Subject: can a woman lead a church |
Bible Note: Women Lead Jesus had more than 12 followers. The gospels clearly talk about 72 being sent out to spread news of the kingdom and heal. Later, there seem to be even more followers. The sex of these followers is never mentioned. I realize one shouldn't argue from silence, but women do appear frequently in the accounts. How to interpret gender roles in the Bible? I think "women can never lead a men" leave us tied in knots. There are many examples of women leading, including that warrior/prophet from Judges. A clear example of a woman leading the nation. St. Paul says to "be all things to all people" --- this means that, to speak to the broader culture, certain aspects of that culture may be adopted --- permitting the gospel to be heard. I think, in New Testiment times, this limited the role of women. I think the freedom themes of the gospel (everything is permitted but not everything is beneficial...) point to a lot more freedom in roles for the sexes. We should be asking: what gifts does each person have? How best can they be imployed? If a woman is a gifted teacher, it is her task to teach for the Lord. If she is a gifted leader, she must lead for the Lord. |