Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
"The church did not start as all male and then later become both male and female. Christ's followers were both male and female from the beginning," and yet women were not chosen as leaders. Second, unlike the all-Jewish leadership, "male leadership was perpetuated by those whom Christ initially taught, trained, and to whom He committed the future leadership of His church."[42]
~ James Allen Borland, evangelical professor of biblical studies and theology at Liberty University and former president of the Evangelical Theological Society.
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This is a factual observation from which he infers a doctrine. But there are other equally plausible theories that can be inferred.
For example, the church is a hospital based on the parable of the good samaritan. Many damaged believers will be saved with the need of being restored. One primary focus of this damage is on the family. Hence the NT sets up elders as examples to the flock. This is why it is crucial that an elder be the husband of one wife who has led his family well, and it is crucial that the wife of the elder be able to teach and shepherd the sisters.
There is no such requirement to be an evangelist, or prophet, or apostle, or any other gifted member.
But the church is a family of God and as such God wants certain ones to be set forth as a good example to help the rest of the saints.
Instead of viewing elders as "leaders" which is insulting to Jesus, why not just view them as examples to the flock who are able to teach others. There is no "theological discourse" requirement to be an elder, but there is the requirement to be the husband of one wife, to lead your family well, to be of good reputation in the community.