Women And The Church: The Two "Poles"

The belief structure of churches and denominations are as different as fingerprints. Even within denominations you'll notice differences once you move past the foundational dogmas of the Christian faith. You know, things like the Trinity, the Resurrection and the Divinity of Jesus, to name a few.

So, what is the role of women in the church?

Let's start with terminology. There are two terms to be aware of: complementarian and egalitarian.

Complementarians have the "traditional/fundamental" or conservative belief that the man is the head of the house, men are to lead the church and women should come under that Biblical authority. You may hear that God is male, Jesus is male and the Holy Spirit is male. You'll find male Pastors and Elders and the staff will be predominantly men. There may be women on staff for children's ministry and you may see women helping with worship songs during the service. You may hear reference to women being silent and not teaching men (1 Timothy 2:12). You may hear how women are to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 3:18). You may hear about Biblical submission being different from how the world views submission. You may hear stories of how husbands and wives pray over a big decision, but the final say comes down to what the husband decides.

Egalitarians have the "modern" or liberal belief that men and women were created as equals. You may hear that God is genderless and acts as mother and father to creation. You may come across references to adam being the Hebrew word for "human being" and not 'man' as is translated within the Bible. Men and women may be Pastors or Elders within the church. Men and women work together to come to decisions regarding the church. You may hear references to the women that Paul left in charge of churches he planted. There is an emphasis on how the creation story speaks to men and women being instructed together to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:26-27) and both being complicit in the Fall (Genesis 3). You may hear how we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). You may hear Biblical accounts of how Jesus radically elevated the status of women in Ancient Israel. Lastly, you may hear stories of how husbands and wives make decisions together, or wives may make big family decisions themselves.

I'm not going to say that either one is better than the other. Obviously I have my own strong convictions as to where I stand. Perhaps it aligns with your beliefs, or perhaps it doesn't. I will say that I have attended churches with leanings toward both "poles" of the spectrum. For me, it comes down to freedom, personal choice, and calling. No one can stand in the way of God's calling on another's life.

As a woman, do you prefer coming under the headship of men? Or do you find that suffocating? As a woman, do you feel called to leadership or preaching with a church? Or do you prefer to help in different areas, supporting the male leaders?

If Christ has truly set you free (Galatians 5:1), then you shouldn't feel stifled or pushed to speak up. Live into the freedom you have been granted, whichever end of the spectrum it lands - complementarian, egalitarian or somewhere in between.