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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
There is perhaps no more hotly debated issue in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors/preachers. As a result, it is very important to not see this issue as men versus women. T...
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mary lee brewster
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is man; and the head of Christ is God. I Cor.11:3 This is the divine order of authority. A woman most certainly teach or preach to women or children,but when she tries to teach man she is out of Gods divine order.This is his perfect design. I believe we are taken back by the word authority,God never intended for it to be misused or abusive,if we could see that with Christ authority over man there is a total package of care,love and protection,and so it should be so with mans authority over women.
Singapore Moses
Women are not second class citizens in the Kingdom of God. In Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female (Gal 3:28). Both men and women have equal standing before God. The Father loves both alike (2 Cor 6:18). The husband and wife are "heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Pet 3:7). Women are not inferior to men, because one is not independent of the other (1 Cor 11:11,12). However, in the life and ministry of the Church there are certain boundaries set for women, for their own and common good. They can prophesy, that is, speak words of "edification, exhortation and comfort" under the anointing of the Spirit (Acts 2:17,18; 21:9; 1 Cor 14:3; 11:5). But the Bible does not permit them to "teach" (1 Tim 2:12). That is, a woman cannot teach doctrines in the Church. The teaching of doctrine carries with it a sense of authority and great responsibility (2 Cor 13:10; Js 3:1). This women are not called to do. Apostle Paul gives the reason why. "Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (1 Tim 2:14). Women in general are more prone to deception than men. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians that it was shameful for women to "speak" in Church, he was not referring to prophesying, praying or testifying (1 Cor 14:34,35). The Corinthian women were interrupting the speakers in the Church asking questions. Paul felt it was not decent and orderly. Therefore he suggested that the wives clear their doubts by discussing with their husbands at home (v 40). Each one should remain with God in that calling in which he is called (1 Cor 7:24). Instead of coveting the responsibilities delegated to men, women should specialise in areas where their gifts and talents can be gracefully used for the glory of God. Why touch the forbidden fruit when there are so many other fruits? For example, women can teach women how to fulfil their God-given role at home and in the society (Tit 2:4,5). We need Miriams to lead women in praise and worship (Ex 15:20,21). There is always a scarcity for Dorcases to show love in action (Acts 9:36,39; Prov 31:20). Women can serve as helpers in the ministrial teams, both locally and translocally (Lk 8:1-3; Phil 4:3; Rom 16:6). We read about a deaconess in the Church at Cenchrea (Rom 16:1,2). Undeniably women are the best teachers for children, because of their motherly character (Prov 1:8; 31:28). God has greatly used many women in the mission fields. In a country like India, especially in the rural areas, women alone can reach women. Nearly fifty percent of Indians is women! Wanted women like Anna to go on sharing the message of redemption! (Lk 2:36-38). As long as they don't assume a dominant role, wives are not prohibitted from sharing in the ministry of their husbands, like Priscilla (Acts 18:25,26). They can very well involve in counselling individuals or explaining the Scriptures even to men. The authoritative teaching in the common assembly is what is discouraged. They can always share words of edification and testimonies of God's grace. In the Bible about twenty apostles are named and all were male. The pastors or elders were always men. Note, an elder was to be the "husband" of one wife! (1 Tim 3:2; Tit 1:6). The leadership in the Church is reserved for men as in the home. Let's not reverse roles!
Jennifer Henkel
The short answer is.... NO. (And I'm a woman!) God gave the role of pastor to men, because they are directly under Christ, as head of the church. They are to LEAD. Satan has encouraged men to slack off and not do their job. This often leads to women stepping in to do the jobs men are not doing, because, by golly, SOMEBODY'S GOT TO DO IT! And so we usurp men's place in the church. And they let us, because it allows them to keep slacking.
Brenda Mabaso
A woman can not be a preacher, she was made to submit to a man not to have authority over a man. 1 Timothy 2:12-13 clearly states that a woman is not permitted to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first not Eve. 1 Corinthians 14:34 says that a woman should remain silent in the churches, and that they are not allowed to speak but must be in submission as the law says. That is when the worship is in order because our God is the God of order. 1 Timothy 3:2 also says if anyone wants to be an overseer, he should be a person with one wife, it does not say "a person with one husband." That clearly shows that its a man who should have authority but not a woman. Likewise Titus 1:6 also support this argument. In Titus 2:3-5 it is explained that Titus needed to teach older men, and older women..."then the older women will train younger women to love their husbands and children..." These scriptures are very straight forward and clear, they do not need to be analyzed but to be simply understood and applied. A woman need not be a preacher, period. Not unless we are doing things to please men not God. Our God is the God of order. In the old testament, the priests were Aaron's sons and there were no females who were assigned to be priests.
