Egalitarianism in the context of the church is the view that men and women are equal in terms of the things they can do in church. It considers that a woman in the church, as well as, men, can hold any position in the church or even perform any role. On the other hand, complementarianism considers that; men and women have different roles, though they complement one another. It holds women cannot hold some positions in the church. Some people interpret the bible with a bias towards complementarianism, while others are biased towards egalitarianism. Even though these contradicting views exist, women have a great role to play in the church.

The interpretation given by the New Testament for an elder puts some conditions for the elders. The bible states categorically that the elder must be a respectable person, a hospitable person and one who is above reproach. The elder must also be a man of only one wife¹. A description that the bible gives for a deacon reflects the one given for an elder. Elweli notes that the bible emphasizes that the deacon and the elder should be respected people in the society with only one wife, and they should also command respet².

Women have a great role to play in the church. Many people lift some texts in the bible and use them to make a wrong interpretation of the text of the bible. The texts given for this case are examples. The biblical text in 1 Timothy 2:11 and 1 Cor 14: 34-35 indicate a negative interpretation of the scripture.

1. 1 Tim 3: 2 [New International Version]
2. Elwell, Walter, A. Evangelical dictionary of theology (2^nd ed). New York, NY: Baker Book House Company. 2007, 1280-1281.

Many people who have an intention of intimidating women use these scriptures to throw women out of their place of responsibility. The interpretation of this scripture should not be to intimidate women, but to encourage good behavior and discipline to women. The interpretation of these scriptures is thus positive for women. It is meant to do away with a noisy environment in church, thus prompting order in the church. When interpreting scriptures, it is important to consider the context of the scripture. For example, the scriptures that refuse women to serve in various positions in the church are in connection of the culture of the Jews at that particular time, as well as the events that were happening in the society at the time. The women had become noisy in the church. Paul used these scriptures as discipline to them, with a view to restoring order in the church. This is also meant to emphasize that God requires order, and order should be maintained in the church. As is appreciable in the other scriptures, women are very instrumental in the church.

The scripture in Rom 16:1 shows a commendation of Phoebe, who was a woman. A look at the continuation of this passage shows a praise of Phoebe and some other women who did great work for the Lord³. Rom 16: 7 makes another great commendation of Andronicus and Junias, other great women of God who were Pau clams were in prison with them. In an emphatic note, Paul says that these great women were in Christ even before him. The service they rendered to Paul shows a great role comparable of deacons in the service of Christ. This shows that women have a great role to play in the church, since a church is not just a building, but whole concept of believers in Christ, serving the Lord⁴.

3. Rom 16: 1-7 [New International Version]
4. Elwell, Walter, A. Evangelical dictionary of theology (2^nded). New York, NY: Baker Book House Company. 2007, 1282.

The different view held by people who have a different view with mine see these scriptures as denying women a chance to serve in the church. According to them, these limitations apply for women outside the church⁵. They believe that the teachings of the church should apply in life out of the church, and this will deny women a chance to serve or led in arenas outside the church.

The contribution of women in theology, management and leadership in the local church cannot be emphasized. The scripture read in Galatians 3:28 say it all: that all people are one under their Lord, Jesus Christ, regardless of the simple differences that exist among them like gender and race. Likewise, an example has been given of Phoebe, Junias and Andronicus, who served in the church. The understanding that needs to be in application here is that; a church is not simply a building. It is the whole body of the congregation. In this context, women serve as deacons and elders in the local church, because people are one in Christ. In Romans 16:7, Paul emphasizes that; Andronicus and Junias were “outstanding among the apostles”. This shows how women can serve excellently in the church, and also act as role models for the other people. Similarly, these examples can be used in the teaching of theology. The great service rendered by these women in this context shows that they too can teach theology to the students of theology.

5. Elwell, Walter, A. Evangelical dictionary of theology (2^nded). New York, NY: Baker Book House Company, 2007), 1284.

Bibliography

Elwell, Walter, A. Evangelical dictionary of theology (2^nd ed). New York, NY: Baker Book House Company. 2007.