A study of female headship in the Christian Church during the first and second century and how this applies to female leadership in the Church today

• Main Author: Peterson, Jory
• Language: EN
• Published: Regent University 2015
• Subjects: Biblical studies|Divinity|Womens studies
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1601350

<p> There has been much debate in the Christian Church concerning the biblical roles of women. Complementarians continue to argue that females are never permitted to hold leadership positions in the Church over men. Yet, patriarchy in the Church continues to ignore the vast biblical evidence that women served in every level of church leadership in the first and second centuries of the Christian Church, instructing both men and women in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Some may argue that female leadership is not a "salvation issue", but to continue to silence the voices of half of the Christian Church is to ensure that the truth of the Gospel releases at half the speed. When the Bible is interpreted correctly, considering historical analysis and proper context, one will find that Jesus Christ broke the curse of patriarchy in the Church and sought to give women an equal place of authority among their brothers in Christ. Throughout scripture women served as pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, and apostles. The Apostle Paul himself named Junia, who was a female apostle. Since apostles were considered the highest official position of leadership in the church, we can be sure that Paul was not promoting patriarchy in his more controversial writings concerning women. This thesis attempts to put Paul's writings into proper context and demonstrate that the entire New Testament not only supports female leadership, but praises it.</p>