(507) EMERGING TRENDS IN THE CHURCH TODAY: The Role of Women in the Church – Part 2

Role of Women in the Church

There may not be a more contested debate in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors.

Part of me wanted to avoid this subject because it seems that more churches are moving in the direction of having women pastors. It is quickly becoming an outdated issue as society has long ago started this trend which now the church has followed through on. It can be a contentious issue for several reasons such as personal bias, upbringing, social environment, tradition (Fiddler on the Roof comes to mind)…etc. Personally, I have left my previous church for reasons which included this subject (among others). I settled into a church which outlined the role of elder in the church as a role taken up by men, in accordance to Scripture. In some ways, the church is becoming more similar to society instead of being different than society. And while the intentions may be good and may sound noble, ultimately we need to follow through with what Scripture says. If we don’t then we can make up any line of reasoning and use it to justify any type of behavior or practice.

Many churches today do that very thing. Take for example that subject of homosexuality, the ordination of homosexual ministers, same-sex marriage….etc. Most churches that have gone that far have already crossed over the bridge in dealing with the issue of having women pastors. This has been an ongoing debate for decades now. But in the history of the church, it is a debate that is relatively recent more so than ancient. For most of the history of the church since the time of Christ, the church did not include the practice of women occupying the role of pastor in the church. Many would blame the patriarchal role men have had in society. However, today, women occupy almost any role that men occupy. Currently, the Vice President of the United States is a woman. We have had women running for President of the country and that no longer surprises society as it once did 50 years ago. There are women leaders in Congress as well as in other nations around the world. There are women leaders in our military, in sporting events, blue collar and white collar jobs, multi-billion dollar corporations…etc. Today’s debate in society has more to do with providing equal pay than it does for having women on a particular job.

Let me also say that I have sat under churches with women pastors. I respect these people and don’t doubt that they can be used by God in many different ways in the church today. In many cases, I look up to these women for their spiritual maturity and wisdom. I would encourage them to continue to be used by God – in ways that he has ordained in His word. That means that I do draw a line when it comes to having women pastors or teachers in the church because of what Scripture says – in my opinion – in a clear and understandable manner.

So, yes, there is perhaps no more hotly debated issue in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors. In some cases the debate actually has moved on we see women taking on roles in society that traditionally they haven’t filled – so many are already viewing women in these roles and they just assume those roles for the church. But, It is very important to not see this issue as men versus women. There are women who believe women should not serve as pastors and that the Bible places restrictions on the ministry of women in this role. Likewise, there are men who believe women can serve as pastors and that there are no restrictions on women in the pastoral ministry. This is not an issue of chauvinism or discrimination. It is an issue of biblical interpretation.

Why is there a debate about this in the church – after all, in many ways society has moved on with this subject in many areas? Simply put, the Bible makes several statements (i.e. commands) regarding the roles of men and women in the family and in the church. These roles begin to be addressed in the very first book of the Bible through the New Testament.

Let’s look at some of the main passages related to this subject.

The Word of God proclaims, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11–12). In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world (1 Timothy 2:13–14). God has assigned different roles for men and women in the church and in the family.

There are some general points that should be stated upfront. It is important to realize that

• these different roles don’t imply one is better or more important than the other based on their sex,
• these different roles don’t imply that one is more qualified than the other,
• as stated above, men and women have interpreted these roles in various ways which in itself shows that the point is not to single out this issue to make it a male versus female issue based on capabilities, talents, patriarchy,….etc.

In the pastoral epistles – which as the name implies are geared to the purpose and operation of the church – the apostle Paul through God’s word, in the 1 Timothy 2 passage restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, which definitely includes preaching to them, teaching them publicly, and exercising spiritual authority over them.

There are many objections to this view of women in pastoral ministry. 

(1) A common one is that Paul restricts women from teaching because in the first century, women were typically uneducated. However, 1 Timothy 2:11–14 nowhere mentions educational status. If education were a qualification for ministry, then the majority of Jesus’ disciples would not have been qualified. 

(2) A second common objection is that Paul only restricted the women of Ephesus from teaching men (1 Timothy was written to Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus). Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis, and women were the authorities in that branch of paganism—therefore, the theory goes, Paul was only reacting against the female-led customs of the Ephesian idolaters, and the church needed to be different. However, the book of 1 Timothy nowhere mentions Artemis, nor does Paul mention the standard practice of Artemis worshipers as a reason for the restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:11–12.

