The Women of T4G

Thanks to our amazing church, Chad and I are enjoying the week at the Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville. It’s been amazing. Every single session has fascinated and excited us, and we feel so privileged to be here as first-time attendees. We’ve made new friends and have been reminded that God is working everywhere, not just in our little Texas town. The rooms are filled with like-minded Christian people, and there’s an excited and happy buzz in every corner of the arena as little groups circle up and talk about Jesus, about our churches, about what God is doing and how can be a part of it.

I am in the minority here, as demonstrated by the fact that most of the women’s restrooms have been highjacked so that 10,000 men will have someplace to go potty. Among those at the conference, fewer than 2,000 of us are women. I suppose there is some sense in me that we have crashed the men’s theology party, but it has been a pure blessing to be here, to stand in a huge arena, silent and still while men worship at the top of their voices in stereo in front, behind, and all around me. It’s truly a sound to behold, and just listening to them reminds me that there are godly men everywhere that we can depend on: clear-thinking, tuned-in, humble and sincere leaders with sound theology in their hearts and minds.

I say that I wonder if we women are crashing the party, but no man here has treated me as such. Everyone I’ve met has been kind, gracious, encouraging, and interested in me as a thinking Christian. I am not opposed to conferences where men and women are segregated, but I am in favor of women being encouraged to attend conferences where real theology is taught. Where real church issues are discussed. So if any man were to begin to grow disappointed that women are expressing an interest in being a part of these things, I would ask him to stop and consider how dramatically our families and world will be changed when women are being taught something deeper than the importance of being able to set a nice table. Most women’s conferences have nothing at all to do with theology, while today I sat and listened to Kevin DeYoung teach for an hour about the immutability of God. There is a huge gulf between the theological learning opportunities for women and those for men.

All of that to say that I’m deeply grateful that this week I have watched young women swaying back and forth with their babies held close, listening as God’s word is opened by great and knowledgeable men. These mothers need a good theology in order to do their job well. They need sound doctrine if they are going to raise children in our times who have a true and lasting idea of how great our God really is. I’m grateful that the leaders of T4G have the wisdom to welcome us into this world of discussions that have nothing at all to do with sending Christmas cards or finding our “true beauty” or any of the other tedious topics that are often the focus of women’s conferences.

To the women of T4G, don’t worry about the lack of bathrooms. Bathroom locations sometimes change. But, as we learned today, our good and gracious God never will. Glory to His name forever and ever.