There are a number of activities that have traditionally been limited to men. However, I find no scriptural warrant for not including women in them:
- Baptism: this is traditionally done by the pastor. When baptism is delayed so that it can be performed by a special person, it slows the growth of any disciple making movement. In some countries, like India, women are not allowed to be touched by a man unless they are a family member. Although there are no Scriptural examples that specifically describe a woman baptizing, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) indicates that the person who leads someone to the Lord should be the one to baptize them.
- Teaching: First Timothy 2:11-12 is often used to stop women teaching. (See my posts (beginning here) on a different interpretation of this passage.) But there are plenty of indications to the contrary. For example, Priscilla (mentioned first) and Aquila taught Apollos. First Corinthians 14:26 encourages everyone to take part in the meetings including teaching (no mention here of this being a “men only” activity). Other lists such as 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 that list teaching include activities we know were open to women. We are to teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16).
- Giving communion: Our traditional practice of communion with a wafer and sip of wine is probably unscriptural. Communion was more like a meal (otherwise why does 1 Corinthians 11:21 talk about some going hungry and others getting drunk). While there is nothing to say that women are allowed to “give communion” there’s nothing to say that men are either.
- Leadership: Leading is one of the gifts given to the body of Christ. In Romans 12: 6-8, it is included in a list of things that God gives to us. Included in that list are gifts that we know women can use–for example, prophecy (Acts 2:17-18) If women were to be prohibited from leading, that might have been a good time to mention it!
- “Government”: There are examples of women in government. For example, Deborah led and judged the nation of Israel. We see Junia as an apostle, Philip’s daughters prophesied, Phoebe was a deacon (Jesus used the same word in the context of leadership.) I find nothing that says that women cannot be elders. (There are no examples of women elders, but I can think of no named examples of Gentile ones either.)
What similar activities can you think of?
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6 replies on “5 activities women can do”
all the gifts of the Spirit are gender neutral!!
Maria, how great to hear from you. And, of course, I agree with your comments
Totally agree! It has been so amazing to have the freedom to do these things in our simple church. So far I’ve been blessed to be able to baptize one of my teenage daughters (with my husband) as well as a new Christian we have had the privilege to watch grow over the past few years. I was so honored when she asked me to be one of two. In our group we leave it up to the person being baptized to choose who baptizes them. Everyone teaches as the HS leads. Whoever feels led to say something during communion does so but often we just break bread together and remember Christ. We are too small to really have any government and leadership depends on the situation. We don’t have designated leaders but each takes the lead as it seems fitting to do so. Wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world!
JC, isn’t it great when the Holy Spirit is in control! I love the sound of what you’re describing here. Very like what we do too.
Absolutely, Felicity & well articulated. May we never forget that in Christ, there is no male & female.
Des, thank you.