Case Studies
THE CASE OF THE GROUP GONE WRONG
Lion’s Den Situation:
I value my membership in a women’s business owners’ organization in my state because I find the networking and most of the issues addressed beneficial to my small business. At a recent meeting that I was unable to attend, there was a unanimous vote to prepare a position paper supporting pro-choice and to join forces with another women’s group to strengthen "our" position. In a membership canvas, 90% favored pro-choice. My letter of objection to this business owners’ group taking any organizational stand on abortion was responded to courteously, but what do I do now?
— A.A., Madison, WI
Christian Solution:
Our first reply comes from Mary Klaasen, a small business consultant from Houston.
I have rarely been in an organization where I agreed personally with all the objectives—but that hasn’t stopped me from joining. To be honest, my disagreements have often been as strong with Christian organizations as they are with secular ones.
In recent years, however, more and more organizations seem to be on the lookout for social causes to make them feel "legitimate." Women’s groups are no exception. When a women’s group gathers together simply because they are women, without any other truly defined purpose, they tend to become easily sidetracked into peripheral, non-business issues.
For example, I once joined a women’s business organization in New Orleans because it offered practical programs and good opportunities for networking. Unfortunately, they soon became sidetracked on the question of set-asides for minorities, to the point where this was occupying 90% of the group’s time. For me, the group’s business value had been lost. I wound up leaving, and you may find yourself doing the same.
After all, there are plenty of other professional organizations out there. I don’t see much advantage to joining an all-women’s group opposed to a professional group that includes both sexes. The latter tends to be more focused and business-like.
You have taken the logical and mature step of stating your objection in writing. I am delighted that they were courteous in their response. Since I believe that being completely in sync with any organization’s value system is impossible, I usually evaluate them strictly in terms of their usefulness to me. And the truth is, groups as narrowly focused as most women’s organizations are, three years of membership seems to be the maximum length of time that they can benefit me. After that, things get repetitive.
One last thought—being an owner in a small business is definitely a lonely place and I feel that group memberships are essential for support and perspective. But keep in mind that good networking can also occur in health clubs, toastmasters, and other places which have the added benefit of enriching your personal and spiritual life.
Our next reply comes from Sheila West, the president of Archery Center International in Monroe, MI.
I would encourage you to look at this not as an abortion issue, but as a purpose issue. You need to ask yourself, "What is my purpose for being in the group and is it part of God’s plan for me?"
To define that purpose, try using what I call "double vision." On the one hand, your purpose for being in that group is strictly business: association with other professionals enhances your work. You may not agree with everyone, but if being a member is profitable, then you have a perfectly legitimate reason for joining.
After all, when Jesus met the woman at the well, He addressed her spiritual needs but He also had a more down-to-earth reason for being there: He was thirsty. And there’s nothing wrong with being "thirsty" in a business sense.
It may be, however, that there is a second deeper purpose for being in this group. 90% of the women were pro-choice. That still leaves 10% (perhaps even some of the 90%) may have hurting hearts that need your support. There may even be some who’ve been personally affected by abortion, and need someone to minister to them.
Personally, I believe that I’m called to be God’s love in the marketplace. That doesn’t mean I can make everyone’s opinions conform to my own. But remember, Jesus didn’t come to condemn, but to reach out to people. And if you can be used of God in that organization, even with all its flaws, then you may very well belong there.
Naturally, it’s important to make your personal stand on abortion very clear. And you need to keep an eye out—if abortion becomes their main agenda, if they become more of a lobbying organization than a business one, then I would think twice about staying. It just might compromise your witness.
For the time being, let me leave you with this poem by Grace Uhler:
For God so loved the world,
Not just a few,
The wise and great,
The noble and true
Or those of favorite class, or race or hue,
God loved the world,
Do you?
In The Lions Den, Marketplace Networks, Spring 1990, pages 4, 5
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