The New Testament Teaching on the Role Relationship of Male and Female with Special Reference to the Teaching/Ruling Functions in the Church

Abstract

In considering the ministry of men and women in the church, three biblical truths must be held in correlation: (a) Men and women are equal as image bearers and, therefore, in their standing in and before Christ male and female are equal; (b) men and women manifest in their sexuality a difference created and ordered by God — women by God's creative order are to be in subjection to men in the home and church, and are therefore excluded from the ruling and teaching offices; and (c) women have a unique function to fulfill in the diaconal task of the church, along with men, and in teaching situations in relation to women and children.