[Biblemat] S) THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH TODAY

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH TODAY

     Like the early church, Christians of the 21st century face
the constant danger of being influenced by the prevailing cul-
ture surrounding them.  Today that influence manifests itself
in a variety of ways, but none more pronounced than the
changes regarding women in religion.  In her book, Megatren-
ds for Women (1992), Patricia Aburdene predicted, "Women
will continue to revolutionize the most sexist institution in his-
tory: organized religion."  Tragically many denominations have already 
surrendered to such pressure with females com-
prising nearly 20% of their "clergy."  Even among some chur-
ches of Christ you will now find women taking lead roles in 
mixed assemblies.

     When delving into this topic it is important to note our
opinions are as irrelevant as those of the feminists.  If the
Bible should give approval to women leading the church, then
we should repent and allow them to fulfill the role God intend-
ed.  If, however, we should find the opposite, then the people
of God must resolve to stand firm no matter what societal
forces might be exerted.

     The truth that women are precious in God's sight should
be obvious.  She is God's creation, not man's invention (Gen.
2:22).  The Bible is equally clear that when God looks at a
person He doesn't see their race, social status, or their gend-
er (Rom. 2:11).  While there are numerous differences between the sexes, both 
male and female are made in the
image of God (Gen. 1:26,27) and are perceived by Him to be
spiritual equals (Gal. 3:28).  Paul also instructs us that "in the
Lord" there is to be a mutual dependence (1 Cor. 11:11); that 
is, in the home or the church men and women are to function
as teammates in pursuity of common goals rather than oppon-
ents in competition.

     However, the Bible also makes it unmistakably clear that
men and women are not identical when it comes to roles.  The
divine design fro both home and church is for man to occupy
the role of headship and woman the role of submission (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 
5:22f; 1 Tim. 2:11f).  More than any other ele-
ment, this is the one that brings out the hostility of the world.
And what is the primary reason?  The world erroneously be-
lieves submission implies inferiority and insignificance.

     However, to say God has given woman a realm of service
within the church that differs from her male counterparts is
not to declare her irrelevant or unimportant.  On any given
team you will find a variety of roles.  In football, a lineman's 
job may not appear as glamorous as that of the quarterback,
but let the quarterback try winning a game without him.  In
baseball, a pitcher's role may be unique, but he will never
succeed without his teammate's bats and gloves.  The same
thing is true within the church.  Though a woman's role differs from men, her 
contributions are absolutely essential
to the continued health and growth of the body of Christ.

     This truth is echoed repeatedly throughout the Bible where we find over 
160 women mentioned by name.  Addition-
ally, there are scores of other references where they remain
unnamed or when their presence is clearly implied.  The gos-
pels reveal how crucial women were to the ministry of Jesus.
Mary and Martha opened their home (Lk. 10:38f).  Joanna and
Susanna contributed financially to the Lord's work (Lk. 8:3).
A Samaritan woman boldly told others about Him (Jno. 4:39).
When most of the male disciples had fled, numerous female
disciples could be found near the cross (Mk. 15:40,41).  And
it was Mary Magdalene who devotedly came to the tomb early
that Sunday morning, discovering it to be empty (Jno. 20:1).

     The importance of women continued in the early church 
where we read of the charity of Tabitha (Acts 9:36), the excite-
ment of Rhoda as she announced the arrival of Peter at a 
prayer service (Acts 12:13), and the impressive knowledge of
Priscilla (Acts 18:25,26).  And while many are quick to accuse
Paul of being a chauvinist, as he closes his letter to the church in Rome he 
mentions 27 people by name, commend-
ing each one for their efforts in the kingdom.  Sixteen of the
27 are women!

     Throughout the Bible we read of spiritually minded women
who understood that their differing role was not tantamount
to insignificance.  While we find not one instance where wom-
en functioned in a place of spiritual leadership over men, what we do read of 
are godly ladies who diligently prayed, 
taught, served, and labored -- sometimes at the risk of their
own lives.  And godly women can do the same things today!

     Sisters in Christ, thank you for the tenderness and com-
passion you bring to the body of Christ.  Thank you for your
example of faith and zeal for truth.  Thank you for the differ-
ent way you have of looking at life and your undying passion
for the Savior.  Both the Bible and our own experience prove
how vital you are to the success of the Lord's work.  Don't 
let the world convince you your role is unimportant!  Please
don't embrace Satan's lie that says if you can't lead a mixed
assembly, then you can't work.  Though we men fail to verba-
lize it nearly enough, I can assure you we are eternally grate-
ful you are on the team!   ---- Terry Slack in Biblical Insights,
Vol. 6, No. 10, Oct. 2006.   </HTML>
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