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Doctrinal Perspectives on Women's Leadership in the Bible: A Study of Enlightened Christian Gathering Churches in Kenya
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Religion
Abstract
This study investigates the doctrinal perspectives on women's leadership in the Bible within the context of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) churches in Kenya. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines biblical teachings supporting and restricting women's leadership, explores interpretations of key passages, and assesses the implications for church practices. Data were collected from 267 church members and six clergy across six ECG branches in Kenya through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal diverse interpretations of biblical texts, with a majority (62%) supporting women's leadership based on their understanding of Scripture, while 28% held more restrictive views. Galatians 3:28 emerged as a central text for supporters, while 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 were frequently cited by those with more restrictive perspectives. Factors influencing these perspectives included cultural background, educational level, age, personal experiences, and denominational history. The study highlights the need for nuanced hermeneutical approaches, comprehensive theological education, and culturally sensitive strategies for promoting women's leadership. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on women's leadership in African Christianity and provide valuable insights for ECG churches navigating this complex issue.
Keywords
Doctrinal Perspectives, Women's Leadership, Enlightened Christian Gathering Churches
How to cite this paper
@article{1706132,
author = {Caroline Noel Amunga, Rispah Wepukhulu Namasaka, Edith Simiyu},
title = {Doctrinal Perspectives on Women's Leadership in the Bible: A Study of Enlightened Christian Gathering Churches in Kenya},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2024},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {184-190},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1706132.pdf},
abstract = {This study investigates the doctrinal perspectives on women's leadership in the Bible within the context of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) churches in Kenya. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines biblical teachings supporting and restricting women's leadership, explores interpretations of key passages, and assesses the implications for church practices. Data were collected from 267 church members and six clergy across six ECG branches in Kenya through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal diverse interpretations of biblical texts, with a majority (62%) supporting women's leadership based on their understanding of Scripture, while 28% held more restrictive views. Galatians 3:28 emerged as a central text for supporters, while 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 were frequently cited by those with more restrictive perspectives. Factors influencing these perspectives included cultural background, educational level, age, personal experiences, and denominational history. The study highlights the need for nuanced hermeneutical approaches, comprehensive theological education, and culturally sensitive strategies for promoting women's leadership. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on women's leadership in African Christianity and provide valuable insights for ECG churches navigating this complex issue.},
keywords = {Doctrinal Perspectives, Women's Leadership, Enlightened Christian Gathering Churches},
month = {August},
}