W P
This is a loaded question. Paul clearly said he prohibited women from taking certain leadership roles in the congregation. However, it's generally acknowledge by scholars that most ministries were still open for women, as long as they didn't involve leadership roles that required being 'vocal' in the congregation. Were His teachings just for a time when in Jewish history when women had few rights? Or was it a doctrine appropriate for the entire age we are currently in until Messiah returns and makes all things right again? Is there a curse that still lingers from the original curse God put on Eve and all womankind in Genesis? I would hate to think so, but perhaps that's the case. I don't know. In any case, whether man or woman, one of our first weapons against the enemy is to lay all things down before God, including any ministries that you think you may or may not be called or entitled to do. Several few years ago I was convinced I was going to be an important musician working for God. Creating worship music. The whole nine yards. Then I distinctly knew that God was calling me out of music. But I wanted to stay in the music ministry. Looking back now I think it's because I loved the attention. It was pride... pretty simple really. However, God wanted me to become a businessman. I knew it deep down. Eventually it took me 1 and 1/2 years of soul searching before I finally put down my instrument and just obeyed. Obedience is a huge thing with God. It's one of the things that's particularly interesting about Jesus' life. He obeyed His parents (even though they and He knew He was the Messiah). He obeyed and submitted himself to be baptised by John. He obeyed and allowed himself to be mocked, brutalised, tortured, and then shamefully 'slung' upon a cross - naked or mostly naked. Jesus' obedience is our model. There's true power in it.
Jim Tumlinson
In Ephesians He gave some apostles, prohpets, pastors, teacher, evangelist. It did not say what gender they had to be. You are a spirit who lives in either a male or female body. Heb 10:2 says we shouldn't be conscience of sin. So thinking that way is out. The thing that is most important to God is people. If you are a woman pastor etc then love people, care for Gods people, disciple them and help the others into the kingdom. God is not mad because you are a woman pastor or preacher. Actually He is happy that you are courageous enough to take that role since it can be a difficult one many times. You go for it and don't let legalism or nay sayers keep you down. Love God and love others <:)
Pepukai Chitakira
Maybe the best is to ask The Holy Spirit to answer this question. He is the one who gives the gifts at his own volition. I guess if a woman has been given a gift, the expectation is that she should use it. It does not matter what people think because failure to use that which God has given you has its own consequences. Refer to the parable of talents. Also when Jesus send the 70 he send them 2 by two to minister. That included women. The third point is that what is Church and what is the purpose of teaching and preaching. Jesus said the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few. He never spoke of men and women. The fact that he did not call a woman among the twelve does not mean that he does recognize women for the role. He was silent about it and there no reason why we should conclude by exclusion. Those that are against women ministers are mainly using one witness Paul. My guess is that Paul would not mind so long they also preach the Gospel of Christ. There is probably very good reasons why for the specific assembly he did want women to teach. The answer is we do not know and we should not guess! We are living in this time where we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and if we listen to the Holy Spirit we will not go wrong! If God calls a woman into the ministry who I am to say no! Who am I to judge or to disqualify another man's servant?
Shanna Duck
I understand this disagreement at a personal level. I have a master's degree in a history-related field, was an archivist/curator for a number of years, and have studied theology and church history fairly extensively in some areas for several decades. There have been times that I've bucked and times when I've sat under teachers who've made gross Biblical errors, or who taught complete fluff. I'll admit that it's hard to do. It makes me wish I could teach a mixed-class Sunday School. But onward and upward... In seeing these same verses over and over, I think we get a sort of tunnel-vision and often consider this subject in isolation. So, rather than hashing out all the verses again, I’d like to raise a few issues. I realize this may not answer the question at hand, but it may help each of us understand the ASSUMPTIONS that may influence our interpretation of these scriptures. This isn't an accusation of any individual. Each person must consider these and wrestle with them himself/herself. 1) Are we, no matter what our sex, in wanting a certain gift or position of authority, really serving CHRIST or our own spiritual ambition? Would we still, out of pure love and obedience, practice the same gift if it were despised, ridiculed, demeaned, hidden, or put us in danger? 2) Is our system of Biblical interpretation consistent and logical, or are our interpretations molded to fit a worldly paradigm? Are we simply parroting what we've heard others say rather than really studying the subject? I’d say that, honestly, we MUST recognize that WE ARE ALL influenced, more or less, by a) The Worldly lust for power, plus our natural temperament, fleshly desires, fears, desires for self-worth and affirmation, and sometimes ambition. (This isn’t pointed only at women. Go to a Bible college. Watch some of the young pastors and listen to their motivations for going into the ministry.) b) our heritage (US) that encourages independence and disdain for traditional authority-structures. This reluctance to submit to even godly authority applies to both Christian men and women, at least in the U.S. c) the influence of Worldly Feminism in our schools, colleges, and media that has i.) taught that men & patriarchal systems have a long history of abusing and oppressing women. Young women are often taught that the Church is one such patriarchal system. ii.) that submission equals inferiority and also puts a woman in danger of abuse. (Fear of submission) iii.) stereotyped and demeaned women’s traditional roles in the home & family, falsely presenting them as menial and somehow being worth less and taking less intelligence than doing the same tasks for pay outside the home. iv) demanded equality of position & complete equality in job selection (so that women don’t have to rely on men), whereas the Bible teaches spiritual equality but temporal distinctions in hierarchy. d) Worldly Materialism & Communism. Let’s face it: the World values power, wealth, and position. Its “golden rule” is “he who has the gold makes the rules.” Many Christians now put little stock in intangible heavenly rewards or spiritual growth, preferring more tangible Earthly positions of leadership, earthly power, and gain. Some of this may be traced to our increasingly secular & materialistic society; some to philosophies such as Communism that have presented Christianity as means of oppressing the masses by (to them, false,) “pie in the sky” promises. e) The Worldly idea that the ends justify the means. Finally, we have to remember that the Bible usually runs counter to Worldly philosophies and our natural desires, assumptions, intuitions, and inclinations. In the end, the reverence and authority that we give to the Bible, as opposed to the sway we allow current worldly paradigms and pop psychology, will heavily influence how we interpret scripture on subjects such as this.
