The Beauty of God-Given Roles
Honoring His Design in the Church
In a time when culture pressures churches to conform, it is more important than ever that we return to God’s Word as the ultimate authority—not our feelings, opinions, or trends. One of the most contested issues today is the role of men and women in the church, especially regarding leadership positions such as preachers, elders, and deacons.
But what does Scripture say?
God's Design Is Not Cultural—It's Divine
God's design for roles in the church is not based on cultural norms, but on the order of creation. The apostle Paul made this very clear:
“And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.”
— 1 Timothy 2:12–13 (NKJV)
This is not a temporary instruction for a particular time or place—it is rooted in creation itself.
Different Roles Do Not Mean Different Worth
Many confuse distinct roles with inequality, but Scripture teaches the equal value of men and women:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28 (NKJV)
This verse speaks of our equal access to salvation and spiritual blessings, not that all roles are interchangeable. Equality in worth does not eliminate God-ordained distinctions in roles.
Roles in the Church Are Clearly Defined
Elders and deacons are to be men who meet specific qualifications:
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife…”
— 1 Timothy 3:2 (NKJV)
Deacons likewise:
“Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”
— 1 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)
Nowhere in Scripture is a woman ever referred to as an elder, bishop, deacon or preacher. To appoint women to these roles is to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Women Have Essential, God-Given Roles
To say women cannot serve in roles of authority over men in the church does not diminish their value or usefulness in God’s kingdom. Quite the opposite! Scripture honors the vital roles women play:
Teaching other women and children (Titus 2:3–5)
Being examples of faith, hospitality, and good works (1 Timothy 5:9–10)
Laboring alongside men in the gospel in proper, scriptural roles (Philippians 4:3)
Women like Priscilla, Phoebe, and others were highly commended for their faithful service—but they never held the position of elder or deacon. They served within the roles God established, and in doing so, they were honored.
Our Roles Reflect God’s Order and Bring Him Glory
When men and women function in their God-given roles, it’s not about power—it’s about glorifying the Lord by submitting to His will. Even Christ Himself submitted to the Father:
“…the head of Christ is God.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
This same passage outlines the divine order:
“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man…”
— 1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
The World May Scold, But We Must Obey God
Today, if you stand for the biblical roles of men and women, you're often called outdated, sexist, or divisive. But remember what Paul said:
“Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”
— Galatians 4:16 (NKJV)
Faithful Christians must stand firm, not bending to culture, but submitting to the authority of God’s word in love, humility, and courage.
Roles Are a Blessing, Not a Burden
There is beauty in simplicity, and peace in obedience. The roles God has given us are not chains—they are purposed callings, given by a wise and loving Creator.
Let’s encourage one another to embrace our roles, not resent them. Let’s honor the design of our Father, glorify His Son, and follow the pattern laid out by the Holy Spirit in Scripture.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV)