Character 10: Strength or Weakness?

For evangelicals, the 1970s and 80s were characterized by strong male pastors and elders who knew the word of God and preached the gospel unambiguously.

These men were part of the "Builder" or "Silent" generation and the early boomers.

Then something changed. The arrival of the later Boomers, Gen-Xers and postmodern culture in the 90s caused the guys at the top to back-pedal a bit. There was a call for authentic, even raw, spirituality.

For the next 15-20 years leaders had to be "real" to gain the trust of young people. Thus you saw displays of vulnerability and weakness in the pulpit and in popular Christian literature and music.

Yes, the pendulum swings.

Two questions, then:

• Biblically, which is the priority, strength or weakness? 

• How do women fit into this picture?