THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

Discussions such as this usually focus on what women can't do. While we will fully discuss pertinent passages that may seem negative, I ask that you begin your study looking at passages showing women in their role in the early church in a positive light.

Worship - Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 11:23; 16:2 all include women.
Teach - Titus 2:3 see also Lois and Eunice, Prisilla
Prophetess- Lk 2:36; Anna Acts 21:9 daughters of Phillip
Servitude: Rom. 16:1 Phoebe
Edify: Phil 4:3

Also look at the characteristics of the women mentioned in the following passages as it relates to our discussion:

Zipporah - Ex.4:24
Deborah - Judges 4&5
Naomi & Ruth
Abigail 1 Sam.25
Queen Vashti Esther 1
Esther Esther 4
Elizabeth Lk 1:6
Mary Lk 1:46-55
Lydia Acts 16:14

For the main discussion, look at the following texts exegetically, that being to determine what absolute truths are taught within the individual passage context, and then put them all together and extract truths as a whole. Remember there cannot be a contradiction.

I Cor. 11:3,8 as it pertains to headship
I Tim. 2:9-15; 3:11
Define what it is to usurp.
Does vs.11 apply to receiving error from men?
Explain vs 15 "saved through childbearing"
Who are women in 3:11?
I Cor 14:34-36
(Define "in the churches" contextually
Are the women here inclusive of all christian women?
When are we "in church"?
Is the silence in vs 34 the same as in vs 28?
Acts '18:26
Could Priscilla teach Apollos without usurping Aquilla's auth?
I Tim 5:1-16
What does a "widow indeed" have to do concerning roles of women?

General Thought Questions
Are women singled out as the only people to be in subjection?
Have women been unfairly placed beneath the man in worship?
Does the woman have to be lead by the man in all things?
Should subjection to man hinder a woman from worshipping God?