Expert: Paul Walker - 7/8/2004

Question
Greetings,
My name is Gary Brinson, and I have been attending the same church for over 23 years, off and on, depending on where I was stationed in the Military. I have since retired, and moved back home and now attend the same Southern Baptist Church. Never in all my years of attending, have I seen the Baptist Men come together and become organized like we are right now. My question is also my problem. You see, we have a lady that has been on our Property Committee for over 30 years. She has complained, very often, about the Baptist Men trying to “run” our church. Over the years, anything she has wanted, we have bowed down and given in to her, or suffer her wrath. This is not a nice lady that wants to do good in the church; this is a lady that believes she, by herself, runs the church. I don't want to start talking about her, but please try to understand where I am coming from. This is a lady that has called up members of the church and screamed, cursed and yelled at them for doing something that she did not approve. My question is, where in the Bible can I find references to the men, leading the church. It seems that no one wants to stand up to her, because they don't want to be screamed at. There is even talk of disbanding the Baptist Men, because she is having problems with them. I would like to see the men do the right thing and lead the church, and not submit to her.  Any help would be greatly appreciated,
God Bless,
Gary Ray


Answer

Dear Gary Brinson,

To simply answer your question with a few Bible verses would be easy seeing there are quite a few and not difficult to find nor understand.

    1 Corinthians 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.

    1 Corinthians 11:3  But I would have you know, that the head
    of every man is Christ; and THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN [IS] THE
    MAN; and the head of Christ [is] God.

    1 Timothy 2:11-12  LET THE WOMAN LEARN IN SILENCE WITH ALL
    SUBJECTION.  (12)  BUT I SUFFER NOT A WOMAN TO TEACH, NOR TO
    USURP AUTHORITY OVER THE MAN, BUT TO BE IN SILENCE.

However, if you think anyone in your assembly is going to listen to God's word on this your in for a big surprise.

From the information and the question you have provided how can I do anything less than chide you all for not reading and studying the Bible. American culture and society is not of the Godly sort and your not going to impose these commandments upon those in the church who do not live by them outside as well. To even let this situation continue for a moment condemns all the men of the church, pastor & elders, alike.

Personally, I think you need to devote time to serious Bible reading, study and look for some Bible believing and practising men to help you comprehend God's word and your responsibilities under it. However, you need to know what God's says first, read it even if you do not understand it. You will not understand it until you know what it says, from front to back, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelations.

If I can be of any help to you do not hesitate to contact me.

Your Servant In Christ Jesus,

Paul Walker
www.aficj.org
paulwalker@aficj.org