Brother Joshua
As the above topic indicated Can a woman be a pastor or preacher? the way we understand God's words determine how we define it and explain it, but explaining the word of God with our earthly wisdom contradict God's perspective towards man kind, he say in Romans 11:29 KJV For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Ephesians 4:11 KJV And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. The above mentioned scripture didn't specify whether man or women, therefore placing restrictions on the ministry of women contradict God's perspective towards new testament order. Meanwhile placing restrictions on the ministry of women stands as discrimination in body of Jesus Christ, Romans 12 :4-9. Therefore i see no reason why we should stop women from preaching the word of God, even today i have see so many women who are even more powerful than men for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance and qualifications. God bless Brother Joshua
Jennifer Rothnie
Supporter
Firstly: Just what is the office of a pastor? Is it the same, or different than it was in the early church? Elders of the early church were appointed among the local men to decide issues and send missives to other elders in other cities. (Titus 1:5, Acts 14:21-23) There were slight crossovers with modern pastors, such as teaching and some authority over the church (I Tim 5:17), but also pointed differences. These elders were not bound to one house or group. Not all teachers were elders, and not all elders taught. The primary duty of the elders was to shepherd the flock of God, such as teaching, deciding controversies, guarding against false teachings, etc. This was over their smaller local groups, or in coming together to shepherd the whole church. It seems strongly implied in scripture that all of these elders be men (Titus 1:5-7). On whether woman can fill the role of a 'modern' pastor is a bit trickier: Women could teach alongside their husbands, even other men or teachers (Acts 18:18-28) Women could teach their own family (II Tim 1:5, Prov 31:1, Prov 31:26) Women could testify to Christ to men (John 20:18, Luke 2:36-38, Luke 19:37-40) Women could prophesy (II Kings 22:15-20, Acts 2:17-18, Luke 1:16-55, I Cor 11:5) Women could evangelize (Acts 8:4, Matt 13:31-33) Women and widows could have various manners of authority in the church (Judges 4-5, Micah 6:4, Rom 16:1-2) [Paul says Phoebe is a 'woman set before many', vs. Benefactor as often errantly translated without basis in the greek or in scripture]. Women could host a church or gathering (Rom 16:3-4, Col 4:15, Acts 12:12) Women could be apostles (Rom 16:7) Women could lead a hymn in worship (I Cor 14:26) [Though this is to build up the assembly, not usurp authority over it]. Women could pray in the assembly (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:41-42) Women could judge in disputes (Judges 4) Women could be disciple making disciples for Christ (Acts 19:33) Women could be deacons (again different than our modern use): Rom 16:1-3, I Cor 3:5-9 Women could be co-workers with the apostles in the work of the gospel (I Cor 3:5-15, Rom 16:3) Women could work hard for the sake of the Lord (Rom 16:6, Rom 16:12) Women could participate in the assembly even with words of instruction (I Cor 14:26) However: - Wives could *not* teach in a manner that took authority -over- their husband. (I Tim 2:12) [This a greek hendiady, a form of expression, that conjoins two terms. In this case, it groups teaching with the violent seizing of authority. Neither are independent of the other, though it is clear from further context that it is the reversal in authority that makes the teaching bad (I Tim 2:13)]. - Wives could not interrupt the assembly with questions to their husbands Women were to be peaceful and not gossip/distract during the assembly. They were to be silent and keep peace (I Cor 14:34-35) [this not being the silence of non-participation, as that would contradict the verses sandwiching it I Cor 14:26-28 and I Cor 14:36-40, but the silence of temperance, good order, not interrupting others, submission, etc. What of women pastors, then, in today's society? Keeping these principles; male and female both participate in the church, wives should be subject to their husbands, and everything in good order; some basic guidelines can be proposed: - A wife should not be pastor over her husband. - A women could possibly be an associate pastor on the finance board or over youth ministry, women's ministry, worship, etc [going by modern use]. - A wife could be a pastor alongside her husband, but he must have the higher authority - Widows could possibly be pastors whether at home or abroad in other countries. - All women can prophesy and evangelize, though with due respect to their husbands or fathers if they have them.
Bruce Lyon
Ro 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Interesting, Junia is listed who was of note among the apostles, a high position for a woman. Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Notice Priscilla a woman is placed before her husband, and she with her husband instructed Apollo on the the way of God more perfectly. Acts 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Notice: Ga 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 is no distinction between male or female is they are in the anointed one Jesus. Acts 21:8-9: And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. These daughters of Philip didn't prophecy in a corner, they did so whenever the holy spirit guided them too and most probably in the assembly where all could benefit from that God's spirit had to say to the congregation as a whole! Yes, a woman can minister to the called-out assembly of God.
