9 “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Timothy 2:9–15 (ESV)
“Some people view the controversy over women’s leadership in the church as simply a collision between two viewpoints—one that espouses women’s liberation of one form or another, and the other, die-hard male chauvinism. But that’s a simplistic approach to the very controversial issue of women’s ordination.” – Dr. R. C. Sproul
A discussion concerning the role of women in the church is sure to provoke strong reactions and opinions. All manner of passionate perspectives is given. Many authors have written many books and articles on the subject. However, the debate rages on, and for many “rage” is the optimal word. There is a lot more “heat” generated in this discussion rather than the light of understanding.
For example, there are those who say women cannot do anything in the church, except cook, clean, and take care of the kids in the nursery and Sunday school. An individual once remarked to me women should not be driving the church bus because in his words “women are to remain quiet.” The ridiculousness of the statement was not lost on anyone who heard it except for the individual who said it.
Then there are those churches and denominations who advocate for women pastors. They too are equally passionate in their perspective the Apostle Paul was a chauvinist and what he wrote in today’s text is culturally bound to the first century and has no application to the 21st century church. The frame of mind is women can do anything in the church, and do it better than men.
What are the seeds which have germinated into this on-going and fervent debate? We cannot know how to address this issue of a woman’s role in the church unless we understand how the now controversial subject began.
The modern feminist movement, beginning in 1966, is often cited as provoking the initial spark of controversy of a woman’s service in the local church. The feminist movement continues to infiltrate the evangelical church while dominating the liberal church. Various arguments are set forth to advocate women pastors and elders in the church.
First, biblical passages regarding the “roles” of men and women in the church are reinterpreted and the immediate biblical context ignored. Second, certain biblical passages are completely ignored due to their perceived misogynistic or an anti-female bias. In other words, ignoring biblical passages strongly prejudiced against women should be advocated. Third, there is the perspective certain biblical passages were added later by editors and do not reflect the intent of the original authors.
What are the responses to such arguments? The following examples are but a few evidenced in the church at this time.
First, there is Unbiblical Capitulation. This is a surrender or retreat to the feminist movement within the church. This is evidenced by the ordination and appointment of women pastors and elders. This is illustrated by the slogan “Women pastors have to break free to follow God’s call.”
Second, there is Unbiblical Chauvinism. This is where women are derogatorily treated by men; not only in the home but also in the church. Women are to be seen and not heard. They are not allowed to give an opinion or serve. If women venture an opinion, they are told they are being un-submissive.
Third is Biblical Comprehensiveness. There needs to be a biblical and comprehensive perspective on the value, responsibilities and roles God has assigned to men and women. This presumes such a perspective can be achieved and adhered to by men and women. This is the goal of this study that such a perspective can be achieved.
In Scripture, God has assigned specific value, responsibilities and roles for men and women in the church. We need to understand them, teach them and reaffirm them. Value refers to an individual’s inherent worth, importance and significance. Responsibilities refers to duties, obligations and tasks. Roles involves positions of character-based leadership.
The ongoing debate concerns a woman’s “role” in the church; their position for leadership. Two primary views when discussing the leadership role of women in the church are as follows.
The first is Egalitarianism. Men and women in the church have equal value, responsibilities and leadership roles.
The second is Complementarianism. Men and women in the church have equal value and responsibilities, but different leadership roles with some leadership positions exclusively God-given to men.
It will be the goal of this study to biblically examine which of these two perspectives is indeed the biblically accurate one. The primary text is I Timothy 2:9-15. Due to the seriousness of this subject, only one verse will be examined daily. The object of this study is not to see how quickly we can complete it but rather to understand it in all its complexity. Other pertinent biblical passages will also be examined. These include Genesis 1 & 2, Acts 20, I Timothy 3, Titus 1 and I Peter 5.
There may not be total agreement when conclusions are made. There is no naïveté here. However, this should not prevent an attempt to achieve an understanding of this timely subject. Prayers are appreciated.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 