Moving Toward Koinonia in the Church: Reconciliation Through Group Work With Women

The western mainline church has become a fragmented institution. This brokenness stems from the church's patriarchal system of functioning, defined by dominant and subordinate classes based on gender. By claiming this class system as God-ordained, church leaders and members reinforce a message of division which is contrary to Christ's vision for community. To challenge the system of patriarchy and propose an alternative way of relating which emphasises equality of all human beings is the only way to begin to address fragmentation in the church. This research establishes a vision of koinonia, reconciled community, for the church by both addressing the harmful effects of patriarchy on people within the church and by providing a design by which the church can begin its journey to such a reconciled community. The method involves practical work in groups which adopt a feminist critique of church history, theology, liturgies, and psychology. Group members also are challenged to develop their own systems of relating with each other once they have become aware of the patriarchal stereotypes and roles with which they live on a daily basis. Group members work toward wholeness, and in turn reach out to other groups and individuals searching for alternative ways of relating. Thus, the journey toward koinonia is born, and the church realises its original intent - sharing the good news of empowerment and freedom for all people in Christ. This research involves a case study, including analysis and impact on the church, to illustrate the alternative approach to relating in the church which leads to koinonia