Nzechukwu Ikeri
I believe we tend to have an old testament approach to the teachings and doctrines of Jesus Christ, where we follow the letter blindly and not the spirit. Sometimes things are not always as we expect.Jesus' disciples plucking the ears of corn to eat on the Sabbath day (a clear disobedience of the letter of the law) or David's eating of the bread of the temple are typical example Lk 6:1-5. Paul indeed says many things about women and preaching, but Jesus tells Mary Magdalene (a woman) to tell his disciples (men)of his resurrection Jn 20:17, Mk 16:7, Mt 28:10. What more is preaching but telling others of the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ Ac 2:22-36. So as long as a preacher is someone commissioned by Christ to preach the gospel I believe that women can by all means be preachers. Afterall the words they preach are not their own words but the words given to them (just as in the case of Mary Magdalene) by Jesus Christ.
Simon Cropper
“Can a woman be a pastor or preacher?” I reckon the question is poorly couched and has caused a great deal of miscommunication as a result of being poorly understood; I can see two obvious interpretations of the question as it stands. Q1. Should women be ordained ministers or priests? Q2. Can women preach the Gospel? All scripture is inspired of the Holy Spirit, 2 Timothy 3:16 and therefor you cannot say that one part of scripture outweighs or overrides another. Genesis 2:7 God created man in His own image and placed man, Adam, in the Garden of Eden… Genesis 2:15 Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2:23 And Adam said “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” When God decided to manifest His Word in flesh upon the earth as a corporeal being, Romans 1:23, did he create Christ as a hermaphrodite, or a genderless human being? No God did not; God created Christ to be a man in His own image! Jesus Christ the Son of God… When Jesus makes reference to God, does He say “God my mother” or “God the genderless being”? No He does not, Jesus refers to God as His Father! Throughout the Bible it is clear that God has placed men in a position of power and authority over all. As I perceive scripture, the answer to the first question is a resounding NO; women cannot be a Priest or ordained Minister! I don’t think I need to convince anyone that women can of course preach the good news as any other apostle may do. Women can and do preach, teach, shepherd, coach, lead, possess gifts and have their own ministries. But women should not be ordained and cannot have authority over men.
Laurn Smith
It seems that the new testament "Word of God' has been replaced by what seems right in our own eyes. Men and women all have duties and opportunities to serve God. However, if we choose to follow our own ideas of how we are to serve God and which of his plans we will follow, have we not replaced God with ourselves. Men and women all do have things to accomplish in God's kingdom. If they follow the plan that God laid out, their works will have the greatest effect in the kingdom. When we go outside of God's plan we let pride enter in and we begin to share in the glory. When some say that Paul was speaking of conditions in the early church, we are discounting that the bible is an account of God speaking through his ministers. God's words do not change with time. When he said that women are not to teach or usurp authority over men, he meant that and only that. Certainly, women then and now have a great influence in God's kingdom. They do teach other women and children in the public arena. They do other teaching in their homes and in "less" public arenas. These things are as they should be. A final thought. When we think that things have changed and we can do things the way it seems reasonable for our times, we are in fact saying that " the end justifies the means". God says that "my ways are not your ways". I cast my lot with God's words.
Mary McDonald
There are many excellent answers above, my point is this: God made Adam and Eve to be equal partners in their specific roles in a perfect Paradise. They chose to sin. In the fall God proclaimed punishment to the devil, then to both Adam and Eve. To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” My primary point is the final words he gave Eve... "And he shall rule over you." There was no Church at this point, just one man and one woman. One woman who led the man into sin. One woman introduced sin and strife to them both because Adam willingly followed her not God. This is also BEFORE Christ came. The Holy Spirit did not indwell anyone. Women became subservient to men down through the Old Testament until they were held in the same worth as nothing more than a possession, as a lamp, table, or animal, to be used, abused, and done away with as her husband, or men and society in general, desired. It was Jesus who went about teaching about grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness of all, but He particularly stressed and reinstated the worth and value of women, whom fallen men had belittled to nothing more than possessions for their own needs, pleasures, and use. Thankfully it was Christ THE advocate who put women back on equality with men and all humanity. However, this did not change the roles set about by the curse in the Garden, they remain. (Childbirth is still painful, and men still toil) This was, and is, the same hierarchy of the Church as instructed through God's Word! It isn't that women aren't as faithful, capable, spiritual, or intelligent as men, it is because we are still UNDER the curse. Under certain circumstances a women can convince a man to do just about anything, as Eve did, and it still happens everyday! Therefore God put man to "rule over" women, rather than for women to be Pastors, leaders, etc. Over MEN. Women may not like it at all, as I'm sure mankind didn't want their curse either, but IT IS the punishment for the sin of rejecting God's instruction for our own selfish desires.
