Is it ok for a Church to have female deacons?

[Joseph_Botwinick]

I know this has been discussed before, but I figured I would bring it back up to see what some of the newer people think. Enjoy!!!!!!!

PS: You older members can also respond to this thread. Your input would be more than welcome by me.

 

[rlvaughn]

My answer would still be no.

 

[BrianT]

My answer would still be yes.

Rom 16:1

 

[Baptist Believer]

Yes.

Our church has female deacons and they serve wonderfully.

The New Testament mentions at least one female deacon (Phoebe), so there is certainly clear biblical precedent for it.

 

[Johnv]

I put the topic of female leaders in with the topic of alcohol consumption, the KJV only arguement, and gambling. If you're in favor of it, and can cite biblical evidence to support your position, evidence to the contrary won't sway you. If you're against it, it doesn't matter what biblical references someone uses, you're not going to change your mind. People here are going to say "yes" or "no", and cite biblical examples. No one will change their opinions here.

 

[russell55]

It depends upon what you mean by deacon.

If by it you mean someone who fills the biblical office of elder, then I would say no.

 

[Me2]

How many times in life do men have to be reminded to take responsibility...
Well heres one more time.

Women were CREATED BY GOD to follow...not lead.

So I guess your answer from a real man...would be no women deacons

1 Tim 2:14...Eve was deceived..not Adam...ie, Adam was the worlds first woose.
He let her decide,... for him.....

 

[BrianT]

Yes, women can be deasons. Rom 16:1 proves this. The problem is that today, the term "deacon" is misused and misunderstood by most.

 

[Rev. Joshua]

Yes.

 

[Jim1999]

My personal and theological answer is no. Over the years, out of 8 church pastorates, 2 had females on the deacon's board. They were overseers to the women's meetings, one in finances, but neither preached when the deacons rotated in the pulpit.

In essence, it is not that important to me, but I prefer no. The verse cited is spurious enough to be taken either way,,,,"deaconess" or "servant" (Rom 16"1f)

Cheers,

Jim

 

[tyndale1946]

Lets hear what God has to say on the matter... I Timothy 3:12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

The husband of one wife!... Now according to the word of God women can't be deacons... plain and simple!... That is what it says isn't it?... It also says they can't be preachers!... In the Primitive Baptist Church we have neither. They can be church clerks and treasurers though!... Brother Glen

 

[Johnv]

Does that mean that deacons are not allowed to be single?

 

[Baptist Believer]

Originally posted by Me2:
So I guess your answer from a real man...would be no women deacons

An answer from another real man... Yes. Women are biblically called to serve as deacons.

 

[Baptist Believer]

Originally posted by tyndale1946:
Lets hear what God has to say on the matter... I Timothy 3:12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

The Bible also teaches us (from this very passage) that:

"Women [deacons] must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things." (1 Timothy 3:11 NASB)

Furthermore, we have the example of Phoebe being a deacon of the church in Rome (Romans 16:1).

 

[trumpet]

I have to agree with the Bible on this one NOOOO!!!!!!!! If the Bible says that deacons are to be the husband of one wife, then the last time I checked,this means deacons should be married. The last time you checked is 2+2, 4? If it is not then women can hold a position in church.Try reading ITim 2:12,unless you cant understand english.

 

[BrianT]

Originally posted by tyndale1946:
Lets hear what God has to say on the matter... I Timothy 3:12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

The husband of one wife!... Now according to the word of God women can't be deacons... plain and simple!... That is what it says isn't it?

Actually, in 1 Tim 3:12, the Greek word translated "deacons" is in plural masculine form ("diakonos" is masculine singular, "diakonoi" is masculine plural), thus 1 Time 3:12 obviously wouldn't apply to female deacons (such as Phoebe the feminine singular "diakonon" in Rom 16:1).

 

[Johnv]

"Women [deacons] must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things." (1 Timothy 3:11 NASB)

Well I'll be, BB!! You're right. I never read it in context before. It DOES allow for women to be deacons.

 

[tyndale1946]

Here is another question... Is it proper for a single deacon to visit an unmarried female alone in the order of church business?... That is why in the Primitive Baptist Church when deacons are given the charge their wifes are given the charge sitting by their side!... In your church you may select single brothers as deacons but this may also cause problems later!... Just my two cents!... Brother Glen

 

[Me2]

It seemed that Paul was pretty clear in his opinion about women teaching any men or having authority over them.
Does anyone know the real historical truth of the duties of phoebe or any authoritative role over any group of men. ? ..

One in which even Paul could live with...

Can we imagine Paul being subject to the deaconess Phoebe.?

(I dont think so..)

 

[BrianT]

Originally posted by Me2:
It seemed that Paul was pretty clear in his opinion about women teaching any men or having authority over them.

In scripture, a "deacon" (male OR female) did not have authority. They were a servant. Today's churches erroneously elevate deacons to places of authority. The issue about female deacons is not about authority, except when people misunderstand what a deacon is.

[ December 30, 2002, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: BrianT ]