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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 6643 | ||
Dear Louder, Happy First Birthday sometime soon, and welcome to the forum! Great question! JVH0212 was correct that in God's sight gender is not an issue. In our relation to Him, the issue is moot. However, in the government of His kingdom, the practical application of authority in home and church, there does seem to be a division of responsibility. Though it would be hard to claim an *absolute* segregation of ministry in home and church, a *general* segregation is clearly suggested. Shepherds (pastor and elders, though some say deacons as well. I believe in the ministry of deaconess) seem to be men, while most other ministries seem to be open to women. The basic qualifications should remain the same (except 'husband of one wife :-) In special situations, this may be altered, but the pattern is clear in Scripture. In the home, there is a clear distinction of responsibility, but not a 'higher-lower' or 'superior-inferior' type of difference. It only makes sense that one is given final reponsibility, because a committee will not work. A woman's submission to her husband will only truly work when he is submitted to God and the requirement to love his wife. For precisely this reason, a shepherd should be married with children. (Again, an ideal, not an absolute) By his understanding the responsibility of a home, he will have a better understanding of the responsibility of shepherding God's flock. More specific answers are available in the above 'thread' entitled "Can God use woman in the ministry?" and also "Unmarried men pastors?" I pray that this is helpful. Blessings upon you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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2 | Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? | Gal 3:28 | OldTimer | 37049 | ||
Does "husband of one wife" disqualify women from being elders, deacons or bishops? I Timothy 2:12 "A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well." Etc. A sticking point with some who would not allow women in ministry is that they can't fulfill the requirment to be a "husband of one wife". It is interesting to note that a woman having multiple husbands was not a problem in the early church, it was (and is, even in the middle east) illegal for a woman to be married to multiple men at the same time. However, it was (and is) a common custom in the middle east for men to have multiple wives. Paul was setting a standard here to prohibit multiple wives (cf Matthew 19:3-12). A prohibition against multiple husbands was not needed. We know that Phoebe was a deacon, apparently unmarried, recommended by Paul, therefore this verse should not be an impediment to women in ministry. |
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3 | Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37143 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! I have visited your homepage, and was impressed with the layout. I know that you have put much effort and study into it! Question: "Does 'husband of one wife' disqualify women from being elders, deacons or bishops?" Answer: No. Women cannot be husbands. :-) More seriously, this is not the 'sticking point' for barring women from pastoral ministry. It is indeed 1 Timothy 2:12, which reads, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." (NASB) (I believe you were using 1 Timothy 3:2, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife..." (NASB) for your question, right?) Allow me to state my church's policy concerning the role of women in ministry. We believe that the ministries of authority not recognizing women are apostolic and pastoral. This would include elders of the church. Equally spiritual, but not authoritative over men, are the prophetic ministries (encouragement, 1 Corinthians 14:3), evangelical (sharing Good News), the ministry of deaconess (helps), and teaching (i.e. Sunday School, Bible Studies, education of our children.) All these ministries are invaluable to the church, and spiritually effective and fulfilling. By the way, we do not belive that women are to be silent in the church, as in the church building or for a specific time slot! It is a spiritual command linked to 'usurping authority,' IMHO. I have seen that this kind of physical limitation only leads to 'church parking lot' ministries! :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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