Christabel N. Onuoha
Reading through the various answers that vehemently indicate that a woman is prohibited by scripture from preaching or pastoring a congregation, is quite disheartening. This belief system will limit the full potentials and capability of the church in a generation that's fast seeking to eliminate Christ, the Church and Christianity from its vocabulary and it's community. Personally, I think that the context and "spirit" of the proposing answers is wrong, and as a result, the conclusion is wrong. If the context is wrong, the conclusion surely will be wrong. On the day of Pentecost, Peter re-iterated Joel's PROPHECY, "It shall come to pass in that day, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh... Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy (preach)..." This was the message preached on the day the Church was born. That day began on Pentecost and continues. The spirit (not the letter) of Paul's writings in 1Timothy 2:11-14, does not in anyway suggest the "milky" interpretation that some responders are proposing. Deborah, Priscilla, Phoebe, Mary Magdaline, The Samaritan woman by the well (who brought all the MEN in the city to Jesus), Aimee McPherson, Kathryn Kulhman, Juanita Bynum, Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Jasmin Sculark...etc, I guess both they and God must have gotten it all twisted. Brothers and sisters, God is sovereign, He has always anointed whosoever He wills, regardless of gender, race, age or social status. We don't call ourselves, He calls us. We don't anoint ourselves, He anoints us. We don't gift ourselves, God gifts us all according to His will. And when God gifts you, calls you, and anoints you, He expects you to use it to its FULLEST capacity for His glory! Male or Female, Jew or Greek, Black or White, Rich or Poor... God is "gender blind". Years back, this question was asked concerning race, today we're asking same question on gender. I hope it doesn't take us that much longer to embrace an obvious truth. Blessings.
Chevone Horne
Jesus gave women the authority to spread the gospel in Mark 16 when He sent them from the tomb telling them to tell the others that He went before them in Galilee. Women have every right to preach and teach the word because Jesus Himself sent them out with a word to give. "And the Women Came First" gives a great account of the capacity in which women are able to serve using this scripture as its basis.
Charmaine Tomè
Can a woman be a preacher or a leader in ministry? Yes! I am a woman and God called me personally. The scripture meaning in 1 Cor. 14:34 does not contradict the fact that women were free to pray and prophecy in the church (1 Cor 11:5; 13; Acts 2:16-21; 21:9; Joel 2:28-32). If they will learn anything (not preach, pray, testify, or prophesy) then let them ask their husbands at home and not in church. This is the meaning in 1 Cor 14:34.
Salem Markus Purba
Why not?; God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female. (Genesis 1:27). In the Old Covenant there were a women who were prophets, and so were some in the New Covenant.
Darrell McKnight
God in the Scriptures has already answered this question! People keep asking this debated question for centuries as if God is going to change His mind. Read (Hebrews 13:8). God loves all of us equally but He has assigned different roles for men and women when it comes to His church. (1 Corinthians 14:26-40, 1 Timothy 9-15). Read carefully 1 Corinthians 14:36..! Just as people have the right to set rules in their own house well, God has the divine authority to set rules in His house we call the Church. We must abide by these guidelines or it is going against the one and true creator of everyone and everything. Sure a woman can preach but she cannot be the Pastor of a church because the Word of God says so! The books of 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 explains this. We must speak where the Bible speaks and not add or guess! The Scriptures are not outdated for the Word of God will stand forever!
Victory Turner
The bible is the unalterable, infallible Word of God; it is written in types and shadows. We know in part and we prophesy in part; I Cor 9. The Old Testament is written for our example; and even portions of the New Testament are written as an example to us. Christ came to become a perfect sacrifice for our sins. God cannot be placed in a box! To assume that we as mere humans know and completely understand the mind of almighty God is ludicrous. To use the bible to stifle the teachings of a woman simply because she is a woman is discriminatory in nature and historically has been the foundation for abuse. Coincidentally, some of those who were closest to Jesus during his earthly ministry were women; some of those who willing waited at the cross during the crucifixion were women; those who tended to him after the crucifixion were women. Having been a part of this up close and personal experience certainly changed them forever; in terms of hands-on full time ministry surely they received the insight and knowledge they needed to teach others. So we should believe that because their stories weren't told, they went back to their normal lives after such an encounter? If Eph 4:11 is in reference to all of God's people, how can leadership be deemed gender specific? Should we assume certain races or colors should be excluded because they were not mentioned? What about age or social status? Truly, God allows our free will and reign, but if the movement of faithful, God-fearing women being in leadership in the church is offensive and "wrong" let God correct it in His own timing. The premature judgment of the matter seems out of place.
