As times change and society changes, many new questions have emerged on old Church topics that were previously thought to be indisputable. One of these topics is the role of women in the Church. Where once it was generally accepted with little debate that women were not given the responsibility to be pastors by God, we now see, across our college campus, that this is decided in the other direction: women should be able to be pastors. I will approach, from a Biblical perspective, whether a woman should be a pastor.
What are we told in the Old Testament? Chabag.org, a prominent website on Jewish Old Testament tradition, discusses the qualifications for priesthood in the Old Testament: “The first criterion any high priest must meet is that he must be of priestly descent—i.e., a direct descendant (following the male line).” The Jewish religion only uses the Old Testament as its authority. In the Old Testament, there is no evidence of female priests.
What are we told in the New Testament? In 1 Timothy 2:11-12, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; rather, she must remain quiet.” As these verses are explained on enduringword.com, “Paul’s meaning seems clear. Women are not to have the role of teaching authority in the Church. To be under authority is the principle; not teaching is the application.” Women and men are under the authority of God and His Word. This verse tells us that women are under the authority of men within the Church and are not to be the teachers of men. While women are not given the responsibility, by God, to be pastors, this verse does not mean they cannot hold leadership roles within the Church.
Since we are to do our best to interpret what the Bible says – rather than what we want it to say – Paul clarifies this issue for us. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 was written as part of the pastoral epistles, which are reported to give Christians clear instructions on how the Church should be run. When viewed with its intended purpose and intended audience in mind, which includes today’s readers and the original audience, this understanding of the principle and application needs to be taken in context. This interpretation does not conflict with other Scripture passages within the context of what the Bible intends to communicate to us through these epistles.
The Bible clearly defines the role of men and women. God designed males and females to have different but equally important functions. The Bible makes it evident that men and women are equal in every way, but God made us different and that is okay. We are equal, depending on each other, with neither male nor female being inferior to the other. We have different roles and duties designed to give glory and honor to Christ. God intended for men to be leaders in the Church and the household. The roles He gave to women also allow their God-given gifts and abilities to shine. God knows our strengths, weaknesses and the best roles for us.
Christ also knows what is best for his Church and the roles of men and women within that Church. Our part involves trusting Him to know how to best use us. Either we believe the Bible entirely, or we do not. The Bible was written to us so that we may obey God. Telling God we can run His Church better because we think we know better is not our place.
