The role of women in the ministry

Hi John or (anyone else who has an opinion), I agree mostly with most of what I think you're saying/asking here. Just a few (hopefully) quick questions for clarification.

However I think a woman can teach children.

What age group do you think the transfer should happen?

This seems to be a grey area, as women in this church act as servants and do not pastor, teach, or preach.

Do you include ladies bible study teaching in this, as well? Do you think if a woman is teaching an all-woman's Sunday School class on Sunday morning and a man walks into the room and sits down--a) the woman should stop teaching; b) continue on teaching, but not look at the man; c) ask the man to leave; or d) explain to the group what the bible says about women teaching to men?

Do you think it's biblically appropriate for women to share their thoughts on Scriptures in Sunday School where men are present? What about small group settings where men are present, either in a church building or in a home?

Thanks for answering these--when/if you have the time.

Kim Noble

The what ifs, what ifs are not my focus here. We could speculate all day with that "what if this" what if that."
Bottom line is that no one is perfect, and I did not come to debate so if you have that thought just forget about it.

Hi John, I really apologize if that's how I communicated my questions. I went back and re-read them trying to figure out how my questions were not of a helpful nature. I guess I should have clarified that my clarification questions were to share my point of view, but I was trying to avoid unnecessary debating tactics. Which is what I'm possibly accused of here. Boy--did I mess that up--eh?

You asked the question what are "your" (my) views. I actually thought my questions would help generate discussion and helps share views. None of the above scenarios are (IMO) too ultra specific and pretty general scendarios that may happen in a conservative/fundamental environment. As you alluded, if we're all coming from the complementarian view (which I certainly am) then these questions, IMO, are not at all subject to heated debate--just (my intention, anyway) to help define the views question.

Maybe I should have asked, first, what views are you asking for? I would think clarifications and definitions in on the discussion would only help the discussion.

I'm very sorry if my last post came off as anything more than that agenda. You only have my (unfamiliar) word, but I truly meant it as such.

Kim

Hi Jim, How do you view I Tim. 3:11--particularly the word "likewise"? Thanks! Kim

I believe the the wives (GK γυνή) refers to the wives of the deacons

ESV renders it "Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded,faithful in all things."

Thanks, Jim! I'm starting a new thread because I'm very interested in a wide range of (complementarian) views and particular scenarios and would love to discuss it if you (or anyone else) has the time. Biblical women's ministries and roles, both in the home and in the church, are of a great interest to me. While I have my own conclusions, I do desire to be sharpened, as well, from other viewpoints. Thanks!

Kim

More on woman deacons and why I oppose

Many see the Acts 6:1-7 passage as either the first deacons or a precursor to the office of deacon

You probably know that there are two (perhaps more but I know of two) words for "men" in the NT

One is ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos - think Anthropology ) which is a generic form. Eg: Romans 3:28, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."

The other is ἀνήρ (anēr) which means "male men" (not mail men! )

In Acts 6:3 - "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;" - guess which is used?

Answer: ἀνήρ