“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12)
“Therefore an overseer (Elder/Pastor) must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:2-3)
“…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.” (Titus 1:5-9)
Why Can’t Women Be Pastors?
Simply put: Because the Bible says so.
Scripture is clear in several places that women cannot teach men.
A pastor is someone who shepherds the entire flock (men, women, and children alike). Since the Bible tells us that women cannot teach men, then a woman could not be a pastor as she is not allowed to shepherd men.
The Bible is also very clear in its instructions for who is allowed to be a pastor or elder. Very plainly, it says “husband” and “he” when explaining the qualifications. Since we know that God made them male and female, and that the two can’t change genders, we know that “husband” and “he” is referring to males, not females.
The reasoning also goes back to God’s order of creation. Adam was made first and Eve was made from Adam’s rib. Men and women are equal (which is why God made Eve out of Adam’s rib) however, the roles for each are separate and clear. Men have been given headship (not dominance) to bring order. Our God is a God of order, not chaos. This glorifies Him.
Why is there an increase of people thinking women can be pastors?
1) Feminism – Because of Eve’s sin in the garden of Eden, women have been cursed with the desire to rule over men. (Genesis 3:16)
2) Biblical Illiteracy- Many professing Christians simply do not know their bible. We are theologically lazy and rely on what sounds good from the culture.
3) Theologically Starved- Women are neglected a lot from being taught proper doctrine. We are served more arts & crafts, than the hard truths of God’s Word.
4) Emotionally Led- It’s not a secret that women can be more emotional than men. We like what sounds good and what feels good. So if someone, who is charming and out-going, is giving us a “just wash your face” pep talk, then we are more easily deceived (1 Tim 2:14) into following what they say.
5) Opposition to God- Those that hate God, hate His Word. True Christians love and follow God’s Word.
This does NOT mean that women cannot share the Gospel!
All believers are called to the Great Commission.
Women can teach other women and children. God has blessed many women with the ability to teach. However, they should not use this gift to disobey God and teach men.
If you follow a woman who teaches men, stop following her. If you attend a church that has allowed women in their pulpit or teach over men, find a different church. It is a clear violation of Scripture that cannot be ignored. Many who disobey God in this area, are also disregarding God’s Word in other areas, as well.
Common Pushbacks:
“Well, you have men following your IG page. Aren’t you doing the same thing? And what about your husband?” – No, I am not doing the same as a woman who calls herself a pastor. My target audience is and will always be women. This is why I post so much on biblical womanhood, and will never post on biblical manhood. I do post things that are of interest to men and women, but that’s because women need theology and to learn the bible as a whole. Not just biblical womanhood. I also do not choose who follows me.
I agree that there are many women on social media who are too authoritative and “loud” in ways that clash with true biblical womanhood. I don’t follow a lot of the popular ones myself because of this. This is where lines get blurred. They say they don’t teach men, but it’s clear they do. I do not respond to men in my dms even if they are asking a theological question, as that is not my place for many reasons (one of which because I am married and that is not honoring to my husband). I will generally answer questions from women (if I am able – sometimes I get a lot) but the first thing I try to do is have them do their own research. Social media should never replace Bible study. I don’t share every post I put on IG with my husband, mainly because he doesn’t feel that is necessary. If he did, then I would. However he has easily access to the account whenever he wants.
“Can I never answer a question from a man?” – Of course, you can. As mentioned above, women are called to share the Gospel too. Plus, discussion is not the same as teaching. For example, a bible study. While women should not be leaders or teaching a co-ed bible study, this does not mean they can not speak up or point things out. It’s okay to point out wrong doctrine. There comes a point where the man you are sharing the Gospel with, or pointing out the wrong theology to, needs to find a male teacher.
My husband and I converse a ton about theology. I am not teaching him. We are husband and wife learning and growing together.
“What about Deborah and all the other examples of women in the Bible?” – God has given woman many gifts and talents. Teaching and wisdom, among them. But women are never to use these gifts to teach men or preside over men in a headship position.
Allowing “women pastors” is the first unbiblical step and will always lead to more unbiblical practices. No church that is defying Scripture in this is not defying Scripture some other way. “Well, if we can disobey in this area, we can definitely disobey in this one too”. Women-led churches also lead to women-led homes. Stepping out of our roles in one situation will always lead to stepping out in another. There’s reason in God’s order. This order is for our benefit and His glory.
Mrs. J. Garwood 