Women s Spiritual Gifts

Transcription

1 Women s Spiritual Gifts Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:4-6 This Bible study was compiled and approved by WELS Congregation and Ministry Support Group Commission on Adult Discipleship.

2 Women s Spiritual Gifts Getting Started Traditionally in what areas have the women of our congregations been urged to serve? How have women s talents been displayed in their activities outside the church (employment, hobbies)? What are some challenges that arise when we talk about having women serve in gospel ministry? Getting Into the Word Genesis 2:18, 23: 18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." 23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh..." 1 Corinthians 11:11-12: 11 In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. 1. Evaluate what aspect of the relationship of men and women is expressed here. How should that impact how we approach this subject today? Women s Spiritual Gifts 2

3 Romans 12:3-6a: 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. 2. Identify some of the main elements listed in the verses from Romans that help determine how people are to serve the Lord. 3. Discuss the similarities in the workings of the human body and the body of Christ. 4. With what attitude should God s people approach the subject of their own spiritual gifts within the body of Christ? (v.3) (cf. also Ephesians 5:21) 5. What percentage of people with spiritual gifts in your congregation are women? 6. How many of the women in your congregation are part of the universal priesthood of all believers to whom God has entrusted gospel ministry? (1 Peter 2:9, see corresponding study, B-1.) 7. Explain the challenge then when it comes to women and congregational ministry. Women s Spiritual Gifts 3

4 1 Corinthians 11:3 3 Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God (cf. also 1 Timothy 2:11-13 in application). 8. Who ultimately is the head of our gospel ministry and of the relationship of man and women? Indicate how that impacts this discussion. 9. What part of the Corinthian passage further impacts how we use the spiritual gifts of men and women in gospel ministry? 10. List areas of responsibilities women have traditionally NOT been involved in the church. 11. In what ways could you begin to have the women with appropriate gifts carry out some of these? 12. Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 and apply it to this discussion. 13. Look at 1 Corinthians 10:31. What is one of our main goals? Women s Spiritual Gifts 4

5 14. What may we lose by not using women s gifts in ways determined to be appropriate according to Scripture? 15. What beneficial attitudes will make a difference as congregations approach this difficult subject? (cf. 1 John 1:7-9; Proverbs 31:26-31) Summarize Summarize what you learned and discussed about using women s spiritual gifts. Share Share personal examples of women you know who impacted the mission of church in a meaningful and God-pleasing way with their spiritual gifts. Challenge Is respect for women evident in the way you do things? Do you express appreciation for the impact women have on the stability and mission of the congregation? Women s Spiritual Gifts 5

6 Do you provide plenty of opportunities for women to be suitable helpers in your decisionmaking process? Do we encourage women to see how they can use their spiritual gifts most fully not only in the congregation, but also in the family and community? Is your organizational structure unnecessarily holding women from contributing to the mission of the congregation in a meaningful way? Are there ways that leadership could be restructured to involve women in a way that impacts the gospel ministry? Is this a difficult issue for us? Is further patient study and listening needed on the relationship of men and women? Prayer Women s Spiritual Gifts 6