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Does God Endorse Women “Pastors”?

Does God Endorse Women “Pastors”?

 

     Over the last few decades, as God’s Word is honored less and less, even by churches claiming to follow the Bible, many of them have experienced a big change regarding a woman’s role in church work. Many churches, today, have women as their “pastors.” Does Scripture speak to this issue? Indeed it does. Let’s notice 3 relevant points concerning this issue.
    
      First, the term “pastor” is another name for the position of a bishop, elder or shepherd--all four referring to the same office. For deeper study, you are encouraged to read Jason Jackson’s excellent article http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1178-what-is-a-pastor, which explains the term in greater detail.
    
     Second, the qualifications for bishops (a.k.a. pastors) are uniquely directed to men. Notice the terminology in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, “If a man desires the position of a bishop,” and he must be “the husband of one wife” (emp. added--dg). In Scripture, no qualifications are given for women to serve in the position of pastor.
    
    Third, the New Testament prohibits women from publicly teaching (religious doctrine) over men. 1 Corinthians 14:34 says, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says....” and 1 Timothy 2:12 says, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” How clear!
    
     To be precise, this should also be mentioned: to say that God does not authorize women to serve as pastors is not the same thing as saying women are less important than men. Certainly, women are just as important as men. In many respects they are superior to men; but God has given women a different role in the church than men--a role which must be acknowledged and respected. The church Jesus built (Matthew 16:18) respects and honors the boundaries He has placed within the body (2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18-19).