Questions Answered, Part 3

by Josh Duncan

Feel free to check out Part 1, Part 2, or any of the messages from our "You Asked For It" series.

What is the highest role a female should have in the church according to Scripture?

This question is so hard to deal with in today's culture, but I'm thankful the question ended with "according to Scripture," so all I can do is point you to the Bible and let it speak for itself as I would with any issue.

Let me begin by saying that Bible isn't against women as some believe. If we believe that women should only work in the nursery, decorate the church building, and cook food when needed, we are greatly mistaken! The women, just like the men, should be empowered to be the church. Women and men who follow Jesus are called to be disciples who make disciples.

Now, for the more difficult issue regarding the "leadership" role a woman should have in the church... The Bible teaches that the role of pastor/elder/overseer in the church is to be held by a man (1 Timothy 3 &  Titus 1). At the same time, I think we must understand what this means. It does not mean women can't be active in the church and in visible positions. For example, I see nothing wrong with women leading music, praying, sharing testimonies, reading Scripture, or even teaching in certain settings. This role of pastor/elder/overseer is the role of the one who leads and directs the church. These are the people who God holds accountable for the direction and unity of the church.

Therefore, when it comes to the "highest role" women can have, we must understand this is a difficult issue because there really aren't that many "roles" within the church described by Scripture; however it does limit women's involvement at the point of being a pastor/elder/overseer.

Again, don't shoot the messenger, but don't shoot the message either. Instead, I encourage you to study the Word for yourself and understand the bigger picture. Here's an article that will give you much more info on the issue if you'd like to read it... http://carm.org/should-women-be-pastors-and-elders


If someone is a Christian, is it necessary for them to attend church?

I'll begin by answering this question with a question... What do you mean by church? If by church, you mean a mostly non-relational weekly service where the main focus is one person preaching a 30min-hour long message, then no, I don't think they must attend that. However, if by church you mean be involved in relationships with other believers who gather together as a spiritual family to make disciples under the leadership of a pastor(s)/elders, then yes.

If you are a Christian, you can't avoid the church (see Hebrews 10:25), but if much of what the church has become today in America doesn't interest you, then I can't blame you for not wanting to "attend" that. However, you still must seek out a body of believers that you can connect yourself with to grow in your understanding of Christ, His Word, and His mission, and this isn't done through watching a TV preacher or gathering with a group of people who refuse to be under the leadership of a pastor(s)/elders.