Women’s authority in the church
By Bridgette Starr Mayse
Photo Courtesy of AI
Women in the Bible are not weak.
Women in the church should not be either.
A frequent criticism of the church is that religion subjugates women. This concern is valid — churches have historically assigned women inferior value. However, this position is inaccurate and entirely opposite to the Bible. Numerous biblical accounts are controversially empowering. Given the oppression of women at the time, Jesus’ ministry was remarkably progressive. Female authority in the church is still debated, despite this concept’s biblical foundation.
Let this article serve as a gentle reminder — imperfect people may misrepresent Jesus, but the Bible never misrepresented women as subordinate.
The popular church UPPERROOM Dallas did a series focusing on the role of women in ministry. Pastor Michael Miller, fiercely compelled to share this message of female empowerment, felt apprehensive of potential opposition. What is troubling is that Miller’s concern is valid, and widely shared.
Many biblical instructions for women were intended for specific circumstances. For instance, the passage 1 Timothy 2:12 suggests that women should not speak in church. This is not a universal law demanding silence.
1 Timothy was a letter from Paul to Timothy, church of Ephesus' pastor, and it was addressing specific issues there. After examining the Greek translation and historical context, Miller concludes that Paul’s command was a solution to a conflict in Ephesus, not a ban on women speaking in church. This verse was addressing disorderly conduct, not a permanent silence.
Using this verse to assert that women “can’t teach…(and) are relegated to the kitchen and kids…is not a healthy interpretation of this text” (Miller, 39:44). Anna, Elizabeth and Miriam prophesy in the Bible, showing that women should speak in ministry.
Women have more freedom now than in Biblical times, so why did Miller feel cautious endorsing feminine leadership? Why is misogyny still present among churchgoers, prompting fear of criticism? Have Christians not read the Bible?
Fortunately, I have read the entire Bible. It repeatedly affirms women's dignity, leadership and equal standing before God.
Opposition to women preaching is frequent yet invalid. The gospel — translated the “good news” of Jesus’ resurrection — was first preached by a woman. Both Jesus and an angel instructed Mary to tell male disciples of his resurrection (Matthew 28:5-10). In a time when women’s testimony was not valued, forcing men to trust her was progressive empowerment.
Any suggestion that women are weak denotes ignorance, specifically to the Old Testament.
In Judges 4:8-9, a leader of Israel tells another leader, Deborah, that he won’t go to battle unless she accompanies him. Deborah’s high-ranking position alone shows that God deems women capable of leadership.
Deborah declares that “the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Jael, a woman, fulfills this prophecy by killing Sisera, the enemy general.
In Esther 8, Esther strategically marries into royalty and convinces the king to set the Jews free.
These military accounts showcase female strength. Their inclusion in the Bible deliberately affirms that men and women can bilaterally accomplish God’s purposes.
The Bible also promotes outcast women. In Matthew 26, Jesus defends a former prostitute’s altruism.
Speaking against religious authorities, he declares that “wherever this gospel is preached… (her generosity) will also be told.” John 4 and 8 depict additional instances where Jesus boldly defended shunned women.
Marginalizing women is not in the nature of Jesus. If a church exhibits sexism, I urge you to not count that towards Christianity. Consider it a blatant inaccuracy to the Bible and an example of human failure. The correct Christian perspective is clear: Women are inherently deserving of equal standing before God and capable of leadership.
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