Problems And Disputes Within The Church — A Question
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles, uncategorizedA querist asks, “When there is a problem or dispute within the church, can you take your problem to the elders? Can only men do this or can a woman sit down and meet with elders to discuss a problem? I have heard that a woman does not have authority to take her problems to the elders. This is very confusing to me. Thanks!”
In my study of the Bible, there is no scriptural reason why a woman cannot discuss problems or concerns with the elders of a congregation. It does not make any difference if it is a problem known to the congregation, or a personal conflict with a member of the congregation.
If it is a personal problem, the New Testament does require that us make every effort to privately discuss the problem with the individual with whom we have the problem per the inspired instructions found in Matthew 18:15-17 – NKJV.
Under Christ’s New Testament law (Hebrews 9:13-17), women have the same spiritual blessings and benefits as men (Romans 10:12; Gal. 3:26-38; Ephesians 1:3).