Women in Ministry - Worthless or Worthy??

Although I've been aware of the Biblical context of this question for a long time, I decided to do an article this afternoon based on something I saw on Facebook this morning. It was shared as a full article from the website "Voices From the Past". The subject of this piece was Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza. She was a woman who discovered the truth and fought against the system in attempts to rid the entire Christian Church body of the lies long established and since perpetuated in most Denominations. I'll post the link in the footnotes.*

When I first saw the post shared by my BFF, Andrea, this morning, I smiled at her share comment. She said, "For my fellow Jesus-freaks who have similarly been led to throw out vast portions of what we were taught as children in Sunday School." I so totally relate to this, especially seeing as how we went to the same Baptist Christian School.* My own share comment when I re-posted it, was, "Say it louder for the people in the back!! Proper interpretation only comes by the FULL CONTEXT of Scripture."

Another reason I'm doing this is actually to honor my paternal grandmother, Audrey Ellis. Back in the 40's and 50's when my father and his 4 younger siblings were growing up, she put a lot of time into studying the Bible. By the time she was done, I'm guessing it was late 50's or early 60's, she sought a Church where she could be ordained. Sadly, between the facts that she was a woman, she had a background in Jehovah's Witnesses due to my great grandparents*, and that she had also been trained in Astrology by the late, great Isobel Hickey. Isobel was based in Boston, but had a Summer retreat in Nottingham, NH, where my grandmother first met her. Finally, she appealed to the US Government with her own Church. Long story short, she became the first woman in United States history to be ordained by the Government!! Now, she never had a separate building or anything like that, but simply held Bible Studies in her home. But she was an Ordained Minister. AND she was a proficient Astrologer.* I'm guessing that you've never heard of that combination before!! This is for you, Nanny, and all the women still struggling to be heard from pulpits around the world*, I love you all. And I see you.

And with that, we begin --

In thinking about this earlier today, and deciding how to approach this long-debated, and thus controversial subject, I realized that we need to first explore the woman's role in life, Biblically speaking, before we discuss her rights/abilities to minister with more authority than a teacher in either Sunday School or the Academic Classroom. As these things have both been purposefully misinterpreted and used to manipulate the roles of women both at home and in ministry, I feel this is equally important.

Women's roles in life and marriage according to Scripture

Our journey today begins in Genesis 2:20b-24 --

But for Adam^[f] no suitable helper was found. ²¹ So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs^[g] and then closed up the place with flesh. ²² Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib^[h] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

²³ The man said,

“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman',  for she was taken out of man.”

²⁴ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

The word we need to focus in on here is "helper". While this is from the NIV, we find that the same word in other versions is translated "help-meet". As the overview summary suggests, this indicates someone who can be more than a servant, but an equal, complementary partner.

The Hebrew term used here is "ezer kenegdo". While "ezer" simply means "helper", the 2nd part brings more depth and perspective. This is the piece that denotes equality and someone with strengths that fill the gaps in the man's thinking. Rather than a subordinate, the word "ezer" is often used to describe God's strength for another's life. In light of this, my pastors have actually suggested that the wife is therefore God's presence in the marriage. (Often, the voice of reason.)* For those interested in further detail on the Hebrew language here, this article explains it -- https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/studies-interpretation/what-is-a-help-meet.htm

So already, we see here that the whole malarky of "The woman has to submit her husband in all things.", is wrong. According to God Himself, we are meant to be equal partners. It's NOT about the "weaker sex" cowing down to our dominating husbands or the vastly outdated, and -as we see above- never accurate rules of the patriarchy which has sought throughout history to control and manipulate us into submission.

Another aspect seen in the "Biblical definition of marriage"*, is that of unity. As we look at verse 24, we find the phrase "one flesh". Let's explore that for a minute, shall we?? Along with it's surface suggestion of equality as a single unit consisting of 2 parts, the Hebrew word has more to offer. That word is "echad". Not only do we see it here, but also throughout the Bible in reference to the unity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to the Father. So while God is really just the "team name" for the Trinity, likewise, "echad" speaks to the plural unity of marriage.* Therefore, to abuse one's spouse is to, in effect, abuse one's self. I'll get into that further in a bit.

Turn with me if you will to Proverbs 31 -- This gives us the description of a married woman's daily life, as it was best performed in those days. In the first part of this chapter, the author, Lemuel, is relating the wisdom his mother has taught him in relation to Godly leadership. (Honestly, now that I think of it, this lends support to the idea of women in ministry, as well.) Because, if a woman understands what Godly leadership should look like, why then, should she not be allowed to do it Amen??