JEAN KABUYA
Blessings; Going to the Old Testament; in the days when men ruled families and nations and women were typically considered minors in court, Deborah became one of Israel’s most charismatic Judges. A prophet as well as a Judge, she held court under a palm tree in the hills of central Israel.How she rose to power in a male-dominated society is anyone’s guess. But it might have to do with the kind of God-connection and the determination she showed in calling her people to battle. But, Deborah knowing her position and the word of God; see Genesi 3:16... sent for Barak to lead the army against the Canaanite King Jabin. Please read Judges 4:4+ This is the order, not disorder, for out God is a God of order and not confusion. In 1 John 5:19 We read: "Let us not be seduced from the evil one. For he is in the world seducing it continually" (This is the continuous present tense) The Feminism and the (Woman) Equal Right are human's and should not over-write what The Word of The Lord God; they are of this world led by a carnal mind of the corrupted human's mind The Lord God Said: Genesis 3:16 Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”. And know also that any man's way looks right to his sight, but this ends in disaster. The husband shall rule over a wife. Let’s render to God what is God’s, and to Caesar what is Caesar’s. The word of God is immutable, infallible and eternal. He never Changed this word (Sentence); neither Jesus Christ (THE WORD) ever changed it.For until today every thing is as the same as then. Until today Genesis chapter 3 is presently ongoing: For Satan, for the man as well as for the woman. Please read verse Genesis 1:26-31; 2:15-25 and Chapter 3: 14-24: Unless you come to Jesus and accept God's grace; The sin of Adam. The sins of the ancestors and your personal sins are imputed (placed on) on Jesus that; Jesus' Righteouness became ours and that our curses were placed on Jesus-Christ; who crucified it on the cross and finished all. Until today the circle continues: Satan's enmity to God and to you. (Genesis 3:15) The woman's child bearing and submission (Genesis 3:16) The man has to work hard to survive till he returns to earth where he was taken from, (Genesis 3:17-20) You would like to see also what the others have stipulated: Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.... Titus 1:5-9 Qualification for elders. Note these are for a man... "the husband of one wife" This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Stay blessed and faithful to the word of God.
Meshack Gachago
WOMEN IN MINISTRY Is it possible and is it allowed for women to pray, prophesy, preach and to teach? This question will be looked into indirectly. Does a covering on a woman’s head allow her to minister? Paul writes, “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also”. (Rom. 16:1-2). “Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord (Rom.16:12). To Eudia and Syntyche Paul says to the Philippians; “… help those women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel…” (Phil. 4:3). Mature and tested women can teach and equip others (Titus 2: 4). They can tell the good news – preach. (Jn. 4:39,42). Jesus sent Mary to tell the disciples he was risen (Jn20: 17-18). Note that when the Bible lists or describes all ministry gifts and functions, it does not categorize which ones are for men and which ones are for women. (Rom.12: 6-8; See Eph. 4:7, 11; 1 Cor. 12:12; 27- 31). Paul did not allow immature and unstable women to preach or to teach. Even men who fall into this category also should not teach or preach. (1 Tim. 2: 11-12; 1 Tim. 5:20; 3Jm. V.9, 11 Tim. 2: 14-19). Women can prophesy... so that all can be edified; and therefore they can be in active ministry and in leadership placement as gifted and ordained of the Lord. Matters of submission affects all who are called into ministry whether men or women. (Acts 2:17, 21: 8-9).
Kenn Smith
Qualifications. First Timothy 3:1–7: *One must seek the office *Must be without reproach *A husband of one wife *Self-controlled *Sober-minded *Orderly *Hospitable *Able to teach *Not a drunkard *Not violent but gentle *Not quarrelsome *Not a lover of money *Must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive *Must not be a recent convert *Moreover, must be well thought of by outsiders Titus 1:5–9: *Above reproach *A husband of one wife *His children are believers not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. *Not arrogant *Not quick-tempered *Not a drunkard *Not violent *Not greedy for gain *Hospitable *A lover of good *Self-controlled *Upright *Holy *Disciplined *Must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught In love.
John Smith
Utilizing both male and female pastors actually features the unique contributions that each gender brings. Women Pastors will help spread Gods word around the world. Scripture abounds with examples of strong women exercising leading roles within and outside the church. From Sarah, Miriam, and Ester to Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan women at the well.
Ezekiel Kimosop
Can a woman serve as a pastor or preacher? Absolutely yes but she cannot rule or exercise spiritual authority over a church assembly without violating the Scripture. I will prove my point below. My view is that we need to interpret Scripture in a consistent manner based on what it teaches on an issue. I believe the Scriptures expressly contemplate male leadership in a Christian congregation. I have nothing against our sisters in the faith but we need to be faithful to truths of Scripture and interpret its teaching without emotional bias or defensiveness which I am reading from a number of answers and comments. If we examine Paul's teaching across his key letters that address the issue of church leadership, we notice four critical grounds in support of male leadership: 1) First, Paul appealed to the law (1Cor.11:3). My view here is that Paul meant that it was evident from the Law of Moses that male leadership was intended in priestly service. 2) In 1 Cor. 11:16, Paul appeals to custom, saying that it was the custom in all the churches to run the ministry under male leadership. This requirement was therefore universal in scope. 3) He appeals to the creation order (1Cor.11:8-9, 1). He says that Adam was created first, then Eve. 4) Finally Paul referred to the order of the Fall of Adam(1Tim2:14), saying it was the woman who was deceived. These are biblical truths that, in my view, cannot be restricted to local application in the Ephesian and Corinthian contexts. Paul's conclusion was therefore that male leadership was intended for the church in all ages and that it was God's divine order. My concluding view is that we can only dispute this position if we first set aside Paul's apostolic authority which would be preposterous in this case. None of the New Testament writers disputed or contradicted Paul's teaching and we can only safely assume that his teaching is of a universal application in all church ages. Whereas women may serve as pastors and even Bible teachers, my view based on my examination of the scriptures is that they can only do so under spiritual male authority. They cannot rule an assembly or number of assemblies. This then implies that a woman cannot be installed as a church bishop, overseer or elder of a church congregation without violating the scriptures (cf. Also 1 Timothy 3:1-13).
