What is the proper role of women in the church?
If you grew up in the church or you’re currently attending a church, you may have heard a thing or two on a woman’s role in the church. You’ve probably heard something along the lines of: “A woman’s place is at home, tending to the house and taking care of babies.” Or, maybe you’ve heard something akin to: “Women should only hold support positions within the church.” Perhaps, you’ve heard the complete opposite and have been told that women can do anything in the church that a man can do, including be the main pastor.
The best — and most accurate — way to understand the role of women in the church is to dig into what the Bible has to say on the topic. Luckily (or providentially), when it comes to the role of women in marriage, family, home life and church involvement, the Bible has a good amount of content.
How women were viewed
It’s important to understand that women did not have a high place in society when the Bible was written. In many cases, women were viewed as property and second-class citizens. Men were the superior gender. But that’s not how Jesus viewed women. Here are three examples:
Jesus addressed women in public (John 4:7-26). For the most part, women were seen and not heard during this time. It was not customary for men to speak to women in a public setting.
Jesus spoke to women with care and kindness, often referring to a woman as “daughter” (Luke 13:16). He spoke to women in a way that elevated their status.
Jesus held women responsible for their personal sin (John 8:10–11) — the same way He held men responsible for their own sins.
How Jesus viewed and treated women during His time on earth gives a greater understanding of the role women have within the church.
The role of women in the church
What is an appropriate role for women in the church? You may have been told a woman’s role should be silent and then quoted a support verse such as 1 Timothy 2:12 (ESV), which reads, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” How can you argue with that, right? It’s in the Bible. Yes, that’s true; it is. But this is a prime example of why it’s important to understand biblical context. This particular passage was written from Paul to Timothy while he was in Ephesus. The letter was meant to give Timothy instruction specific to the church there.
God used women throughout Scripture to further His ministry — some carried important messages; some were deacons and even prophets. Here are some examples:
Deborah was a prophet, who was given both political and religious authority (Judges 4:4-5). Furthermore, the Bible does not say that Deborah was the exception to the rule.
Jesus first appeared to women after His resurrection. These women delivered a command from the Lord to the apostles. “Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me’” (Matthew 28:10 ESV).
Paul specifically names women who worked alongside him in ministry, calling them “workers in the Lord.” These women include Tryphaena and Tryphosa (Romans 16:12) and Euodia and Syntyche (Phillippians 4:2-3).
Women are not subservient to men, nor are men the dominant gender. When it comes to roles within the church, women should be involved in ministry and hold major roles. When it comes right down to it, the role Christian women play in the church — the same as men — is to go and make disciples.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
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Starting Point groups are in-person, stress-free and judgment-free groups that meet periodically at Centerpoint Church. Here, you can spend some time getting to know fellow group members, reading and having an open conversation about topics like God, the Scriptures, faith, and Jesus. Completely new to the teachings of Jesus? Returning to church after a long break? Questioning the teachings you were brought up with or just unsure what you believe? Our Starting Point groups are here to help you navigate your faith journey. Get in touch with us to learn when the next Starting Point group is meeting or to join a Starting Point group.