Meanwhile, verses 10-31 show us the role of the Biblical Wife --

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

^10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?    She is worth far more than rubies.¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her    and lacks nothing of value.¹² She brings him good, not harm,    all the days of her life.¹³ She selects wool and flax    and works with eager hands.¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,    bringing her food from afar.¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;    she provides food for her family    and portions for her female servants.¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;    her arms are strong for her tasks.¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,    and her lamp does not go out at night.¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor    and extends her hands to the needy.²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.²² She makes coverings for her bed;    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,    and supplies the merchants with sashes.²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;    she can laugh at the days to come.²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household    and does not eat the bread of idleness.²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;    her husband also, and he praises her:²⁹ “Many women do noble things,    but you surpass them all.”³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

In this passage, essentially the woman's entire waking life IS her ministry. And I'm not saying that there's anything wrong in that. What I'm saying here is that, if she is called to Christian Ministry in a way that goes beyond bringing her kids up in Church and teaching Sunday School, that she not only be allowed to do it, but encouraged. And as we will see, that calling is Biblically validated.

First of all, Matthew 7:12, we have what is known as the "Golden Rule". In essence, treat others as you would have them treat you. Literally every. single. group on Earth agrees with this concept. Christians, Atheists, Hindu, Buddhist, even Pagans have their version of this. Everyone agrees that harming others is wrong, most especially those closest to you. Family is important to every culture and belief, and what is at the core?? Marriage. This makes it the most important relationship in life, aside from our individual relationships with God, of course. We are meant to cherish it, to nurture it, to help it mature into something beautiful and honorable. We are not supposed to use it to control or manipulate our partner. This breaks our marriage vows just as much as Adultery ever could.

Secondly, in Matthew 22:37-40, we have the Greatest Commandment --

Matthew 22:36-40

New International Version

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

This gives us the same basic rule as the first one, but with the point of loving God first, as that is the source of our love for others, as Believers.* We are then called to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Notice those last two words there. "As yourself". This inherently indicates that we love ourselves before we can properly love others. I recently debated this with someone on Quora who honestly believed that self-esteem was ungodly. SMH.

At the same time, Jesus' words here also suggest a lack of abuse, either to others or to ourselves. That being said, I'm am absolutely thrilled at the knowledge that, to date, most Churches now recognize abuse as an equally valid reason for divorce as Adultery, as both work against the marriage vows of honor and respect.

Further, Jesus' words to and about women reflect His positive position toward us. For example, we find in John 4 that the Woman at the Well is the first person to whom He reveals that He is Messiah. Later, in John 12:1-11, we find that Jesus' response to Mary, sister of Lazarus, anointing His feet is to say that she would be remembered for all time.* Also, all 4 Gospel accounts of the resurrection show that women were the first to discover this fact.

Throughout Paul's writings, as well as other places in the Epistles, we find the subject of Godly Marriage as a common theme. For now, we'll just look at a few, but the following article has some great insights on these and more... https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-marriage/?srsltid=AfmBOoormeCKiAU-qcB-5FupEG0FDHCPgkB-jk2zV0wyqF9ZsqmDMCon

We turn then, to 1 Corinthians 7:2-5

1 Corinthians 7:2-5

New International Version

² But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. ³ The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. ⁴ The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. ⁵ Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

In this passage, we find that the husband and wife are both responsible for the physical satisfaction of their partner. It's NOT only about the husband demanding of her and thus taking her for granted.*

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is our next "point of interest", if you will --

Ephesians 5:22-27

New International Version

²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing^[a] her by the washing with water through the word, ²⁷ and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

The key phrase we need to pay attention to here is "as you do to the Lord."

In looking at this more closely, we find that the presupposition here is that the husband is actually both in relationship with the Lord, and currently in good fellowship with the Lord. Otherwise, as with the children, mentioned in chapter 6, the woman is not held responsible to obey her husband when he is demanding something the inherently goes against God's Will. While this relates back to our passage in 1 Corinthians, I also have personal experience with this.* I'm sure many of you will find freedom in the full context of Scripture here.

At the same time, for you men, I would call your attention to verse 25. This reminder to "love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her". Gives you an important responsibility. As we saw above, the qualification on the wife's obedience is based on the husband's relationship and alignment with God. You are to love your wife "as Christ loved the Church...". This speaks directly to the man's predilection to selfishness. True love is selfless, and therefore sacrificial. And I know this is redundant, but it bears repeating, we are to love each other as ourselves. This actually brings to mind an ex-boyfriend of mine. Jeremy had a very harsh background of both mental and physical abuse. When we first met back in 1990, we dated for a few months, but then moved on. Later, in 2015, we reconnected via FB Messenger. During the time that we were together again, there were times that I would say, "I love you", and he would simply say it back. At other times, he would respond by saying, "I don't know what that means." Now, in the meantime, he had been married, attended Bible College, had 2 kids, divorced, married again, and divorced for a second time. I had gotten married, had 3 kids, and divorced. Here we were in our late 40's, in a far more mature relationship than before, and he still didn't understand what love should look like. In those times when he gave the latter response, I told him this: "Love is about taking random turns at putting the other person first in all possible moments." I mean, obviously, when one of you is sick, that's the priority. Or if one of you has job responsibilities, (as long as they are not excessive in a way that places work above family), then that becomes the priority for a bit. The point lies in not "keeping score", but simply respecting each other's needs in that moment.* (See 1 Cor. 13:4-8 for more)

