women in the church

Women in The Church Do Women have a place in the Church, and if so in what office can they hold. We see many women today in leadership positions, as Elders, Deacons, Pastors, and Teachers. Some of these women lead large Church’s while some have smaller ones. You can see God’s hand on them doing the work for which we are called, to make disciples of others (Mat. 28:18-20), and this can only be done by; preaching and teaching the word of God (2nd Tim 4:2-4, Eph 4:7-16) There are different offices in the church such as Elders and Deacons. The definition of an Elder is an overseer of the church that could be a Pastor and or a Teacher. Deacons are servants the help and support the leadership in their church (Acts 6:1-4). Elders and Deacons have very few differences in their qualifications, teaching (1st Tim 3:2; 5:17), not a recent convert (1st Tim 3:6), not a lover of money (1st Tim 3:3) are some a few differences of an Elder. Deacons have two different qualifications then Elders, Not two tonged (1st Tim 3:8), and they must be tested (1st Tim 3-10). Can a woman be an Elder or a Deacon (Deaconess)? All Christians are called to serve, Christ tells us to serve (John 13:1-17) just as he did with the twelve Apostles. All through scripture we can see that we are to be servants, from leadership to the pew warmers. As Christ is the head of the church (we are the church) we are to follow His example. Romans 2:11 says “for there is no respect of persons with God” (KJV). This being the case I don’t see why a woman can’t hold a leadership office. Paul gives mention of Phoebe in Romans 16:1 calling her a servant by using the Greek word diakonos. Strong’s definition says “to run on errands an attendant, a waiter (at tables or in other menial duties) a teacher and pastor, deacon, minister, servant”. (1) A look at those that disagree with a woman being an Elder or Deaconess, can find scripture that the man is to be the in those offices. They do believe a woman can minister in the church in other areas, that is teachers, evangelist, musicians. But as far as being in an office of leadership they stand on verses like Ephesians 5:22, 1st Peter 3:17, 1st Timothy 3:1-5 and 12. In 1st Timothy 3:1 the word for man in Greek is tis and means someone any person an object, in 2nd Timothy 2:12 the word translated man is the word aner” meaning a man individual male, fellow, husband, man, sir” (2).So you can see how confusing it can be to both sides of the argument, and both have their points. We are all made in God’s image male and female alike. Even though the Bible says that women are to submit to their husbands (1st Pet 3:1) that does not give the man the right to walk on their wives and treat them less. Men are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church (1st Pet 3:1-12). With this in mind woman need to do what God calls them to do whatever their position in the church, at home, or in the workplace. We can judge if they are doing the right thing by their fruit, (Mat 7:15-20). Mainly we need to respect others for what they do, we are all called but we are not all called to the same office we are all part of the same body; the body doesn’t work without all of its pants (Romans 12:3-8). So can woman contribute to the Church? Yes they can they are the nurturer of mankind they teach our children to better people. Women can have great revelation on the word of God, just as well as a man. They can manage a house hold; giving them management experience, it’s time we give up our prejudices of women. They have shown that they are just as capable as any man, in what God has called them to be. Word count: # 679

Bibliography Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition, Grand Rapids. MI. Baker Academic, 1984, 2001
(1) Strong, James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible, Nashville, TN. Abingdon Press,1962, pg. 27 #1249 Greek Dictionary of the New Testament
(2) Strong, James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible, Nashville, TN. Abingdon Press, 1962 Pg. 97 #5100 and pg. 12 #435

Biblical Qualifications for Elders and Deacons, http://spread-the-word.org

All Scripture from the NKJV except where noted

Bibliography: Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition, Grand Rapids. MI. Baker Academic, 1984, 2001 (1) Strong, James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible, Nashville, TN. Abingdon Press,1962, pg. 27 #1249 Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (2) Strong, James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible, Nashville, TN. Abingdon Press, 1962 Pg. 97 #5100 and pg. 12 #435 Biblical Qualifications for Elders and Deacons, http://spread-the-word.org All Scripture from the NKJV except where noted