Church leadership. Organization. Roles and responsibilities of church leaders. All of these topics seem to be lost in translation, or picked out of the Bible and thrown away, in today's society. Feminism has reared its ugly head inside the church and behind the pulpit and messages coming from most American churches (and probably broader) have sent a mixed message for over a decade. The common question of the public is this: what does the Bible reference in regards to leadership in the church? This post will sift through the disadvantages of feminism, reveal the heart of the issue of feminism, and examine why it's overturned churches and the home.
Feminism Defined
Feminism's definition seems to lie in who is asked. If one was to ask a Liberal, the definition would be related to something along the line of "gender equality, non-man-hating." But that's quite the opposite of what's actually being carried out in the public sector in today's society. The rise of women "Bible teachers" seem to have a drastic effect on this perception. The word "gender equality" is portrayed to mean that one gender is shunned more than the other. This mentality has made its way into the church and seems to have put the Bible in a vault and locked away its teachings.
Feminism's definition, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is "the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes" or "organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests." Put plainly, it is a theory just as evolution is a theory. It is speculated. However, this is the main agenda the enemy uses to overthrow not only church leadership to undermine the church, but the family unit as well since the enemy tempted Eve first to overthrow the authority of her husband, Adam. It is a steep and slippery slope.
Scripture references on Biblical Leadership Both Inside and Outside the Church
God is very clear on how He expects his bride, the church, to be organized and is even more precise on who should be leaders and their qualifications. The common lie is that gender isn't equal. God stated that both are equal, with different roles. Why? Because this harmony represents the trinity. Below are scripture references on church leadership and leadership qualifications as well as familial roles.
Disadvantages of Feminism Examination: Leadership Inside the Church
"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:1-7, ESV)
"Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well" (1 Timothy 3:8-12, ESV).
Leadership inside the Church Continued
The Book of Titus (written by Paul) also discusses the qualifications of leaders.
"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:5-9, ESV).
Paul expounds upon the need to have a solid foundation of biblical principles.
"For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.<h> 11They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach." Titus 1:10-11, ESV.
"I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:12-13, ESV).
Disadvantages of Feminism Examination Continued: Weighing Sound Doctrine
Notice in the above scripture that Paul repeatedly uses the pronouns "his" and "he." This is not only because God ordained two genders and two genders only as a marriage should be between one man and one woman, but in leadership, men are directly under God's instruction in leadership roles since this represents the trinity. Anything that adds or subtracts from this doctrine is not ordained by God.
To see how the church is supposed to be organized, read 1 Timothy at Bible Gateway here.
For a more detailed study on the Biblical structure of the church, see Pastor Steven J. Cole's article, "Lesson 58: The Responsibilities of Church Leaders " at Bible.org
Leadership Outside the Church
For time and space purposes, I'm going to link Professor Gregory Brown's article "Foundation Two: Gender Roles in Marriage", from Bible.org. In this article, Professor Brown covers the creation design, sin, the uprooting of the home through the fall of man, and why following God's design is vital in maintaining order.
Detrimental Views: New Age Thinking and Its Dangers
If some were reading up on headlines recently, they may have noticed how Baptist University had let witchcraft into their program by allowing a woman Native American cultist to preach during their service. Cru (formerly Campus Crusades for Christ) attempted to invite Kaitlin Curtice, a New Age Native American occultist to preach to their students. The dangers of New Age thinking continue to rise as true conversions are hard to find. However, the rise of false teachers is God's judgment. God will choose to save those whom He predestined in spite of this movement. Read the article below to learn more about the ordeal.
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