Quote:
Originally Posted by travis  <devil's advocate>
Deacons are supposed to be servants of mercy correct? If so, how could a man truly empathize with a woman in the congregation that needs understanding in areas that could only be understood by another woman? What about women 'deconesses' that are only for women in the church? |
Travis,
This is a misunderstanding of the nature of deacons. Deacons are not merely "servants of mercy."
All Christians are that. Deacons are called, ordained and empowered to
lead the ministry of mercy in a church. Deacons, by the very fact of the office, exercise authority. It is merely in a different sphere from that of elders (who are primarily called to minister in the Word and prayer). Deacons are not "sub-elders" or "junior elders," nor are they "just like everyone else." They are called to lead the church in its mission of mercy.
How that can be done without violating the Scriptural commands against women exercising authority (
cf. 1 Timothy 2) is beyond me.