Women in Church Leadership: Seeking Answers through Biblical Understanding
Women in Church Leadership: Seeking Answers through Biblical Understanding
Jordan Collins | 2023
Abstract
There is a strong divide in the perception of women being in leadership. Yet, the question remains: Should women be allowed to reside in leadership positions, specifically within the church? If so, is there a limitation to their responsibilities or authority? This manuscript aims to comprehensively understand women in leadership, precisely what the Bible deems proper for this topic. To further expand this issue, research into what the Church of God denomination says will also contribute to a more in-depth understanding of how some believers perceive women in church leadership. At the end of each chapter, readers can participate in a guide that aims to help readers seek answers through further analysis and questions to find solutions that discover a more thorough understanding of the biblical truths of women residing in church leadership.
The Church of God denomination contains three ministerial ranks. Men and women can obtain the first two ministerial ranks, but only men can acquire the third rank of Ordained Bishop. This manuscript revealed that the biblical understanding and truth are that God did not design women to operate as the head of the household or church. Instead, He created men to fulfill that responsibility (Eph. 5:23), with women working alongside them as their suitable helpers (Eph. 5:22, 24). This truth pertains to the home and the church. However, this biblical understanding is difficult to follow when men and women are not stepping up and walking in the roles God made for them to pursue the Great Commission. Therefore, God uses women in church leadership positions and equips them when necessary.
Further biblical understanding revealed that God gave men and women a purpose: to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Men operating as the head of the home and church are not so women are less than or insignificant. The devil longs to cause that division among God’s people so there can be no growth and to prevent the body of Christ from reaching others for His Kingdom. If there is division among the members of the Church of God, there will be no growth. In essence, the topic of women residing in church leadership is a symptom of a much larger issue the devil attempts to blind individuals from every year. Therefore, the body of Christ must put on the armor of God and fight against the devil’s schemes and lies. By putting on and efficiently using the armor of God, men and women can stand against the enemy’s schemes while proactively moving forward with pursuing the Great Commission together.
The devil wants to blind believers to the influence they could have on this world if they work together to pursue the Great Commission. When believers trap themselves in the fight about whether women should reside in church leadership, their hearts are not focused on the core issue of what this world is facing: people living their lives in eternal separation from God. Therefore, it is time to stop fighting against each other and giving in to the devil’s schemes. Instead, believers everywhere must stand together on the Word of God, knowing His truth is powerful and effective (Heb. 4:12-13). Trust God and His plan for each person. Walk in obedience and expectation of God’s goodness and love that follows believers throughout their lives (Psa. 23:6).