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Meet With Church Leaders

In Numbers 27:1–5, the five daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazer, the High Priest, and the other leaders. Tradition held that because Zelophehad had no sons, his land and line would be lost since he had died. They proposed that they should inherit the land instead, and when Moses sought God on the question, God said, they are right, and the land was now theirs. The daughters are even named—all five of them, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—which is a big deal in Scripture!

Zelophehad’s daughters were not afraid to approach Moses to save their father’s line and confront what many theologians think is an act of injustice. They did not sit back in silence and accept the status quo by looking for other men to marry. Instead, they spoke up, preserved their father’s line, and continued contributing to their tribe and nation. Thanks to them, instruction was even added to the Torah: that if a man has no sons, the inheritance shall pass to his daughters. The boldness of the five daughters amended the Torah and offered future daughters protection (Num. 27:6-11).

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Changing perspectives on gender roles and understanding biblical equality in the church doesn’t happen overnight. While not everyone will feel comfortable meeting with

Conclusion

Sadly, many women who wish to preach or teach God’s word may need to exit their complementation churches gracefully. At our local church, women are encouraged to use their gifts in many ways: they are deacons, ministry leaders, and potentially pastors, with the exception of the lead pastor. However, the decision-making ability their leaders to discuss mutuality in the church, it’s absolutely essential. Jesus’ claim to keep the peace may often come with the discomfort of bringing up issues like biblical equality in the church. Church leaders like elders and pastors should be approachable and humble enough to listen to your thoughts and questions. Even if you have questions about how the church operates from a leadership standpoint, they should freely answer your questions. Any closed doors to the discussion are a red flag. lies with the all-male elder board. Women leaders in the church are on the threshold because we’re not just fighting for ourselves, but for the generations that follow. Our daughters and sisters whom God has gifted need a space to use their gifts for the good of the church. We must keep trying to open the heavy door that’s closed to opportunities for women, not as a fight for power, but for a place where women can serve beside their brothers in all areas of service to Christ our Lord.

Ariel Stephens enjoys teaching at her local church and reading theology books. She is a wife of one and a homeschooling mother of four.

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