Can women be pastors in the Church?

Today I answer the question, “Why can’t women be pastors in a church?” from Heidi Kay Falkenstein

What a question! There is perhaps no more hotly debated issue in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors. One must keep in mind the proper hermeneutics of biblical interpretation.

Principle 1: Interpretation must be based on the AUTHOR’S INTENTION OF THE MEANING and not the reader. Never say, “this is what it means to me.” That is immaterial, it does not matter what the scripture passage means to you, what matters is WHAT DID GOD ACTUALLY SAY.

Principle 2: Interpretations must be done in the context of the passage.

Principle 3: Interpret the Bible literally (or normally) allowing for normal use of figurative language.

Principle 4: The Bible is the best interpreter of the Bible.

Principle 5: Interpretation must be distinguished from application. Just because the Holy Spirit used rags torn from Paul’s clothing to heal people does not mean that He will use rags from your clothing.

Principle 6: Be sensitive to distinctions between Israel and the church and Old Covenant and New Covenant eras/requirements.

Principle 7: Never use an unclear passage to disparage a clear passage. If the scriptures say do not steal, do not find a passage where someone stole something, and God did not strike them dead to justify stealing.

We must always apply the scriptures by what did the message mean to whom it was spoken or written based on several criterion.
• History
• Geography
• Culture
• Language
The scriptures do not change with culture however cultures change therefore the application may differ. During the first century until the mechanical age of the late 19th and 20th centuries, the mode of travel was by foot, horseback, or carriage. Today it is planes, trains, and automobiles. Communication is extremely different. These changes do not change the doctrines and principals of the scriptures however the application may vary due to advancement of technology.

As a result, it is very important to not see this issue as men versus women. There are women who believe women should not serve as pastors and that the Bible places restrictions on the ministry of women, and there are men who believe women can serve as pastors and that there are no restrictions on women in ministry. This is not an issue of chauvinism or discrimination. It is an issue of biblical interpretation.

A careful reading of the scripture passage in 1 Tim. 2:8-15 explains the answer to this question. The problem is people are reasoning with what is written. Please allow me to give the proper background prior to quoting the scripture passage.

Jesus, who is God in human flesh, explains what is happening today with the words "in the beginning it was not so". What does that mean? He's talking about the created order in the manner that God orchestrated it, without sin's presence then with sin's presence. If you read Genesis chapters 1 and 2 there you find the perfect order. Remember the earth (the entire physical universe not just the planet) and it's environment was different at that time. It didn't need rain, there was a large pool of water in the center of the earth, the earth was under a canopy of transparent cloud cover protecting it from the sun's rays, etc. By the way, all this changed first after sin, second after the flood therefore there was more than one earth (again, the earth in scriptures represents the entirety of the physical universe that can be seen or discovered by man). Peter tells us about this in 2 Peter. This earth had a specific order.

After the flood with men and sin multiplying upon the earth, God gave orders (meaning rules of preservation) to keep mankind from allowing what happened with the demon invasion of Genesis 6. Both Peter and Jude speak about this invasion.

Next God gave the law and ordinances to His people Israel. Why? To maintain the order in which sinful people can approach God in true worship and enter into a corporate relationship with Him. This was a higher less intimate order but note it was the Priests for service in the Tabernacle and the Temple, the Prophet for edification, directions, and correction, then the King for fellowship and shepparding. All were men with few exceptions however none of the women LED the congregation of Israel. There was one "queen", Athaliah daughter of Jezebel, who murdered her way to the throne. God killed her.

Finally we arrive to the Church. What is the order that God gave to the Church?
1. God is Christ's Master
2. Christ is man's Lord
3. Man is woman's Priest
4. Woman is the children's Teacher
5. Children is to obey their Parents

That's God order in the Church to keep sin out of the Church. Now let's see this written in scripture.
3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Cor. 11:3
Why Lord?
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. 1 Cor. 11:7-12

The answer according to scripture is the created order. Anytime a man, woman, or child removes themselves from the order that God established it is sin and rebellion. It has nothing to do with women being less than a men, no, no, no, my friend. This has everything to do with will we obey God's word which is the established order for protection against the enemy. Eve was exposed to the devil’s ploy because she left her covering which was her husband, Adam.

Next: Qualifications for Elders in the assembly, Titus 1
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should SET IN ORDER the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— 6 IF A MAN is blameless, THE HUSBAND of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:5-9

Only a man can be a bishop or pastor. 1 Tim. 3
1 This is a faithful saying: If a MAN desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work...ABLE TO TEACH...NOT VIOLENT, not greedy for money 1 Tim. 3:1-3

However a woman can be a deacon, 1 Tim. 3
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless 1 Tim. 3:8-10
Did you notice the omission of “able to teach” from the qualifications of a deacon? That was not an omission of error, it was by design of our Creator God.

Qualities of a Sound Church, Titus 2
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that THE OLDER MEN be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 THE OLDER WOMEN likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things (who are they to teach? Read the next verse, #4) 4 that THEY (the older women) ADMONISH THE YOUNG WOMEN to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, (Why LORD? Why should women do that?) THAT THE WORD OF GOD MAY NOT BE BLASPHEMED.
6 Likewise, exhort THE YOUNG MEN to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort BONDSERVANTS (SLAVES) to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:1-10

Order in the church, Eph. 5
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Some may be saying to themselves, well, I do not like that. Why does that matter? What bearing does our likes and dislikes have on the word of God? None. The Lord is God and does not rule by committee, neither is He seeking a counselor.

