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Mark,

You ask: “2. If the above is correct, the redemption acheived through Jesus has in effect reversed this male leadership, that we are all now ‘co heirs’ in everything, including church leadership? Men are not to rule, because Christ rules. Is this a correct understanding of your view?”

First, your questions may not be directed at me, I may not be the best equipped to answer, and again I do not purport to speak for egals or our blog hostess.

Redemption is the forgiveness of sins and the releasing from the law affected by the blood of Jesus Christ (Ep 1:7, Co 1:14, He 9:12, 15) Jesus, our Redeemer, modeled and called people to a higher kingdom ethic which affects how we treat each other. Living this kingdom ethic does not negate the mandate in Genesis, so I would not say that “men are not to rule because Christ rules”. I would say the ethic of Christ’s kingdom precludes a “corruption of men’s rule” which includes dominating, dictating, subjugating, or subordinating men or women and prohibits aspiring to a top-level (hierarchical) position among the most intimate relationship that of husband and wife which in its beginning had no hint of hierarchy but overtly reflected God’s ideal—two becoming one—where it is difficult to see where one ends and the other begins. Husband and wife (men and women) together are to subdue and have dominion over the earth.

I would not say that church leadership is part of the Believer’s inheritance. Rather, I would say men and women are both heirs of God through Christ, of the promise, of the covenant, and of the gracious gift of life (Ac 3:25; Ro 8:17; Ga 3:29; Ep 3:6; Ti 3:6; 1 Pe 3:7 ). I think, however, you are asking if women can be involved in church leadership. Yes, women can, have always been, and are currently serving the body of Christ in many ways across the globe including the proclamation of the gospel, instruction, organization, management, as messengers, teachers, shepherds, etc.