Should women exercise authority in the Church?

Editor: God loves women, whom he created in his image and also as a helper for men. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18. Jesus honoured a woman at a well by speaking with her in public, contrary to the Jewish custom at that time, even revealing to her that he was the Messiah. John 4: 7-26. {{more}}

Other Scriptures encourage loving treatment of women. Ephesians 5:25, 28; 1 Timothy 5:2, 3. Hence, women must be viewed highly, treated with respect. However, where exercising authority in the Church is concerned, God has reserved such for men. The “woman” should “learn in silence;” she should not “teach, nor usurp authority over the man,” say 1 Timothy 2:11,12. First Corinthians 14: 34 adds that “women” should “keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but…to be under obedience.” So, concerning speaking or acting with authority in the Church, the Scriptures are quite clear that such authority should be exercised by men, NOT women. 1 Timothy 3:1, 2, 12. This is the true God’s requirement. But we must keep loving and respecting women, as God and his Son do.

Kenneth Kayman