This line has bugged me for 2 decades. What is a woman’s place in the church?
Should women be quiet? Can they teach or preach? How are women supposed to function in a church? What is the role of a woman?
I’ve had the privilege to be a part of multiple church groups, each one viewing the answer to this question differently.
Recently it’s become one of the uppermost questions for God in my mind.
This evening as I listen through the book of Exodus in the chapters where God is explaining to Moses the making of the Tabernacle, I hear:
“This is what the LORD has commanded; take a sacred offering for the LORD. Let those with generous hearts bring gifts to the LORD… And all who are gifted craftsmen, come and construct everything that the LORD has commanded.”
Exodus 35:4-29
And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him and they brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the Tabernacle. They came, both men and women – all who were of a willing heart and whose hearts were moved, they brought their gifts as a freewill offering to the LORD.
These people are constructing a church, and look how God commanded it to be done: ‘Whoever is willing, anyone whose heart is stirred and everyone whose spirit is moved within him – these are the people who are to build my church!’
Even back then, the heart of God is so clearly stated. It’s willingness He is after! He wants agreeable, ready, enthusiastic people to take part in building His church. That’s us! Doesn’t matter your rank, race, gender or age. God asks those whose hearts are stirred and whose spirits are moved, to contribute.
Galatians 3 speaks of the old law and the new covenant. This all had to do with rules, traditions, laws of perfection and imperfection, laws of holy and unholy, clean and unclean. Now the new covenant stands on justification through the perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ. It was difficult for the Galatians to make this transition from the old to new. The conclusion is summarized in these verses:
For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:26-29
Do you hear the invitation of God for all of us, men and women, to be a part of His church? And what is a part if not contributing in some way? Each of us is gifted in beautiful, specific ways; and, just like God’s invitation in Exodus for those who are of a willing and eager heart to contribute to the making of the Tabernacle, so it is with us today. He invites us to give what we have to offer with a willing heart!
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if gifted in prophecy, prophesy in proportion to your faith! If gifted in service, then serve! The one who teaches, let him/her teach! The one who has a gift of exhortation, or giving, of leadership or mercy, let them do so with zeal and cheerfulness!
Romans 12:6-9
This, and so many other passages in the New Testament reflect the heart of God about building his church. The how-to and whom should do it.
The next time your heart is stirred and your spirit moves within you, be brave, bold – and willingly offer your gift to the LORD to the building up of His church!
It’s not about you, after all. It’s about Jesus and the glory of the Father.
So, go – give with eager abandon. Your contribution is needed.
What about the verses that women are supposed to ‘be subject’ (whatever that means) and ‘learn in silence’ and ‘ask their husbands’? What point was Paul trying to get across?
I heartily agree with your post…I’m just trying to figure out why some churches are so. far. off.
Indeed, Bird. Your questions echo my own. I am still thinking and studying on this subject; perhaps I will add a part 2 sometime addressing these scriptures. I welcome any insight you have.