Is it controversial or is it progressive? The conversation of gender roles within the church is never an easy discussion.
Under Oklahoma Christian University’s current spiritual life policies, women are allowed to speak, conduct a lesson and read Scripture, but are denied the ability to lead prayer. These policies were updated early last academic year.
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Tina Winn, who spoke during chapel earlier this month, discussed gender norms associated with female leadership in a recent interview with the Talon.
“We have a faith tradition that has specified gender roles within congregational worship,” Winn said. “Sometimes figuring out how to unwind what is consistent with that faith tradition within congregational worship versus what is consistent within a university who provides spiritual opportunity—figuring that out isn’t always a straightforward, simple process.”
Winn said the continual addition of female speakers offers a unique perspective to worship, and initiates growth on an adapting campus.
“I think it is the right thing to do,” Winn said. “There are things that women can bring to the broader conversation on campus.
“We are a living institution with living members. There will be growth and change, and that’s part of life. Is it symbolic? Yes, but I don’t think it’s symbolic in a unique way where we couldn’t look across all of our history. We have always been growing and changing and adapting to what the current situations are and doing it with humility and an appropriate spirit—in unity. It’s responding to our current student population, our current faculty and staff community, our constituents and the needs of society.”
Winn stated she wants her character to encompass her leadership and represent more than a gender role.
“I don’t really like the term female leader,” Winn said. “I am a leader on campus and I happen to be female, and I think that provides other females on this campus a mentor, a role model, a picture of what opportunities look like. I think it’s important that I step into those opportunities and provide that leadership. I hope, for ladies on campus, to give them someone they can identify with, in a leadership position, that does the full range of leadership things other leaders on campus do.”
Junior Daelyn Denny commented on Winn’s leadership and the persisting development of women’s roles in service.
“I think it speaks volumes to see women like Dr. Winn serve as trailblazers in a widely conservative community,” Denny said. “It is empowering, and I think the perspectives provided by women are insightful and necessary to communicate.”
As the academic year progresses, it is safe to say there will be more women leading worship on the Oklahoma Christian campus. Winn is scheduled to speak again during the week of Oct. 28- Nov. 1.
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