Kombo Linnet
Jesus came to bring a new law, the greatest commandment of all, which is LOVE. Paul on the other hand didn't give us commandments, he gave us instructions that would help the church and help us live in love as Christians. Because he was planting Christian churches, he gave instructions that would help the church stand and some serve the churches best at that time. But praise be to Jesus, the church is no longer new but it has grown. All that Paul gave were instructions told to him by the holy spirit given to him by Jesus. Many churches are turning these instructions to law, the very thing that Jesus came to replace with LOVE. It's like in the old days, when the Pharisees were so blinded by the law that they couldn't see the miracles and great things God was doing through Jesus. God is using some women to increase His kingdom. Lives are being saved, yet some are blinded by instructions. Yes, instructions are important and helpful, but we need to open our eyes and see what Jesus is doing in this generation.
Delores Easthom
My opinion is that women being quiet in the church, means that if they have questions, they should ask their husbands at home. This was so they would not interrupt the service, but wait and ask their husbands at home. They were allowed to prophesy under God's annointing. They were to be in subjection to their husbands as the head of their husband, just as the man is subject as under God. We should ALL rejoice and witness to the world of the good news of the gospel.
David Razunguzwa
I do not believe women should be pastors or ministers of the gospel because there are too many scriptures that prohibit than those that do allow (if any) i.e 1 Timothy 2:12-13 1 Corinthians 14:34 1 Timothy 3:2 Also we don't read or we do not have a record of women priests on the Old Testament. One good thing about the bible is that it flows from start to end, it does not criticize itself. So God did not ordain any woman priest in OT, neither did the NT expressly ordain any. The question now is, in our modern Christianity where do we find these things which are unscriptural? If the BIBLE had been silent on them, then we might have had an excuse...but it is expressly prohibited!
Matthew Miller
Supporter
The Bible is wisdom from God, if we follow what is taught we will succeed entering the gates of Heaven. The Old Testament teaches to have faith in God, the New Testament teaches what our faith in God will do for us individually that Glorifies God and help others come to know God. The Old Testament is an account from life which every event people struggle through and have endured has been listed. New Testament is God's answer to the Glory of peace, comfort, and love which was sought after in the Old Testament. Why woman should not be Pastors, Judges 4 Deborah, The book of Ruth, The Book of Ester, The book of Joshua; Rahab the mother of Boaz who the father of Obed and Grandfather of King David, and Mary who gave birth to our Savior Jesus. The important role woman have in the Bible, if lead by the Holy Spirit, is to be the conformation of what God has set forth as righteous. Proverbs 1: 8-9, 8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. Men represent the authority of God's divine lesson, Woman are representing passion, love, respect, and most of all honor. Earthly fathers teach wisdom, what is righteousness, and respect. Mothers teach their children by confirming what is known by the Holy Spirit to be righteous, respectful, and the application of wisdom. Wives who are lead by the Holy Spirit will confirm if their husband are right or wrong, husbands who are guided by the Holy Spirit will acknowledge the wife instructions. If you have a wise husband, his wisdom will always lead him to remember the mothers confirmations as a child, and why God directed him to the wife he married. Ephesians 5: 25-33 when reading this, remember that God places the Holy Spirit in our hearts to understand WISDOM. When a husband strays from truth the wife is their to be a confirming helpmate acknowledging the husband is wrong.
Lawrence wong
My opinion and observation is that each church can do as it pleases. It is a fact that women are ordained, and allowed to speak and teach in churches, though not all. As Danny correctly points out, the gifts are given without prejudice. The confusion arises from placing the Holy Spirit's prescriptions for the Ekklesia into Church settings which interprete the roles differently (some even ordaining Homosexuals and lesbians). I believe the proper context of the teaching of the roles of men and women should be the Ekklesia. All the epistles were written to the Ekklesia in a locality not to churches. This word has been translated incorrectly as "Church" or "number" or "group". For instance Acts 2:47b "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" NKJV. NASB says "And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved". Moffat, NEB has "number" and Good News "group". The Greek says Ekklesia. According to Strong's concordance Ekklesia occurs 111 times. The Holy Spirit created the Ekklesia, not the church system. If we can agree that the proper context is Ekklesia, then we have a fresh approach to the role of women in anything. I am not against women. I am married with children and grandchildren. But what does our Heavenly Father and Christ think? The Ekklesia is the glorified body of Christ created on SHAVUOT, Pentecost 30-31 C.E. Christ is the Head, and each Disciple and his household (oikos) vital member parts of His Body (Ac 16:31; Col 1:18; 1 Cor 12; Ep 4:16). It is the oikos which is the important human component of the Ekklesia (Ac 16:31). The order of authority of each oikos is first Christ, second the Man head, then woman (1 Cor 11:3), then children who must obey their parents (Eph 6:1-4). Both husband and wife are to be submitted to one another and both to Christ - but the Man must assume his role as human Head under Christ to protect and provide for his oikos in agape love (Eph 5:15- 6.1). His wife is submitted to her man (Ep 5:22). Lawrence New Zealand
gerald heard
Brother and sisters, we all know the Holy Spirit can come upon anyone. Who are we to say a woman can't preach? I would say to you all: God's word can be preached by anyone that God has placed the Holy Spirit on. With this said I will pray about it and would ask you to do the same. :)
Jack Gutknecht
Can a woman/wife be a pastor or preacher? Nope, not recommended: “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet” (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In other words, this would be usurping or usurpation of a man's authority.
