Marg Mowczko

The following are some of my personal views on topics related to Biblical Equality:

Women in Ministry

At this present point in time, as I continue to study the New Testament in Greek, (and after having read numerous books and articles on both sides of the Women in Ministry debate), I can see no scriptural reason for excluding a suitably gifted and called woman from any sort of leadership role, function or office. [My article on 1 Timothy 2:12 in Context here.]

Christian Feminism

I do not like the word “feminism” and its unfavourable, militant connotations.  My greatest desire as a young woman was to be married and have a family, and I am very grateful that I was able to realise this desire at a relatively young age.  Even though my sons are now grown, my family remains the focus of my life, my prayers and my ministry.  I have never had strong ambitions career-wise, (not that having a career is necessarily a negative or unbiblical desire.)

I am only a feminist in that I believe that God’s ideal is for complete equality, affinity and unity between men and women, especially between husband and wife.  I much prefer to be labelled as a “Biblical Egalitarian”.

Submission in Marriage

I believe that God’s ideal in marriage is mutual submission, where both the husband and wife treat each other with mutual love, care and respect.  [My article on Submission here.]

God’s Gender

I have a problem with some Christian Feminists and Biblical Egalitarians who over emphasise the feminine qualities of God.[10]  The God of the Bible is a genderless spirit; he is neither male nor female.  Yet it is important to note that both male and female human beings – together, more fully express the nature of God (Genesis 1:27, 5:1-2).

I am very happy to stick with the Biblical metaphors that describe God.  I have no desire to call God “mother”.  Nor do I think it is helpful to use feminine pronouns for any of the three persons of the Trinity.

Equality and Androgyny

One fear that the opponents of Biblical equality have, is that if we allow the complete equality between men and women, this will lead to gender distinctions becoming confused or indistinguishable.

I personally find this argument ridiculous.  I love being a woman.  I love being a mother.  I love being feminine.  And as a woman I see no reason why I can’t be an effective leader in my family with my husband; or an effective church leader, if that is what God has called me to.

Homosexuals in the Church

The connection of the issue of homosexuals in the church with the issue of women in ministry is something that annoys me no end!  There is very little relation between the two issues, except that they seem to have appeared at roughly the same time.[11]  The opponents of Biblical equality – Complementarians – often bring up the issue of homosexuals in the church and associate it with the issue of women in ministry.  This clouds both issues and brings confusion.  I have written more about this particular topic here.

Defining Masculinity and Femininity

John Piper, perhaps one of the best known Complementarians, has criticised Biblical Egalitarians for not defining masculinity and femininity.  However his definition is extremely narrow, rigid, inadequate, and I believe, inaccurate.  Piper has defined masculinity and femininity purely in terms of male leadership and authority, and female responsiveness and submission to male authority.[12]  In reality, leadership is not an ability or  quality that is solely tied to the masculine gender. Not all men have leadership ability, whereas some women have obvious leadership ability.   Moreover, women can be very effective leaders and still be feminine.  [My article on Masculine and Feminine Leadership here.]

There is no doubt that, generally speaking, there are significant differences between the genders.  Defining these differences, however, is quite tricky.  I like this observation by my friend Kiel Winch: “Men are more action and role oriented, while women tend to be more intuitive and flexible”.  I think this is just about the best general description of masculinity and femininity that I have come across.  Men and women are different.  That is why it is desirable and beneficial to have both as leaders in the home and in the church.