Women's role in church and in God's plan.

 In recent years many questioned the role of women in the church. Some said that Biblical principles are not applicable in this day and age, saying that women are free to do. While the Word is clear on manhood and womanhood, some say that these Biblical principles are irrelevant. Fortunately, some organizations are affirming Biblical principles. Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) upholds male and female roles based on Biblical principles. Recently ERLC hosted a webinar – “Why Women are a Vital Part of the Flourishing of the Church”

The summary of the event

During the event, panelists discussed the importance of women in the church, how women can faithfully minister to their churches and communities. The panel consisted of 3 speakers.

Jen Wilkin is the author of multiple Bible studies for women. She is an advocate for Biblical literacy. Recently Jen released a Bible study on Exodus. Missie Branch is the Assisted Dean of students to women and the Director of Graduate Life of Southeastern Theological Seminary. In addition, she is pursuing a graduate degree. She is passionate about women’s ministries and has been speaking in various conferences. Fulfilling the need is a ministry. Responding to a need in the church is a ministry. Again, Jen Wilkin emphasizes the physical difference between men and women. There are ministries that only women can do. She encourages critical thinking. Consider why God placed you in this particular church. People can get angry at you when you are the agent of the church. Jen Wilkin is the author of many Bible Studies, including God of Creation. She states that both males and females are made in the image of God. She reiterates this fact during the entire webinar.   

 These the conversation needs to happen more often. Panelists made great points. Jen Wilkin talked about an overview of what the Bible says about womanhood. She talks about creation and how God created man and woman, the creation order, their shared humanity, value, purpose, and dignity. Jen also emphasizes that this understanding is crucial for the church as a whole, reminding the great commission Jesus gave his disciples: make disciples of all nations. Jen Wilkin wrote a book, “Women of the Word”. Her book teaches women to study Bible diligently. She urges women to grow in Biblical knowledge. Jen brings an important point—lack of Biblical literacy and knowledge. We need to be active learners.   

Meanwhile, Katie McCoy spoke about how Old Testament reveals the dignity of women. Old Testament Laws protected women: giving women the time of rest during hormonal changes. These laws were different from the nations around the Israelites. Katie talks about sexual assault laws and special treatments of vulnerable people. However, she didn’t mention women’s role in constructing the Tabernacle: spinning linen, weaving fabric, and donating their jewelry. She shares her struggles on continual and habitual prayer life, wrestling with God. Why pray and how prayer impacts the woman’s life. Women can have an eternal impact on people in their churches and communities. We need to keep the view of God’s kingdom. Showing up at church, connecting with other women is a ministry. Women have a hunger to study the Bible. There is a need for women’s ministry. In the past women were relegated to light work. Don’t expect too much of them. Need for great quality materials for the Bible studies. Many women stayed like wallflowers. Small things communicate a lot. 

Pastors need to encourage women in ministry. Your local church is crucial for the believers. Many Christians do important work for the kingdom that we wouldn’t know about till we get to heaven. Every church has problems. We all have a part to play.  

Missie Branch emphasized that women are theologians. She challenges women to see how theology applies to their lives in all areas. Acknowledging the struggles of those women, who wait to become mothers, Missie reminds us that Eve was called a woman before she gave birth to any of her children. As Christians, we have a corporate calling as well as an individual calling for our lives. The Lord has given every believer a race to run. The Lord gives a unique calling to each of us. Every woman has a call in which she can serve the Lord faithfully. Unfortunately, marriage and motherhood have been put on a pedestal and became idols. She also states that the Lord’s definition of womanhood is much deeper than many tend to believe. Missie emphasizes that God created women for the ministry. It has been encouraging to see women diving deeper into the Word of God. Ask yourself, why God called you to this church, city, and so on. We designed for the work God prepared for us to do.

Unfortunately, neither the speakers nor the moderator mentioned the practice of head covering, unless when Katie McCoy mentions that in the past church focused a lot on secondary matters. 

 

How head covering could have made this message stronger

Many opponents of head covering practice state that Apostle Paul was referring to the church in Corinth. Some say that the practice was applicable for that particular church because no other book mentions it. The need for covering and uncovering hair came to play because of pagan priests and priestesses. However, these verses precede communion passage. Nevertheless, the communion practice is practiced all over the world. Moreover, creation precedes the fall.    

Head covering emphasizes all the points that panelists discuss, highlighting the role of women. It shows the divine order While all the panelists made a great point regarding the importance of loving one another and serving one another in the local church, edifying women to serve the Lord and local community, none of them, including the moderator, mentioned 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. This passage addresses the matters of creation, headship, and the unique role of women. This passage also emphasizes the biological difference between males and females. Paul states that creation order, the headship of Christ, and angels are the reasons why women need to have their heads covered.  

Men and women are different, including their hair structure. In the Old Testament, the Lord clearly instructs that men and women should wear different clothes. The practice of head covering emphasizes the difference between males and females. It also unifies women from different socio-economic backgrounds. It also brings women dignity, since Paul equates a woman's uncovered head during praying and prophesying.

Apostle Paul mentions angels as the other reason for head covering practice. He doesn’t elaborate on this matter. Paul doesn’t go into the details. However, we know that angels rejoice when a sinner repents. In addition, some people have entertained angels via hospitality. They saw the power of the Holy Spirit send unto earth and the angels are eagerly watching how God’s salvation has been unfolding. At the end of time, Jesus Christ will acknowledge the names of the believers before God the Father and His angels (Rev 3:5)