Can a woman be the educational leader in a church?
Question:
Hello,
I am so thankful for this site and often visit it when I'm looking for a better understanding of things. I was born and raised in a church of Christ and know nothing else. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to visit many congregations throughout the brotherhood.
Recently, my membership changed due to marriage. There have been many changes happening since I started attending. One change is very concerning and is the reason for my post. Is it scriptural for a woman to be the educational leader of the church? In all my years of teaching, I was always under the impression a woman should not have authority over a man when it come to the church. Having the role of educational leader, to me, seems to be a contradiction to this teaching. I have never known a sister to serve in this role. Assisting and teaching in the educational department, yes, but never as the ministry leader.
I am really struggling with this issue. I'm wondering if this is simply tradition to not have a sister in this role or it is scriptural. Any insight you can provide would be much appreciated.
Answer:
First off, understand that there is no "educational leader" in the Bible. The ones charged with the teaching of Christians in a church are the preachers, the elders, and the teachers. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11). Adding additional positions is not authorized by our Lord. The Bible doesn't even speak of an "educational department."
Second, Paul is very clear that in the church women are not to have authority over men. "A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet" (I Timothy 2:11-12).
The conclusion is that you are now in a church that does not respect the authority of Christ. They have decided to form their own traditions. I would suggest finding a better church with which to work.
