AboutHoyt Roberson Expertise I can answer just about any doctrinal, relational, or Scriptural question from a "traditional" church of Christ perspective, and from perspectives of somewhat more progressive congregations. If you want an answer from a particular perspective, let me know that up front, and I'll respond in that vein. If you want to peg me on the liberal-conservative spectrum, I would suggest a bit left of center. Depending on the question though, I might be far left, or perhaps rather toward the right.
Experience I am currently a shepherd of a congregation (which means, for those of you who aren't Church of Christ folk, I'm one of a handful of people responsible for the spiritual direction and maturity of the congregation, and who hire and fire the ministers). I have served in many capacities including adult class teacher (also current), deacon, administrator, and lay leader at two military bases. I am a life-long member of churches of Christ, mostly mainline congregations, but am quite familiar with more conservative and more liberal congregations and views as well. I read and subscribe to various books and periodicals for churches of Christ, and have discussed a variety of topics with representatives of our various groups both in person, and via mail.
Organizations Christian Association for Psychological Studies, American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Publications www.robersonblog.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials I hold a Masters of Ministry degree from Pepperdine University, as well as a Masters of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.
Question Dear Expect,
I am a member of the church of Christ and I have few questions which I would like you to address,
1. Woman are not allowed to speak in the church assembly, how far do we take this, is therefore wrong to ask a question during a bible study.
2. When the church meet on the first day of the week the women wear dresses or skirt and on they daily lives they were what ever, why?
3. Head covering, Paul instructs the Corinthian church, that when woman pray should cover their heads, do I have to cover my head when I am praying to God personal.
4. Jewelry, is it wrong to wear earrings as a Christian woman.
Answer Hello, Zandile!
I will respond to your questions in the order you asked them. The way any individual congregation will handle your questions can vary widely.
1. Not all congregations hold this belief, and very few enforce it across the board. Some congregations do not let women ask questions during a question and answer period during a "Gospel Meeting." Others, allow women to do just about anything including preach. Most however, continue to not have women in regular public speaking roles, preferring to have men lead prayer, lead singing, and read Scripture. However, there are a few notable exceptions that allow women to do all those, but still limiting their preaching to women. These last are quite few in comparison however. Most congregations don't object to women speaking in classes, but they don't allow them any public speaking role other than singing in the assembly.
Having said that, I don't believe there are very many restrictions on women's roles in the assembly given in Scripture. I have no problem with them wording a prayer, leading a song, presenting a Lord's Supper reflection, passing communion, or just about anything else.
What your congregation elects to do depends on your local custom and culture however.
2. The difference in dress is normally attributed to something like "if you were going to see the president of your country, you'd wear your best; so, since you're going to be with God, you should wear your best too." This argument though, implies that we are not in the presence of God all the time, and that there is something special about what happens on Sunday. Those implications are unfounded, and therefore the argument over dress is pointless. We also have some social conventions other than "going to see somebody important," that compels Americans to "dress up" when going to church. That is purely societal custom and has no basis in Scripture. What you should wear again, depends on your congregational expectations.
3. Covering of one's head was a Jewish social custom. You needn't cover your head either publically or privately. In fact, isn't it Paul that goes on to say that the woman's hair is her covering? If that's the case, she's always "covered." But again, local custom should be considered before throwing your hat away.
4. No. It is wrong to over-do it - with jewelry, clothes, cars, our houses.
Thanks for asking. We Americans sometimes try to export more than the simple faith.
