ISSUES IN PARTNERSHIP MINISTRY:
Eudia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3)
L.M. Narola
Friends, I consider it a real privilege to be a part of this great
celebration of the silver jubilee of women’s ordination in Indian
churches. This morning, I want to reflect on the life and ministry of
two very important women in the life of the Early Church: Eudia &
Syntyche.
Context:
Eudia & Syntyche were members of the Church at Philippi.
Perhaps, they were the founding members of the congregation at
Philippi. The scripture is silent on the genealogy and family
association of these two women. However, it can be assumed that
they belonged to the upper class of society and ministered unto
Paul. At Philippi women were the first hearers of the gospel and
Lydia was the first convert. As Eudia and Syntyche were also from
there, naturally they must have taken a leading part in teaching the
Gospel to other women. It is possible that Eudia and Syntyche
were among the women who resorted to prayer at the river bank.
They were also among the honourable women who believed. These two
were very good friends and partners of Paul in his ministry. It
is possible that they both were deaconesses and held some worship
services in their homes. At Philippi, both liturgy and
archaeological evidence hint at the community’s high regards for women
in leadership roles, both in and outside Christianity during this
period of its history.
Role Model:
All evidences clearly indicate that Eudia and Syntyche most likely were
leaders in the Church at Philippi. Further, Paul’s response
clearly indicates their equality with other church leaders and implies
a level of authority and a significant influence there. We can also see
that they were good friends and partners in ministry. We can thus
visualise a partnership ministry emerging in their roles.
But suddenly, something seemed to have gone wrong in
their partnership. They had disagreed on something. The
scripture does not exactly spell out the issue of their
controversy. It is possible that one had a more dominant
personality than the other and received more attention, we do not
know. However, whatever the dispute was, it became serious and
hindered the work of the Lord.
In fact, their conflict was such that it even
threatened to split the Philippian church. Paul as a close friend
and co-worker, was very much concerned but the two friends to bring
them towards reconciliation. Thus, Paul exhorts these two
prominent workers to “be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Paul was probably concerned about the negative
impact of their quarrel on the community or even of the potential
rupture in the ministry as a result of their personal or public
disagreement. At stake here was not simply a personal agenda but
the well being of the local church and the wider church as well through
a unified witness to the Gospel by all who are charged with its
proclamation.
Thus Paul exhorts these two women to give up their
differences and live at peace in the Lord. The lack of harmony
between Eudia and Syntyche certainly disturbed the apostle -
hence he urged for reconciliation. Paul did this because he
believed that as leaders of the Church and professing to commit their
lives to the ministry should live in peace and make an effort to please
the Lord.
Reflection:
I believe you will agree with me that what happened between Eudia and
Syntyche is something happening in our own lives and ministry. It
is a pity that there are often differences of opinion which cause so
much of problems. But even more tragic are the divisions that
have kept Christians apart all down the ages.
From our own experience - we have come across that,
often women in leadership positions tend to become indifferent towards
fellow workers. This often leads to problems in their partnership
ministry and ultimately women are the ones who become victims.
Being ‘unique’ individuals, we cannot expect to
agree with others on everything. It is only natural to have
differences in our views and opinions - but those differences should
not be such that to create enmity and disharmony among us and
hinder thus the work of the Lord.
I believe there are ways and means of coming to some
agreement on all issues. This is an important aspect we tend to
forget. We believe that Paul’s effort to bring the two friends together
was not in vain. We believe that Eudia and Syntyche were
completely reconciled to serve the Lord in peace eventually.
Friends, as we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the
Ordination of Women in India, let us reflect on our own lives and
ministry. Is there any need of such reconciliation in our lives
as Christians and with our partners in Ministry? If so, for the sake of
peace in our hearts and in the world, we need to be willing to put the
wrong things right, to reconcile with each other and to look forward to
work together unitedly. May the Lord help us as we struggle with
issues of partnership in our ministry.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Women in leadership positions sometimes compete
with each other because the male model of competition is the only one
they have known. Has this ever happened to you? To
women whom you know? What advice would you offer if you were
asked to intervene in such situations?
2. Women in leadership positions are often expected
to agree with each other on everything. Since women have had
little opportunity to air their opinion publicly, differences of
opinion are sometimes misunderstood as indications of serious dissent.
Has this ever happened to you or to women whom you know? How
would you handle such issues?
3. Reflect some more about Eudia and
Syntyche. Who were these women? What about their worship
life and about their experiences in ministry?
Prayer and Thanks:
Thank God for the blessing,
Of calling us into your mission
In a number of ways.
Thank you for those of us who travel around the earth.
Thank you for those of us nearer home.
May we feel your presence with us,
As we struggle to do your ministry.
Help us to always stay in touch
With the power you placed inside us.
May we always be there for each another,
And take the time for one another,
And take time to celebrate.
Glory and praise to you, now and forever.
Amen.