Menu Content/Inhalt

jane aubryJane Aubry - I remember one day in the 1970's playing my guitar, looking up to heaven, and saying, “If there is a God, I want to know Him.” When I met Roger, my husband to be, he told me he was “saved”.  I had never heard the word before.  I had thought we could only “hope” to go to heaven. He told me how he was saved and that was the end of talking about it for a time. more...

 


Should a sister meet with the elders to discuss doctrinal issues? Print E-mail
Should a sister meet with the elders to discuss doctrinal issues?

The general statement regarding sisters is, "Let them ask their husbands at home" (1 Corinthians 14:35). In some cases, the elders could all meet to teach the sister privately from the Scriptures; however, generally it would seem best to discuss the issue with the sister’s husband (where this is appropriate or possible). Shepherds, though, are responsible to shepherd all the sheep (Acts 20:28), whether male or female.

If, however, the question implies a sister’s meeting with the elders to correct them, instruct them, or direct them, this is in direct violation of Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders, and be submissive" (JND). Further, 1 Timothy 2:12, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man," clearly opposes a sister’s teaching or directing the elders. "Entreating"them " as a father" (1 Timothy 5:1) would be an acceptable approach. Priscilla taught Apollos, but that is not relevant to this issue, since she was in her home and acted privately and in conjunction with her husband.

If the sister has doctrinal concerns, she is responsible to resolve them with her husband or father

(in the minority of cases where neither of these is an acceptable altemative, she could receive the private help of a couple of overseers). If she and her husband agree on this doctrinal issue, he can discuss the matter with the overseers. If, on the other hand, they disagree, her submission to him would keep her from overriding his judgment. If, after seeking help from a "multitude of counselors" (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6), she feels responsible before God to express her concern, she could present to the elders a calm, respectful statement of disagreement.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section
No one has commented on this article.
Please keep your comments brief and on topic, and remember that this is not a discussion thread.
Name :
Title :
     
Comment(s) :
Verify :
Is fire hot or cold ?
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]