The gender-responsive church: Models of religious community in realising alignment for women

This research investigates the persistent disparity in evaluation, treatment, and access to opportunities across gender lines that pervades everyday life. Gender-based inequities, biases, and exploitation are entrenched within structural and cultural spheres. Within this framework, the church as a faith-based institution is called upon ecclesiologically to effectuate a ministry attuned to gender sensitivities. Employing qualitative methodologies, this study focuses on female congregants of the Nazarene Church in the Java-Bali district. Data collection was facilitated via Forum Group Discussions (FGDs) across five women’s groups in the said district. The objective of this research is to elucidate a paradigm for church ministry that aligns more closely with gender-responsive principles. Through this examination, the study delineates four innovative ministry models in pursuit of gender egalitarianism: facilitative, participatory, assistive, and advocative.