Women have great value in the Body of Christ
Among the greatest assets of any church are its women. According to Scripture, women are full heirs of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7), equal recipients of the saving work of Christ (Galatians 3:28) and partakers of the Holy Spirit and his gifts (Acts 2:17; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12, 13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11). Women serve throughout Christ’s church around the world exalting God in countless ways.
The New Testament gives testimony to the service of women in the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 27:55, 56; 28:1-10; Lk. 8:1-3) and in the life of the early church (Titus 2:3; 2 Timothy 1:5 with 3:14; Acts 18:26). Accordingly, men and women share many common roles in the life of the church.
Men and Women have some specific roles in the Church
For all matters in the life of the Christian and in the life of the church, we follow the words of Scripture. In addition to the many affirmations of both men and women, the Scripture also gives direction for their roles in the life of the church. Men are responsible for governance and teaching adults in the local church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17; Titus 1:5-9).
Both men and women share responsibility in teaching children. Men not in leadership and women of the church are called to honor and affirm the leadership of the elders and receive instruction from them (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Tim. 2:11, 12) so that they might be equipped for service to Christ (Ephesians 4:12-16).
Regardless of role distinctions in Christ’s Church all people have equal value
Just as God made exclusive assignments in the worship of Israel (Numbers 3:5-11; Exodus 29:9) which did not disparage the worth of people who had different gender or family lineage, neither do God’s New Testament assignments diminish in any way the value or personhood of those with differing responsibilities.
Neither the limitation of gifts God gives to people (1 Corinthians 12:12-30) nor the restriction of roles he allots imply less meaning or significance regarding any person. On the contrary, the Scriptures reflect clear support for the equal worth of every person in the Body of Christ.
Diversity of roles and gifts are designed by God for the blessing of His people
At Neighborhood Church we rejoice in the many gifted women who serve Christ faithfully. Because the Body of Christ is composed of diversely gifted men and women, we recognize with the Apostle Paul that no individual is of less importance in the Body (1 Corinthians 12:15, 16). As well, we acknowledge that no one can experience spiritual health alone and apart from the other gifted members of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:21, 22).
Our church family is deeply enriched through the presence and service of women. Both the men and women of our church would be impoverished without the gracious work of God through the lives of our women. We are confident that when God’s design is followed, he is exalted and his people find both joy and fulfillment.