There’s some confusion among Christians regarding male Eldership and the role of women in the church. This is a concern to me because it can easily become a divisive topic if it’s not clearly communicated and carefully (and humbly) studied. I want everyone to understand what God says about the different roles of men and women in the family, the church, and society in general, so I’ve done some research to point you to the clearest, most concise, biblical teaching I can.
Here’s my own sermon on the topic: “Women In the Church (From “They Like Jesus but Not The Church” Series)
– Why Can’t Women be Elders? (by Bill Kynes)
– Complimentari-What? (by Justin Holcomb)
– Should Women Become Pastors? (by John Piper)
The Qualifications of Elders and Deacons (by Matt Perman)
– I’m a Complementarian But… (by Thabiti Anyawbwile)
Why Do the New Calvinists Insist On Complimentarianism? (by Kevin DeYoung)
Gender is a paradox for Christians, and that is rarely honoured. At least you have approached this like a servant rather than a boss, and I appreciate that. Galatians 3:28 makes the matter difficult. And there’s more, but my intent is not to undermine you in any way. I only know this, in the presence of the paradox, if I sensed in the Spirit a woman had a call, no matter what (like a missionary planting a church, an Elder in a First Nation community, whatever) I would trust the Spirit to work out the paradox in the great plan. Having a view has a certain value, but if it becomes a petrified regulation it may override Jesus. If it does that, no way. If Jesus needs that rule in a given place and time, to ignore that would also be a no way. At any rate, what I wanted to say was an appreciation of the respectful attitude I hear in your (long:) ) sermon. May God always guide, and may you always treat paradox with respect.