Question: Should Women Be in Ministry? (Part 2)

Question: Should Women Be in Ministry? (Part 2)
By Tommy Franks

If we rightly divide Scripture, women can serve in ministry just like men can serve in ministry. Read on…Although the New Testament writers passively accepted slavery (1 Cor.7, Col.3, 1Pet.2), few people today would agree that we should return to the horrors of slavery. Similarly, even though the New Testament writers passively accepted the oppression of women, it does not imply that a leadership role for a woman today would be wrong. Multitudes of women were great leaders and prophets in Israel. God could not have intended to exclude women from spiritual and political leadership. Paul's proclamation of equality and Jesus' willingness to defy convention and accept women into his larger circle of disciples should be the guiding principles rather than the customs of the ancient Roman Empire in the first century.

Women took as large a role in the early Church leadership as was allowed by their society at the time. Therefore, women today should be able to serve the Church in whatever positions in which they are qualified.

Another objection to women serving in ministry is that Jesus' twelve apostles were all male. Some men and women today feel that only men should be appointed to preaching roles. Jesus sent His apostles out to spread the gospel to the world, seeking food and shelter where they could find it, facing great danger and ultimately martyrdom. This would have been considered an inappropriate role for a woman in Biblical times; however, today times have changed. With the necessary resources, support, and safety, it should be considered appropriate today.

Furthermore, many women were among Jesus' larger circle of disciples… Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance (Lk.8). Several women held important positions in the early Christian Church (Acts 1, 18, 21, and Rom.16). It doesn't matter what you or I think. If a woman is "called" by God to be in authority and leadership, who are we to disagree? In one particular denomination (in which I will leave anonymous at this time)…even the women are against women being in “Ministry”.

This is what I do know: Some men and women have “heartburn” with a woman being in ministry in today’s society…simply because she is a woman. This is ludicrous. In the past, some typical male evangelical zealots have taken the liberty to devalue, diminish, degrade, or fail to recognize the God-given right and calling of women in the ministry. Some male zealots have attempted to step on the neck of women because they themselves love being the "ruler" and “spiritual demigod”. In addition, when some men preach Biblical submission, they tend to condescend or talk down to women. Some even attempt to relegate women to second class status.

In my dissertation and exposition, I will attempt to use “reason” and current Biblical doctrine to state my points. However, let me categorically state here and now…that I will not try to convince you against your will. That is in God’s department. Nonetheless, I will certainly give you some “food for thought”.

The “Woman Question” has been around for centuries. When these issues are discussed…feelings, Church politics, reason, doctrine, Scriptures out of context,
and emotions surface quickly. So what is the standard or measuring stick? How about the Bible? What does the Word say? Personally, when it comes to depravity or devaluing another human being, I do not give a “hoot” about concrete minds, made up minds, angry feelings, unreasonable opinions, or what the world thinks. What I do care about is “right and wrong” in accordance with Scripture. Did Christ ever put women down? No. Did women serve and minister to Christ? Yes. Did the resurrection of Christ break down the male and female barriers? Yes. In the Old and New Testaments, did women serve God and the people? Yes.
(More to come in Part 3)