Can the role of women change?
Question:
I hear that women roles are changing within the group of churches as a whole. What are the roles women are permitted to do? In my congregation women now talk and teach, they read scripture, and pass communion trays. On the web, they are saying that women may do everything aside from preaching and the eldership. What is the opinion of the Lord? I'm not of the opinion that the church is heading in the right direction. They claim it's a gray area and the truth is relative, meaning I'm right and they're right so you follow the eldership.
Answer:
Throughout the history of God's people, the popular beliefs in society often creep in and corrupt the teachings of God. Elders are not charged with making rules. Their job is to see that members stay faithful to the laws of Christ.
Regarding what women can do, see:
Women can teach other women and children, but they cannot teach men. "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet" (I Timothy 2:12). Nor are women allowed to address the assembly in worship. "The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church" (I Corinthians 14:34-35). From this, I would conclude that reading Scripture during worship to the congregation would not be allowed.
Elders cannot change this God-given rule. As Paul affirms, "If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment" (I Corinthians 14:37). Notice that this also doesn't allow for a claim that truth is relative between people. "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (I Peter 1:20-21).
