It is no accident, and certainly no mistake, that the Lord designed His church in such a way that males are to fill the leadership roles. Those who lead in worship are males (1 Tim. 2:8-15). Those who preach publicly are males (1 Cor. 14:26-40). Those who are appointed to leadership positions are males (1 Tim. 3:1-7, 8-13; Tit. 1:5-9).
However, it is no accident, and certainly no mistake, that the Lord designed His church in such a way that ladies can and should have a tremendously positive and influential impact on the church. In the New Testament, think about Lois and Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5; Acts 16:1-5). Think about Lydia (Acts 16:13-15, 40). Think about Phoebe (Rom. 16:1-2). Think about Priscilla (Acts 18:1-3, 24-26). Think about Euodia and Syntyche (Phil. 4:2-3). Although these ladies could not Scripturally fulfill specific leadership roles in the church, it did not mean that they were insignificant or had no place of meaningful service in the kingdom. Quite the opposite!
How beautiful is the Lord’s body and how effective are its efforts when “every part does its share” (Eph. 4:16), men and women alike! I am so thankful for the women I have known in the family of God, who have devoted themselves to being everything they could be in God’s roles for them!
I am thankful for the widows, who, although they were no longer married to a man on this earth, married themselves even more to the Lord and His church (cf. Rom. 7:4). Paul says that the “unmarried” are able to be “concerned about the things of the Lord” and how they “may please the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:32). What a blessing they are to the church!
I am thankful for the single moms, who, although they did not have the support and strength of a man in their homes, devoted themselves to having their kids “at church” every time, so that they could be influenced by other “fatherly figures” (cf. 1 Thess. 1:11) and grow to love their heavenly Father (cf. 1 John 2:13). What an example they are to the rest of us!
I am thankful for the “older women,” who, although they could not do as much as they once did or do it as quickly, remained “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58), teaching (by word and example) those who were younger (Tit. 2:3-5) and serving as a positive “motherly” influence in the church (1 Tim. 5:2). What a treasure they are to God’s family!
To every lady in the church who has been more “concerned about the things of the Lord” than the things of the world…who has “set an example for others to follow”… who has served simply “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” thank you!!! Thank you for imitating Christ for us!