This brings us to Colossians 3 --

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Once again, we see that both parties are responsible to respect each other. This supports my earlier suggestion that abuse is equal to Adultery in breaking the vows of marriage. When we abuse others, we show blatant disrespect for them as fellow image-bearers of God. The linked article has an excellent insight on this one. Also, while I mentioned earlier about the husband being in relationship with the Lord, and in good fellowship, likewise, it is presumed in all of this that the woman meets those same standards.

We can see from these passages, as well as from some of the others mentioned in the linked article, that abuse of any kind has absolutely NO PLACE in a Biblically based, Godly marriage. Rather, the woman is to be treated as equal to her husband, both in and out of the bedroom. From Genesis, where God establishes the point of plural unity, to Proverbs, where the woman is to conduct the business of the home (displaying healthy levels of intelligence)* and raise her children to know God, to Jesus words of loving others as ourselves, and finally, to Paul's words concerning Christian Marriage, we see the woman portrayed as equally deserving of respect, and possessive of wisdom in daily life. As I queried earlier, WHY THEN SHOULD WOMEN NOT BE ALLOWED IN MINISTRY beyond Academic and Sunday School classrooms??

As we will see in the second portion of this article, there is NO BIBLICAL REASON --

Biblical Support for Women in Ministry

Like I said in my introductory comments earlier, proper interpretation of Scripture depends on taking the full context into consideration. It is only due to lack of this, either by ignorance or intention that the meanings of certain passages in the Bible get twisted, thus leading to using them for manipulation and abuse. Taking verses out of context in order to support one's personal opinions is also called "cherry-picking". But you know what, my friends?? The Bible is NOT a "buffet" where you can take or leave things you like or don't like. It's more along the lines of your mother's casserole. You have to take in everything or nothing. There's no option to pick out your favorite bits and toss the rest.

As we study the history of the Bible, we know for a fact that it has been edited by men who decided what portions to "serve", in keeping with our analogy of food. It has been changed by men to push certain views and agendas. And finally, it has since been used by men to control and manipulate others, including, but not limited to, women.

Let's see where you guys have gone wrong in relation to women in ministry, shall we??

One of the first women to be mentioned in the Bible as having a role of authority in Israel is Deborah. Her story, as the only female Judge in their history, at that time, is found in Judges 4-5. As the overview suggests, her narrative highlights themes of divine authority bestowed upon women. She is therefore revered as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and leadership.

The following article highlights 10 examples of Women in Ministry in the Bible --

https://sharonwilharm.com/bible-women-in-ministry/

Turn with me, if you will, to 1 Corinthians 11 --

1 Corinthians 11

New International Version

11 ¹ Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

On Covering the Head in Worship

² I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. ³ But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,^[a] and the head of Christ is God. ⁴ Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. ⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. ⁶ For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

⁷ A man ought not to cover his head,^[b] since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. ⁸ For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; ⁹ neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. ¹⁰ It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own^[c] head, because of the angels. ¹¹ Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. ¹² For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

While the head covering instruction was clearly a temporary, cultural thing, the point to be found in this passage is that women were not only allowed to pray, but to prophesy. This clearly indicates public speaking in a Religious Group Setting. This relates directly to our next stop, just a few pages over, in chapter 14 --

³⁴ Women^[f] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. ³⁵ If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.^[g]

³⁶ Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? ³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸ But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.^[h]

³⁹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰ But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Our opening verse of this Scripture is the center of purposefully misinterpreted Bible instruction in relation to our subject of women in ministry. As you will notice by reading the entire chapter here, as well as the two prior, the context here is about Spiritual Gifts. I would call your attention to the fact that, due to what we read in chapter 11 above, in combination with the outlining and proper presentation of the Spiritual Gifts, there is clear evidence that women were allowed to speak in Church, so long as it was done accordingly to the guidelines.

In looking at verses 34 and 35, we discover the true context of women being "silent in Church". It ONLY RELATES to the women disrupting the service by shouting questions across the room because, in that place and time, men and women were seated separately. Therefore, Paul is admonishing the specific women who were causing the problem. This extended naturally to the other women in that congregation. Although, logically, it would follow that women in all Churches keep their questions until they got home, as also stated above.

As we can see, there is no prohibition here against women leading the service, per se. And, after all, prophecy is a form of Pastoral Ministry, as it relates directly to hearing from, and speaking for God.

