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CAN WOMEN PREACH?
Women are not second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. In Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female
(Gal 3: 28). Both men and women have equal standing before God. The Father loves both alike (2 Cor 6: 18). The husband and wife are “heirs
together of the grace of life”
(1 Pet 3:7). Women are not inferior to men. Because one is not independent of the other
(1 Cor 11:11,12).
However, in the life and ministry of the Church there are certain boundaries set for women, for their own and common good. They can prophesy, that is, speak words of ‘edification, exhortation and comfort’ under the anointing of
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the spirit
(Acts 2:17,18; 21:9; 1 Cor 14:3; 11:5) in line with the prophecy in Joel 2:28. But the scriptures do not permit them to ‘teach’
(1 Tim 2:12). That is, a woman cannot teach doctrines in the church. The teaching of doctrine carries with it a sense of
authority and great responsibility
(2Cor 13:10;
James 3:1).
This, women are not called to do. Apostle Paul gives the reason why. “ Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression”
(1 Tim 2:14). Women in general are more prone to deception than men.
Each one should remain with God in that calling in which he is called to men, women should specialize in areas where their gifts and talents can be gracefully used for the glory of God. Why touch the forbidden fruit when there are so many other
fruits?
For example, women can teach how to fulfill their God-given role at home and in the society (Tit 2:4,5). We need Miriams to
lead women in singing (Exodus 15:20) and Dorcases to show love in action (Acts 9:36,39; Pro 31:20). Women can serve as
helpers in the ministerial teams, both locally and translocally (Luke 8:1-3; Phil 4:4; Rom 16:6). We read about a deaconess in
the church at Cenchrea
(Rom 16:1,2). Undeniably women are the best teachers for children, because of their motherly character (Prov 1:8; 31:28).
God has greatly used many women in the mission fields. In a country like India, especially in the rural areas, women alone can reach women. Nearly fifty percent of Indians are women! Wanted, women like Anna to go on sharing the message of
redemption (Lk 2:36-38).
As long as they don’t assume a dominant role, wives are not prohibited from sharing in the ministry of their husbands, like Priscilla (Acts 18:25,26).
They can very well involve in counseling individuals or explaining the scriptures even to men. The authoritative teaching in the common assembly is what is not permitted. They can always share words of edification and
testimonies of God’s grace.
In the Bible about twenty apostles are named and all were male. The pastors or elders were always men. Note, the “husband” of
one wife! (1 Tim 3:2;
Tit 1:6).
The leadership in the church is reserved for men as in the home. Let’s not reverse roles!
The inputs for this Essay were taken from the writings of Bro. R. Stanley, the eminent Christian writer of Blessings Youth Mission, Vellore.
(Suresh Manoharan)
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The list of essays to follow
- Is it wrong to visit graves?
- Is Childlessness a curse?
- The ways of protest
- Should women cover their heads while praying?
- Casteism in Christians
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