(3) A third objection is that Paul is only referring to husbands and wives, not men and women in general. The Greek words for “woman” and “man” in 1 Timothy 2 could refer to husbands and wives; however, the basic meaning of the words is broader than that. Further, the same Greek words are used in verses 8–10. Are only husbands to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing (verse 8)? Are only wives to dress modestly, have good deeds, and worship God (verses 9–10)? Of course not. Verses 8–10 clearly refer to all men and women, not just husbands and wives. There is nothing in the context that would indicate a narrowing to husbands and wives in verses 11–14.

(5) Another objection to this interpretation of women in pastoral ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament. It is true that these women were chosen by God for special service to Him and that they stand as models of faith, courage, and, yes, leadership. This is a huge statement because most societies and cultures back then did NOT allow women to take on these roles of leadership. But the Bible makes it a point to show by real life examples that women can be leaders just like men in society. Until more recent times, that was a distinguishing difference between our faith and other belief systems throughout the world.

When we think of leaders such as Deborah, and use that as example promoting women pastors, we need check the context of what Scripture is saying about these issues. This includes that the authority of women in the Old Testament (e.g. leading Israel as a ‘nation’) is not relevant to the issue of pastors in the church. The New Testament Epistles present a new paradigm for God’s people—the church, the body of Christ—and that paradigm involves an authority structure unique to the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity.

Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament. In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, perhaps indicating that she was more prominent in ministry than her husband. Did Priscilla and her husband teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos? Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastored a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints? No. As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11–14.

In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul. But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9). 

Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.

We could also go and list the areas where women are better suited than men. The obvious include raising children. Again, in today’s age, that will offend some because they don’t want to see any difference between anyone. With gender transition lies that are being promoted, separate roles for women and men in the church is met with anger and dogmatic fervency in equating roles between all people. And while that sounds noble, it is not how God designed it.

(6) Some women will say that God has spoken to them personally to become a pastor. My question is usually – “how do you know God spoke to you?” I’ve heard answers such as – “I felt lead by the sermon my pastor gave” or “my pastor felt that God was showing him to tell you to pursue becoming a pastor”….etc. But this flatly disagrees with what God has already said in His word – the Bible. So, why would God contradict his written word? We tend to change our views over time but the Bible does not change, so why do you think God is leading you to go against his word? Should someone believe you over God?

(7) Along with point (2), the Timothy passage is assigned today by some to problems that were discovered in a particular church of that day. In other words, some variation of the story includes church services that were being disrupted by a chaotic display by some women which resulted in Paul writing this epistle to separate and silence women in that church’s service. And while this sounds convincing after your read from other historical books outside of the Bible because there are historical episodes of this type of chaotic environment occurring from time to time, the passage in Timothy does not specifically make those statements. Instead, people are taking the liberty of adding in these stories into their interpretation of what is found in the pastoral epistles as well as other parts of the Bible. When we do this type of interpretation you have to ask yourself if you are adding too or taking away from what Scripture is actually saying? Are you forcing your view or society’s view into the meaning of these scripture passages to come away with an interpretation that you agree with? Dows anyone have the right to do that with God’s word?

God gives us additional justification for these different roles which really steps outside of a specific time period in church history or specific problem in a specific church. In 1 Timothy 2:11-12, the question of why should women not have authority over men in the church is dealt with ? It is because Adam was created first, then Eve. The woman was deceived first (verses 13-14). God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. The order of creation has an application that is not limited to a particular church but rather it is a universal principle that applies for all families and churches since the dawn of creation. This steps out of time and makes this an issue for all churches to understand – even today.

With Eve’s deception referred to in 1 Timothy 2:14, women are not to serve as pastors or have spiritual authority over men. Again, this doesn’t mean that women are gullible and easily deceived. If it did then women shouldn’t be teaching children who are gullible and easily deceived. God has chosen to give men the primary teaching authority in the church because Eve was deceived – adding anything to that story runs the risk of misinterpreting the simple command. Remember that both man and woman are made in the image of God and in essence stand before Him on equal footing (cf. Gen. 1:27; 5:2; Matt. 19:4; Gal. 3:28; 1 Pet. 3:7). So, a woman is not inferior to the man in any way – especially with intellectual faculties.

