Women and Leadership Within the Church (1) New Testament Church 2017

Questions Last week we addressed whether or not women can serve as deacons The discussion of the role of women doesn’t end there Many denominations and “churches” make little, less, or no distinction between the roles of men and women in the church – including elders, worship leaders, teachers and preachers

Questions This includes some “churches of Christ” www.gal328.com is a website devoted to “churches of Christ” that advocate “gender justice”

Questions Gender justice means recognizing that men and women are created by God, redeemed by Christ, and gifted by the Spirit truly without distinction or partiality. In Christian community, gender justice means encouraging both men and women to exercise their Spirit-given gifts in the church’s work, worship, and leadership, and celebrating the truth that the Spirit grants such gifts without respect to gender. www.gal328.com, front page statement (9/22/2017)

Questions IN this study, we note that not all congregations advocate all levels of progression. We must not accuse someone of advocating what they do not believe (even if it makes us look better than them) In this lesson, we will examine some of the arguments made to promote women as leaders, worship leaders and preachers

The limited role of women in church leadership What the Bible teaches The limited role of women in church leadership The Bible is clear by example and teaching that men are to take the lead 1 Timothy 2:11-15, women are not permitted to teach or have authority over a man 1 Corinthians 14:33-35, women are to keep silent in churches (a text addressing leading the assembly)

Answering the arguments Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. In Christ we are all one, including the removal of gender distinction

Answering the arguments Galatians 3:28, argued When Adam and Eve were created, they were equal, until the fall (Genesis 1:26- 28, 3:16) The subjection in that and subsequent passages is limited to the husband and wife. Answer: Genesis 1:26-27 is not dealing with roles of men vs. women. All humans are created in His image 1 Timothy 2:13-14, Paul addresses Adam was formed first. This is a factor in the subject of that text – teaching, etc.

Answering the arguments Galatians 3:28, argued When Christ came, His interaction with women shows the breaking down of barriers, prevalent among the traditions of the Jews, Law of Moses and society of that time Answer: Yes, Jesus treated women differently than some, and with respect. And so should we! - Jesus KEPT the law as God intended. - His interactions did NOT nullify the “chain of authority”

Answering the arguments Galatians 3:28, argued His death and resurrection ushered in a new age. This is the intent of Galatians 3:28, cf. Acts 2:17-18, quotes that sons and daughters would prophesy. A prophecy that God in Christ, both men and women would assume equal roles in the church

Answering the arguments Galatians 3:28, argued His death and resurrection ushered in a new age. Answer: Acts 2:17-18, what the people were seeing was a fulfilment of Joel 2:28-32. During first century both men and women did prophesy (cf. Acts 21:9). - We are not given all the details of when and where they prophesied. - The purpose was a declaration that salvation is available to all (Acts 2:21, Joel 2:32)

Answering the arguments Galatians 3:28, argued His death and resurrection ushered in a new age. Answer: Galatians 3:28, Paul is addressing Judaizing teachers. Paul’s point is that salvation is available to all (context 3:27-29). We are all heirs. This text is not about gender (or social or ethnic) roles NOTE: Some dismiss this argument

Answering the arguments Subjection only applies to husband – wife relationship Submission between man and woman is always (and only) about the husband/wife. Answer: A challenge that we face is the same Greek word for woman and wife (and man and husband). - Some texts are dealing with husband and wife (cf. Ephesians 5:22-33) - We MUST consider contexts (Is that what 1 Timothy 2 & 1 Corinthians 14 are talking about?)

Answering the arguments Passages that seem to forbid women teacher are specific or cultural passages “Brookline believes that what we have done is in accord with the biblical word. The two passages of Scripture most often referred to on this topic are found in lst Corinthians 14 and lst Timothy 2. We have concluded that these passages, and those of a similar nature elsewhere, are to be understood in the context of their communities.” Brookline Church of Christ, Brookline, MA (About Brookline: Women and Public Worship)

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 11:2-5ff Argued: A passage that was dealing with the assembly. Implied is that both men and women prophesied (but women needed to wear a customary head covering when they did) Therefore it is acceptable for women to teach in the assembly.

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 11:2-5ff Answered: The text does NOT emphasized it had to be the assembly. It is positioned in 1 Corinthians where this is unclear. In 1 Corinthians 11:17-18, Paul is now CLEARLY dealing with assembling to worship Exactly where and when they prophesied is unclear.

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 11:2-5ff Answered: The text IS dealing with God’s chain of authority (God, Christ, Man, Woman). What would God and Christ have to do with this text – not dealing with equality, but authority! Paul is dealing with a recognition that one must acknowledge God’s boundaries.

Answering the arguments 1 Corinthians 11:2-5ff Answered: We cannot ignore 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 as we consider HOW the prayed and prophesied

Let us accept God’s pattern in all that we do