Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Deaconess?


We are covering the pastoral epistles at TES this week. The discussion has revealed a varying view on the role of women in the church. I am putting together my thoughts on the issue, and would love to hear from some others as I synthesize my thoughts. The photo is an icon of Phoebe the Deaconess.

5 comments:

tnfpb said...

I think the primary role of women (and surely this applies to people regardless of their gender) in the church is worship. That being said, I think you are asking (or rather wanting to discuss) what are some of the functional roles of women in the church?

That is a broad question. Briefly, we know that older women are to teach younger women, etc. However, I think the Bible is explicit when it talks about what the leadership (leadership meaning positions of authority) should look like in a church. That meaning that women are not allowed to be elders (which includes the office of pastor).

As far as being a deacon goes, there seems to be Biblical support for women functioning as deacons.

Rob Bailey said...

you have lent some clarity to my fuzzy invite. let's ( for now ) talk about deacon and save the other issues for another conversation. i'm glad someone has the sense to spoon up the jello instead of trying to pick it up with chopsticks

Summer said...

I am curious to read more of your thought and what you learn from Gods word about this issue. It is something that I have thought about in the past based on some things that I once heard said. I know that is a vague thing to say but in order to protect the innocent, we will just say that I am curious as to what you come up with. Thanks

Rob Bailey said...

come on Summer! there is no wrong answer. there is textual and historical evidence that supports both sides. there are fabulous believers that fall in line on either side of the issue. regardless of the conclusion I come to, it would be one of those issues that I would never argue with anyone about. I can't believe how little response I got from this post. I think you(Summer) can still protect the innocent and be a little less vague. And tell your friends ( Becky) to weigh in to.

vincit omnia veritas said...

Hi brother,

Thanks for your Facebook invitation ...

I can think of at least one good article by Brian Schwertley:

http://www.all-of-grace.org/pub/schwertley/deacon.html

Enjoy!

Vincent