Women's Role in the Church

Not too long ago, I posted an “anti-feminist” meme (that got a good bit of heat) on which a conversation (or argument, whichever you prefer) began about women’s role in the church. First of all, I’d like to clear a couple of things up. Number one, I am a woman. I got accused of being against women’s rights, so I figured that would be important to point out. Number two, I am personally non-denominational for several reasons, one being that I have not found one denomination yet that adheres 100% to the Bible.

I’m going to cut straight to the point here, and say that women aren’t supposed to speak in church. Period. Paul made it pretty clear in 1 Timothy 1:9-15. “in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (NKJV)

Now, the first part needs some context. At that point of time, women were spending lavish amounts of money on special hair braids that took quite a long while to make. So, it was a waste of time and a waste of money, both of which were needed in other ways. Today, I can, within a minute, put my hair into a braid and it will stay out of my way for the rest of the day.

For the second part, I have often heard of the explanation, “Well, that was for that time and that place. It doesn’t apply today.” Really? I haven’t seen the verse yet where Paul specified “this church” or “for now”. It’s as relevant now as it was then. ”Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20) The arguments that say that the Bible is outdated and not for this present day are disproved in this verse. All worldly wisdom (like the argument that the 1 Timothy passage does not apply today) is foolishness.

I’ve found that a common come-back for this verse is, “Well, what about Galatians 3:28 [“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”] Doesn’t that mean that we have no definite roles?” The answer: no. We women are equal to the men, but we have different roles. As 1 Corinthians 12:4-30 says, “There are a diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences in ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophesy, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all of the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the hand to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

All of that to say this: we all have different jobs, all of which are vital. Women, teaching in church is not one of them. It’s written plainly. The Bible says again in 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 35, “Let your women keep silent in the churches [Notice that he said churchES!], for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says [Note that he backs it up with the law]. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” And Paul goes on to challenge in verse 36, “Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that is reached?” I love that verse! It’s like he’s saying, “Do you think you are smarter than God?”

The Bible lays this issue out very clearly, hence why this is mostly Scripture. Before I finish, I’d like to present a few ideas of practical ministry for women. Invite women over for lunch and discuss how you can better help your families. Encourage other women. Do everything for the glory of God. Remember, we are not spiritually inferior, we just have different jobs.