Men and Women: Their Roles in the Church

MEN AND WOMEN: THEIR ROLES IN THE CHURCH

Introduction

The roles of men and women in the church have been subjects of much discussion and interpretation throughout Christian history. This essay examines these roles based on a traditional, complementarian understanding of scripture, particularly drawing from the New Testament writings of Paul.

Men's Leadership Roles

In the early church, men were called to take on primary leadership roles, especially in matters of spiritual guidance and church governance. This is evident in several key passages:

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 Corinthians 11:3)

This verse establishes a hierarchical structure with Christ at the head, followed by man, and then woman. This order is reflected in church leadership roles.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17)

The term "elders" here is typically understood to refer to male church leaders.

Pastoral Leadership

The role of pastor or bishop is specifically defined for men:

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (1 Timothy 3:1-2)

This passage outlines qualifications for church leadership that are specifically male-oriented, such as being "the husband of one wife."

Men's Responsibilities

Men in the church are called to:

Lead their families spiritually
Teach and preach the Word of God
Make major decisions for the church
Protect and provide for their families and the church community

Women's Roles

While not in primary leadership positions, women played crucial roles in the early church:

Supportive roles to their husbands, especially those in church leadership
Domestic responsibilities and child-rearing
Mentoring other women
Participation in worship, but not in leadership or teaching roles directed at men
Ministry to other women and children
Hosting house churches

Biblical Instructions for Women

Paul provides specific instructions regarding women's roles:

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12)

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:3-5)

The Concept of "Help Meet"

The role of a wife as a "help meet" originates in Genesis:

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18)

This concept emphasizes a supportive role for wives, rather than an equal leadership position.

The "Co-Pastor" Concept

The idea of a wife as "co-pastor" is considered unbiblical from this perspective. It conflicts with the biblical principles of male leadership in the church and the distinct roles outlined for men and women in scripture. The role of a pastor's wife is to support her husband's ministry, care for their family, and mentor other women and children, not to serve as a co-equal leader or teacher in the church, especially not to men.

Complementary Roles

This interpretation emphasizes a complementarian view of gender roles in the church. Men and women are seen as having equal worth before God but different, complementary roles and responsibilities. Men are called to lead, teach, and make decisions for the church, while women are called to support, nurture, and minister in ways that do not involve authority over men.

Conclusion

In this traditional understanding of scripture, the roles of men and women in the church are distinct but equally valuable. Men are called to leadership and teaching roles, while women are called to supportive and nurturing roles. Both are essential for the functioning of the church and the spreading of the Gospel. This view places the authority for church leadership and teaching adults squarely with men, particularly in the role of pastor/elder/bishop, while recognizing the vital contributions of women in other areas of church life and ministry.

Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.