A Response to Mike Winger on WOMEN IN THE CHURCH: Challenging Complementarianism on "Church Order"

Hey there, fellow seekers of truth and understanding! Today, I want to delve into a topic that has been on my mind for quite some time—the concept of complementarianism and its impact on church order. Join me as we explore the history, the scriptural insights, and the thought-provoking arguments that have reshaped my perspective on this controversial issue.

This blog contains thoughts and highlights from the above video. Watch the full video for more!

Redefining Gender Roles: Let's take a step back and reflect on a significant turning point in history—World War I. As men left for war, women bravely stepped up, taking on their roles in the workforce and proving their competence. This newfound freedom and independence shattered the traditional view of women as intellectually inferior. Prior to this time the traditional teaching was not complementarianism (an idea yet to be invented). The traditional view ever since around the 4th century or so was that women could not lead or teach because they were inferior to men. But as women proved capable, the idea of women's equality and their right to vote gained momentum, leaving the church in a state of crisis.

The Emergence of Complementarianism: After the Women's Rights Movement of the 1960s, complementarianism emerged as an attempt to preserve the hierarchy while adapting to changing societal norms. Complementarianism was coined in 1988. It claimed to be complementary but in reality it should have been named patriarchalism. Upon close examination, one can discern that complementarianism simply dresses up the same hierarchical structure with different justifications. Instead of being an inferior person, a woman is an inferior in rank. It may claim to promote equality and complementarity, but in reality, it still maintains a system where men hold positions of authority over women.

Deceptive Reasoning and Terminology: One of the deceptive arguments put forth against female elders in the church is the absence of named female elders in the New Testament. However, this overlooks the fact that there are also no named male elders, except for possibly Peter. Lack of specific mention does not negate the possibility of women serving in leadership roles. Let's not be swayed by these misleading assertions but instead, dive deeper into the scriptures.

Unveiling the Scripture's Message: Turning our attention to 1 Corinthians 11-14, we find a profound passage that addresses the order and conduct of church services. Contrary to the hierarchical image that often comes to mind, the emphasis is on oneness and the equal importance of every individual within the body of Christ. Paul acknowledges that both men and women prayed and prophesied in the congregation, highlighting the equal participation of both genders.

Unity in Diversity: Moving further into 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 captivates us with the powerful metaphor of the body. Just as a body comprises many parts, each with its unique function, so does the body of Christ. The text beautifully emphasizes that no part can claim superiority over another. It stresses the indispensability of every member, regardless of their perceived weakness or honor.

A Call for Inclusivity: It's disheartening to witness how some complementarian churches have elevated men's teaching and preaching gifts above all else, diminishing the value of women's contributions. Such an approach contradicts the message of inclusivity and the teachings we find in Scripture. The body of Christ functions best when it embraces the diverse gifts and perspectives that both men and women bring to the table. Paul emphasizes that within the body of Christ, each member has a unique gift to contribute. We are called to eagerly desire and employ these gifts for the edification and building up of the entire church. Notably, Paul elevates prophecy as a powerful gift, a direct message from God Himself. What greater authority can there be than receiving divine revelations? This emphasizes the importance of prophecy as a means of spiritual guidance and encouragement for the community and it is a gift given to both men and women.

