Women in Leadership

Summary

From the beginning, God created men and women in his image, equal in value and essential to accomplishing his purposes. Throughout Scripture, women lead, disciple, teach, serve, and use their gifts for God’s mission. At Watermark, the office of elder is reserved for qualified men, but that distinction should never diminish the significant role women have in the life and mission of the church. The invitation for all of us is to use the gifts God has given us, encourage others to do the same, and flourish together as the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Men and women are equal in value and distinct in role. Both men and women are created in God’s image and given a role in carrying out his purposes (Genesis 1:27-28). Genesis 2 shows that equality does not require sameness; God created men and women to complement one another.
• Scripture is full of women God used to accomplish his purposes. From Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, and Huldah to Mary Magdalene, Priscilla, Phoebe, and others in the early church, women lead, speak truth, disciple others, and participate significantly in God’s mission. The Spirit empowers both men and women for the work God has given them (Acts 2:17).
• Watermark reserves the office of elder for qualified men. Watermark understands 1 Timothy 2–3 to reserve the church’s ongoing authoritative teaching and governing responsibility for male elders. This conviction is rooted in Scripture while leaving significant room for women to lead and use their gifts throughout the church.
• Women are fellow priests, essential disciple makers, and equal members of Christ’s body. The Great Commission belongs to every follower of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20), and every member of the body has been intentionally placed and gifted by God (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). The church is healthier when both men and women faithfully use those gifts.
• Women can and do lead and teach at Watermark. Women serve in significant leadership roles throughout the church, and women with the gift of teaching should use that gift (Romans 12:6-7). The goal is not simply to make room for women but for every member of Christ’s body to flourish in serving Jesus and his Church.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• What stood out to you from the sermon? Did anything challenge or clarify the way you have thought about women and leadership in the church?
• Genesis 1–2 shows men and women as equally made in God’s image while also distinct. Where have your views on the value or roles of men and women been shaped more by culture, personal experience, or assumptions than by Scripture?
• Scripture gives many examples of women faithfully leading, teaching, serving, and advancing God’s mission. Which example from the sermon stood out to you, and why?
• What spiritual gifts has God given you? Are you actively using them to serve others and make disciples? If not, what is keeping you from doing so?
• For the women in your group: Where might God be inviting you to more fully use your gifts to lead, disciple, teach, serve, or share the gospel?
• For the men in your group: How well do you encourage and celebrate the ways God has gifted the women around you? Is there anything in your attitude or actions that needs to change?
• Who is one person you can encourage this week to faithfully use the gifts God has given them? What is one specific way you can help them flourish?
• Spend time praying for the men and women of Watermark—that we would faithfully use our gifts, depend on the Spirit, make disciples, and serve together for the sake of Jesus and his mission.