Ephesians 5: 21-33 and Gender Equity: Towards a Mutual, Egalitarian and Gender-Balanced Church Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess some selected readings of Ephesians 5:21-33 household code, which favours male authority and control over women. Such interpretations have been informed by the Graeco-Roman and Jewish male-dominated household management but they cause exclusion and alienation of women from church leadership. Theses interpretations are accepted in the African context, wherein patriarchal leanings are by the least undeniable. The African patriarchal setting assents to male supremacy and female inferiority, yet women are recognized as household managers. In contrast, Ephesians 5:21-33 transforms Graeco-Roman and Jewish household management by endorsing mutual submission between husband and wife based on love and respect. The text does not exclude women from church leadership but it rather reveals that Christian gender relations must be distinct from those of non-Christians. Men and women must lead so as to unfold God’s redeeming activity through Jesus Christ.
Key Words: Gender Equity, Mutual, Egalitarian, Gender-Balanced leadership, Household Codes, Household Management, Church Leadership.