I would say that women can be deacons. Practically, I find that the people who serve me or others, whether in a church or in a restaurant, are exercising authority over me as a man.
My observation has been that churches where deacons simply served in service roles were open to female deacons. Churches where deacons exercised authority, sometimes to the point of acting like elders, held logically to the men only position.
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
I think the arguments for 1 Tim 3 being about deaconesses are compelling.
We have a separate deaconess board from the deacon board. The ladies focus on care of women in particular and put on various events. They have their own account.
The all male deacon board handles the church finances and other practical matters related to the whole church.
We have elders who provide spiritual oversight and are the highest authority. It works well.
Discussion
NewAlso
See the companion article which argues the office of deacon is also for women.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
NewI'm a "No" w Who Became a "Yes"
I would say that women can be deacons. Practically, I find that the people who serve me or others, whether in a church or in a restaurant, are exercising authority over me as a man.
My observation has been that churches where deacons simply served in service roles were open to female deacons. Churches where deacons exercised authority, sometimes to the point of acting like elders, held logically to the men only position.
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
NewWe have deaconesses.
I think the arguments for 1 Tim 3 being about deaconesses are compelling.
We have a separate deaconess board from the deacon board. The ladies focus on care of women in particular and put on various events. They have their own account.
The all male deacon board handles the church finances and other practical matters related to the whole church.
We have elders who provide spiritual oversight and are the highest authority. It works well.
NewWayne Wilson wrote:
Which argument do you find most compelling?