One Small Step for Woman: A Better Utilization of Women Through Small Changes in Church Organizational Structures

Abstract

This paper will demonstrate how important it is to re-evaluate church organizational structures in order to make the best possible use of the gifts of the women in your church. The principles for leadership that God has given are clear: men are supposed to be the leaders who wield authority. But God has not provided one perfect organizational structure that perfectly balances male leadership and female submission. When creating that structure for an individual church, there is much freedom. Yet taking a look at how the believers in the New Testament and the following centuries used this freedom can provide a basis to build on in the present day. The author concludes that making changes, even small changes, in church organizational structures can open the door for women to become more involved, and that all churches should take time to evaluate what parts of their structure prevent the service of women.