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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Scripture is not completely clear whether or not a woman can serve as a deacon. The statement that deacons are to be "men worthy of respect" (1 Timothy 3:8 NIV) and the qualification "the husband o...
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Richard Mukasa
Supporter
Paul did not have to bother explaining this matter because Romans 8 is clear enough. We are to be led by the spirit and not by our human/physical nature. If God has called a woman to preach, where do men get the right to challenge him. If we are indeed led by the holy spirit who dwells in us, we should make the effort to consult the holy spirit if we are in doubt that Ladies can also preach the word of God or that if they do preach, they are committing sin. It is so funny how hypocritical some Christians can be. After proclaiming that they are no longer led by laws they come up and wonder if there is a law which forbids women from becoming deacons. Lord have mercy on us.
Daniel Ellenwood
Supporter
We cannot explain away everything Paul said when He gave requirements for Deacons, as so many try to do! To be the Husband of one wife and able to manage his children and household, (1 Tim 3:12). Seeing that the woman is not to run the household, It makes it clear that women cant carry the title "Deacon". Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just quoting scripture! Scripture goes on to say that if a Man cannot run his own household, Then how can he run the church of God? Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Though scripture says there is no difference between male and female, Jew and Greek, Slave and free. That is referring to spiritually only, God has different roles (all Equal), for Male and female for there to be order in his Church and in the Christian Home.
Emma Crockett
Supporter
I always go back to 1 Timothy 2:9-15 and 1 Cor 14:34 with this question. God chose man to lead us.
Ron Ray
Supporter
Looking at the grammatical intention of the question, it appears that you are asking a "what" question as opposed to a "why" question. However, I'll try to address both what and why. What is the Bible's position on female deacons in the church? 1Timothy 2:12 states, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, she is to remain quiet." 1Timothy 3:1-13 states the requirements for overseers and deacons in the church. Deacons have greater requirements than overseers in that they are to be tested first to show that they are not only physically qualified, but spiritually qualified. A deacon is to be the husband of "one wife" who demonstrates that he can manage his children and household well. Additionally, a Deacon's wife is to be noble in her character, not a slanderer and must be faithful in all things. These are the type of women who should possess authority in the church, but only over other women. They should teach the younger women and show by example all of those parts of character and faith that are required to support the body of believers. The noble women will help counsel the younger Christian women on the use and management of their spiritual gifts so that they can edify the whole body of believers. The "why" question is harder to answer. First and foremost, God said so through the writing of his prophets and apostles. If God says to do something a certain way, then we who understand infinitely less than our Heavenly Father are to comply because He said so. It's okay to try and understand God's reasons, but we should never question them requiring an answer before we obey. If God says something works best a particular way, then it is settled. This being said, I can think of two immediate reasons why God requires overseers and deacons to be men. From a personal standpoint, I tend to respect the authority of a man more than the authority of a woman. When I learn from a man, my mind does not tend to wander as it might if a woman were in front of me. Likewise, a man tends to communicate more effectively to a man as woman communicates more effectively with other women. This being said, I have learned some very good things from women in the past, and those lessons have stuck with me. Women are our partners, not our slaves. They are on equal footing with men throughout the whole of life and share an equal inheritance in the Kingdom of God. I hope this helped.
Michael Tinsley
Supporter
Much like calling God, 'Abba' (Daddy) most Christians, but mainly men, aren't comfortable with doing that, also aren't aware of or have even considered the maternal nature of God but, it is _very real. Isaiah 66:12-13 says this, 'For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; And you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” In Isaiah 49:15 He says this, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" The foremost statement of God's maternal nature is in the first chapter of Genesis, Genesis 1:26-27, ' Then God said, “Let us make mankind in _Our image, in Our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and _female He created them.' If you are anything like me, whenever I got hurt as a child I called out for 'Mommy!' because I knew she would hold me, comfort and love me, and treat whatever injury I had (there were many). The Lord loves us like a mother loves a child and He smiles and laughs, sings and comforts us, never condemning, always rejoicing with us and over us, Zephaniah 3:17 NLT, "For the LORD your God is living among you.He is a mighty Savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With His love, He will calm all your fears.He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” The women of the early Church performed many tasks as Jennifer and Danny wrote above; Phoebe Romans 16:1, Dorcas aka Tabitha whom Peter raised from death by the power of the Lord, Acts 9:39, where all the clothing she made is mentioned, and Acts 9:40 ',Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.' and Priscilla, Romans 16:3,''Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my _co-workers in Christ Jesus." In Romans chapter 16 Paul mentions several women who 'worked hard for the Lord.' There are many Old Testament women who played important roles in preparing the way for Jesus like Rahab, Joshua 2:1-21, Joshua 6:23, Ruth and Naomi in the Book of Ruth, Abigail whose rich husband is a fool, 1 Samuel 25:2-44, the Book of Esther, and Deborah who led/judged Israel, Judges chapter 4-5. She peacefully led Israel for 40 years. When you read about the Father and Jesus holding you in their arms think of how mothers hold their children warmly and lovingly. You'll have a truer sense of how God loves you. The Lord provides us many instances of the importance of women throughout His Word whether in leadership roles or as helpers ministering to the sick and poor and those in prison, preparing meals, and being a comfort to others in many ways. Whether your particular church uses women as deaconesses like Phoebe or like Priscilla and her husband Aquila who held church services in their home, or like Dorcas who made clothes for people or like Mary and Martha who cooked for and ministered to Jesus while He was still alive, they should be extremely grateful to have such supportive women in their congregations knowing they represent our Father's maternal nature in Christ Jesus' Church.
