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Baptists/Females as Pastors or Deacons?

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Expert: - 4/30/2011


Question
Hi Mrs.Lyons,
I am confused about this Issue of whether or not females should become Pastors or Deacons. 1st Timothy 3 seems to be clear they are not.Can you quote for me scripturally where people find the exception to 1st Timothy 3 that allows them to do so. Thank you and may God bless.
John.

Answer
Hello.
I feel that men should be in leadership positions as Timothy states.  If a woman wanted to be a leader over men, she would use Acts 2:17 that quotes Joel speaking about "sons and daughters prophesying", and Acts 21:9-the 4 daughters of Philip, who were prophetesses.   Also, Luke 2:36 tells of Anna being a prophetess.  They might include the judge Deborah found in the OT to support their position.
Interestingly, 1Corinthians 11:5 cautions women to have their head covered while praying or prophesying.  
I think men (and most women) would prefer to be led by wiser, Christian men.  

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Mrs. Priscilla Lyons

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I have time for you. The Bible has been my guiding light for most of the 56 years of my life. My missionary parents in Brazil kindled a love for God`s Word by their example and their love for truth. The Lord has blessed my husband and me with responsible, independent children who love and serve the Lord and are our best friends. I would enjoy discussing any subject or problem from a Biblical perspective.

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I help lead music in a small Southern Baptist Church. Although I rarely have the opportunity to play, I do play the bass guitar, drums, tambourine, harmonica and piano. I like Southern Gospel and praise choruses, but only know by heart the words from the hymnal, and my vocal range is half an octave lower than most music is written, but fortunately my husband transposes well and also plays by ear.

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