One of the most controversial subjects in the last few years has been regarding the role of women in the church.

Many people are drawn to extreme positions on one end or the other of this discussion. In some circles women are not allowed any significant place of leadership in the church; in other churches there is absolutely no distinction at all between men and women in regard to church leadership and roles. My position in this sometimes volatile discussion might be classified as moderate, or somewhere between these two extremes.

Here are some of the relevant scriptures we must consider:

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."  (Galatians 3:26-29) 

What a wonderful statement! The apostle Paul is making it absolutely clear that in regard to our position in the family of God, there is no distinction at all for Christians, regardless of race or gender.  In regard to our standing before God, men and women are unequivocally equal. Women have the same spiritual authority as men in prayer as well as power to effectively defeat the enemy. Being a woman is not a secondary, subordinate position, but a place of honor created to more fully express the heart of God. As a matter of fact, in the creation account we learn that the "image of God" was fully revealed through both male and female, not just through Adam.

"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:27)

The question at hand however, is not one of spiritual standing, but of spiritual roles and responsibilities. People can be totally equal in Christ and yet function in different ways within the body. Although all Christians are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, there is a difference between men and women in regard to their specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding this difference will not put undue restrictions on women, but will reveal how Christian women can be fully released in ministry.  

"Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head--it is just as though her head were shaved...A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of man.  For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;  neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.  For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head."  (1 Corinthians 11:3-5; 7-10) 

This passage makes it clear that although men and women are equal, men have been given a place of leadership or "headship" over women. Some would say this only applies to marriage relationships. It seems however, that this scripture, along with 1 Timothy 2:11-14 (which we look at later) appeals to God's creative order in general ("man did not come from woman, but woman from man"). To fully embrace this truth,  women should be "covered" by Godly male authority. Notice that in the verses from 1 Corinthians,  women are definitely released in ministry. But in that place of ministry they are to operate under Godly, male authority.

"Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church." (1 Corinthians 15:29-35)

This Scriptures teaches that women should be silent in the church. Does that suggest that they cannot pray or sing out loud? Obviously not! This passage must be examined in its context. The problem in Corinth was one of disorder. One of Paul's main areas of concern was the way in which women handled themselves in the public assembly. Based on the context, it seems that some women were publicly challenging men who were speaking prophetically to the church. These ladies were obviously undermining the male leadership with which they disagreed by the critical comments that they made. This was out of order and did not demonstrate respect for authority. Therefore Paul emphasized that if they had questions regarding what was brought prophetically to the church, the women should privately verbalize those concerns to their husbands, and allow them, at the proper time, to submit their input to church leadership.

This is the context for the "silence" that Paul is requiring from women. The passage DOES NOT prohibit women from being actively, verbally, involved in the assembly;  nor does it imply that women should not be leaders or ministers in the church.  What it does teach however, is that women should always operate under the spiritual covering of their husbands or some other Godly male leader. 

"I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived;  it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner." (1 Timothy 2:12-14)

This seems like a harsh scripture to many people. It is imperative, however, to examine the situation in the early church to fully appreciate why it had to be written. What we now know as Greek mythology was extremely popular in the known world of the first century. In many cities there were huge temples that served as centers of both spirituality and sensuality. Women who served as "priestesses" controlled religion and their role in religion through their sexuality (Revelation 2:20; 2 Peter 2:13-14).  In some temples having intercourse with these women priestesses was actually an act of worship. With sexuality and spirituality so mixed up, it was essential for Paul to emphasize that women were not to be put in a position where they could manipulate or have individual authority over a man.

It is important to recognize that Paul is not restricting women from all teaching, but just the kind of teaching that would give them individual authority over a man. As a matter of fact, the word "teaching" in the New Testament does not only apply to expounding upon the truths of God's Word, but to particular, ethical instruction about how to live the Christian life. We often call this kind of teaching "personal discipling."  It would seem to me that this is what Paul is forbidding. In most circumstances, it is not appropriate (for many reasons) for a woman to personally disciple or train a man.

But what about other types of teaching, such as preaching or biblical exposition? What about various kinds of ministry such as pastoral care or the prophetic office?  I believe that women, functioning under proper authority, should be released and encouraged in all kinds of ministry.

Consider the following New Testament examples:

Priscila and Aquilla both taught Apollos the Word of God. It is interesting to note that Priscila is listed before Aquilla in this teaching team. It was the style of first century writers to name the leader of the team first. This would imply that Priscila was the primary teacher in instructing Apollos. Her husband provided spiritual covering for her which enabled her to confront Apollos about the incorrect doctrine he had been espousing (Acts 18:24-26).
  
Women also functioned in the prophetic role, such as Anna, Philip's daughters, and the women at Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 11:5;  Luke 2:36). The ministry of a prophet or prophetess specifically  involved sharing the Word of the Lord with the church. Consider this definition of prophecy:

"Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort."  (1 Corinthians 14:3)

Phoebe was called a deaconess and sent by Paul to the Roman church with instruction that they "give her any help she may need from you."  (Romans 16:1)

Nympha was host to a church that met in her house. (Colossians 4:15)  She was probably either the primary leader there, or at least one of the primary leaders.

Junias or Junia was referred to as an apostle (Romans 16:7). Apostles were the primary positions of authority in the church (1 Corinthians 11:28). Junia was called "outstanding among the apostles."  She may have been married to Andronicus (also mentioned in this verse), which would have enabled her to minister with and under the covering of her husband.

Other examples could be cited from both Old and New Testaments. Women are equal to men in the Kingdom of God. They are also equipped by God to lead and minister. They do however, have a God-given responsibility to minister under male "covering" or authority. When that covering is in place, they can and should be actively involved in both ministry and leadership in the church.

Practical Ramifications for Harvest Christian Fellowship:

1)  Women will be encouraged to find their particular area of gifting and calling, and minister accordingly.  

2)  Women will be allowed to publicly preach, teach, pray, prophesy, worship, counsel, deliver, administrate, and function wherever the Lord leads as long as they are operating under authority and not putting themselves in the vulnerable position of discipling men in the church.

3)  Women will be encouraged to function as Family or "Cell" Group leaders (remember Nympha who had a church meeting in her home -Colossians 4:15).

When a woman is functioning as a family group leader, she can provide leadership and direction for the group as a whole, but will not be involved in personally discipling men within the group. In such a case, the female cell leader should have a male intern within the group who can take the lead in discipling the men and in keeping them personally accountable.

4) A woman can also serve as a Zone Leader if she has an assistant (perhaps one of the male group leaders under her supervision) who will assist in keeping the other male family group leaders personally accountable in areas which might be inappropriate for her.

In any area of leadership or ministry, women need to submit to the principle of male headship and covering. Women who are married must always have the blessing and support of their husbands; women who are single should seek a blessing and release from other Godly men in leadership. When women do have men under their supervision, there should also be men over them to whom they in turn submit.

These guidelines are not to control, but to protect women as they minister.
Scripture implies that woman must minister under proper authority because of the "angels" (1 Corinthians 11:10). This may be a reference to the demonic assault of certain fallen angels who specialize in attacking women who are not properly covered (Genesis 6:1-4).

All of us should realize the importance of functioning under proper authority. Although human authority is imperfect, it is established by God (1 Peter 2:13-17), and necessary to maintain His order, and to properly protect all of His people, male and female.