What does God's word say about women in a pastoral office? It is very clear
and straight forward, read the following statements:
1 Corinthians 14:33-37 "For God is not the author of confusion,
but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence
in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak [as in
preaching]; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith
the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at
home: for it is a shame for women to speak [preach] in the church. What?
came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man
think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the
things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord [this is a
commandment from the Lord]."
1 Timothy 2:11-14 "Let the woman learn in silence with all
subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach [is not teaching
preaching?], nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the
woman being deceived was in the transgression."
Women were never to be ministers in the sense of being pastors and such, yet
they did and still do hold a valuable place in the ministry. There are many
examples of women ministering, but what does that mean? Let's examine these
verses for the true interpretation.
Luke 8:1-3 "...And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and
Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their
substance."
Not speaking of ministering in speech, but providing some substance, most
likely in the form of food, shelter, or clothing.
Romans 16:1-4 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a
servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord,
as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath
need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life
laid down their own necks:"
This one speaks of going about the business of securing items for many in the
church including Paul.
Acts 18:26 "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom
when Aquila and Priscilla had heard [listened to], they took him unto them [aside],
and expounded [explained] unto him the way of God more
perfectly."
This would have been the perfect time to show that it was ok for women to
preach in church, instead they took him aside.
An interesting point and something to think about here is that Adam was not
the one who was deceived or in transgression?
1 Timothy 3:1-5 "This is a true saying, If a man desire
the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be
blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good
behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no
striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not
covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in
subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his
own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"
Titus 1:5-6 "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou
shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in
every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of
one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly."
The Church has many offices, but, the responsibility of pastorialship was
reserved for qualified men only.
Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in
Christ Jesus."
There are those that claim the above text imply that it is ok for women
pastors, but this verse is speaking of the equality of salvation that is
available to all that seek it.
Though there were other women throughout the Bible as prophetesses, judges,
etc., there are no references to establish that women were indeed a normal part
of church leadership, but did strongly support the church in other roles. There
are many ways for women to serve, this is clearly not one of them.
