[GretchenM]

If you are open to further input, might I suggest Loren Cunningham's book on the subject, Why Not Women? A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership

I used to have questions about it. Over a long period of time, with intense study of the issue and its fruit, I have changed my mind.

An amazon.com reader's review:

This book opened my eyes to the difference between the beliefs we hold from our upbringing and culture, and the beliefs actually based on the Word of God. This book is very factual, exhaustively researched, and infinitely practical. In "Why Not Women", Loren Cunningham explains the history behind the oppression of women in Greek and Roman societies which led to centuries of discrimination in our western society, and even infiltrated the Church. He shows how Jesus and the early church were truly revolutionary in their equal treatment of women. David Hamilton digs into the controversial passages in God's Word to show how our preconceived biases have tainted our interpretation of these verses. He clearly breaks down the original language of the text in order to show what the writers were truly saying. If you are willing to let God's Word, not your opinions, determine what is truth, this book will open your eyes to God's heart for women, and the giftings and callings he has given them.

[luckystarmom]

Thank you for the suggestion.

I have been trying to read up as much on this subject as possible.

I'll definitely take a look!

[nonsporting]

He clearly breaks down the original language of the text in order to show what the writers were truly saying.

Such as 1 Timothy 2:12? ("But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.")

It's not grammatically complex in English (or Greek). It's pretty clear. In the church men may not be taught by women. In the church men must not be under the authority of women. It's "men" not "boys" or "girls." So one could conclude that teaching and having authority over children (male and female) is not prohibited. How does Cunningham present it?

Timothy is one of the "Pastoral Epistles" because it contains principles for the pastoral care of churches and qualifications for ministers. These principles are universal and timeless, applying even to our age/generation.

[Mr Rogers]

Churches are already excessively feminine, to the point it is hard to drag/find a man inside one. The last thing we need is even more women in leadership roles, dragging the church further into 'women's club' circles...