Thank God for Women, But… (Part 15)

Click on following links for earlier articles: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13 and Part 14.

So, what can women actually do in church?

If your idea is that a church is a “house of God” or “a house of worship,” an institution or place where believers come together to celebrate programs, rituals or traditions which are set in place by professional leaders, then your beliefs on what women can do in a church will probably be limited to the rules of the church or institution which you attend.

Phew! Lots of words, right?

But if your belief is that a church is a living, breathing organism with Jesus as the Head, then your view on what women can do in the church will be unlimited.

After all, we Christians, without gender limiting differentiations, are the temple of the living God. And since there is no exclusivity in Jesus, how can there be any limits placed on a woman in His body or church? If there are limits, wouldn’t this be an example of a house divided against itself? Then how can the church possibly stand?

Now, I know there are all kinds of believers who will point out various Bible passages which seem to limit a woman’s role in a church, right? But to them, I suggest that they read Frank Viola’s excellent teaching on the woman’s role in the church, and especially his summary:

So dear sister, I implore you: We need your part in the church… We need the texture of your personality as you share Jesus Christ with us. We need your wisdom, your good sense and your unique insight. We need the frangrance of Christ that you so beautifully emit. (Woman’s Role in the Church, Frank Viola, page 19.)

So, can a woman be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher? All of the five-fold callings are chosen by the Lord. He determines who He calls (men or women) and who He ordains, not some sanctioning board.

For example, Junia, a woman, is mentioned as an apostle in Romans 16: 7. Philip, the evangelist, had four daughters who were prophetesses (Acts 21: 9)

Now, if you think that Jesus is going to call women just to be apostles and prophets only, but not evangelists, pastors and teachers, then you will have to do some scriptural gymnastics to make your beliefs work.

But as for me, I believe that women can fulfill all the callings and the functions in the church without limits.

So, why did I add the “but” in the title of this series, huh?

(Continued in Part 16)