A Theology of Women in Church Leadership (original) (raw)
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Women In Church leadership: Is It Biblical?
2021
This analysis hinges on controversial topic as to whether or not the Bible supports women occupying church leadership roles. This analysis reviews several New Testament passages of scripture; including several Pauline epistles. This topic of women in church leadership not only carries spiritual implications on the church at large but also social and relational implications as well. This analysis aims to eliminate the ambiguity surrounding this topic through careful exegesis of the scriptural passages that are being considered.
Ecclesiological Analysis of Women Leadership: A Theological Reflection
Pharos journal of theology, 2022
The important of the role of women in the life of the church cannot be overemphasized. This is because research shows that larger percentages of church attendants who are active members are women. Incidentally, directly or indirectly most women are relegated to the background in terms of leadership position in the church probably due to cultural bias or the patriarchal nature and tradition of various culture and the Holy writ. This paper adopts an analytical and theological method in presenting the ecclesiological analysis of women leadership and the reflection thereof. Research shows that the majority of women throughout the world are still suffering from systemic trends of violence, inequality, discrimination, abuse, and neglect at home, in the labour market, church, and in society at large. Also, a second century Rabbi named Judah, Ben Ilai exclaimed: "Thank God I am not a woman, a slave, or a pagan" and down the centuries, many have also exclaimed the same sigh of relief. Some, even within Evangelicalism today, consented that this is the reason why Jesus chose twelve men to be the future leaders of the church and probably why Paul told Timothy not to permit a woman to teach in the church or have authority over a man; this in a sense is a sweeping generalization. Nevertheless, women as followers in the church play a significant roles in the composition of and roles within the church. Therefore, women in one way or another participate in the leading of the church as they influence the leadership of the church in diverse ways. Consequently, this paper examines the concept of Ecclesiology and women leadership and the theological reflection thereof.
HISTORICAL REDISCOVERING OF BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP WITHIN A LOCAL CHURCH
The Bible has much to say about a local church government and leadership. This study will examine some key passages that will help us to understand New Testament terms for leaders and to define or shape a biblical concept of leadership within a local church. The majority of Bible students agree that there are three main terms which are used in the Bible for spiritual leadership with a local church. Because of limited space, this paper will not address deacons.
What role should women have in church leadership
Throughout history, Christians have been asking what role should women have in church leadership? Today, some denominations ordain women to the highest positons of leadership while others do not allow a woman to hold any. Complicating the matter is how one defines the word leadership. Is it the clergy offices of the bishop, presbyter and deacon? Is it performing sacramental and liturgical duties? Is it teaching and preaching? Is it influencing others? I will briefly address how the church addressed these questions up through the middle ages. History shows that women deaconesses were considered clergy at least through the fourth century but it is not clear that they were excluded from the clergy until the thirteenth century. Similarly, women were clearly performing sacramental and liturgical duties until the fourth century and were excluded from them by the thirteenth century. Finally, despite Paul’s instruction for women to remain silent, we can see the church blessed women to preach, teach and influence others from the early church all the way through the middle ages. However, we do see a subtle shift that moves the preaching and teaching activities from the center of church life in the early church to the monasteries in the middle ages. Two reasons emerge explaining these three changes. The first and primary reason is the reintroduction of Aristotelian philosophy among Christian theologians. This also led to a new understanding of the sacraments and the requirement that only a properly ordained priest could consecrate the Eucharist. According to these theologians, a properly ordained priest could only be a male.
A Defense of Women in Leadership Ministry Roles Defending Egalitarianism.docx
The debate over God's intended role for women in ministry continues to be a major issue in ecclesiology. The debate is not whether women should serve in ministry. This discussion is about whether women can serve as pastors or elders in the church, with authority over men. In this paper I will argue that it takes men and women working together as full partners in ministry to fulfill the Great Commission. I will defend egalitarianism on two grounds: biblical and practical. Biblically I will focus on two Scriptures: Galatians 3:28 and 1 Corinthians 14. I will argue my point from the lives of several women who have been leading examples.
Opposition to Women in Congregational Leadership: Leadership: A Sociocultural Perspective
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2015
Although many efforts have been made in time past in demonstrating that women are similar to men, there still appear to be a widespread persistent belief that women are indeed inferior to men even until today. What is even worrying is the theological backing that this sociocultural belief of society enjoys. One notices in the literature that God ordains, sanctions, and upholds the spiritual authority of women today as he did in time past as his official spokespersons and leaders of his people. However, the evidence and discussion presented in this paper demonstrate that problems with women being accepted as leaders by congregations, gender differences in pay and promotions, and the experiences and dissatisfaction of women clergy who feel constrained by these gender discrimination is widespread. The paper discusses this phenomenon and presents an often neglected perspective in the discourse – the sociocultural perspective. It interrogates the various stands on women and leadership in congregations. In doing this, the paper explores the position of women in the Old Testament through to the New Testament and the centuries following.
2020
The purpose of this paper is to assess some selected readings of Ephesians 5:21-33 household code, which favours male authority and control over women. Such interpretations have been informed by the Graeco-Roman and Jewish male-dominated household management but they cause exclusion and alienation of women from church leadership. Theses interpretations are accepted in the African context, wherein patriarchal leanings are by the least undeniable. The African patriarchal setting assents to male supremacy and female inferiority, yet women are recognized as household managers. In contrast, Ephesians 5:21-33 transforms Graeco-Roman and Jewish household management by endorsing mutual submission between husband and wife based on love and respect. The text does not exclude women from church leadership but it rather reveals that Christian gender relations must be distinct from those of non-Christians. Men and women must lead so as to unfold God’s redeeming activity through Jesus Christ. Key ...