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Drew Banacos | PentecostalTheology.com
Late night thoughts on the recent decision of the Church of God to not allow women to become bishops: I have noticed that many in this discussion think that it is divisive for men and women who feel that women are being held back from their calling because of gender-restrictive denominational ordinances and therefore that we should say nothing in order to avoid conflict. This is equivalent to sweeping an issue in a friendship that is reoccurring. Sure, it seems peaceful. Everyone appears to be ok. There may be a minor issue from time to time but nothing to serious. In reality, one person is continually being hurt and is kept from wholeness in this relationship but would rather sweep the dirt under the rug rather than deal with it directly. Sometimes addressing a problem will stir up all kinds of emotions. I would say to those who say that we ought to stop being dramatic about the calling of women as equally valid, approved, and qualified in the sight of God that we cannot keep silent on this issue. We may disagree, but we cannot pretend that everything is alright.
Varnel Watson
N.T. WRIGHT is all for WOMEN IN MINISTRY http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/n-t-wright-on-women-in-ministry/
Stan Wayne
There is no such thing as a bishop, archbishop, cardinal or pope so women can be all
Nathan Glenn
#beatingadeadhorse
Varnel Watson
Stan you are funny again. How else do you interpret the Greek word episkopos – that’s the issue. Nathan Glenn which part are you referring to exactly? Women in ministry is the core strength of the church
Stan Wayne
Episcopos is said to be the rationale for modern bishops etymologically. But in scripture eposcopos are elders/pastors on a local ministry team.
There is no such thing as a modern bishop in the scripture.
There is no such thing as a monarchical episcopate. There is no such thing as someone governing by themselves even one local church let alone several.
These are all para church structures like the PTA or YMCA and women are dandy at them.
Nathan Glenn
They already are in ministry, the tired argument has been lost, let’s move on already
Varnel Watson
They are in ministry but not the ministry of a bishop. Major difference
Stan Wayne
Big offense but since there are no bishops of this sort in the Bible it makes the whole discussion outside biblical criteria
Varnel Watson
“Stan Wayne: Episcopos is said to be the rationale for modern bishops etymologically. “
Stan Wayne
Troy Day right but there no episcopos in the NT who behave like bishops today overseeing multiple churches – impossible
Varnel Watson
I understand your point, but since that church accepts modern day bishops wouldn’t by your logic their women be eligible to serve in that office as well?
Stan Wayne
Troy Day yes but as parachurch gospel workers in reality
Varnel Watson
I dont disagree I was just commenting on the particular case presented in the post. Unfortunately, both dont match