Bible Discussion Thread

What is the role of women in the church? Is it okay for them to teach classes of children? Can women pastor a church?

Thank you

In light of much of today's erroneous doctrine; particularly occurring among female megapastors (sometimes in conjunction with their husbands) we can perhaps better appreciate Paul's admonition that a woman not teach or exercise authority over a man ( 1 Tim 2:12). There were certain protocols or roles that exemplify the elder/pastor; deacon; and Bishop as to personal behavior to qualify for the position and the way the job was to be carried out. In 1 Cor. 11 verse 2:16 we see that women WOULD pray and prophesy (apparently related to public worship). The instruction for head covering indicates submission to men and relates to their role with the church; some of which seems rather mysterious related to the angels and glory. As for a Deacon; apparently Romans 16:1 indicates that indeed Phoebe was in such a position AND commended by Paul. Since this word also translates "servant"; the role could signify a different sort of role here. It should also be remembered that the admonitions seen in the above verses and elsewhere mention the church as the emphasis; there are other verses indicating the way a woman is to submit in silence outside the church with their husbands. Given the instructions of women Titus 2 indicates women are to teach what is good and other verses (including some in the Old Testament Psalms and Proverbs) show wisdom given from mothers as well. There is an exception somewhere where a woman instructs a man (I believe it is Lydia and Barnabus) in the matter of the Holy Spirit and correct teaching since his understanding of the role in the time of John the Baptist.

I can't seem to find it; but again this would be a private matter outside church worship. However; a believing wife could explain the way of salvation to her husband; provided she is still submissive in any way that would not damage her living for the Lord. It would seem the best way to reach another spouse generally is by example of behavior of a believer to the nonbeliever.

Hi Richard. Could you be thinking of Aquila & his wife, Priscilla ( Acts 18:2,3; Acts 18:24-26)?

That must be it I guess it was a husband and wife sorry I guess I was off on it being only a woman

I challenge you guys (and lady preachers), to go on youtube and listen to some

IVERNA TOMPKINS

sermons, teachings

She doesn't have to open doors for her to be invited to a Church. I have met her when I lived in Tulsa. She visited and taught a few days. It was glorious to see the Anointing of the Holy Spirit at work in a vessel; that spilled out upon the hearers.

Please don't try to prove women are unable to be anointed to teach. Her family was all preachers and book writers. Through her, I learned the importance of worship and praise of God. God INHABITS the praises of His people.

Another female preacher/teacher, friend of Ivernas', named: Fuchsia Pickett

Listen to her "Double Portion" teaching. You will be changed. For men and women.

Jesus said some things are hidden from "the learned and the wise, and revealed unto babes".

Please hold on to those rebuttals. If God can use a donkey to communicate to stubborn people__He can use anybody who has an open heart.

Mishael

Woman can do anything,..God uses all his children,.. it's sad that some , cannot read & comprehend

Peace

Hello CMF You can find information about the role of women in the church assembly in Paul's letters in Titus 2:3-5; 1Corinthians 11; 14:26-40 and a few other places. In a nutshell, Paul teaches that women should be submissive to their husbands, learn from their godly husbands, pastors, elders, deacons, and also from older women (who have wisdom and experience in the faith and in caring for their families that younger women can learn from).

Paul does state that women should not hold a place of authority over men, nor be a teacher over men (as in the case of a pastor, elder, deacon, or teacher appointed by the church to serve in these capacities.) However, it does not preclude women from teaching other women or children, such as in Sunday School or Bible Study groups.

As individual Christians, we are told by Paul to teach, encourage, exhort, correct, and build one another up in one another's faith through the word and sound doctrine. So. as Christians, men or women, we should be willing to learn from one another as we interact with one another in ways that promote godliness and knowledge of the faith passed down through the apostles.

There are some in the body that will speak that women are to keep silent and not teach at all. For me, when I encounter such persons I respect their point of view and let them carry the conversation or teaching role. But most believers I know accept helpful interchanges between one another regardless of sex as long as such interchanges are godly and centered on Christ.

Hope this helps. You will most likely get a number of responses as this topic comes up often and prompt many to reply.

Be open to hear everyone's responses and be prayerful about what you will receive as applicable to yourself in the situation you had in mind when you asked this question.

God Bless

no a woman can't a women is not aloud to speak in the church