According to the Barna Institute, 78% of young people outside the Church believe that the Church is "old-fashioned", more relevant to past generations. One only has to look at the Church's definition of the role of women in society, family and the church to feel the force of that accusation. But what if Jesus was actually inviting all women to step into their God-given destiny, to take their place beside the men, as full partners and equals, to bring God's kingdom to earth, for men and women across the globe? And what if it were the men who were determined to make that a reality? What would the world say about us then?

1. What do you think and/or feel when you hear the word "feminism"? Why do you think that this is your instinctive reaction?

• In what ways, if any, do you think so-called "feminists" have a point? In what ways, if any, do you think they are blowing things out of proportion?
• How important do you think this conversation is? Why?
• Were you raised in an environment that propagated more traditional or non-traditional values when it came to gender roles? How does that affect how you think about these questions?

2. In what ways would you affirm, or deny, that the Church engages in behaviours that are anti-feminine, behaviours that are either prejudiced, discriminatory or degrading?

• If you do not feel that this is true, why do you think others feel that way? Conceding that, what would you do to eliminate the perception that women are oppressed in the church?
• If you do feel this way, what, in your mind, are the biggest issues and why?
• If both viewpoints are represented in your group, what are the things you both can agree on regarding this issue?

3. Take some time to reflect on the passages mentioned in the message that describe (what we understand as) the biblical vision for the relationship between men and women.

• Read Genesis 2:18 (or 2:18-25). In what specific ways, and arenas of life, could men and women learn to behave as "complementary equals, partnering together to live out the image of God"? How can you be part of accomplishing this?
• Read Genesis 3:16 (or 3:1-16). Where and how do you most clearly see the power struggle between men and women described in v. 16 (each trying to control the other)? How can you/we counteract that destructive, sinful behaviour?
• Read Galatians 3:26-29. Where and how do you see gender differences used to "categorize" people in the church? How do we maximize the benefits of the gender differences without stereotyping, excluding or discriminating against others based on them?

4. What is one thing that you can do, one decision you can make right now, to be used by God as a "pro-women" force in the church?

• How can you contribute to creating a more just set of expectations for women, especially those in your group, so they can live out their God-given purpose in life?
• How can you contribute to creating a more just dynamic in marriage (yours or someone else's), that is rooted in mutual submission, rather than the one-sided submission of the wife to her husband, the true "leader"?
• How can you contribute to creating a more just world for women across our planet?

5. As we did this weekend, pray for the women in your group, that they would step into their full, God-given purpose, in our community and in our world.