Gender Issues: The Role of Women in the Church
The Problem with Today's New International Version
A growing number of evangelicals today are affirming the role of women in the church. While we applaud this effort, we would also point out some inherent dangers. The Bible does speak much of the contributions of women, and upholds their status as worthy servants in Christ's church (see Rom. 16:1-3, 6, 12-13), but equally sets forth clear gender distinctions that go beyond mere physical characteristics.
Bible "gender sensitive" translations such as the TNIV Bible translation have sought to remove key gender distinctives from the biblical text, irrespective of whether the text itself calls for such renderings (follow this link for an excellent summary and review of the translation). To say the very least, we should not toy with the only document able to convey God's pure truth in a compromised age and provide real hope to needy souls. For this reason Bibletruth does not endorse the TNIV Bible Translation. We encourage readers to stick to more reliable versions such as the New American Standard Bible and the New Internation Version.
Please visit the TNIV Response Center for a clear statement against this inferior and dangerous translation and join Bill Bright, Chuck Colson, James Dobson, J.I. Packer, John Piper, the late Larry Burkett, Pat Robertson, R.C. Sproul, Bill McCartney, Chuck Swindoll, John MacArthur, and a host of other Christian leaders who oppose this "politically correct" translation.
Please also visit the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (especially their resource link) for valuable articles related to this theme.
What can women do in the church?
The church continues to wrestle with the question just what can women do in the church today. While we don't claim to know know the mind of God on every matter, He does give us clear directions on a number of fronts. 
Paul lays down a general principle in 1 Tim. 2:11-15 that seems to restrict official spiritual instruction in the church to males (for more on this passage, click here or here). For a series of rich and Scriptural articles, click here. Many reputable scholars who would not support women in an official teaching capacity, nevertheless would allow them to teach in some venues, such as Sunday School. Professor John Frame argues that women might even teach adults in some capacities (click here for his article "May Women Teach Sunday School?"). He also urges caution and certain restrictions.
So what can women do? Perhaps anything that Scripture does not forbid. The Bible, for example, would not forbid women ushers or parking attendants, roles traditionally assumed by men. For that matter, we know of no reason why men cannot cook and serve at an all church dinner. Our safest ground is biblical ground, and there we dare not run afield in either direction.