The Godly Man and Woman

The importance of last week’s opening comments merit repeating as the Bible is our fully sufficient source for every question and from which every answer must derive. The pivotal verses in this discussion are:

2 Peter 1:3: . . . seeing that His divine power has granted to us EVERYTHING pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

2 Timothy 3:16–17: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for EVERY good work.

Today's questions:

1. In Biblical marriage the man is to be the spiritual leader of the family and head of the wife. Does this disqualify a “younger” (in terms of time since being saved) Christian man from marrying an “older” Christian woman? What should a woman look for as indicators of a man READY to take on the mantle of leader and head of a marriage?
2. The Prodigal Son’s father (Luke 15:11–32), assuming he met all the other qualifications of elder (Titus 1:5–9), is he unqualified because of his rebellious son? If so, would he “re-qualify” once his son returns and asks for forgiveness?
3. I hear a lot in our church about what women should not be doing (pastors, teachers, etc.). My question is what should godly women be doing in the church? How are women called to serve? I think it would be helpful for young Christian women, all Christian women to know what their calling is.
4. We have a question related to women being deacons in church based on 1 Timothy 3. Some say Phoebe in Romans 16 justifies the role. What say ye?