What role for women in the church?


Next entry in Ayuda Pastoral  (Pastoral help)

According to the Bible what ministry can women have within the church?

Strengthener of the work.   The woman's ministry in the church is particularly to accompany, support and provide for others.  This has been the case since creation:   "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Gen 2:18).  It is seen in the work of couples:   "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus" (Rom 16:3).  Christ and the apostles received material help from women:  "Joanna...Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means" (Luke 8:3).

Diaconal ministry.  Although it might appear that the diaconate is just for men we do read of Pheobe who was "a servant of the church in Cenchrea". (Rom 16:1 cf 1 Tim  2:11-13) .   In some versions the word servant is translated "deaconess".   The idea is that of helping others in need which is a diaconal activity (Rom 16:2).

Teaching ministry.    Paul explains this role when saying that older women should:  "teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children"  (Titus 2:3-4).   The women's teaching service is usually amongst other women,  young people and children.

Prophetic ministry.  In both Testaments we read of women as prophetesses:   "Deborah, a prophetess"  (Judg 4:4);  " a prophetess, Anna" (Luke 2:36); " Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.    He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied"  (Acts 21:8-9). 

It is probable that today the prophetic office is fulfilled through preaching.    This implies that at times it is valid for a woman to speak in this capacity,  although it's  normally  the responsibility of  men  (1 Tim 3:1-2).

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