In 1 Timothy 2:15 the reference to Genesis 3:16 shows a link between Eve’s sin and the pain of childbearing. However, Paul provides a note of comfort. Before the Fall, God issued the command for reproduction of future generations (Gen. 1:28), but the pain in childbearing developed as a result of sin, which brought with it suffering and the distortion of the Edenic Paradise. The godly behavior of a woman will be rewarded by her awesome contribution in joining with the Creator God in the process of producing the next generation. Through a willingness to bring life into the world and nurture that life physically and spiritually, a woman is obedient to the redemptive plan of God.

In 1 Timothy chapter 3, the qualifications of a pastor are identified and again, it is given in a way that shows that the role is for men. In the N.T. the terms “bishop” (“overseer”), “elder,” and “pastor” all refer to the same position (cf. Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Pet. 5:1–4, note). It was customary to have more than one person in each local church who was responsible for spiritual leadership (Acts 14:23), but with one ruling elder having primary leadership as the pastor. Verses 1–7 make it clear that God is especially concerned with the character of those men who lead the churches. Functionally, it is the responsibility of the pastor to shepherd, direct, teach, and protect the flock of God entrusted to him.

Even in 1 Timothy 3:2 Monogamy (one wife for one husband) is unquestionably the normal standard and pattern for marriage throughout Scripture. But the wording and how it is stated means literally that an elder must be a “one-woman man”. This at least implies that a pastor would be a married man. It says nothing of women being pastors.

Then the passages in 1 Timothy 3:8-11 discuss the qualifications of Deacons in the church. Here, there may be some level of disagreement as to if women are permitted to be deacons or not. I am not going to touch on that because it is not quite as clear cut as it is for pastors and elders. Here is a very brief summary of these passages:

In 1 Timothy 3:8 “Deacon” is simply a transliteration of the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant” or “attendant.” This fits the early N.T. concept. Jesus used other forms of this word in describing His ministry in Matt. 20:28 (diakonēgthēgnai and diakonēgsai); Paul used the same term of himself in Col. 1:25 (diakonos). The qualifications of the deacon are clearly given (3:8–13; Acts 6:1, note) and are similar to the qualifications for a bishop or pastor. Acts 6:1–6 tells of the apostles’ action in delegating certain tasks in order that they could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. Paul’s distinction here between bishops and deacons reflects this division of labor (cf. Phil. 1:1). The deacons were responsible for ministering to the physical and material needs of the congregation, whereas the bishops or elders provided spiritual leadership. Obviously pastors and deacons worked closely together in the work of the church (Acts 6:1–7). (Believer’s Study Bible)

1 Timothy 3:11 The same Greek word (gunēg) can be used for “woman” or “wife.” Here, the NKJV translators have inserted “their,” indicating that in their judgment the reference is to deacons’ wives, rather than female assistants or deaconesses. If these are female assistants or deaconesses, it should be recognized that their ministry would certainly have been one of service and directed especially to women (cf. Titus 2:3–5). It is significant that no teaching/ruling assignment is present. If wives of deacons is the correct interpretation, their assignment would no doubt be to assist their husbands in service. Note that there are no similar instructions for bishops’ wives (cf. 3:8, note). (Believers’ Study Bible)

Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. Is it not that men are better, or more qualified. Nor is because women are less intelligent or inferior. It is simply the way God designed the local family and church body to be. Women are encouraged to use their gifts and teach other women and children (Titus 2:3-5). Really the main difference between men and women have to do with role of teaching and having authority over others – this role is identify by God as the chief distinction and difference in roles.

There are additional passages that can be looked at such as in 1 Corinthians and much more could be said. But for now, let’s conclude with what I think is a clear command in Scripture that says that spiritualy – men and women are equal (Gal. 3:28); women can be leaders in society (e.g. Deborah) just like men; women played an important role in the ministry of Jesus and well as an important role in the history of the church; men are not superior intellectually or otherwise – both man and woman are made in God’s image. But God does give men and women different roles in the setting of a church (and family). I think Scripture is clear on this distinction in the church. I may not fully understand, in light of current standards in society, but it is clear that men and women have different roles to fulfill in the church based on God’s word.

Because this issue is identified distinctly in the Bible, it is difficult to ignore it by saying things like – “let’s not divide over a non-essential issue” or “society will criticize this and therefore to be inviting to society, we should not take a stand on this issue” or “church problems back then don’t apply to us today”….etc. – these all fall short and contradict what Scripture does say on this subject. So, it is difficult to ignore. Again, ultimately we are accountable to God – who does not change, and not to the tenets of the world which does change.