Quote:
Originally Posted by fredtgreco  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. |
The answer pastor Greco, is that the women (deaconess) do not exercise authority over men! Several very conservative Presbyterian denominations have lived with this system for years without all the supposed negatives comming to pass.
I can see that some people would be opposed to it. But please NB the covenanting tradition has produced at least 2 denominations that have remained faithful to the word & the standards and had women deacons.