Danny Dinglasan
There was an issue or problem as to why Paul wrote about I Timothy 2:11 and I Corinthians 14:34 pertaining to women keeping silent in the Church. By looking at the literary and historical context, there was disorder in public worship where women were involved. The unauthorized disrupting and violation of cultural practice, which implies of dishonoring those in authority, is unacceptable whether it is done by man or woman. Let us take specifically the issue of the abuse of the gift in I Corinthians 14: The gift of tongues was prioritized by the believers then and neglected another gift to make it beneficial to the body, the gift of interpretation of tongues. Paul told them all, both men and women, to stop it unless the gift of tongues was interpreted to edify the Church. The problem of dishonoring those in authority and unauthorized disrupting and creating disorder in public worship are qualified reasons to command anyone in any gender to keep silent to preserve unity and strength of the body of Christ. This is the reason and basis and has nothing to do with gender because I know when the Holy Spirit gave gifts, he has no favoritism, woman and man are equal and both can be used effectively in the ministry.
Jose Evangelista
In the Old Testament, the tribe of Levi was designated priestly line: all priest must come from this line. But Israel breached their covenant -- however, this covenant was renewed by Christ, because of God's unconditional promise to Abraham. In the New Covenant, Jesus changed the priesthood. He now becomes our only Priest and only Rabi, and "one Father" (in reference to the Heavenly Father). Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He left his disciples in charge of His "church" (assembly/ congregation). Some of his ardent disciples/ followers were women -- like Mary Magdalene. So yes! Women can now be pastor of a Christian church, because they are only acting as minister, helper, or caretaker of the Church. Jesus, through the aid of the Holy Spirit, remained the only One Priest, Rabi, Pastor, and Shepherd of his church.
David Buyna
I have for some time failed to understand the hype concerning women in the church. Gal_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. Then it was showed to me Eph_5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. and 1Ti_3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Then something else occurred to me this day God made man in His image. Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Gen_1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. God made man in His Image male and female made He them. In the text we see God made man first, then He removed the female from the man. Then I thought more on this. Gen_2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. and Mat_19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. It is no wonder to me that a man and a woman complete each other. We were designed two halves of a whole, molded after the image of God. What does all this have to do with women preaching or being submissive? Well if you are not one flesh you are not reflecting the whole image of God. We should be so in tune with each other that if a man is a preacher his wife should be a vital part of his ministry, and obviously Christ should be the head of it. Okay that is my two cents.
Wesley Miller
The “or” is incorrect in the English text. It is a correlative conjunction combining teaching and authority. The tense is ongoing in the prohibition. Also it is the pretext to the passage on Elder which is only one of the three Greek words used in Acts 20 for this gift or service. It is referring to authority/rule not care or maturity which are the other 2 used of a leader. It doesn’t substantiate a woman Elder but it doesn’t prohibit women from speaking. There was chaos from women cults in worship at Ephesus and Corinth (Cybele, Diana, Artemis, Dyonesis). It’s a part of good hermeneutic practice to consider the culture affecting the church. If women were to shut up and remain silent altogether then the same word used of men earlier in 1 Tim 2 of men leading a quiet/silent (same word) would encourage men to shut up too in worship. It’s an authority and order issue, not a speaking issue.
Allen Miole
The bible tells us after resurrection, Jesus went to meet His disciples and particularly (in spite of being denied not only once but trice!) Jesus had an intimate conversation with Peter asking him not only once but 3 times "Do you love Me?" Every time Peter responds "yes,", the Lord replies "Feed my sheep". In relation to the above incident, we should ask "What is being a pastor? Was it really mentioned in the Bible? Is Apostle Paul a pastor? Here the disciples pastors?" Pastor was derived from "pasteur" or sheep herder... maybe in the olden times, sheep herders or pastors were either boys or men, but the Bible also speaks of girls or women tending and herding sheep. We have the ultimate and great pastor who lays His life down should one soul go astray. May the Holy Spirit grant us the wisdom to do God's commandment and endure these trying times till the day of His return, which is our hope of glory.
Roman CIERESZKO
All the restrictions and regulations for Christian men and women in the visible, physical church, family, and world are correct. A Christian woman is submitted to the church leaders, to her husband in the family, and the government authority in the world. But Scripture also speaks of another invisible, spiritual dimension: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free there is neither male nor female for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). If there is no woman in Christ, there is no spiritual limits to her as there is no woman in Christ. If she is not woman, then who she is? She is the person anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve in the church according to God’s calling. There is no spiritual limit according to sex in Christ, for there is neither female nor male in Him. In the visible, physical world woman is still doing her biblical duties of wife and mother; however in the spiritual world she is the vessel of God’s work in Christ, anointed by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit distributes to each one individually as He wills (1 Cor. 12:11). For there is no partiality with God (Acts 10:34). To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ gift (Eph. 4:7), not according to the physical differences.
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