1 Timothy 3:11 (NASB95) — Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious
gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
NOTE: I'm going to
choose the NASB for this verse. The Greek word, gyne, can be translated as
wives or women. Given other references regarding women in ministry roles in
Acts and the letters, I believe there probably was a role of deaconess. It
would seem strange that deacons would have an added restriction to their
service in comparison with elders. Nor does it seem fair that the wife could
disqualify the husband for a position. Although I have seen the situation quite
often, where the women wears her husband's rank. Additionally, others imposes
it upon her -- whether that is correct or not. In any case, there is an
expectation of women deacons to display dignity, avoidance of gossip, temperate
(not extravagant), and faithfulness in all things. It is not enough to agree to
something, a person (in this case the deaconess) must follow through in her
actions. If our church ever institutes deaconesses, this verse will require
much more study.
PRAYER: Father, I
lift up the leadership of our church. I don't know if this is a necessary thing
(deaconesses) or not, but I pray that you would lead and guide us. Independent
of any decision, I pray that women leading ministries would develop the qualities
outlined here. Challenge us all that we live in a spiritual world as well as a
physical, and it is very important that we do things spiritually correct.
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