Continuing:
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
This is the kind of man that a wife is to submit too. Not an abusive drunkard nor one that total neglect the family, nor one who cares more about his birth family and friends. God has not called anyone to remain in an abusive relationship however if either depart you can only be reconciled back to your original spouse and according to scriptures cannot marry anyone else hence remaining single and celibate.

continuing:
26 that He (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He (Christ) might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Please notice that it is Christ presenting the church to Himself, that is the Godhead, without spot, wrinkle, holy and without blemish. You and I cannot do that. If you are not perfectly holy in thoughts, words, and deeds then you have spots, wrinkles, blemishes and are not holy in behavior. It's the blood and only the blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sins yet we are to LOVINGLY FAITHFULLY OBEY our Lord Who loves us and gave Himself for us. Please never forget that.

continuing:
28 So HUSBANDS OUGHT TO LOVE THEIR OWN WIVES AS THEIR OWN BODIES; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY, BUT I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.
33 nevertheless let each one of you in particular so LOVE HIS OWN WIFE AS HIMSELF, and let the wife see THAT SHE RESPECTS HER HUSBAND. Eph. 5:22-33

What is this about? Look at verse 32, it's about the order of the Church. It has nothing, specifically, to do with human relationships outside of the order God gave to keep the family structure from descending into chaos. God says Christ is the head of the Church and everyone is willing to accept that but in the same passage, the same God says husband is the head of the wife and people including some in the Church rejects that. Beloved that is willful sinful rejection of the word of God and that is why there is chaos in the family and the Church.
Now for the children. Eph. 6:1-4
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Eph. 6:1-4
Note that it's the mother who teaches and the father who disciplines. That is God's order. The family was never meant to be without both parents present outside of death.

The woman's role in the Church.
8 I desire therefore that the MEN pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.
Why? Because in the Ephesian assembly the rich women were making the slaves feel like they were less than. There apparel cost more than a months wage for those that were working that day just to eat that day. It was the same with the real gold and pearls that the rich women used in their hair. The poor was starving while the rich flaunted their wealth without offering assistance to the poor. Notice it was addressed only to the women.

Next:
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.
Why? Because some of these women came from pagan backgrounds where the women led worship in the pagan temples in case the goddess Diana of the Ephesians therefore, they brought that mentality into the church assembly. In the Corinthian assembly it was the goddess Aphrodite. The temple of Aphrodite at Acrocorinth is above all famous for the claims of the temple prostitution of courtesans, which were said to be dedicated to the service of the temple and contributed to the attraction of visitors to the city of Corinth. These women being converted out of a pagan goddess religion where they had complete authority in the temple were attempting to usurp the authority of God through protest in the assembly. The word of God is clear, only men can be pastors in the church.
You say, I do not like that, nor do I agree with that. Unfortunately for those that hold that position, God is a Potentate, a Monarch, and absolute Dictator. The Lord doesn’t take instructions from His creatures and does not give opinions, He utters commands.
13 Why do you contend with Him? For He does not give an accounting of any of His words. Job 33:13
17 All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.
Isaiah 40:17
35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?" Daniel 4:35
Listen to what God tells Job, the most righteous man on the planet during his days.
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2 "Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge? 3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. Job 38:1-3
1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said: 2 "Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it."…6 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 7 "Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me: 8 "Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? 9 Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? Job 40:1-2,6-9

Now back to Timothy
12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
Why not Lord? Read the next few verses where God gives us the only reason presented in the scriptures.

13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
There it is folks. For all of you who wanted THE scripture answer to this question, verse 13 and 14 is straight from the mouth of God. This is your answer, it's about order in the Church and God's creative order for the family. Any disagreement with this is a rebellion against the word of God not some man.

15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. 1 Tim. 2:8-15
She? Yes, women. Saved in childbearing? What in the world does that mean? The Greek word for “saved” is sōzō meaning “to rescue,” “to preserve safe and unharmed,” “to heal,” or “to deliver from.” Paul is teaching that even though a woman bears the stigma of being the initial instrument who led the race into sin, it is women through childbearing who may be preserved or freed from that stigma by raising a generation of godly children in childbearing. Because mothers have a unique bond and intimacy with their children and spend far more time with them than do fathers as part of God’s order for the family, they have far greater influence in their lives and thus a unique responsibility and opportunity for rearing godly children. While a woman may have led the human race into sin, women have the privilege of leading many out of sin to godliness. Paul is speaking in general terms; it is not the perfect will of God that all women (or men) be married (1 Cor. 7:25–40), let alone bear children. “if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” The godly appearance, demeanor, and behavior commanded of believing women in the church (vv. 9–12) is motivated by the promise of deliverance from any inferior status and the joy of raising godly children. That is the God honoring role given to women according to the scriptures. Our society of feminist has totally rebelled against the word of God.

The Christian Home, Col. 3
18 WIVES, submit to your own husbands, (Why Lord?) as is fitting in the Lord. 19 HUSBANDS, love your wives (How Lord?) do not be bitter toward them. 20 CHILDREN, obey your parents in all things, (Why Lord?) for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 FATHERS, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 BONDSERVANTS (SLAVES - you can substitute employees), obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. 1 MASTERS (you can substitute employers), give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 3:18 - 4:1

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.

Hope that helps.