Quote:
Originally Posted by servantofmosthigh  Quote:
Originally Posted by ahavah7 Quote:
Originally Posted by servantofmosthigh The Bible does have both deacons and deaconesses, but the office of elders is for men-only. I agree with Mark Dever who encourages Baptist churches to not be divisive on the issue, but be wise. If the church has the office of deacons as the leadership, then the office needs to be men-only. If the church has the office of elders as the leadership, then the elders need to be men-only and the diaconate office can be both men and women because the diaconate office is a serving position, not an authoritive one. | What reasons do you have for agreeing with Mark Dever? Are any Bible verses used when coming to your conclusion? | I can answer you best if you specify which part(s) you are questioning because I had said alot in this short paragraph. Are you questioning where deacons and deaconesses are in the Bible? Are you questioning where in the Bible does is specify elders to be men-only? Are you questioning where in the Bible does it command me to agree with Mark Dever? Are you asking where in the Bible does it encourage Baptists to not be divisive on issues like this? I'm not sure how to respond or where to begin responding to your question because it's too generalized. So if you could be a little more specific, I can then respond better. |
My hope in starting this thread was to start a conversation about the
biblical merits for men only as deacons, or if you hold that women can also be deacons, then your
biblical arguments for that position.
It appears that Mark Dever's position could be summed up like this: Women shouldn't be leaders in the church. This glosses over some key considerations. Here are some questions that would help me to understand your position better:
1) Do you believe that Christ has established offices in His church?
2) If so, how many offices and what names would you give those offices?
3) Should men only or men and women populate these offices?
4) What is your Scriptural justification for your answers to the above question?