Gender Roles Given by God
We live in a society that has over the last 1/2 century or so attempted to place women, not in an equal role with man, but sadly in an authoritative role all the while claiming equality. The reason that this is sad is because it is a scheme which Satan is using to thwart the commands of God. By tearing down the roles of family and society he is creating a chasm within the church of women who are becoming or have been dissatisfied with their God-given roles.
We at R16:16 believe in the complete authority of scripture and as such understand that the role of a woman is different than the role of a man within the church and within the home. We know that God designs these roles as He deems best for both the church and families. It is not that God deems women less important than men but that God has given roles and areas of service differently based upon 2 things. One being different gifts according to the abilities which He blesses with.
1 Corinthians 12:4-5 ESV “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;”
The other that is was the woman, namely Eve, who sinned first, thus woman was placed in submission to man as her authority. When a woman shuns her God-given role and usurps the authority of man in the home or in the church, she is in sin and in danger of tearing the church apart.
1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.”
There are women in the church who are working, actively working, to undermine the authority of scripture in order to usurp the authority of man and ultimately God. Recently, one congregation has placed a woman in a part-time pulpit ministry role, Neal Pollard writes in response to this action and the full-time preacher’s attitude regarding this occurrence. He has agreed to share his article here for our readers. Please be sure to click the SEE MORE… link to read the full story.
Dale Pauls’ Reflections On Women’s Role
Posted on July 9, 2013 by preacherpollard
Neal Pollard
Photo representation, not actual referenced woman from article
An article written by Dale Pauls, minister for the Stamford, CT, Church of Christ, is rapidly making its way across the internet (www.gal328.org/good-news-naomi-walters-named-minister-in-residence-at-stamford-church-of-christ/). I do not know brother Pauls and certainly harbor no personal animosity toward him. However, I very strongly disagree with his apology (i.e., defense) of women serving in pulpit ministry. As his statement seems to have drawn so much interest from so many, please allow me to contribute a few observations about this situation.
This is not a new position for him. For those unfamiliar with brother Pauls, you might assume that he has just studied himself into a position favorable to hiring the Christian sister as a part-time Minister in Residence job. In fact, a June 1, 2006, article in the Christian Chronicle featuring that congregation revealed they had long established the practice of women deacons, the eligibility of women to serve as elders, leading in worship and even occasionally preaching (from “Exodus Connecticut,” Bobby Ross, Jr., 6/1/06, online ed.). Thus, the congregation and Pauls were already clear on where they stood on the matter.
The majority of his defense of the position is either his interpretation of history or an appeal to emotion.
Neal Pollard is Gospel Preacher at the Bear Valley church of Christ in Colorado. He is married to Kathy and they have 2 sons. Neal attended, Faulkner University, Freed-Hardeman University, Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver (B.A., M.B.S.). He and Kathy both work as instructors for the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Kathy in Women’s studies. You can read more of Neal’s thoughts, devotions and musings on his blog, Preacher Pollard’s Blog.
~~Post written by team member Renée
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