Anonymous
Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) was a disciple who lived in Joppa, referenced in the Book of Acts 9:36–42 of the Bible. Alternately, some Christian feminists argue that her being called a disciple grants permission for women to seek greater leadership roles in their churches, since there is scriptural basis for these roles. How the story is interpreted depends much on the particular sect of Christianity from which a person comes.A good outline as to women in the church is found at: https://bible.org/seriespage/new-testament-church%E2%80%94-role-women. I feel that if God calls and the call is not answered by man.... He will find a good woman to do the job.
Maurice Harris
Supporter
In 1st Timothy Chapter 2: verses 11-15 clearly lay down and Apostle doctrinal observation. The proposal put forth, about " women out of line " is not supported by the scripture, and what may have been in that culture, again is not supported by the scripture. The Bible states; " believe on me as the scripture has said. Saint John Chapter 7: verse 38. There is no scripture that supports a woman serving as a Deacon or preacher. Clearly, Paul wrote " let the women learn in silence". Operative word, "learn". This means while the the male teacher or preacher is teaching/preaching, the women should remain silent. Paul stated " I suffer not" meaning (I will not allow.) The same sentiment is reflected in 1st Corinthians Chapter 14: verses 34,35. Please read. The understanding of the position of all (men and women) is reflected in Ephesians Chapter 5: verse 23. Christ is the head of the church. Man is the head of the woman. And so the woman cannot usurp authority over the man. Yes, a woman can prophecy as instructed by the Holy Ghost, but to be in charge and to teach and preach to a man, it is not allowed. Old Testament, 5 Prophetess including Miriam. New Testament 2, Anna, and Phillip 4 daughters. (Revelation speak of other women prophetess, but they were classified as being false.) They are moved to speak of specific things to happen in the future. There is not one single woman in all the bible that was an Elder, Deacon, Minister, Bishop or Apostle. Not even Mary the mother of Jesus held an office or teach or preach. When Mary saw a need, she ask Jesus to help, and thus, Jesus began His ministry, by turning water into wine at a particular wedding in Galilee, as His mother ask Jesus to intervene. 48 Prophets. 7 deacons. 12 original Apostles, all men. Paul reminded the reason for this position of women (not being able to teach men) that " man was first, man was not deceived in the garden, the woman was. 1st Timothy Chapter 2: verse 13 Finally, it should be observed in 1st Timothy Chapter 3: verse 1, you can clearly see the gender that would be in charge. This is also affirmed and repeated in Acts of the Apostle Chapter 20: verses 17-30. Women are not second class to men, although there are specific rules as well as roles for both men and women in the church. Revelation 22:13; I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Numbers 23:19; God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent (or change his mind). God has never called a woman to preach, he never has and he never will. Out of all the 66 books in the Holy Bible, the word DEACONESS does NOT exist. That is a man made word someone made up. Amen and peace be!
James Anderson
Supporter
I don't have a problem with it as long as she is a Deaconess over other woman and not men. Just as the Paul says that a woman is not to have authority/pastor over a man 1 Timothy 2:12. Paul doesn't say anything about woman having authority over woman, so as I said I don't have a problem with it as long as she is a Deaconess over woman.
Jason Curry
Supporter
Rom 16:1 in the textus receptus, Paul uses the Greek word "diakonon" to describe Phoebe. This is the same word used in Acts 6:2 to describe the 1st deacons. Some English translations have servant while others have deacons since the words are interchangeable. Therefore Scripture affirms, at least, women deacons in the church.
Bob Wier
Supporter
I have given this very question a lot of thought because on my own sites where I post I've been questioned about this several times. I personally know women in the ministry, as well as one in particular who is now retired. I see God's work in these women and they are a blessing to all those they encounter. So this is the question I am now prepared to ask anyone who asks me, "Would you rather spend eternity in hell or be led to the Lord by a woman?"
Andrew Osakue
Supporter
Joel 2:28 "Afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on everyone; your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your old people will have dreams, and your young people will see visions. This is as stated in a the GOOD NEWS VERSION. From this it is clear that God will pour out his spirit on women as well as men to proclaim the message of God. Also Gal 3: 27 states that there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, Slaves and Free, Men and Women and that we are all one in union with Christ. Therefore there is nothing wrong appointing a woman who is Spirit filled to be a deaconess.
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