Reimagining Church Order: In reevaluating the hierarchy within the church, it becomes evident that the biblical order begins with apostles, followed by prophets and teachers. This list does not exclude women from holding these positions of prominence. Instead, it reminds us that gender should not be the determining factor in assigning leadership roles. God's Spirit moves freely, gifting individuals according to His divine purpose, without regard to gender. When it comes to worship, Paul provides guidance on maintaining order and fostering inclusivity. He encourages everyone, both men and women, to participate actively and utilize their gifts publicly in the church gathering. This includes singing hymns, offering words of instruction (teaching), sharing revelations (prophecy), speaking in tongues with interpretation, and more. Paul emphasizes the need for each person to take turns, allowing others to weigh and discern the messages shared. An Absence of Hierarchy: A striking observation in Paul's teachings is the absence of hierarchical structures within the worship context. The focus is not on positions or titles but on the diverse gifts that God has bestowed upon His people. While Paul mentions apostles, prophets, and teachers as prominent gifts, there is no indication that these roles are reserved for specific leaders or elders. Instead, God appoints individuals with these gifts to serve the community, emphasizing His sovereignty in the distribution of gifts. Reevaluating Traditional Views: This egalitarian understanding challenges traditional perspectives that restrict teaching and preaching exclusively to the office of male elders. The biblical text does not explicitly support such limitations. Instead, it highlights the importance of giftedness, irrespective of gender, and the free expression of those gifts for the benefit of the entire church.

Understanding First Timothy 2:12: When addressing verses such as 1 Timothy 2:12, we must interpret it in light of the broader context of Scripture. 1 Corinthians lays down clear guidelines for how Christians should have a church worship service and it is written directly to the church. 1 Timothy on the other hand is a private letter between Paul and Timothy. Paul writes this letter for the purpose of instructing Timothy to stay in Ephesus to deal with FALSE TEACHING. Paul certainly is not prohibiting all women from preaching and teaching when he writes to Timothy because Paul already instructed the women of Corinth to use their gifts, including teaching and preaching in the worship service where both men and women are present. We must then conclude that Paul is dealing with specific women in Ephesus who were most likely engaged in the false teaching, as this is the purpose of Paul's letter.

Seeking a Healthier Church: We must honestly evaluate whether a church can truly be healthy when half of its members' gifts are silenced simply because of their gender. The teachings in 1 Corinthians promote the inclusivity and active involvement of all believers, recognizing their unique contributions to the body of Christ.

Conclusion: As we journey through the biblical text, it is crucial to approach it holistically and consider the overarching themes of equality, inclusivity, and the diverse giftings within the church. The teachings in 1 Corinthians challenge us to reevaluate traditional views and embrace an egalitarian perspective, where men and women are encouraged to actively exercise their gifts for the edification and growth of the entire church body. Let us not confine ourselves to rigid hierarchical structures or limited interpretations, but rather, let us embrace the beauty and power of inclusive worship.

By studying 1 Corinthians, we gain a deeper understanding of God's desire for His church—a community where every member, regardless of gender, is valued, empowered, and encouraged to participate fully in the work of the Spirit. As we reevaluate our beliefs and practices, let us allow the Scriptures to shape our understanding, leading us to a more inclusive and vibrant expression of worship.

May we strive for a church where all gifts are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated, enabling the body of Christ to thrive in its diversity. Let us create spaces where men and women are encouraged to teach, prophesy, and serve according to the unique gifts bestowed upon them by our loving God.

In embracing the principles of inclusive worship found in 1 Corinthians, we align ourselves with God's vision for His church—a diverse and unified body where every voice is valued, every gift is cherished, and every person is empowered to fulfill their God-given calling.

Together, let us seek to cultivate a community where the gifts of the Spirit flow freely, where women and men are partners in ministry, and where the fullness of God's image is reflected in our worship gatherings. May our pursuit of inclusive worship be a testament to the transformative power of God's love and grace.

May we continue to explore the depths of Scripture, engage in respectful dialogue, and grow in our understanding of God's heart for His people. In doing so, we can move closer to the beautiful and inclusive worship community that God desires.

May our worship be marked by unity, love, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, as we celebrate the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ. Together, let us strive for a worship experience that honors God and brings forth the abundant blessings that come from embracing the full participation of all believers.

In Him, we find unity. In Him, we find strength. And in Him, we find the true beauty of inclusive worship.

Keep seeking, keep learning, and may your journey in understanding and embracing inclusive worship be richly blessed.

Until next time,

Laura from Divine Dissident

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