Women Pastors

Women Pastors

Recently I was involved in a conversation with other believers, on the issue of women pastors. It struck me during the conversation, that there has never been a single time when Ive been in this kind of conversation, or witnessed it, that there was ever a calm, rational attitude involved, from all participants. Instead, it becomes defensive, which leads to insulting, and deteriorates into just plain ugliness. Its a shame that this happens, but it does. Id like to address the issue here, from a purely biblical standpoint.

Just to be clear on this issue:

pastor in Hebrew is raah to tend a flock, or to rule
pastor in Greek is poimen shepherd (both denote a position of authority over others)

In 1Timothy, Paul writes to Timothy, who is a pastor in the church at Ephesus. Paul encourages Timothy in some serious pastoral matters, including false doctrine, public worship, and mature leadership. Beginning in chapter 2, verse 9, Paul writes about women in public worship. First he writes that women should be modest in their appearance, instead of flashy, because they should adorn themselves with good works (v.10), instead of fancy hairdos, or expensive jewelry or clothing. Paul is encouraging that being more concerned about good works, instead of material things (appearances), is where our focus should be. This is a reminder that our ACTIONS speak volumes over status symbols, such as where we shop, who does our hair, or the brand name on our clothing. God isnt impressed with such things, while He IS pleased with obediance to His will. In these passages, women are not forbidden (as some believe) by God, to braid their hair, have expensive jewelry or have fashionable clothing, instead, they (we) are encouraged to keep our focus on doing good works for the Lord. Paul says these are the things that become women professing godliness. Focus and priority have everything to do with this issue.

In verse 11, Paul goes on to make a statement that literally infuriates feminists, around the globe. Paul says let the woman learn in silence and with all subjection (submission). Submission is commonly thought of in society as being weak, or more bluntly, being a doormat. Yet God has an established order, in all things, including men and women. For the vital understanding of the act of submission in the life of a believer (man OR woman), we need to understand what is being said in these following passages:

Ephesians 5:22-33
Colossians 3:18-25
Hebrews 13:17
James 4:7,8
1Peter 3:1-12
1Peter 5:5-9

(I would strongly recommend you read them now, before going on with the rest of this article.)

Now onto verse 12.

But I suffer (permit) not, a woman to teach (keeping in mind Paul is talking about a woman teaching from the pulpit in a church), nor to usurp (have) authority, over a man, but to be in silence.

1Corinthians 14:34 says nearly the same thing in regards to women in public worship. Verse 35 goes on further to say its a shame for women to speak in church.

So where does this teaching come from? Did Paul make it up because he had something against women? Believe it or not, I have heard more than a few people actually say this. Of course Paul did not have anything against women, he was simply preaching what he also had been taught, straight from Scripture.

Genesis 3:16 and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. God established this order with Adam and Eve, as a direct result of the first sin. God Himself, said that women will be in subjection (submission) to their husbands. Again we read about this established order in 1Corinthians 11:3 the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.

So its God who has established this order. Himself, Christ, man, woman. There is none who can argue this if the above passages are all read in context. If anyone takes it upon themselves to alter this order in any way, they are in direct disobediance to God.

For example, if a man took it upon himself, to say that he was above Christ, in the order of all things, there isnt any true believer alive, that would not rebuke him into the floor, for such arrogant blasphemy. That would be to take a position of authority, that God clearly never gave him, and clearly defined as not being his. Yet women do it, and place themselves above men, and its become more and more accepted, in the church. When a woman takes the role of pastor, she is placing herself in a position of authority over the men in the congregation, and that goes directly against the Word of God.

WOMEN IN THE MINISTRY

Ministering to others is clearly not the same thing, as being in a pastoral role of leadership, in the church. While pastors DO minister, not all people who minister, are pastors. A womans personal ministry, is whatever call God has placed on her life. This could be as personal as a one-on-one role as a counselor or close friend, or a burden placed on her heart to get involved in a nation wide organization such as a pro-life movement, the homeless issue, or a childrens charity. The word minister, translated into the Greek language, is diakonia which is a term used to describe a servant, or someone who serves the needs of others. Technically, we are ALL called to minister, if were called to follow Jesus, since He also came to serve, to minister, to US.

WOMEN AS TEACHERS

I've already pointed out that women are not to be permitted to teach men. However this leaves a HUGE field wide open, for them (us) to teach other women, and children. And what a wonderful calling this is, for those who God has gifted to teach. I think most people can recall at least one woman teacher, somewhere along the road of life, who made a significant impact in their life. How much more important are women teachers in the church? Titus 3-5 gives us an example of a vital role for the older women in the church. They are to be the teachers of the younger women, in such things as: being sober (rational, sensible), to love their husbands & children, to be discreet (tactful), chaste (sexually pure), good homemakers, and obedient to their own husbands. This role of women teachers in the church is essential, if the younger women are to have any kind of example at all, to be inspired by.

WOMEN PREACHERS

This term can be someone confusing, but for all intents and purposes, a preacher and pastor are really the same thing. Preacher is just another title given to someone who stands behind the pulpit and delivers a message to the congregation. The preacher is in a position of authority over the flock. However this should not be misunderstood to mean, that women cannot preach the Word of God. The word preach itself, means to proclaim, or to publish. Preaching the Word is simply being obedient to the commandment Jesus gave us in Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. A women can proclaim the good news of Christ to her unsaved neighbor, friend, or co-worker or she can proclaim it to a large group of people, if so called to do that. The difference is in her role of authority. She is not claiming any authority over a man by proclaiming the gospel of Christ (and she is not in disobediance to His word over this issue).

SO WHERE DID WOMEN PASTORS COME FROM, ANYWAY?

I firmly believe that the wide (and getting wider) scope of acceptance of women as pastors, came straight out of the infamous womens movement that gave us such commonly known catch phrases as battle of the sexes. I believe the feminist movement itself, has blinded the spiritual eyes of many women who truly do love the Lord and desire to serve Him.

While Scripture is so clear on this issue, this feminist movement does not (in any way) encourage Scriptural obediance. The center of the movement, is SELF. Womens rights, womens lib, a womans choice, equality for women, etc., etc. (weve all heard all of these, and more, over and over again). Where does all that promotion of self (pride, ego) leave room for what God has to say about the womans role? It leaves Him outside the door, thats where. God (nor His word) does not come first in the feminist movement. The woman does. Her rights, her needs, her choices, her will, her feelings, and her pride. SHE is the center of her world, not the Lord Jesus Christ, and certainly not His word.

I believe this attitude, and this mode of thinking has found its way into the hearts and minds of women in the church, and seriously clouded their vision. Seriously clouded how they see God, His word, and themselves.

Im well aware that this not the popular, socially accepted, politically correct opinion, and I make no apologies for it. I stand on the Word of the Lord, and I strongly encourage all other women to do the same thing. Humble yourselves before the Lord God, and He will lift you up. Seek first the kingdom of Heaven, then all shall be added unto thee.

If this message has angered, upset, frustrated or confused you, I would recommend that you put aside all pre-conceived teachings or ideas you have on this issue, and study the passages of Scripture I have provided, and pray and ask God to reveal to you, the truth about what youve read here.

And He will.