Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 3/22/2010

Question
I have started to go to an independent baptist church. I am from an interdenominational church before. i notice when it is time to pray over the offering or to dismiss people, the pastor NEVER calls on a woman. And women never preach in the church or even speak from the pulpit about religious things. the women are almost treated like old fashioned women. for example "a woman's place is in the kitchen", that's the impression i get. what is that all about? it scares me. makes me feel they think women are inferior and that god can't use a woman to win souls to christ to to preach salvation. thank you. ps i am not sure how long i will last there. i like men but they run the church. the women seem they they should be seen and not heard. i am an educated woman with a doctorate and won't be pushed around.

Answer
Sue:

    Thank you for your question.

    There are Scriptures that speak of women's role in the church (1Cor 14:34  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law; 1Ti 2:12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence#. Some churches--IFB and otherwise--take this verse to the extreme and teach that women have no role in the church other to sit and listen.  While that is not the proper application of these verses, they do teach that women ought not to be places of authority over men including teaching them.  

    The Bible is clear about the position of Pastors and Deacons.  #1Ti 3:1  This is a true saying, If a MAN desire the office of a bishop, HE desireth a good work; 1Ti 3:2  A bishop then must be blameless, THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1Ti 3:4  One that ruleth well HIS own house, having HIS children in subjection with all gravity; 1Ti 3:5  ((For if a MAN know not how to rule HIS own house, how shall HE take care of the church of God?)); 1Ti 3:12  Let the deacons be the HUSBANDS OF ONE WIFE, ruling their children and their own houses well).  These are all indications that God intended the leaders of the church to be men.

    Certainly women can be used of God and their unique gifts and abilities ought to be utilized in the church.  They can teach other women and children, they can be used in outreach ministries, they can, in fact, do things that men cannot do.

    Hope this helps, Sue.