A Christian woman is a woman that has had a born again experience with the Lord Jesus Christ and nurtures a day by day relationship with Him. She cannot rely on her father, husband or minister for her salvation. We are told to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). There is one God and one mediator between God and man (1Tim. 2:5-6). Women have the same responsibility as men with regard to salvation i.e. prayer, fasting, studying, and assisting the work of the Church in preaching of the Gospel. Ultimately, we are all to become sons of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). All have access to the Father through the saving blood of Jesus Christ. Under Christ there was neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female. They were all one with Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26-29).
Women in the Church
Just like all individuals in the Church of God, women too need to be able to give an answer of the hope that lies within them (1Pet. 3:15). Any woman in the Church needs to be just as equally able to wield the sword of the spirit and shield of faith to defend the truth as any man (Eph. 6:13-17).
Scripture tells us there is one God, one Faith, one Body, one Church but many members. All of the members have a role to play and the combined talents of men and women are fused for the overall function of the Church. Men and women have specific responsibilities and functions within the Church. There are different jobs for different talents and none can consider his or her position to be above another. The prime purpose is to serve each other and the Church as a whole (Lk. 22:27). We all work for the greater glory of God.
Things women can do in the Church
- Women can pray for the sick or those who request prayers. They can take food to the sick and help the needy or infirmed. They can send notes of encouragement to those who are isolated
- Women work with one another in the preparation of the Holy Communion elements and perform other duties to help in the smooth administering of the Holy Communion by the Pastor and the Elders.
- Women can participate in open Bible Study gatherings with men. Although women are not to stand up and conduct a formal service when men present are able to do so (1Tim. 2:13-14), women can chair forums and or seminars on topics relating to women and/or children.
- Women can also be encouraged to lead in bible workshops for women, write children’s lessons explaining and teaching God’s word.
- This is all good training for women in building self-confidence, self-esteem and gaining knowledge. Women today are intelligent, well-educated and capable of serious Bible research and they have much to offer the Church in their service.
- There are also other areas where women can serve using their God-given talents eg. in the music ministry the women can teach others how to play a new instrument, or to lead in learning new songs. Yet others who are gifted in cooking can help in food and beverage at VBS, Teens’ camp.
- Older women, who may not be able to become physically involved, can provide a very useful service in prayer. They can also be good teachers and mentors by example and by admonishing the young wives and mothers to love their husbands and children, and to support them in their role as women (Tit. 2:3-5).
So, while it is not unreasonable to expect women to tend to the domestic side of things, there is no law that confines them only to these duties. Most women have learned to cope well with a variety of ongoing, differing and demanding tasks at the same time. When she has a family to consider, a woman’s primary responsibility and duty is to care for and nurture the young. For most women this can be a very rewarding job, even though it means sacrifice on her part. It is demanding and appears never-ending. However, there does come a time when the children have grown and they move out of the family home to either marry or pursue a career elsewhere, or simply to have their own independence. At this time when the woman is finished with childbearing/rearing then she can devote more time to Church-oriented activities and work. There is so much work to be done before our Lord comes again and we all must work and encourage each other while there is still time to do the work.
Women in the Bible:
Women have played a vital role in the Scripture. They have been instrumental in pleasing God, serving Him, assisting saints of God in ministry and so on. Though there are a few negative characters, let's fix our eyes on the right ones and strive to please God in where He has placed us. Here are a few women recorded in the Bible...
- Mary of Nazareth: Mother of Jesus
Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus is a model of obedience and trust. She was just a teenager when the unimaginable happened—the angel Gabriel appeared to her and announced she was chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah.
- Ruth: Loyal Daughter-In-Law
Ruth was a widow who showed remarkable faith. She traveled a difficult journey with her widowed mother-in-law to live in Bethlehem. Despite her tremendous loss, Ruth firmly believed that God would provide for her. She is a model of bravery, faith and obedience.
- Esther: For Such a Time as This
Esther was a remarkable woman who put her own life at risk to save her people. She is an inspiring example of serving others under incredibly difficult circumstances. Her bravery and courage is still celebrated by Jews during Purim.
- Eve: Mother of All Living
Eve was the first woman, first wife and the first mother. She was also the first to encounter Satan and was tempted by him to disobey God’s command. Evicted from the Garden of Eden and shamed, Eve remained hopeful and persevered in faith. Her life is an example of accepting personal responsibility.
- Elizabeth: Mother of John the Baptist
Elizabeth never had a child and was well past child-bearing years, when amazingly, through the grace of God, she conceived a son. Her child became John the Baptist, the prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Elizabeth is beautiful example of how faithfully waiting on the Lord can bring miraculous blessings.
- Rachel: A Beloved Wife
Rachel was a beautiful woman who was wronged by her father who deceptively arranged for Leah, Rachel’s older sister, to marry Rachel’s love, Jacob. Rachel persevered and patiently waited seven years to become Jacob’s second wife. Unfortunately Rachel had difficulty conceiving and competed with Leah over Jacob’s love throughout her life.
- Mary Magdalene: A Devoted Follower
Mary Magdalene’s life has long been the subject of controversy and mystery. While historically, many have portrayed Mary Magdalene as a repentant prostitute, recently scholars dispute this belief. What is clear from the Bible is that Mary of Magdalene was healed by Jesus and became a devoted follower.
- Martha of Bethany: A Dedicated Servant
Martha was a personal friend of Jesus. She and her siblings lived in Bethany when Jesus and Hs disciples stopped at their house. During Jesus' visit Mary stayed at His feet and listened to Jesus speak while her sister Martha was busy preparing and serving the meal. Frustrated, Martha asked Jesus to order Mary to help her. Jesus responded, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
- Rebekah: A Chosen Wife
Rebekah’s life is an example of what happens when you rely on your own strength instead of trusting the Lord. Rebekah married Isaac. After many years of marriage, they did not have any children. Isaac prayed for God's blessing and Rebekah became pregnant with the first twins mentioned in the Bible, Jacob and Esau. Unfortunately, from the very beginning Jacob and Esau did not get along. Rebekah and Isaac each took sides and chose favorites; she favored Jacob while Isaac favored Esau. Ultimately, Rebekah tricked Isaac to give blessings which were intended for the firstborn, Esau, to her favorite son, Jacob.
The Wife of Noble Character (Prov 31: 10 - 31)
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
3 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.