Chmn 201

Eddie Turner

Writing Style Used: APA

Course and Section Number: THEO 202-B1

The Role of Women in Church

The purpose of this essay will discuss the definition for Elders and Deacons, their responsibilities and consider the position that would hold in church. Elder in Hebrew is Zaqen which comes from the word “bread.” The “elders” of Act 20:17 are referred to as Bishops in v. 28 (NIV “overseers”). [Zondervan] Paul set forth the requirements of an elder by saying “For an overseer, as God’s administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:7-9 HCSB)

Deacon or deaconess comes from the Greek noun diakonos it is a common term for “servant”, assistant, messenger.” In 1 Timothy Chapter 3:8-13 Paul provides the qualifications for a ‘deacon”. A deacon should be respected, not a hypocrite, not a drunkard or greedy. He must be a man of faith and good conscience. A deacon must be the husband of one wife and have control of his children and household and lead his family to a strong faith in Jesus Christ.

Debates regarding whether a woman can be a deacon, elder or preacher has moved to the forefront in our society. I will begin by stating my opinion. God created man and woman in His own image (Gen. 1:27). They are both equal in worth before God. The husband is to love and respect his wife as Christ loved the Church. God gave Adam and every man the responsibility to lead his household. The wife is meant to be her husband’s help mate. I believe that women should relinquish and expect the man to assume godly leadership of the family. But to those who would quote 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and claim that Paul intended for women to be silent in church are incorrect in their...