Women In Ministry - Where WBF Stands
WBF is a complementarian church, as are all churches in the EFCA. This means we are and elder-led church where pastors do the bulk of the teaching. While the elders and pastors are male (1 Tim 2:11), we want to recognize that our precious, godly women are vital, valuable, contributing and spiritually fruitful members of our church body. Understanding the complimentary position should free women to operate in their areas of gifting and still fall within the guidelines of Scripture in how the church is structured and governed.
We want to look closely at the blessing our women are and see what Scripture says they can do in the church and during the assembly. Our only objective measure of this should be Scripture. So, Sunday morning we will look closely at what the Bible says about our ladies on this issue.
Knowing this can be controversial with some very deep seated traditions and opinions on every side, it might be beneficial to get familair with some of the passages we'll be looking at Sunday morning.
Read the passages, but read what comes before them and after as well. Pray about the services Sunday morning. Then join us with an open mind and willing Spirit. Let's learn from the word together.
Here are the passages:
- 1 Tim 2:11-15
- 1 Tim 3:1-7
- Titus 1:6-9
- 1 Cor 14:33-35
- 1 Cor 11:2-16
- Ex 15:1-21
- Micah 6:4
- Luke 2:36-38
Posts
We did not know that WBF held such an opinion. We've loved our time here so far, but our family will be in prayerful discussion about whether we can continue to worship in a congregation with such views. My wife does not feel called to lead, but if she did or our daughter does one day, I would hope our church family would trust God and the gifts he gives. As a man who wants to love his wife as Christ loves the church, I am heartbroken over this.
ReplyDeleteIf you have been edified by your time with us so far, let me encourage you to objectively read the Scriptures listed above. We are the same church and people we were when you came. I would pray that the teaching you've experienced thus far would be deserving of one more careful, earnest listening. Join us on Sunday to see what we have to say. I'd love the opportunity to sit down and dialogue with you. If you still feel the same way afterward, we would like to bless you as you make your decision. If you know Christ as your Savior and Lord, we remain brothers and sisters in Him regardless of where we stand on this issue. We would ask nothing less than God's most abundant blessing on you and your family should you decide to move on.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am not a member of your church, I highly appreciate your insight and teachings of the Scriptures! I just wanted to say that I fully agree with the above stated opinion of WBF, being complementarian and having male pastors and elders.As a woman and believer of 25 years at least, I have been through many stages of belief about the role of women in the church. I also have a background of strong feminist influences. But only the Holy Scriptures can finally teach us about how to be fulfilled in Jesus. I have found answers there that are against what I have learned in the world (should be no surprise!!). And these truths have set me free. I am definitely encouraged to read and study the scriptures suggested by you. May I also add Titus 2:1-5 where, I believe, women receive a mandate to teach younger women in the church, all in the context of the leadership of Titus. This is something in which women can have a wonderful role to play. May God bless you all and inspire you to seek the truth in His Holy Word, with a mind that is open to the truth. God created us in His Image, "male and female He created us". And He saw that it was "very good".!! Many greetings from Thassos, Greece. Your sister in Christ, Marjo
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