations’ participation throughout the church. Activities which provide
interaction within the cluster, throughout the Synod, and at Synod
Assembly could be the first step.
Assist us with raising our
children.
What else can the Church do for me as a Black woman? Assist me with the
overwhelming responsibility of raising my children. Make the church have
meaning and continuity for them. When
I began my life in the Lutheran church I had many passages to look forward to,
i.e., the youth choir, the young adult choir, Sunday school, Luther League, day
camp, and Lutheran schools. I knew how my life in the church was going to
unfold. There were goals I wanted to achieve within the church.
This does not seem to be the case in today’s church. Our
children need to be able to participate in structured activities and have the
opportunity to develop long-lasting, church-based friendships. Not just within
their congregation, but also throughout the entire church.
Assist floundering
congregations before they dissolve.
Congregations are losing members and facing the realization that they
can no longer support themselves. Despite the fact that this is tragic, we may
have to realize that the continuity we desire may not be provided by our
neighborhood church in the future. There is nothing more emotionally
heart-wrenching than to have your congregation die before your eyes. If the
time comes when a church can no longer exist, the Synod must provide
alternatives that will continue to address the spiritual needs of the
congregation.
I experienced this loss when the congregation I grew up in
closed. Since then I have been in two other congregations where it was
painfully evident that a closing was imminent. Mechanisms must be put into
place to prevent this from happening. Let’s plan for a life after death before
the funeral is necessary. When churches begin to fall below a certain average
attendance level let’s initiate dialogue for the purpose of instituting
alternative measures.
Leaving members of a dying congregation floundering results
in resentment and disillusionment with the church’s governing body. Also, it
results in the loss of valuable, viable resources. Uniting one or more
floundering congregations could make each of them stronger with more resources.
The pastor can then concentrate on evangelism, teaching the Gospel and Lutheran
traditions without the stress of maintaining financial stability. Combining
congregations is a possibility that must be considered. I suggest that we use
members of other congregations who have successfully met this challenge as
counselors for the closing process. Initiate the process before the situation
is terminal.
Welcome me to worship with
you, even though I do not look like you.
I would hope that other congregations in the ELCA would gladly receive
me if my church closes or I move away from my old neighborhood.
elcome me into your
congregation; we can both benefit from the experience. Seek me out to join and
participate. If we interact with one another, won’t that allow us to break down
barriers and invite understanding and acceptance? Maybe it should begin with
entire congregations visiting within their own cluster and eventually spreading
throughout the entire Synod?
Lutherans in predominately minority churches on the west
and south sides of Chicago and the southern suburbs are serving the same God as
North Chicago, and the northern and western suburbs. If you are truly a
follower of Christ you will welcome those that are not a mirror image of
yourself to your church family. Can we benefit from inclusivity versus
exclusivity?
I have been to congregations where I did not feel welcome and fellowship was not forthcoming. The look on the faces of the members clearly indicated I was not a welcome visitor. No one stepped forward to ask, “Are you new to the area? Are you a member of a congregation?” or, “Shall I come by for a visit?”
I have served as director and teacher of Sunday school,
president of the church council, founder and president of a branch of Aid
Association for Lutherans, served on building campaign committee, adult forum
leader, synod council member, Assembly delegate, etc. Without seeing me, but
knowing my record of service, would you welcome me to your congregation? Why
have some of you not welcomed me when I arrived at your doors? Once you see me,
do I need to prominently display a resume of my skills and accomplishments
before I am truly accepted? I hope not.
I ask the leaders and members of the Metro Chicago Synod to
recognize and utilize the gifts of Black women. Actively seek to interact with
us that we may learn about and grow with each other. Give us confidence that
our church will be there for us.
Let’s not avoid, ignore or be afraid of our differences.
Let’s learn from, lift up, celebrate and enjoy our life with each other in the
service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Shirley Wilson-Sigler
Member, First, Harvey
Member, MCS Synod Council