Some may say that it is God’s plan or ideal that men assume the unique role of leadership in the family and in the church (or even society at large). But what if they are wrong? If God intends that men and women work together equally, showing no favoritism to men over women, what are the consequences of limiting women’s roles?
If we prevent a qualified woman from being a pastor, whereas God has gifted and called her to this role, what damage are we doing to the church? Would this not qualify as quenching the Spirit (1 Th 5:19)? What if a woman is a gifted teacher with a lot of Biblical knowledge and spiritual wisdom to share, but her church will only allow her to teach children or perhaps other women? Do the men not miss out? What if women only hear men preaching, and they do not resonate as much with the teaching as the men do? What if men cannot share fully in the wisdom and knowledge of the women in their lives?
I just want to stress that the complementarian position is not the safest position. If God did not intend for men to have unilateral authority over women, then the complementarian position is harming the church; it is quenching the Spirit, causing suffering, and inhibiting growth and flourishing.
How great a tool for the Devil to have over half the church paralyzed by arbitrary rules and regulations that God had no intention to erect.
We need to consider this in our search for the truth.
If God does intend for women to be under the authority of their husbands but that we stress mutual submission, there is also a risk of disobeying God’s established order.
But would God really want women to censure themselves?
“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng”
(Psalms 68:11, NIV)
Does God not want women to share the gospel and their love of God with all people, making disciples of the whole world?
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Mathieu 28:19-20, NIV)
Does God not want women to lead their brothers and sisters into worship?
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
(1 Corinthians 14:26, NIV)
Does God not want women to pray and prophesy (preach) when the church is assembled to strengthen his people?
“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
(1 Corinthians 11:5, NIV)
“the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
(1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV)
Does God not want women to care for and lead their church just as our pastors or elders do?
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” (Romains 16:1-2)
These are all things God wants men and women to do; we should not inhibit these spiritual gifts by putting unnecessary obstacles on women.
God can do his work no matter what impediments we humans put in his way, but that doesn’t mean that our actions and beliefs do not have repercussions, and I think the consequences of limiting women in ministry are grave indeed.
AMEN! We have only to study how God has used women throughout Church history to recognize their incredible and often costly contribution to his mission!