Next, we turn over to Ephesians 4 --

¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

In this passage, Paul is explaining that the Gifts to the Church, found here in verse 11, are meant to equip and build the Church up in Christ. As with the Spiritual Gifts of 1 Corinthians, we see no designations of gender roles.

Finally, we come to the other key passage used to discriminate against women in ministry. Our last stop of this journey is in Paul's first letter to Timothy --

1 Timothy 2:8-15

New International Version

⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

¹¹ A woman^[a] should learn in quietness and full submission. ¹² I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;^[b] she must be quiet. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. ¹⁵ But women^[c] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Although our focus here lies in verses 11 and 12, we can clearly see his misogynistic attitude towards women, as evidenced in verses 14 and 15. While I can appreciate his guidelines for appropriate dress in verses 9 and 10, his suggestion that women are only useful for childbearing, and in fact, cannot be truly Saved without it, actually goes against what he has said before in Romans about "whoever believes in their heart and confesses with their tongue that Jesus Christ is Lord, he shall be Saved". (Rom. 10:8-10)

Regardless, back to our mission at hand. The secret to understanding the context of this passage lies in the first words of verse 12. Do you see it?? "I do not permit a woman...". It is not God that doesn't permit a woman to speak in Church. It was ONLY PAUL. Just as with his statement on marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 and12-15, where he first say that if someone burns with passion, they should marry, then he talks about how it's HIS OPINION that men and women with unbelieving partners should stay married in case one may Save the other. (Once again, refuting his own words to Timothy. Or vice versa, I'd have to check when each was written.)

So there you have it, my friends. Irrefutable proof as to the Biblical standards of women, both in the home and in ministry, proving, as per my title above, that we are not "worthless", but entirely worthy by God's perspective. Through reading this, I pray that women will be freed of men's purposeful gross misinterpretation and abuse of Scripture in both aspects, and that men would beg forgiveness of the women in their direct influence as you see the error of your ways in these respects.

Ladies, I have given you fuel for your fire, please use it accordingly, and with love.

-- God Bless!!

Footnotes:

1. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ithoughtitwasanormalpicture/posts/1366896195206402/

2. To clarify, I first met Andrea when attending Preschool in her parents' basement, where she currently lives with her husband and son. While she started school at Concord Christian one year behind me, she left for public school for several years before returning in her 8th grade year.

3. Sadly, it's my great-grandfather's money that went into the reconstruction of the local Kingdom Hall here in Concord, NH. "Fun Fact" - my mother's brother is also a JW. We have a family agreement not to talk about it.

4. Although initially trained in general reading, my grandmother focused her efforts on finding the good in people's charts. She actually had a business of this for many years.

5. Speaking of women waiting to be heard from pulpits around the world, I am well aware, and pleased to acknowledge that the Methodist Church has been far ahead of the curve on this. A distant female cousin of mine was ordained by them back in the late 70's or early 80's.

6. In relation to my suggestion that women may be the voice of reason in a relationship, my boyfriend, Mike is self-admittedly bad with money. Conversely, I grew up learning to save. I try to get him to understand how to spend more wisely, but it's a slow process.

7. For more on Biblical Marriage, see my article, "Sex and the Single Christian"

8. Fore more on the Trinity, see my article.

9. In speaking about how our love for others stems from God's love for us, "as Believers", I am acknowledging the fact that it is possible for unbelievers to love, the point lies in their lack of recognition of God as the source.

10. Overview shows that other Gospel accounts of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet do not name her. One possibility is also that there may have been more than one event recorded.

11. The fact that the man is meant to respect the woman's needs equally and not demand from her raises the question of rape within marriage. I will tell you right now, that YES, IT DOES EXIST. Numerous times during my relationship with my ex-husband, he demanded of me when I was not willing. Sadly, this led to my actually manipulating situations to avoid sex, which resulted in driving him into the arms of others. And I know it's not my fault, it was his decision to react badly to my poor reactions. But what I did was definitely the catalyst to his decisions. At the same time, I was not always well behaved myself in reaction to his treatment of me. Mistakes were made on both sides, and here we are.

12. Speaking to the point of personal experience in my husband demanding something against God, my ex also wanted us to have a threesome with another girl we knew at the time. Of course, I flatly refused, citing not only my own opinion that I should be enough for him, but the Bible's prohibition against Adultery. (I know, but that was later. Not that I had changed my mind concerning the Bible, just that I was weak and less mature at that time.)

13. As you read in the article about Elizabeth S. Fiorenza, one of the "concerns" of men in allowing women into Biblical Study was the lack of "adequate mental capacity". What a load of crap!! The truth is, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses in terms of Book Learning vs Common Sense, so there's really no telling, by gender, who is or is not qualified for advanced Bible Studies.

14. Sorry for the light link highlights, I don't know how to fix it.

As encouraging as this chart is, we still have a long way to go, keep up the good work, ladies!! <3