A Biblical View of Women in the Ministry Part 1: “Neither…Male nor Female…in Christ Jesus” -- By: H. Wayne House

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 145:577 (Jan 1988)
Article: A Biblical View of Women in the Ministry Part 1: “Neither…Male nor Female…in Christ Jesus”
Author: H. Wayne House


A Biblical View of Women in the Ministry
Part 1:
“Neither…Male nor Female…in Christ Jesus”

H. Wayne House

Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology
Dallas Theological Seminary

Until recently, the role of women in the church has been a “settled” matter. Except for a few outbreaks such as in Montanism and Gnosticism and among certain Christian groups given to ecstatic activities, generally the accepted position has been that women are not to occupy positions of leadership in the church, such as pastors, teachers of men, or elders, but that many other places of service are available.1 In this day of social upheaval, however, such views are being questioned. The women’s liberation movement has not only affected the world in general but has also made significant inroads into the church. This impact is such that the issues it has raised cannot be avoided. Moreover, Christian leaders would be remiss in their commitment to Scripture not to explore the Word of God anew to see if women have been kept from functions in the church biblically open to them. The Scriptures should not be seen, in this writer’s opinion, as a great

obstacle to women’s ministry. There are varied and important places for women to serve in the church and placing women in these positions of ministry is sorely needed. But this openness must not be at the expense of the teaching of Scripture that limits women’s roles of service. In His wisdom God has reserved certain areas for men.

This series of articles seeks to accomplish four things. First, the series will interact with contemporary attempts by interpreters to find in Paul’s teaching the permission or even encouragement for women to occupy teaching/leadership roles in the church. Second, the New Testament teaching on women in ministry will be set forth. Third, the ministerial role of women found in the ante-Nicene church will be presented; this information provides verification and examples of the role of women in the first three centuries of the church. Fourth, the author will suggest ways in which women can serve biblically and effectively in the work of the church.

Feminist Approaches to Paul’s Teaching on Women’s Role in the Church

Confusion reigns in recent attempts to classify Paul’s views on the role of women in the church. To some, Paul was a champion of human rights but to others he was an archenemy of equality. Many Christian theologians with a feminist disposition see Paul’s teaching as the only obstacle to a consistent New Testament egalitarian view of men and women. Christ is perceived as a great liberator of women. Other New Testament...

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