Contexual bible readings of 1 Corinthians 14:34-40 and women's ministry: A case study of some selected churches in Accra

Abstract

This work sought to use Contextual Bible Reading, where the text(1 Cor. 14: 34- 40) was read with ordinary readers (women’s groups) to find out what meaning they derive from the text. In preparation for the Contextual Bible Reading, a textual analysis of 1 Cor. 14:34-40 was done. The research went on to establish the implications of the text on the churches with regard to their doctrinal standpoint including the decisions of church councils or General Assemblies of the churches concerning women in Pastoral leadership in general and also the possibilities of their progression to higher positions of the Church’s hierarchy even if they are given the opportunity for it. Recommendations were also made in the above mentioned regard, for improving women’s leadership in the church particularly in the pastoral area. The research came out with some findings. Firstly, more and more women take part in ministry and some aspects of leadership in the Church, though there are still decisions of the church that limit women from Pastoral leadership in the Church. The women were of the view that there is a need for them to take up responsibilities for themselves. They opined that they needed to start training their young women to prepare them for leadership positions in the future. The women also said there is the need for the Church leadership to make deliberate policies to include women in higher pastoral positions in the Church. They also recommended an encouragement of a more proactive interaction where both ordinary and scholarly readers can learn from each other through discussions.