Question:
I was pointed to your page incidentally and have been fascinated with the wonderful, Scriptural responses you have provided. I thank God for this work and, through Him, you. But I do have a question and pray you can help me: I am a member of ___________ Church in __________ NY. We are an independent, Bible-believing church. One of our important ministries is an Elementary School, ______________ Christian Academy. (All the more important because we are in a belt of strong Roman Catholic influence.) The oversight for this school is a school board, which is subordinate to our Elders. Two of the elders sit on the board in a liaison capacity. I am a member of the school board and the treasurer of the school. Several women are also members of the school board. In fact, our board governing documents prescribe that at least one member of each gender (provided we have a quorum, of course) must be members of the board. Is this right? (I do not believe it is.) I believe there is ample Scripture which shows this should not be. It is an issue I have raised just recently in our search for new members–since the term of service for two has just expired. The initial reaction from an elder was that the prohibitions concerning women pertain only to the church, by which he means our assemblage on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, etc. In light of Scripture which speaks to the role of women in the churches and in general, I cannot reconcile the membership of women on our school board. It is a ministry of our church. Our discussions are grounded in Scripture, which we use always as our guide. Consider that a woman may sit as an equal on the school board with her husband. Or a woman may take headship over the men on the board as the Chair(woman). Could you please help me by scripturally articulating the reasons for which this should not be, or, if I am wrong, in showing me scripturally why I am wrong. As even the churches slide deeper into apostasy, I pray we are able to continue to be a light unto the world. Perhaps I have overstayed my welcome, but if I may also ask… Is it permissible for women to speak during Bible studies? You have noted in one of your studies that a Bible study is not the church because it does not have an ordained head, per se. Even so, it seems uncomely for women to debate Scripture and express their feelings during a Bible study which includes men. Your very introduction to this section of your site directs women to ask their husbands at home or have them ask a question for them. This seems to support my understanding. How, again, can I express this Scripturally? I must thank you for this site. Yes, I thank the Lord for all He has worked through you, and that you are obedient in your pursuits. I am immensely grateful. This is a site I will willingly share with others. Your brother in Christ.Continue reading
