A Biblical Perspective on Women in Ministry

By: Avis Ward (View Profile)

Galatians 3:28 :: King James Version (KJV)

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

God shows no favoritism. Acts, a sequel to the Gospel of Luke tells us:

Acts 10:34-35 :: King James Version (KJV)

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

I submit, in Paul’s first letter to the Christians at Corinth, he was telling them that women must exhibit God’s Holy character when they accept God’s functional order with a quiet, respectful demeanor. Women are not to be muzzled in mute passivity. Women are to be receptive and teachable disciples. And the Holiness of God is not evidenced in women when they are brash, brassy, boisterous, brazen, head-strong, strong-willed, loud-mouthed, overly-talkative, having to have the last word, challenging, controlling, manipulative, critical, conceited, arrogant, aggressive, assertive, strident, interruptive, undisciplined, insubordinate, disruptive, dominating, domineering, or clamoring for power. These are not the characteristics of a virtuous woman or fruit of the Spirit.

And finally, we are God’s people, chosen to be part of his plan to reach the world. In love and by faith, we can have the Holy Spirit’s help as we witness or preach. Because of sin, there will always be the abuses of male chauvinism and clamoring feminism. God can work through any opposition but we must not be in opposition towards one another because of our gender differences. A man or woman of God must: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

 

© Copyright 2007 — Avis Ward, Founder - GeoVi’s Home for New Life

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posted: 06.11.2007
Amber Ash-McCary
I really enjoyed your article, thanks for writing it! Paul wrote Corinthians for us as well as the church in Corinth; women in the Corinth church would challenge and argue w/ the preacher during his sermon, interesting little tid bit. Much love and God bless you!
posted: 06.05.2007
Keli Woody
I found your article to be very informative. I thought at first I was going to be angry... because of all the "women should be quiet in the church" stuff... but then you explained it. So well might I add... I agree that women CAN play a very important role in the ministry but cannot be brazen and boisterous and having the last word all the time, that is not right. We should be loving, willing to be taught and willing to teach. Very good explanation here. Nice scriptural references. I always wanted to be like the woman in Proverbs 31...I pale in comparison though. I will never be anywhere close to that. I can strive though. I just want to be a living walking talking witness for God. I can strive to do that too. Even my MySpace page says it... check out http://www.myspace.com/kdr_guitarmomma You'll see my witness, or part of it. Once again, nice article. I really enjoyed it. Great job. Keli
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